The silence in the throne room was deafening. The transformation Erend had undergone left the Dwarves in stunned disbelief. The air around him crackled with residual energy, the sheer power emanating from his form palpable.
The Dwarf king could not conceal the awe etched across his face. His advisors, previously skeptical and dismissive, now exchanged glances of shock and reverence. The bodyguards, who had stood ready for any threat, were rooted to the spot, their weapons lowered in amazement.
"By the gods," the king murmured, his voice breaking the stillness. "This is no mere tale. This... this is the power of legend."
One of the advisors, his earlier doubt replaced with wide-eyed wonder, stepped forward hesitantly. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "I... I believe we have gravely underestimated the gravity of this situation."
The king nodded, his eyes never leaving Erend. "Indeed. It appears we have much to reconsider."
