The day before the tribunal hearings dawned with chilled air and buzzing nerves inside ArcSpark Every founder arrived early their bodies tense their minds racing Ethan sensed their anxiety but also saw something deeper resolve shaped through discipline forged through progress tempered by belief They were not the same uncertain people who had stepped into the warehouse weeks ago They were founders and tomorrow they would defend their creations before the highest magical authority in the realm

Ethan began the morning by writing another phrase on the wall Structure defeats fear He explained that the Guild would rely on intimidation uncertainty and tradition but ArcSpark would rely on clarity data and purpose Each founder had something real something measurable something that served the people Ethan asked them to focus on that nothing else

He organized the warehouse into stations mirroring the layout they would face in the Guild Hall The founders would present in sequence with precise timing and safety buffers Ethan rehearsed the flow repeatedly guiding movement refining transitions ensuring no uncertainty remained

Toren practiced stepping to the front speaking about heat stability then demonstrating a controlled pulse on a rune slab He modulated intensity with such focus that even the rune engraver applauded Ethan told Toren he represented discipline over chaos Toren nodded eyes firm

Lira rehearsed her timed summoning loop focusing on calm breathing and controlled intervals Ethan asked her to speak not as a nervous summoner but as a builder of a communication network She straightened her shoulders her voice growing steadier with each repetition

Velra practiced batch demonstrations showing potion consistency across multiple vials She arranged them in neat rows each glowing evenly Ethan told her consistency was her strength and the Guild respected craft when it was irrefutable Velra nodded gripping her notes with determination

Mira prepared charts showing energy stabilization intervals She rehearsed explaining healing cycles and preventative treatment She feared guild disapproval but Ethan reminded her that healing was the least controversial of all innovations Mira almost smiled knowing she had helped dozens already

Corren’s stone lizard trotted across the floor with familiar confidence Ethan asked Corren to describe how trained routes could reduce risk in busy districts and improve supply stability Corren shaped his words until they became clear and simple

The rune engraver and crystal tuner prepared their largest tile which glowed with steady warm light They rehearsed describing mana harmonics and safety improvements Ethan told them their product spoke for itself They only had to present its stability clearly

The necromancer rehearsed gently placing items into tiny crates with his squirrels Their movement was clean smooth controlled Ethan reminded him that his idea represented something unique responsible necromancy The necromancer lowered his head grateful for the chance to prove himself

Throughout the day more supporters arrived to encourage the founders The blacksmith Toren helped the guards Mira treated the merchants Velra impressed the adventurers Lira communicated efficiently Corren delivered packages quickly The rune and crystal team lit the warehouse beautifully The necromancer performed micro deliveries for children Ethan accepted each visitor warmly thanking them for their presence Support meant legitimacy and the Guild respected public voice more than it admitted

By late afternoon Ethan began full sequential rehearsals He timed every demonstration corrected pacing adjusted explanations removed filler words and strengthened narrative hooks When founders stumbled he guided them calmly When founders excelled he praised them firmly The room vibrated with sharpening clarity

As sunset arrived Ethan dismissed the group for a final break telling them to rest not practice Their minds needed calm not frantic repetition The founders hesitated but obeyed leaving in small clusters Some whispered prayers some walked silently some talked excitedly Corren carried his stone lizard Mira hummed softly Lira sketched timing intervals Velra reviewed her batches quietly The necromancer held his squirrels close as if they were symbols of hope

When they left Ethan stood in the quiet warehouse reviewing every preparation He walked among empty stations touching rune slabs potion racks summoning chalk lines delivery maps crystal harmonics tiles skeletal courier paths Each space told a story of growth He felt a deep sense of pride swelling in his chest

The Guild Hall would be harsh
The questions would be sharp
The pressure immense

But ArcSpark was ready

As the moon rose Ethan whispered into the dim light Tomorrow we defend innovation Tomorrow we show the Guild what a new world can look like

And with that he closed the warehouse doors knowing the next sunrise would carry them into a confrontation that could reshape the realm forever