Nathan sat cross-legged in the cave, the Dainsleif resting across his lap. He began to meditate, focusing on the faint threads of energy he could sense but not yet fully grasp. Sahaqiel, standing nearby, offered guidance.

"The Mana Field is what remains of the magical energies of the Planes Beyond after they all collapsed into the Material World," Sahaqiel explained. "It is made up of a myriad of energy strands, indivisible units of specific kinds of energy, all entangled with one another. The material plane and the mana field interact constantly. Materials, shapes, thoughts, movements—every aspect of reality causes a partial untangling and rearranging of these strands. This is called refraction."

Nathan listened intently, trying to absorb the intricate details. Sahaqiel continued, "The Mana Field can be perceived after long training. Each strand is defined by its color, shape, and intensity. Magic users have learned to manipulate these strands, shaping them into spells. They change the refraction through various methods linked to different schools of magic. Common tools for spell casting, known as foci, include words, gestures, and visualizations, but can also be objects, emotions, music, shapes, time of day, food, or the presence of living plants or animals."

Nathan's mind raced with this new knowledge. "Once the desired shape is obtained, a magic user must actualize the spell by increasing the intensity of the strands, making them interact actively with reality and changing it. The life force of the caster is the means to amplify the intensity, though experience can reduce the amount of energy required. The better and more carefully a spell is shaped, the less life force it needs to be actualized. This is why novice magic users can be exhausted by simple spells, while experienced ones can cast powerful spells with ease."

Sahaqiel paused, looking at Nathan with a mixture of pride and concern. "This is how normal people use magic. Gods, however, need the Loom to use it. The actualization often causes small side effects like lights and sounds. The fewer aftereffects, the more efficient the casting."

Nathan closed his eyes again, deepening his meditation. He tried to focus on the threads, to feel their presence more clearly. Hours passed as he meditated, and gradually, he began to sense the threads more distinctly. He felt himself entering a state of peace, caught between the realm of the living and the dead.

In this state, Nathan opened his eyes to find himself floating in a vast, dark void. He looked at his hands and saw that his skin appeared to be made of molten lava—his true form, the form of Surtur. He gazed around, searching for anything recognizable. In the distance, a glowing light caught his attention. He followed it, and as he drew closer, he saw a massive figure sitting on a broken throne.

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The figure was a god, with golden eyes and a white hood covering his head. His arms were amber-colored, and he held a cube in one hand while resting the other on his face. The god's gaze fixed on Nathan.

Sahaqiel, observing Nathan in the real world, noticed the change in his demeanor. Gobo, curious, asked, "Who is Morax?"

Sahaqiel responded, "Rex Lapis, also known as Morax, is the God of Contracts and a member of The Seven Shades of the Primordial One. He goes by many names: the Prime of General, the God of Commerce, the Warrior God, Deus Auri, and the Groundbreaker. He successfully defeated an ancient sea god named Manerva, imprisoning him with massive stone lances, which are now known as the Stone Forest. He also sealed the Mountain Dragon Azhdaha under a tree in the Jade Forest Kingdom after the dragon's rebellion. During the Kami War, Morax was a war god who defeated many other gods but was ultimately defeated by Asaroth, the God of Time. She used her own blood to create a weapon that killed both of them. Morax understood her reasons and accepted his fate."

In the dark void, Nathan faced Morax. He took a deep breath and spoke, "I want to connect with the Loom."

Morax rose from his throne, his presence towering and intimidating. "If you wish to connect with the Loom, you must defeat me in battle," he declared. "Sign this contract, and we shall begin."

Nathan nodded, signing the contract with a determined look in his eyes. The fight commenced, a clash of titanic proportions. Nathan's molten form blazed with fury as he unleashed his fiery attacks. Morax countered with massive stone lances and earth-shaking blows. The void echoed with the sounds of their battle, each strike reverberating through the fabric of reality.

Nathan fought with all his might, drawing upon his newfound understanding of the Loom. He wove the threads of reality with precision, each spell a testament to his growing skill. Morax, a seasoned warrior, tested Nathan's limits, forcing him to push beyond his boundaries.

As the battle raged on, Nathan felt himself growing stronger, more attuned to the Loom. He could sense the strands of energy around him, manipulating them with increasing ease. Morax, seeing Nathan's progress, intensified his attacks, determined to push the young god to his limits.

Finally, with a mighty roar, Nathan unleashed a devastating attack that shattered Morax's defenses. The god of contracts fell to his knees, acknowledging Nathan's victory.

"You have proven yourself worthy," Morax said, his voice resonating with respect. "You are ready to connect with the Loom."

Nathan, breathing heavily, nodded. He reached out with his mind, feeling the threads of reality more clearly than ever before. He wove them together, forming a connection with the Loom. As the connection solidified, he felt a surge of power coursing through him, filling him with a sense of completeness.

In the real world, Gobo and Sahaqiel watched as Nathan's form glowed with a radiant light. He opened his eyes, the Dainsleif now pulsing with energy.

"Welcome back," Sahaqiel said with a proud smile. "You did it."

Nathan, still catching his breath, looked at his uncle and Gobo. "Thank you," he said. "I couldn't have done it without you."

As they prepared to leave the cave, a sense of determination filled the air. They had a long journey ahead, but with Nathan's newfound power and their unbreakable bond, they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.