"King?" Ventus gazed at Thorian, his expression veiled with disbelief, as the rest of the team materialized in a flash beside him, one after another.

  Harald, leaping with effortless grace to stand beside Thorian, approached him with an inquisitive arch to his brow. “So, you've evolved, Thorian?”

  “Indeed, I have,” Thorian affirmed, his smile wide as he reached up to pat Harald's snout. The Storm Direwolf loomed so imposingly that Thorian had to stretch to make contact with his partner's formidable muzzle.

  “What's with this ludicrous appearance?” Harald queried, his huff laden with playful reproach before he nuzzled Thorian's neck with affectionate, tickling licks.

  “It’s rather over-the-top, isn’t it?” Thorian chuckled, enjoying Harald's endearing attention. He then turned to the assembled team with a playful smile. “So, what’s your verdict on your king’s new look?”

  “As ridiculous as everything else you do, my lord,” Forlune retorted, punctuating his response with hearty laughter.

  “It befits you perfectly, my king,” Vigil interjected, his tone laden with respect. “Your transformation must have been remarkable to yield such a change.” He glanced at the aftermath of Thorian’s testing, acknowledging the undeniable might unleashed. “And its powers are nothing short of impressive.”

  Meanwhile, Aqua remained contemplative. “My king, I witnessed your display of elemental prowess from a distance. Were those your newly awakened abilities? Their power is truly great.”

  Thorian shook his head. “Those weren't separate elemental abilities; they’re facets of one single skill. I still possess a couple more in my arsenal.”

  "What a wondrous evolution," Zogarth stepped forward, bowing deeply. "My lord, the anticipation of witnessing the heights you'll reach fills me with great reverence. It’s a true honor to bear witness to the rebirth of Mazahithar."

  Thorian arched an eyebrow at the mention of the old but familiar name, then gently patted the general’s shoulder. “Come on now, Zogarth. You know I don’t like too much flattery. It’s just an evolution, not much different from the rest.”

  Turning to address the rest of the team, he remarked, “I see you’ve already defeated the guardian. I presume you have already divided the rewards.”

  “No, we haven’t,” Forlune replied, shaking his head. “As our king, it would be highly disrespectful for us to distribute the spoils in your absence.”

  Thorian’s smile widened at their loyalty. “Well then, I shall not make you wait any longer. Let's reap the fruits of our labor.”

  With a sense of purpose, the group hurried to where the Lightning King had fallen. In its place stood a colossal treasure chest. With eager anticipation, Thorian lifted the lid, and a dazzling prismatic light spilled forth.

  Today just keeps getting better, Thorian mused internally. I suppose the saying is true – good things do come in pairs.

  Observing the staff pulsating with azure runes, Thorian smiled before turning to Ventus and tossing the staff toward him. “This one’s yours.”

  As Ventus caught the weapon and inspected it, his eyes widened in astonishment. “Are you certain, King? This is incredible!”

  “I already have my own,” Thorian replied with a smile, twirling his emberstrike cane deftly.

  “Congratulations on your new weapon,” Vigil congratulated Ventus warmly. “It seems to be immensely powerful.”

  “You bet your nose it is!” Ventus exclaimed enthusiastically. “This is going to double my strength, at least!”

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  Chuckling at Ventus's excitement, Thorian shifted his attention back to the treasure chest. Within it lay another item that seemed as formidable as the staff he had handed to Ventus: a ring.

  Lightning-based spells, huh? Interesting. I should acquire a strong one soon, Thorian mused inwardly before pivoting and displaying the ring. “This one's mine.”

  Receiving affirming nods from the team, Thorian slipped the ring onto his index finger. He continued sifting through the remaining items until he uncovered a pair of shoes.

  Looking at the description, Thorian turned around to Forlune and Zogarth. “This pair of shoes suit the both of you. Decide between yourselves who it suits more and who is more worthy of it.”

  Thorian extended the item to Zogarth, who examined it closely before passing it to Forlune. “I believe these fit your style more, given your emphasis on speed.”

  Forlune accepted the shoes, scrutinizing them with a smile. “Thank you, Zogarth. I owe you one,” he acknowledged with a slight bow.

  With that matter settled, Thorian swiftly sorted through the remaining equipment. Blades and spears were distributed among the team's warriors, and Thorian presented a priest robe to Vigil. Finally, he perused the skill parchments and recipes.

  Observing the skill scroll, Thorian pivoted and scanned his team until his gaze settled on a particular member. “Zarjin, this skill is tailored for you.”

  Thorian handed the skill scroll to the goblin champion, who, upon inspecting it, promptly bowed. “Thank you, my lord, for your thoughtfulness.”

  “You've earned it,” Thorian affirmed with a nod.

  Returning his attention to the nearly depleted treasure chest, Thorian noticed only one recipe remaining alongside a collection of small, blue pebble-sized stones. Extracting the recipe, he examined it closely.

  That reminds me. Hamur has advanced in his alchemy skills. He can commence crafting the elixir after some practice. I should entrust him with the recipes and some pulse poppies for experimentation, Thorian thought, mentally planning the next steps.

  Inspecting the small, blue pebble-sized stones scattered across the treasure chest, Thorian quickly recognized them. Upon examining one closely, the name became clear: Sparkstone Shard.

  Gathering all the shards into his pocket, Thorian turned to address the team. “Well then, our tasks here are complete, gentlemen. It's been a long day. Let’s return and rest.”

  The ten-member party, accompanied by the direwolves, made their way out of the dungeon through the portal, heading back toward the village. Despite the journey, Thorian's mind continued to whirl with thoughts.

  I wonder what's unfolding in Locksley. Not having direct contact is unsettling, he pondered, exhaling deeply. No use dwelling on it now. Alacritas will provide his report tomorrow, and then I can assess the situation.