The next morning broke with a strange feeling in the air a quiet heaviness that pulsed like low mana Humidity clung to the streets the river flowed slower and even the crystal lanterns flickered with unusual hesitation Ethan sensed what it meant long before the knock sounded on ArcSpark’s door The Mage Guild had made its move

Halven the quiet observer entered first behind him walked two senior magisters clad in deep blue robes marked with gold thread Their presence drew every founder’s breath into silence They stood tall their expressions grave yet controlled They were not here for destruction but for judgment Ethan stepped forward calmly hands behind his back as if greeting partners not regulators

The magisters announced that ArcSpark was officially summoned to the Guild Hall for hearings They claimed concerns about unauthorized spell application uncontrolled scaling dangerous disruption and potential destabilization of magical order Ethan listened carefully noting not only their words but the fear hidden between them Fear of innovation Fear of loss of authority Fear of a world no longer shaped solely by their hands

He asked what the hearings required The magisters said ArcSpark must justify its existence demonstrate safety verify lawful practice and prove that its activities serve the realm rather than threaten it The founders tensed some trembling slightly But Ethan raised a hand signaling calm He assured the magisters that ArcSpark welcomed evaluation and would attend the hearings in two days

The magisters nodded but the tension in their shoulders showed uncertainty They left slowly their robes trailing across the dusty floor Halven lingered last pulling Ethan aside He whispered The Guild is divided some want collaboration some want control some want shutdown I wish to see you survive Ethan thanked him and Halven slipped into the shadows

After they left the warehouse felt colder Ethan gathered the founders into a tight circle He explained the situation directly There will be hearings They will challenge our structure They will question your motives They will try to break your confidence But you have already proven value to the people and that matters more than old fears

Toren clenched his fists saying he would demonstrate reliability again if needed Lira looked scared but determined Velra muttered she could show batch consistency on demand Mira said healing stability was not a threat but a service Corren said delivery networks were harmless and helpful The rune and crystal pair vowed they could prove their tiles safer than existing lantern crystals The necromancer said he would show the Guild how safe his squirrels were even if they had to carry proof scrolls in their tiny bones Ethan smiled encouraging their resolve

He then began preparations He wrote a structured plan on the wall Hearings Strategy Data Demonstration Safety Proof Value Narrative Each founder needed quantitative data qualitative stories and a clear explanation of their purpose The founders went straight to work with intense focus

Toren measured mana cost reduction over four days recording each pulse meticulously Lira tracked summoning intervals logging failure rates and variance curves Velra documented potion density stability Mira charted treatment effectiveness and duration Corren mapped delivery route reliability The rune engraver and crystal tuner recorded light stabilization strength The necromancer counted item drop accuracy and movement precision

Ethan walked between them guiding adjusting correcting sharpening He felt as if preparing a team for a high stakes investor pitch one that determined the survival of the entire program except this time the investors had magical authority and centuries of tradition behind them

Afternoon brought unexpected visitors a group of merchants and adventurers who came to express support They said ArcSpark’s services had increased their efficiency improved safety and reduced costs They offered written testimonials Ethan accepted gratefully telling them their voices would matter during the hearings Word spread quickly and soon more people arrived guards craftsmen cooks healers even children wanting to see the skeletal squirrels again ArcSpark was becoming a community not just a program

As evening settled Ethan gathered the founders once more He spoke gently saying The Guild will test us but remember they fear what they do not yet understand Show them structure show them safety show them clarity They nodded absorbing his calm like an anchor against the storm

When night arrived Ethan stood alone outside the warehouse watching crystal lanterns glow in the streets The realm was shifting old powers trembling new powers rising He whispered to the river Innovation always reaches the gates of authority and now it is our turn

ArcSpark would face the Guild
And the outcome could define the future of magic