The white flames of creation still flickered around Aetherion as he hovered in the vast emptiness of the Primordial Space. His new form was unlike anything he had ever imagined—his wings replaced by a halo of fire that circled his entire body, and a crown of shifting colors resting atop his head. He felt the power coursing through him, but it was still new, still raw.
The system's voice broke through the silence, carrying a sense of awe. [Aetherion, you have become something beyond the angels, beyond the gods. You are now a Primordial—a being tied to the essence of creation itself. Your transformation has granted you powers far beyond the Sacred Flame.]
Aetherion's heart quickened at the revelation. A Primordial. He had heard of beings like this only in the faintest whispers, the stuff of legend. To become one meant transcending the divine hierarchy entirely, reaching a state where even the gods could not touch him.
"I've become... a Primordial?" Aetherion asked, his voice soft but filled with wonder. "What does that mean? What else has changed?"
The system responded immediately. [Your old skills have evolved to reflect your new state of being. They are no longer limited by the Sacred Flame; they are fueled by the Primordial Flame now. Let me explain how they have changed.]
The system began to list Aetherion's former skills and how they had transformed:
[ Wings of Flame – Now transformed into the Ring of Creation, a halo of fire that circles your body. It enhances your power and allows you to manipulate creation itself.
Divine Presence – Evolved into Primordial Authority, a force of creation that radiates from you. Your presence now commands the elements, the laws of reality, and lesser beings to your will.
Crown of Flames – Now the Crown of Infinity, this crown reflects the full spectrum of creation. It amplifies your control over the Primordial Flame and serves as a conduit for reshaping reality.
Sacred Light Burst – Transformed into Genesis Pulse, an explosion of primordial energy that can create or destroy matter within its radius.
Blazing Swordstorm – Now the Prismatic Swordstorm, this ability summons blades of pure creation energy, each one capable of reshaping the space around it or cutting through the fabric of reality.
Flame Barrage – Evolved into Elemental Convergence, which lets you summon all elements—fire, water, air, earth, lightning—in their most primal forms, launching them as devastating attacks.
Soul Healing Flame – Now Flame of Rebirth, allowing you to resurrect or restore life to others with the full power of the Primordial Flame, even improving their strength and vitality.
Divine Shield – Transformed into Shield of Creation, an impenetrable barrier of primordial energy that can reflect attacks and reshape incoming damage into new creations.
Sacred Fire Blessing – Now the Blessing of Primordial Fire, a power that grants your followers access to the Primordial Flame, elevating their abilities and allowing them to shape reality in minor ways.
Angelic Flight – Evolved into Cosmic Transcendence, allowing you to travel through space, dimensions, and realities with ease, no longer bound by physical constraints.]
Aetherion's mind swirled with the possibilities. Each of his skills had become something far greater than what they had been, transformed by the power of creation itself. He could feel the limitless potential within him, waiting to be tapped into.
As Aetherion processed the enormity of his newfound abilities, something suddenly dawned on him. Glancing down at his form, he noticed a glaring detail.
"I'm... naked," Aetherion muttered, the weight of his transformation temporarily overshadowed by the sudden realization. He chuckled to himself, the situation feeling absurd after such a profound change. "I guess when you're reborn from flames, clothing isn't included."
The system, as usual, remained unfazed. [That is correct. However, you now possess the ability to create anything from the Primordial Flame. You can fashion clothing, armor, or anything else you desire.]
Aetherion smiled, amused but intrigued. "A toga, then. Something fitting for my new form."
The system began guiding him. [To create it, focus on the flame. Shape it with your thoughts, your will. The Primordial Flame will respond to your desires.]
Aetherion closed his eyes and reached out to the flame surrounding him. With a thought, he willed the flames to shift and twist, forming a loose and flowing garment around his body. The flames shifted from white to a soft, glowing gold, settling into a toga-like form that draped over him, trailing faint embers that shimmered in rainbow hues.
As the flames solidified into the toga, Aetherion marveled at how natural it felt to create something from the Primordial Flame. The energy responded to his thoughts as if it were an extension of his own being.
The toga itself wasn't just made of fabric—it was made of the very flames of creation, shimmering with cosmic energy. It moved fluidly, its edges glowing with the faint light of stars, and yet it felt as soft and light as silk.
"I could get used to this," Aetherion said with a grin, running his fingers along the glowing material.
The system spoke again. [Now that you've learned to shape the flame into what you need, you can begin mastering your other abilities. But first, I suggest returning to your followers.]
Aetherion's smile faded slightly as he remembered his people. He could feel their fear and uncertainty through the flame, but also their renewed hope as the Primordial Flame had reignited in their sanctuary.
"Yes," he said softly. "It's time to go back."
Aetherion focused, preparing to use one of his new abilities: Voidbreaker. The system had explained it to him before—it would allow him to tear through the fabric of space and time, traveling between realms at will. But he had yet to try it.
"Alright, how does this work?" Aetherion asked, his hands raised as he imagined the space around him bending to his will.
The system responded, [Voidbreaker allows you to travel through the void and between dimensions. Focus on the place you want to go—your followers, the mortal realm. Then, tear through the fabric of reality using the Primordial Flame.]
Aetherion nodded, focusing on his sanctuary and his people. He could feel their presence through the flame, a distant but powerful connection. He reached out with his hand, willing the space around him to bend, to break.
Nothing happened.
Aetherion frowned. "Okay, let's try that again."
He tried again, this time summoning the Primordial Flame and concentrating harder. Slowly, the air around him began to ripple, but it wasn't enough. The tear in reality didn't form.
On his third attempt, Aetherion closed his eyes and focused entirely on the flame. He let its power flow through him, not forcing it but guiding it. The flame burned brighter around him, and the void began to bend.
With a surge of energy, Aetherion tore through the fabric of space. A rift formed in front of him, shimmering with white and rainbow flames, leading to the mortal realm. Aetherion smiled in triumph.
"I got it," he said, satisfied. "It's harder than I thought, but I'm getting the hang of it."
The system's voice was approving. [You are learning quickly. Voidbreaker will become easier with practice. Now, go to your followers.]
Aetherion took a deep breath, stepped forward, and passed through the rift.
As Aetherion emerged from the void, he found himself standing at the entrance of his sanctuary in the mortal realm. The air felt different here—lighter, warmer, and filled with the energy of the newly ignited Primordial Flame.
The flames that once flickered weakly were now burning with radiant power, their glow lighting up the sanctuary in brilliant white and rainbow hues. Aetherion could feel the connection to his people growing stronger, their hope restored.
The system's voice was calm. [Your followers will be relieved to see you. They have been waiting.]
Aetherion smiled softly, feeling the flame pulse within him. He was no longer the angel they had known—he was something more, something far greater.
"Let's not keep them waiting any longer," he said as he walked toward the sanctuary, ready to reunite with his people and show them the power of the Primordial Flame.
The chapter ends with Aetherion walking into the sanctuary, his new form glowing with the light of creation, ready to face whatever comes next.