The dwarven portal

Authors note: I threw a discord together, if you want to hang out, chat, make suggestions, all that stuff. I’ll still read all the comments and everything here, regardless. https://discord.gg/eQhUAJqYhq

In the morning, you’re treated to a large breakfast before being led back to the forge, this time with the girls in tow. Forgefather Unir leads you to an inactive furnace.

“Here’s where we keep the really important things.” He chuckles as he reaches inside and pulls a hidden lever. The furnace slides aside to reveal a doorway, and torches ignite to reveal a room very similar to the room you first emerged in when you came through the portal.

Leading you inside, he gestures to the portal, which glows softly. “I hope you don’t mind if I watch? I admit curiosity as to how your powers work, young mage.”

You nod. “Fair enough. I will need to deactivate your portal first. When I created mine, the portal spell was pulled from my mind. I imagine it’s because it’s quite the powerful spell.”

Unir smiles. “I wouldn’t know, my powers are limited to stone and metal. However, do as you will, and I will stay out of your way.”

You nod, stepping forward and gently touching the portal frame. The portal winks out as you absorb its spell. Unir gasps. “That simple? Impressive.”

“Simple, yes...that’s the easy part, though. Kali, Lynn? Same as last time?”

They nod, and a curious look from Unir draws an explanation from you. “Lynn uses her ability to boost my power as I twist the portal spell with a null collar, removing the portals ability to remember people. Without her, doing this might kill me, and I’d rather not try to blow up my brain again. Kali is here to heal us, in case the strain is too much.”

With that, you concentrate. It goes much the same as before, though easier, probably due to the higher amount of ambient magic in this world. In less than a minute, a white glow fills the frame. Unir whistles. “I can feel the power you channel, master mage. And you make it look easy. I’m glad you seem to be a good person, you would make a terrifying opponent.”

You take a deep breath, gathering yourself after the effort. “I hope so. I’m counting on scaring our opponents somewhat. Though I prefer diplomacy, I’m not afraid to use what I have to make things better.”

Unir smiles. “Good. Now then, I promised a gift. Here.”

He turns to what can only be described as a stone vault door, set into the wall. There appears to be no way to open it, until Unir places a hand on the front. The stone flows like liquid and reveals the inside of the vault, a large room filled with weapons and armor. “This is our magical armory. Clarissa’s weapon and armor came from here. We store these artifacts until their true owner comes to retrieve them. Yours are there.”

He points, and across the room you see a gleaming suit of armor, made up of scales of reddish gold. Each scale is intricately carved with runes, and you can feel the power radiating off of it. Beside the armor rests a long sword of the same material, with delicate threads of silver tracery along the blade. You turn to Unir, who explains.

“When the prophecy was made, Forgefathers began crafting gear appropriate for the ‘Golden Magus’, each one improving upon the works of the last. The Armor of the Absorber is made of fire infused steel, and makes the wearer immune to fire. It also can be removed and donned instantly, being stored like an absorbed spell. The Infusion Blade allows spells to be placed within it, to be summoned forth either upon striking, or hurled from the tip of the blade. If nothing is within, it will block and absorb the first spell used against the wielder.”

You look at the incredible gifts. The power in these items is incredible. You turn to Unir. “I thank you...these are incredible gifts. How can I even begin to repay you?”

He shakes his head. “This was made to fulfill your prophecy, master mage. Your gift to us is a better world. No gift could compare.”

Smiling, you turn and place a hand on the armor. With a thought, it vanishes into your mind. A second thought, and you’re wrapped in red-gold scales that fit like a second skin. You heft the sword, and push your fire spell into the blade. It vanishes from your mind, and immediately fire wreaths the blade, the silver etchings glowing red. You concentrate, and the fire pulls back into your mind.

You look at the girls, smiling, and Yura steps forward. “I saw this too. You, wrapped in gold. It’s just like my vision.”

You nod. “I guess if they’re going to call me ‘The Golden Magus’ I better look the part...”