The celestial chamber glowed with an ethereal light that came from no visible source. The floating marble beneath their feet seemed forged from divine will itself. Four figures stood around the sacred circle—fire, strength, light, and electricity—each radiating the essence of the god they served.
"Let us begin," said Seraphon, Herald of Light, his voice calm and resolute. "The cities are waiting for the official opening of our temples. If we wish to consolidate faith before resistance emerges, we must act quickly."
"Some cities will not accept our presence so easily," replied Ignivar, his form crackling like a contained blaze. "If they believe we are imposing our will, they will rebel. We must persuade them… or we will ignite a flame we cannot control."
Tharos, Herald of Strength, snorted with clear disinterest.
"I open temples where I'm called. The rest is none of my concern. Not their politics… not their complaints."
Seraphon held the silence for a moment before yielding the floor to Voltaris.
"There is one territory that requires special attention: Douglas," said the Herald of Electricity. "Its loyalty to its lord is absolute. Dark magic dominates more than seventy percent of the region. Temples and promises of divine protection will not be enough. It would be like trying to light a wall made of shadow."
Ignivar nodded slowly.
"Then we must proceed with caution. If Douglas sees us as invaders, resistance will spread like wildfire."
Tharos shrugged.
"Just tell me where I'm needed… and I'll be there. But don't expect me to waste time persuading villagers."
Seraphon's aura of light tightened around him.
"And there is another problem: the Divine Oracle continues to yield no clear visions. Something is blocking its reach. We are moving without seeing the path ahead, and that makes every decision more dangerous."
Voltaris's aura trembled like a storm waiting to break.
"I have reviewed the records. There is an active distortion. We do not know who—or what—is causing it, but it conceals key events and disrupts our predictions. It is like navigating without stars."
Ignivar drew a deep breath, his voice burning with determination.
"Then alongside the temples, we must investigate this interference. Track it. And eliminate its source."
Tharos straightened with a resigned sigh.
"Fine. Name the place, and I'll do what needs to be done."
Seraphon lifted his gaze with quiet authority.
"We will open the temples cautiously—especially in Douglas. At the same time, we will track the anomaly blocking the Oracle. Neutralizing whoever is responsible will become a priority."
Voltaris extended a hand, and a streak of lightning illuminated their faces.
"Then let us move forward. Let every temple be a beacon… and let whoever hides in this shadow understand that our justice does not arrive."
"It falls."
Tharos inclined his head—without enthusiasm, but without objection.
The meeting ended.
The celestial light flickered, as if even the gods could feel the weight of what was coming.
Opening temples was only the beginning.
The true challenge had already begun…
and somewhere in the shadows, someone was listening.