Within the Pole Star.
Aaron was sensing Ao's presence.
Millions of streams of particle energy flowed through Aaron's body. Beyond the universe, the Crystal Sphere seemed to imprison the gods of Realmspace, but in truth, it protected them.
Beyond the crystal walls lay the Phlogiston. This combustible substance flowed through the Great Wheel. Without the protection of those walls, any Phlogiston that entered a realm would have devastating consequences.
Some claimed that Ao was the embodiment of the Crystal Sphere's will, but that theory would never be confirmed. The Overgod disliked answering questions. The High God Council had to assemble more than ten Greater Deities before it could call upon Ao for a response, and any summons he deemed "unnecessary" would result in severe punishment for the gods involved.
It was because of the matter with Cyric that the High God Council had called upon Ao's will. Although the Overgod found this summons "very dull," he had reluctantly acknowledged that the council had a reason to summon him. His will had awakened.
Aaron could not perceive Ao's presence through sight, smell, hearing, his senses as a legendary powerhouse, or even the authorities of the Chaos Gods. The voice within his chest came from himself.
But he knew Ao was there. He did not exist, yet he was everywhere.
Perhaps Ao's existence was the Crystal Sphere itself? Perhaps all the fleeting splendor of mortal life was merely a dream of Ao's.
``` [Ascension to godhood has always been your desire, Aaron Salian. You have only one chance. The moment you make your request in the Pantheon, you must choose whether to accept.]
[Accept, and become a god. Refuse, and die now. Your corpse will drift through the Astral Plane. Perhaps Kelemvor will be willing to resurrect you, and Selûne and Shar