For a moment, Elio felt the full weight of that temptation. He could return, help them expand through the rings directly, be there to protect them all with a new power and take his time... But the thought of Zara, still trapped in her own body with Nala, pulled at him.
Dionz watched tensely, his usual smile replaced with genuine concern. The god knew how crucial this moment was - how much depended on Elio's choice to continue his path through the portal divine challenges.
But as Elio stared at the passage home, his mind filled not with thoughts of return, but of what lay ahead. The remaining elements to master, the power still to gain, the corruption levels that would let him send even more support back to the city.
He turned away from the passage, facing the next challenge portal instead.
"No," he said firmly. "I need to continue. Each level I gain gives you all more power to expand and grow stronger. Going back now..."