The flight back to the guild went by at a brisk pace now that Tingle began to warm up to maneuvering the airship. Zeroth couldn't help but chuckle at Varic trying his best to not get sick all over the side of the airship and its railing and it seemed he was still not able to get his bearings together off the ground. Upon landing, Zeroth led the group off the airship and into the guild, heading towards Thalamar's office to speak about the recent events regarding Ardric's newfound championship. As Zeroth entered the guild, he noted the overall energy of the guild was that of anxious preparation, everyone inside zipping around either moving books and scrolls or furniture from one room to another. "Hey Tingle, has the guild ever been this... energetic?" Zeroth inquired, his brow furrowed. Tingle scratched the back of his neck and frowned slightly, "Tingle can say this is the most restless it has been since I have arrived. Tingle believes they appear to be preparing for something but Thalamar would know for sure." Zeroth nodded in agreement and began to lead the group down the now familiar corridors to Thalamar's office door, the runes on the door seeming to be flashing brighter today.

Zeroth gave a soft knock on the ornately carved door of Thalamar’s office, the flashing runes casting a subtle glow on their faces. The door swung open, revealing Thalamar standing behind his desk, his eyes reflecting the serious tone that the situation demanded. "Ah, you've returned," Thalamar greeted, his gaze quickly scanning the group, noting the subtle changes in their demeanor. "Come in, please. Tell me everything." As they settled into the room, Zeroth recounted their journey to Luminara's temple, Ardric's consecration as the goddess's champion, and the divine insights they had received. Varic, still a bit green around the gills from the flight, interjected to emphasize the urgency of preparing for the challenges ahead. Thalamar listened intently, nodding along as the tale unfolded. When the narrative reached its conclusion, he leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "This is indeed significant," he mused. "Luminara's direct involvement and the selection of Ardric as her champion mark a pivotal moment in our preparations for the Godswar." He stood, a decisive gleam in his eye. "And Varic is correct. Training, rigorous and tailored to each of your abilities and roles as champions, is essential. That," he gestured towards the bustling activity outside his office, "is why the guild has been a hive of activity. We are preparing a space specifically designed for your training."

Leading the group out of his office and down a series of hallways, Thalamar brought them to a large set of double doors. With a wave of his hand, the doors opened to reveal a vast auditorium-style room that had been transformed into a state-of-the-art training facility. The space was impressive, with high ceilings and a vast open floor. Along the walls, large magic runes pulsed with energy, designed to enhance stability and provide a controlled environment for practicing their abilities. At one end of the room stood a series of training dummies, each bearing the mark of Thalamar's craftsmanship, designed to withstand and react to various magical and physical attacks. "This," Thalamar announced, spreading his arms wide, "is where you will hone your skills, test your limits, and learn to work together as a cohesive unit. The runes will ensure a safe training environment, allowing you to push yourselves without fear of lasting harm." He pointed to the training dummies. "And these creations of mine will provide you with realistic targets. They can simulate a variety of opponents, from the most common foot soldier to the more esoteric magical creatures you may face." Zeroth, Ardric, Tingle, and Varic exchanged determined looks. This was the beginning of a new chapter in their preparation, a critical step in readying themselves for the Godswar. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with Thalamar's guidance and the resources of the guild at their disposal, they were ready to face them head-on.

In the expanse of the newly minted training room, Tingle's question pierced the heavy air, his voice tinged with both trepidation and thrill. "What about Tingle? Have you come up with any ideas while we were gone?" Thalamar, the very image of arcane wisdom with his long, grey beard and deep-set eyes, regarded the gnome with a blend of paternal concern and magical curiosity. "Yes, Tingle, we've been busy in your absence," Thalamar began the wrinkles around his eyes deepening as he pondered the enormity of their undertaking. "In our research, we've unearthed methods that might... elevate your capabilities. It's risky, but with precision and control, we aim to infuse you with a surge of magic. Enough to match the god-chosen." Zeroth raised an eyebrow at that and asked. "Where exactly did you get this sort of idea Thalamar?" Thalamar sighed and said, "Some of the ancient scrolls I read through recently informed me that the previous mortal champion was bolstered through multiple wizards pouring magical energy into them. That's our best idea and Tingle seems excited to try."

"Just be safe," Zeroth replied. Nodding, Thalamar directed Tingle to the center of the room, near a solitary training dummy. "Stand near the dummies, Tingle. Prepare yourself." The room's atmosphere tensed as Thalamar extended his hands towards Tingle, whispering incantations that hummed with ancient power. "I'm going to channel a mere fraction of my strength. Let's see how you fare," he declared. As the first threads of Thalamar's golden magic wove around Tingle, the gnome's hair defied gravity, rising like filaments charged with life. His eyes, now glowing with the gold of pure, unbridled arcane energy, mirrored the intense focus of his mentor's gaze. Tingle's feet gently lifted from the ground, an ethereal armor beginning to crystallize around him, weaving into existence with each pulse of Thalamar's power. The armor shimmered, almost tangible, reflecting the immense potential of Tingle's new form, making him appear as tall as Thalamar. However, as quickly as the magical display began, it waned. Thalamar's energy, vast and powerful, had hit Tingle's limit, causing the spell to begin to fail and Tingle begin to descend. Zeroth and Ardric dashed forward, their arms outstretched, concern etched on their faces as their friend's form met the ground with a disheartening thud.

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"Tingle!" Zeroth called out, reaching the gnome first, with Ardric and Varic close behind. They knelt beside him, relief flooding through them as Tingle groaned—a sign he remained amongst them, though the ordeal had taken its toll. Thalamar, slightly breathless from the effort, joined them, his hands already glowing with a softer light, ready to mend and soothe. "You handled that well, Tingle. Better than expected," he said, his voice carrying both praise and an unspoken promise to perfect this dangerous art. Tingle's breathing steadied, his eyes flickering open to meet Zeroth's gaze. "Did you see, Zeroth? Did you see Tingle fly?" he whispered, the gold light fading from his irises but not from his spirit. Zeroth nodded, a smile breaking across his face. "I saw, Tingle. You were incredible." In the wake of Tingle's collapse, Thalamar's keen eyes turned to Zeroth, a mixture of anticipation and expectation on his features. Zeroth gulped as he saw Thalamar's gaze lock onto him. Thalamar gestured towards one of the dummies, its form suddenly springing to life under the archmage's manipulation, brandishing a scimitar and shield with a semblance of menacing intent. "Zeroth, it's your turn," Thalamar said, his voice firm. "Let's see how you fare against an opponent designed to test you." Zeroth gaped at Thalamar's idea of an idea and questioned, "Are you absolutely positive it can handle me and my... situation?" Chuckling, Thalamar responded, "Why, of course. Go ahead and let loose, let's see what you can do currently."

Zeroth nodded, squaring his shoulders and brushing his messy hair away from his face as he approached the animated construct, leaving Tingle with Adric and Varic.The air was thick with tension, the eyes of Ardric, Varic, and Tingle following his every move. Zeroth gripped his battleaxe, the axe igniting into its fiery state as the dummy advanced, shield raised, scimitar gleaming with an ethereal edge. Zeroth noted the fire stayed on the axe itself this time, unlike the last time when the flames covered up his arms. "Strange..." he thought to himself. The battle began with the dummy pressing hard, its shield work and strikes with the scimitar precise and measured as if it were a seasoned warrior. Cursing to himself as he parried and sidestepped, Zeroth began to realize he was being pushed back. "These damned sword users" he began to mumble as a particularly sharp maneuver saw the shield crash against Zeroth's chest, the impact sending him tumbling to the ground, breath whooshing from his lungs. Laughter echoed within Zeroth's mind, rich and scornful. "You fall to a puppet?" Vulcanix's voice sneered. "Embrace my power, dwarf. Let the power flow through you and you'll find that my battle knowledge will enhance your fighting."

Gritting his teeth, Zeroth pushed himself to his feet, the flames from the axe pulsing like a wildfire, inciting a strength and fury he'd held at bay. "Screw it," he muttered, the flames of the axe reflecting in his determined eyes. As Zeroth relinquished his fight against Vulcanix's power and will, the flames on the axe began to pulse in tune with his heartbeat. Every pulse sent the flames farther down the axe until the flames covered Zeroth's arms completely. After releasing a slow, cautious breath, Zeroth's stance shifted, his movements becoming more fluid as he began his advance on the dummy. "Three steps..." Zeroth heard, whispered in the back of his mind. Without questioning the thought, Zeroth realized he was close to the dummy once again. As he took his first step, Zeroth swung his axe towards the dummy's midsection though its reaction caused the axe to meet the dummy's shield with a mighty clang, the force of the blow shattering the shield. In the next instant, Zeroth sidestepped a desperate strike from the scimitar and responded with a powerful uppercut that cleaved through the dummy's arm, severing it from the body. Finally, Zeroth pivoted one step backward, and with devastating precision, he brought his battle axe down in an overhead sweeping arc that ripped through the dummy's core, the flames engulfing the dummy and beginning to destroy it completely.

The construct crumpled to the ground, a heap of smoldering wreckage, as the flames on Zeroth's arms died down, leaving no trace of their passage but the scent of victory. The room fell silent, save for Vulcanix's approving chuckle in the back of Zeroth's mind. Zeroth turned to face his companions, his breathing heavy, his eyes still alight with the remnants of battle's rush. "That," he panted, "is how it's done." Ardric stepped forward, clapping his brother on the shoulder with a smile. "Impressive, Zeroth. Truly impressive." Thalamar nodded, pleased. "It seems the bond between you and Vulcanix is yielding results, unsettling as it might be." Tingle bounced excitedly. "Amazing! Tingle saw your fire and fury, and Zeroth, you flew through that fight!" Varic, a wry grin on his lips, added, "Not bad for a dwarf." Zeroth sighed, realizing after he caught his breath, he felt more energized after that bout. "I feel I could fight for hours without ever stopping with Vulcanix fueling me." Zeroth stated. "If this is what he can do sealed away, I'm beginning to get excited to find out what Luminara and Eldrinacht have to offer you guys and Tingle, I'm very curious to see what happens when you get more magical energy pooled into you. Maybe Varic could help you figure out how to hold onto more energy stably." Varic made a sound of feigned disgust at that. "Either way," Ardric said, ignoring Varic. "It's time for some lunch. If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna get a table ready and get some food." Everyone agreed and as the group made their way out of the training room, Zeroth couldn't shake the feeling that this was merely the beginning. The power of Vulcanix was a double-edged sword, one that offered strength but demanded a price. A price no one has found a solution for.