Ignatius-Valdis: Book 0 [Part I]

Gothalia Ignatius-Valdis has steadily recovered from the brutal attack, her resilience becoming a testament to her indomitable spirit. Emerging from the shadows of trauma, Gothalia’s cousins have forged a powerful new alliance with a loyal and resourceful ally who share her cousin’s determination to see justice served. In the midst of this turbulent period, Gothalia receives a summons from the Grand Elders, a summons that carries weight beyond any personal vendetta.

Gothalia Ignatius-Valdis convens with the Grand Elders to accept her proposed change in station and enlistment into the militia. The meeting, held within the austere chambers of the council, was marked by measured discourse on the implications of her transition from a diplomatic post to active militia service. Gothalia presented a compelling case rooted in duty and strategic necessity, emphasising her commitment to fortifying the realm’s defences amidst rising Xzandian activity.

Gothalia Ignatius-Valdis and her cousins find themselves drawn into a high-stakes simulation, a brutal tournament designed to test the limits of its participants. Upon entering, they discover that survival hinges on eliminating rival would-be recruits, each encounter more harrowing than the last. The battlefield is fraught with monstrous foes and warriors shrouded in mud, their identities hidden and their combat skills deadly.

Gothalia Ignaitus-Valdis finds herself trapped within an intricate artificial simulation, a crucible designed to test her resolve and skill. Alongside her cousins, she faces a relentless onslaught from other would-be recruits — adversaries equally desperate to survive. This examination pushes them beyond physical endurance, demanding sharp intellect and unyielding determination to succeed within the digital battleground.

Gothalia Ignatius-Valdis is suddenly kidnapped under suspicious circumstances. Her cousins, driven by loyalty and determination, embark to rescue her, navigating treacherous terrains. During her captivity, Gothalia encounters the Crown Prince of the Fire Reserve, a powerful fire utiliser and an enigmatic figure whose allegiance remains unclear. This meeting introduces her to a new circle of adversaries.

Gothalia Ignatius-Valdis narrowly escapes her attackers alongside her cousins. The King and Queen of New Icarus offer sanctuary to a familiar face whose unexpected arrival adds tension to their fragile safety. Meanwhile, subtle irregularities suggest a possible glitch within the digital environment that transported Gothalia and the others. These anomalies raise questions about the stability and control of the world they now inhabit.

In the shadowed depths beneath the abandoned town Gothalia, Anton and Leviathan wage a relentless battle against the forces unleashed by the crimson-eyed monster responsible for Maximus’s sudden disappearance. The underground labyrinth becomes a treacherous arena where danger lurks at every turn. As they push deeper, they uncover other recruits—equally desperate and determined—caught in the same perilous struggle.

Gothalia and the others survive the Simulation, not long after, they return to the Cetatea, where they’re met by Nicolas who congratulated them on completing the initial stages of the Centurion, Cavalier and Legionnaire recruitment process. His brief presence offered a moment of reassurance and uncertainty, before the group was soon dismissed. Immediately afterwards, the Simulation Assessor greets them, marking the transition from survival to evaluation known.