The Apostles of Flame's Manipulation

Folimun 66 orchestrates the cult's rise to power, using the fake prophet Mondior to control the masses and prepare for post-eclipse dominance.

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Theremon's Interview

A Meeting with the Cult The Appointment Theremon 762, a journalist, arranges an interview with Mondior 71, the High Apostle of the Apostles of Flame. Instead, he meets Folimun 66, the public-relations adjutant, who speaks for Mondior. The Teachings Folimun explains the cult's beliefs: the world is destroyed by fire every 2,049 years (a Year of Godliness) due to human wickedness. The next destruction is due on Theptar 19. He offers the Book of Revelations as evidence. Skepticism Theremon is skeptical but intrigued. He notes Folimun's intelligence and charisma, unlike the typical fanatic. The interview plants the seed of the prophecy in Theremon's mind.

The Secret Meeting with Athor

An Unholy Alliance The Request Athor 77, through Theremon, requests a meeting with Folimun. He wants access to the Apostles' ancient astronomical records. Folimun agrees, seeing an opportunity to gain scientific credibility. The Exchange In a private meeting, Athor and Folimun share data. Folimun provides astronomical tables from the previous cycle. In return, Athor agrees to publicly confirm the eclipse prediction, lending scientific weight to the Apostles' prophecy. The Consequences This alliance angers Theremon, who sees it as a sellout. He begins writing columns ridiculing both the scientists and the Apostles, undermining public preparedness.

The Revelation of Mondior's Fiction

The Truth Unveiled Folimun's Confession After capturing Theremon, Folimun reveals that Mondior 71 is a fictional construct—a synthesized television persona. Folimun himself has been the true leader of the Apostles for years. The Plan Folimun explains his long-term strategy: to use religious authority to stabilize the post-eclipse world, then gradually reintroduce rationality. He offers Theremon and Siferra positions in the new order. Theremon's Decision Theremon, after much deliberation, decides to join Folimun, believing that only the Apostles can restore order. He convinces Siferra to join as well, marking a turning point in their allegiances.

months before the eclipse

after the orbital anomaly discovery

after the eclipse, during the journey south