The night after training with Mira on using his ability to transform, Zeroth and his eight-person alliance were led by Thalamar into his office, now very cramped with everyone gathering in. "Come, come, we have much to discuss," Thalamar stated over the grunts of Ardric and Drex shuffling around to make room. Zeroth cast a quick glance to Tingle who was sitting on the edge of Thalamar's desk and smirked as the gnome laughed at everyone trying to make room. Once everyone got settled, Thalamar slid the tome Gladrin gave him onto the center of his desk and proceeded to open it. "After tonight, the Godswar will start in two days." The mage began, slowly turning the pages of the tome. "The tome states that everyone who is participating will need to use the incantation provided to teleport themselves to the Nexus where your respective deities should be." Zeroth scrunched his face up for a moment then asked, "What about Vulcanix? Think he'll show up?" Thalamar sighed then stated, "I honestly don't know. In a way, you are Vulcanix but you can't be him and his champion and you're still on the roster." "Vulcanix will have to appear whether he wants to or not. He initiated this and you represent him so he's bound to appear." Mira added. Zeroth looked around as Drex, Ardric, and Kael nodded as Mira finished her sentence. "This will be difficult. If I win, Vulcanix wins but if he wins he gets something, and he's already gotten his freedom." Zeroth's head began to hurt as everyone began coming up with various ideas on what Vulcanix ultimately wanted.

Thalamar listened intently as the group discussed Vulcanix's potential motives and strategies for the Godswar. He then adjusted his spectacles, his gaze landing on a particular passage in the tome. "Ah, here's something pertinent to our discussion," Thalamar announced, breaking the chain of speculation. "It appears that all alliances within the Godswar must be formally declared to Galdrin before the commencement of the event to ensure transparency and fairness among the gods." He traced his finger along the lines of the ancient text, his brow furrowing. "This means we need to officially register your alliance with Galdrin. I will use this tome to reach out to him mentally. It serves not only as a guide but also as a conduit for direct communication with the God of Decrees." Closing his eyes, Thalamar began to chant softly, his words echoing slightly in the cramped room. The tome glowed with a soft, pulsating light, signaling the connection was being established. After a few moments, Thalamar's eyes snapped open, and he nodded to the group. "It's done. Galdrin has been informed of your alliance and has accepted the registration. He sends his best wishes and reminds us all of the gravity of what is to come."

Varic leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That settles one thing, at least. But we still need to figure out the best way to handle Vulcanix during the Godswar. If he gains enough power to begin a takeover of Myrtharia, we could all be in deep trouble." Ardric nodded, his expression grim. "We may need to consider strategies to counter him effectively without compromising any of you. It's a delicate balance, maintaining our strength while keeping Vulcanix in check." Tingle, ever the optimist, piped up, "Tingle thinks with all our combined powers and the strategies we have, we can find a way! Plus, with Zeroth's new control over Vulcanix's powers, we have an unexpected edge." Zeroth sighed, the weight of his dual role as Vulcanix's champion and a participant in the Godswar heavy on his shoulders. "We'll need every advantage we can get. I don't intend to let Vulcanix get his way without a fight." The group continued to strategize late into the night, their voices a mix of determination and concern, as the tome's faint glow served as a reminder of the imminent challenges they would face together.

The next morning dawned crisp and clear, the atmosphere within the Mage Guild charged with anticipation and the undercurrent of approaching destiny. Zeroth, after a brief breakfast where his thoughts were more on the looming Godswar than his meal, made his way to the training room to continue mastering his transformative abilities. As he entered the vast room, the clattering of tools and the murmuring of intense discussion greeted him. Tingle was there, surrounded by Sylvana, Varic, and Thalamar, all focused on a pair of intricately designed boots laid out on a nearby table. "Good morning, Zeroth!" Tingle chirped without looking up, his hands busy adjusting something on the boots. "Tingle and friends have been working all night. These are almost ready!"

Zeroth approached the table, his curiosity piqued. "These are the boot versions of the Mana Binders, huh?" he asked, picking one up. The boots were robust, crafted from a strange wooden material that shimmered with a subtle magical glow, threaded with delicate runes that pulsed softly. "Yes," Sylvana added, wiping a strand of hair from her face. "We've incorporated the same principles as the gloves but adjusted for a higher capacity and stability. They should help Tingle manage the vast amount of energy without... well, exploding." Varic, who looked like he'd had far less sleep than the others, gave a half-hearted smirk. "They're also designed to enhance his mobility and stability during high-energy outputs. We don't need Tingle accidentally launching himself across the battlefield."

Thalamar, observing their interaction, nodded in approval. "We've tested them to their limits, and they've held up impressively." Zeroth clapped Tingle on the back, impressed. "That's incredible, Tingle. It looks like you'll be more than ready for whatever comes our way." Encouraged by the morning's success, Zeroth turned to his own training. As Tingle continued to familiarize himself with his new boots, Zeroth began the delicate process of shifting his form, focusing on controlling the flow of power to avoid any unintended outbursts. As Zeroth focused intently on maintaining his form, a sudden disturbance drew everyone’s attention to the center of the room. A swirling portal, edged with vibrant green vines and exuding a cool, earthy aroma, materialized seemingly out of nowhere. From within its depths, a figure emerged—not imposing in stature but undeniably commanding in presence. It was a gnome, her small frame cloaked in dark, elegant robes that contrasted starkly with her bright red hair and glowing, arcane eyes. The air around her crackled with magical energy, a clear testament to her power.

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Thalamar, recognizing her from the ancient texts and murals hidden within the deepest archives of the Mage Guild, felt a mix of awe and fear. He stepped forward cautiously, his voice tinged with a reverence befitting a scholar in the presence of history come to life. "Lady Delores... to what do we owe the honor of your presence?" Delores smiled, a gesture that seemed both charming and chilling. "Good morning, young mages and champions," she began, her voice melodious yet resonating with an undercurrent of power. "I am here on official business, sanctioned by Aeonis himself. It is time for all champions to convene at the Nexus. There, you will spend the final forty-eight hours before the commencement of the Godswar under the tutelage of your respective deities." Zeroth exchanged a look with Varic and Ardric, both of whom were trying to mask their surprise. Tingle, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, waved enthusiastically at Delores.

Delores turned her gaze around the room, her eyes lingering slightly longer on Zeroth. "I understand you all have been preparing diligently. My role here is merely to facilitate your transition to the Nexus." She clapped her hands together, and the vines around the portal began to move, beckoning them forward. Thalamar, gathering his composure, addressed his group. "This is a critical moment. Let's move forward with all the knowledge and skills we've honed. Delores, we are ready to follow your lead." As the alliance approached the portal, Delores's gaze once again met Zeroth’s. There was an unspoken assessment in her look, a calculating depth that suggested she knew more than she let on. Zeroth felt a chill run down his spine, sensing that there was more at play than just a prelude to divine training. "Step through, champions," Delores instructed, her tone light yet undeniable. "Your destinies await on the other side."

One by one, they stepped into the portal, each disappearing with a flash of green light. Delores watched them go, a sly smile curling the corners of her mouth. As the last of them vanished, she whispered to herself, "Let the games begin." As Zeroth stepped through the portal, Kael pressing against his back in anticipation, an eerie sensation crept up Zeroth's spine. Once Zeroth's vision cleared, he found himself and Kael standing in a vast marble temple, its pristine white columns towering into the distant ceiling, adorned with intricate golden filigree that reflected an ethereal light. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and the quiet was almost palpable, disturbed only by their disoriented movements. Kael, looking equally bewildered, steadied himself against one of the marble columns. "Zeroth, where are we? This doesn’t look like any part of the Nexus I’d imagined," he said, scanning the surroundings with a furrowed brow. Zeroth, trying to make sense of their unexpected solitude, approached one of the large windows that offered a view of endless skies streaked with colors that seemed impossible. "I have no idea, Kael. But it seems we've been separated from the others. This place... it feels sacred, powerful."

Zeroth's confusion deepened as he and Kael continued to explore the grandeur of the marble temple, its serene silence broken only by their cautious footsteps. Just as they were trying to piece together their situation, a sharp, mocking laugh reverberated through the hall, chilling them both to the bone. "Zeroth, such audacity to wield a god’s power as your own," Delores’s voice echoed, laced with amusement and a hint of disdain. "Did you truly think your actions would go unnoticed or unchallenged?" Before either could respond, the air in the center of the temple shimmered and twisted, the atmosphere thickening as a figure began to materialize. It was a humanoid creature who appeared in a swirl of shadow and lava, his presence overwhelming and menacing. "Delores, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought us here?" Zeroth called out, his voice echoing off the marble.

Delores's laughter filled the temple once more, chilling in its clarity. "Consider this a test, Zeroth. Let’s see how you handle the raw force of a being born from the very elements you’ve dared to command. Pyronox, show them what it means to be born of Vulcanix’s fury." Kael instinctively positioned himself between Zeroth and the emerging threat, his sword drawn and ready. "Zeroth, be ready," he muttered, eyes fixed on Pyronox, who stood towering and formidable, looking down at them with a curious mix of confusion and hostility. Pyronox, still adjusting to his new existence and the rapid developments, looked from Kael to Zeroth, his expression hardening. "Father’s adversaries," he growled, his voice a mix of gravel and fire. "Delores mentioned you might resist." Zeroth, taking a deep breath, felt the power of Vulcanix surge within him, a reminder of the immense forces he now harbored. Looking at Kael, he nodded a silent agreement that they would face this challenge together.

"Kael, stay alert. Pyronox appears young, but he’s powerful. We need to be smart about this," Zeroth advised, his grip tightening on his axe which began to ignite, reflecting his resolve. Kael responded with a grim nod, positioning himself strategically. "I’ll handle the defense. Zeroth, find an opening. We'll need to subdue him, not destroy him." As Pyronox advanced, his steps causing the ground to tremble, Zeroth and Kael readied themselves. Delores watched with keen interest, her eyes glinting with mischief and intrigue at the unfolding drama, ready to observe the true mettle of the champions before her.