Hearing Alacritas' response, Thorian nodded and turned his attention back to the council. "That resolves one part of our dilemma. Now, I must inquire about the pinnacle abilities of those among you who have elevated their classes. Understanding this will allow us to assess our potential against a fully empowered Nalia."

"My ultimate ability is called Celestial Form," Forlune declared. "It augments my solar and lunar attacks to significantly higher magnitudes. Additionally, it enhances my strength and agility by fifty percent."

"So, your strength surpasses the three hundred point threshold, if I'm not mistaken?" Thorian inquired, his interest piqued as he regarded his general.

"Indeed, it does," Forlune replied, a hint of pride in his chuckle. "While I may not match Nalia's level, I am certainly capable of holding my ground."

"Excellent. That will be invaluable," Thorian acknowledged with a nod, then shifted his gaze to Zogarth. "And you? Your ultimate skill?"

"My lord, it is Black Severance," Zogarth announced, proceeding to describe his ability. "A one-strike fatal technique that channels all my aura to unleash a devastating black crescent-shaped assault. I doubt even Nalia could withstand it directly and survive."

"A bold assertion indeed," Thorian remarked with a light chuckle, then addressed the remaining council members. "What of the rest of you?"

"My ultimate skill is Ice Palace," Aqua contributed. "True to its name, it enables me to ensnare my adversaries within a fortress of ice. Upon activation, anyone caught inside is instantly frozen solid."

“That’s nothing compared to mine,” Ventus interjected with a laugh. “My ultimate skill is Arcane Stormforged Spear. If I throw it at anybody, they will be blasted by a bunch of lightning strikes and explode.”

Ventus' exaggerated gestures and the sound effects he provided during his explanation elicited a chuckle from Thorian. "That indeed appears to be a formidable power."

He then surveyed the remaining council members in a contemplative silence. Noticing the subdued expressions of the elders, as well as Vivax and Lapis, Thorian recognized their lack of advancement.

"For those among you who have yet to advance, take no discouragement. I, too, have not advanced," he said, his laughter light and reassuring.

"Your class is uniquely exceptional, my lord," Elder Oom countered, though a smile played on his lips, easing the tension palpable among the others.

With a light-hearted chuckle, Thorian wrapped up, "With such formidable abilities at our command, I am confident in our capacity to overcome Nalia. Her stat points may appear daunting, yet her offensive skills are decidedly inferior. With effective coordination, her defeat is within our reach."

These words significantly lifted the council's spirits. Forlune, too, couldn't help but laugh, saying, "The mere thought of Nalia's dismay as she faces her end brings me immense pleasure. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long to witness that moment."

"That will depend on the swiftness with which we execute our objectives," Thorian replied, rising to his feet. "And with that, this assembly is adjourned. The time for planning has passed; now, we must act."

With acknowledgments from Forlune and Zogarth, the meeting disbanded. Thorian then made his way back to the inner sanctum of the Village, his eyes scanning the area for Nox. Before long, he stumbled upon a captivating scene: a shaman apprentice goblin, presumably Brix, was expertly roasting Thumpalope meat over a firepit, encircled by a small, attentive crowd.

Could that be Brix? And might those be Tristan and his companions? Thorian wondered as he drew closer.

Upon noticing Thorian, Brix's expression shifted to one of surprise. "Oh, if it isn't the lord himself. Would you care to join us?" he inquired, gesturing towards the inviting fire.

At Brix's invitation, Tristan, Robert, and the two youngsters turned towards Thorian, their cheeks bulging with chunks of Thumpalope meat.

"Though I would relish the opportunity, I must decline," Thorian politely excused himself, turning his attention to Tristan. "I do hope, however, that you're finding our local cuisine to your liking."

"It's surprisingly tasty," Tristan admitted after swallowing his mouthful. "I only wish the folk back in Locksley could savor this as well."

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"They shall, in due time," Thorian assured him with a reassuring smile, then shifted his focus to Robert. "How has your day been? I trust you've encountered no difficulties?"

"Not in the slightest," Robert replied, shaking his head. "Everyone's been overwhelmingly welcoming. I regret speaking to you so rudely yesterday."

"There's no need for regret. Under the circumstances, your caution was understandable," Thorian dismissed the apology with a shake of his head.

After a moment of contemplative silence, Robert's curiosity got the better of him. "Your appearance... it's different from when we last saw you confronting the guardian."

"That's correct," Thorian acknowledged, his tone measured as he pondered his next words. Choosing honesty, he elaborated, "Our kind possesses a unique mechanism known as evolution. Upon reaching a certain threshold, we undergo a transformation, acquiring new forms and abilities."

"How fascinating," Tristan remarked, eyeing Thorian with an intrigued gaze. "I had no idea monsters possessed such capabilities."

Robert, meanwhile, appeared lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the ground. After a moment, he mustered the courage to revisit a question from their past encounters. "I've asked this question to you once before, but I wish for an honest answer this time. Are you the same creature we encounted in the forest before all of this began?"

Thorian afforded a brief smile before affirming with a nod, "Yes, that was indeed me. I am profoundly relieved that I refrained from harming you then."

Robert let out a chuckle in response, "And I'm equally grateful. Thank you for telling me about the class statues. That information has been critical for me."

"I merely shared a snippet of information; the real accolade belongs to you," Thorian demurred, shaking his head as Tristan observed the exchange with keen interest. "Your remarkable progress is the result of your own hard work and character."

"It appears you both share a rather unique bond," Tristan observed, his laughter mingling with the moment.

"We certainly do," Robert exhaled, casting a serious glance towards Thorian. "Though I've come to terms with the events of that day, I can't say the same for my grandson."

The atmosphere tensed, catching Tristan off guard, but Thorian responded with a grave nod. He then turned his attention to Little Roo, who was visibly uneasy, and squatted down to meet the child's gaze. "I owe you an apology, Roo. I frightened you considerably that day."

Little Roo, puzzled, looked back at Thorian. "I'm sorry, I don't remember meeting you before."

Thorian inhaled deeply before explaining, "Do you recall encountering a white-furred creature in the forest?"

A moment of concentration passed over Little Roo's face, followed by recognition. "Oh, I remember now. That was terrifying, all that blood... But, to be honest, it wasn't as horrifying as when those monsters attacked the city. I thought I was going to die."

Thorian let out a sigh, "You've endured much, young one. Nevertheless, I must apologize. That white-furred creature was me."

Little Roo's expression momentarily stiffened, then relaxed into a slight smile. "It's okay; it wasn't that scary. And you're a good person, sir. You've given us food and you let sleep at your house. Plus, I’m not weak like I used to be, I can do magic now too!"

Brandishing his small wooden sword, which appeared to be an inseparable companion, Little Roo demonstrated his combat prowess with a fierce determination. "See, if monsters come, I can defeat them all by myself!"

Robert raised an eyebrow at his grandson's bold proclamation. "Now, you're getting a bit too confident," he said, his tone filled with affection rather than reprimand. He ruffled the boy's hair, eliciting a mix of laughter and bewilderment from him.

Thorian, observing the exchange with a light chuckle, was addressed by Robert.

"We can call it even. You may have scared my grandson and me out of our wits, but you also rescued us from a very dangerous situation."

"Your forgiveness is greatly appreciated," Thorian replied, his smile genuine and warm.

As the group engaged in conversation, a new figure approached from the right. With a quizzical raise of his eyebrow, Nox remarked, "It seems everyone has already gathered."

"Oh, Nox, you've arrived just in time," Brix greeted, promptly retrieving a roasted thumpalope thigh from the firepit. "Care for some?"

"Absolutely, that meat is delicious," Nox replied, accepting the offering from Brix and beginning to eat.

Thorian, taken aback, glanced at Brix. "You two have already become acquainted?"

"Nox spent the night with us," Brix explained, a warm smile on his face. "It seemed too lonesome for him to stay at his place alone, so I extended an invitation."

Thorian's heart clenched at Brix's words, a pang of regret seeping through. What was I thinking? Not offering him my hospitality was a mistake. Keeping him at arm's length from my perilous world will only drive a wedge between us.

With a sigh, Thorian steered the conversation in a new direction. "As promised, today marks the day we venture into the dungeons. Nox and Tristan will join my party," he announced, then turned to Brix, "Could you, alongside Aqua, lead Robert and the two boys through the initial three layers of the Verdant Labyrinth?"

"Absolutely, my lord, consider it done," Brix replied with a light chuckle. "With Aqua in our ranks, we'll hardly need to lift a finger. He could turn that gilded spiketail into an ice sculpture without breaking a sweat."

"That's reassuring," Thorian acknowledged, then shifted his focus to Robert. "However, let's not become complacent because of Aqua's presence. The Verdant Labyrinth is riddled with snares, and a single misstep could prove disastrous."

"I'll keep your warning in mind," Robert affirmed. "I'll make sure the boys remain by my side at all times."

"With nothing further to discuss," Thorian concluded, "let's make for the dungeons without delay. Time is of the essence."