Chapter 16: Hidden Blades and Open Prayers
A dull clang echoed across the ruined yard as Waker dropped the last piece of broken timber onto the debris pile. The soft patter of rain was the only sound that followed—gentle, constant, and familiar.
Waker exhaled and stretched his soaked limbs.
"It really feels like a dream..." he muttered to himself. "But I know what I saw. That wasn't a dream. Or maybe ... it was?"
After a week of relentless storms, Antiarena City had finally begun to calm. The clouds hung low but passive, the air heavy with the scent of wet earth. Waker let the yellow-green grass retract into his palm, his Essence returning to dormancy. He glanced at his Guild companions and offered a tired but content smile.
The mission was complete.
One by one, the members of the Guild of Action retreated, heading back to report and receive their reward.
But first, Ravi and Waker made a familiar detour—to the masjid.
In silence, they performed ablution, then offered the Isha prayer: four rakat farz, two sunat, and three witr.
It had become their daily rhythm. One of the few things that grounded Ravi amid his growing unease.
On the walk back to the guild, Waker broke the quiet with a cheerful ramble.
He spoke of his Essence Aspect—the simple yellow-green grass that grew from his hands—and how many in the guild mocked it.
"It's one of the worst aspects even among the Unskillful rank, right? That's what they say," Waker said with a half-hearted chuckle.
"But I don't care. I'll prove them wrong."
He paused, then added with a hopeful smile, "I know it's weak ... but I still want to be a Great Arcane one day."
Ravi blinked. "Great Arcane? You're serious?"
"Of course!" Waker's voice was defensive. "You think I'm dreaming too big?"
Essence Weilders were ranked as Unskillful, Ordinary, Primitive, Epic, Legendary, Mythical, Phantasmal, Arcane, Great Arcane based on their Essence Aspect and Essence Talent.
Their Essence Talent was ranked among: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, Unique, Ultimate, Absolute.
Ravi hesitated, then responded, "It's not that. Just ... Great Arcane wielders are considered theoretical. The highest confirmed Essence Wielders in recorded history were only Legendary. The Mythical and Phantasmal ranks? Stories at best. And Ultimate or Absolute Essence Talent—those are ideals, not facts."
Waker slumped a little. "Okay, okay, Professor Reydon ... I get it."
He forced a grin. "But I'm not giving up on my childhood dream just because it sounds impossible. Anyway—what about your dream?"
Ravi went quiet. The rain whispered in the silence between them.
Then he answered simply, "It's complicated."
"Alright, alright," Waker waved him off. "Keep your secrets. I don't need another lecture."
As they approached the Guild building, now softly lit and steaming from the earlier storm, they heard a commotion from within. Raised voices followed by a sudden silence.
They paused at the door.
"What do you think's going on?" Ravi asked quietly.
Waker scratched his head. "Knowing the old man? Probably one of his mental warfare classes. Maybe someone asked too many questions, and he launched a full assault of long-winded wisdom bombs."
Ravi smiled faintly, then pushed the door open.
Inside, the air was tense.
Guild members stood in line, silent, as four men in black armour over red robes examined each person carefully. The crimson owl on their right sleeves glinted under the lanterns.
Waker's smile faded. He stepped closer to Ravi, suddenly alert.
One of the men—tall, muscular, with auburn hair and steely blue eyes—walked toward them. An axe lined with bronze hung on his back.
He spoke with practiced authority.
"Orders from the Silver Commander and the Academy. Mandatory inspection of all active guild personnel."
Ravi's eyes flicked to Bayer, the Guildmaster, who gave a subtle nod. He had no intention of resisting.
The man scanned Waker quickly, then turned to Ravi.
He lifted the edge of Ravi's collar slightly, revealing only a faint burn-like scar on the side of his neck. The dark sigil was hidden. For now.
When the inspection ended, the captain strode toward the mission board and nailed a parchment to its surface.
He turned, voice ringing clearly across the quiet hall.
"All members of the Guild. Be advised."
He stepped aside, revealing the parchment.
It bore the image of a young man. Cold eyes. Black hair. Sharp jaw.
The name underneath:
Ravi, son of the Ghost Monarch.
"A dangerous fugitive has escaped Imperial custody," the captain declared. "He is a Legendary-ranked Essence Wielder, responsible for the murder of the Emperor. If seen, do not engage. Report him immediately."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Waker stood frozen. Ravi felt his breath catch—but his face, under the disguise of Reydon Leyn, remained passive.
No one recognized him.
Not yet.