Hold up, I need a moment to test these new abilities, Zaro said, eyeing a section of cave wall that looked sturdy enough for practice. Between Shadow Strike and Eye of the Storm, he'd gained some serious techniques that needed proper testing.

Chad looked ready to protest the delay, but Ezra placed a hand on his arm. Let him learn his skills, she said quietly. Better here than in the middle of combat. Hurry up Zero, said Chad with the zinger.

Just try not to bring the cave down on our heads, Ramrod added cheerfully. Though that would technically count as testing the skill successfully.

I practiced martial arts back home, Zaro explained, settling into a comfortable stance. Let's see how void energy changes the equation.

He focused on channeling void energy through his body, feeling it collect in his fist. The sensation was unlike anything he'd experienced before - like his hand had been submerged in carbonated shadows. The energy swirled and condensed, responding to his will.

Ramrod leaned against his warhammer, watching with interest. The void power visibly wreathed Zaros hand in dark energy, making his fist look like it had been dipped in living shadow. Even Chad stopped adjusting his hat long enough to observe, scholarly curiosity temporarily overwhelming his need to look important.

After testing Shadow Strike against the wall for a few punches, he realized that his punches were strong enough to destroy pieces of the stone! He was so excited a thought occurred. Hey Ramrod, want to help me test something else?

The Orc perked up immediately. The kind of help that involves hitting things?

Actually, yes. Zaro activated his Void Shield, watching shadow fragments collect across his skin. I need to know how much punishment this can take. Mind giving me a love tap?

Chad snorted. Are you actually asking the walking mountain to hit you? The mage peered at Zaro like he was studying a particularly fascinating but stupid specimen.

Ramrod grinned wide enough to display all his tusks. Finally, someone who speaks my language! He hefted his warhammer. How hard?

Ezra pinched the bridge of her nose. I'm starting to understand why he fits in so well with us.

Just a body shot, Zaro said, reinforcing his shield with extra void energy. Start light and we can work our... The rest of his sentence was lost as Ramrod's hammer connected with his chest. The void shield crackled, absorbing most of the impact, but Zaro still stumbled back three steps until he was caught by the wall behind him.

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The shield shimmered, its shadowy surface rippling from the impact. Zaro felt the void energy strain to maintain its form, like a muscle approaching its limit. Through his private interface, he could see the shield's integrity dropping, but to the others it just looked like the shadows were thinning.

Nice! Zaro wheezed, straightening up. Looks like it can take a hit. Let's try that again but... Before he could finish, Ramrod swung again, this time shattering the shield completely. The shadow fragments scattered like broken glass before dissipating into nothing. The rest of the impact tore 30 health from Zaros health bar.

After recovering from Ramrod's enthusiasm, Zaro decided to try Eye of the Storm to recover his lost health. He settled into a cross-legged position, remembering his meditation training from martial arts. The cave floor wasn't exactly a zen garden, but it would do.

I need to recover anyway, he explained, closing his eyes. Might as well practice proper breathing techniques while we're taking a break.

Chad scoffed. Meditation? In the middle of a possibly haunted, definitely dangerous cave system?

It's called efficient time management, Zaro replied without opening his eyes. Besides, you can watch for threats while I center myself.

He took a deep breath, focusing on the void energy flowing through his body. It responded differently than chi energy had back home, more like a cool liquid shadow than the warm life force had been taught to channel. He breathed in, compressing all the energy into his abdomen, then released it slowly, letting it expand outward.

The recovery felt different from his natural healing. The meditation actively restored everything. His energy, his stamina, even easing the fatigue in his muscles from Ramrod's hammer test. Each breath seemed to draw in more power, cycling it through his system like a cleansing tide.

You look like you're actually glowing a little, Ezra observed. A faint purple shimmer seemed to dance across his skin.

Fascinating, Chad muttered, magical instruments whirring. The void energy appears to be cycling through your entire system, not just concentrating in one area.

Ramrod just grinned. Does this mean I can hit you again soon?

Not yet big guy, Zaro replied, opening one eye. This is about mastering these abilities through practice. Just like a blacksmith learns by working the forge, or an archer by loosing thousands of arrows.

Like building calluses on your hands from wielding a hammer, Ramrod nodded sagely. Everyone stared at him. What? I wasn't born knowing how to swing this thing.

Exactly, Zaro said, standing up. My old martial arts instructor always said practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. He channeled void energy into his fist again, watching shadows coil around his knuckles. And I'd rather work out the kinks here than in the middle of a fight.

He launched another Shadow Strike at the wall. The void-enhanced punch felt more natural this time, the energy responding faster, flowing smoother. Each practice strike taught him something new about how the void energy moved through his body.

You're very methodical about this, Ezra observed. It's not just about raw power, is it?

No, Zaro replied, throwing another strike. Proper form, efficient energy flow, understanding the techniques inside and out. That's what makes the difference between just having abilities and truly mastering them. He grinned. Plus, punching things is surprisingly therapeutic.

Chad rolled his eyes. Well, while you're having your therapeutic wall punching session, perhaps we should discuss our actual mission? You know, the potentially world threatening corruption was supposed to be investigated?

Just a few more minutes, Zaro said, settling back into his meditation pose. The more practice I get now, the better prepared I'll be when we find whatever is causing all this.

As he closed his eyes and steadied his breathing, he could feel his abilities growing stronger. Each meditation session, each void enhanced strike, every use of his shield. It was all building towards something greater. The others might see just practice, but he could feel the progression, the steady climb towards mastery.

The whispers of the cave seemed quieter now, as if respecting his meditation. Or maybe he was just getting better at filtering them out. Either way, when he opened his eyes again, he felt more in tune with his abilities than ever.

Time to move, he said, standing up. Let's go see what other practice opportunities this cave has to offer.

Ramrod laughed. Now youre talking! Nothing teaches faster than mortal peril.

Ezra nocked an arrow, shaking her head with a slight smile. At least try to dodge this time.

Chad just adjusted his hat, muttering something about void-touched lunatics.

The team moved deeper into the caves, but now Zaro felt more confident in his abilities. Each step was an opportunity to grow stronger, each challenge a chance to master his skills. The corruption ahead didn't

stand a chance.

As long as Ramrod stopped trying to help him test his shield.