As I deactivated the fractured scene, I felt a surge of urgency. I couldn't wait any longer to share this discovery with Darius. He could put this information into action. The auction was a significant lead, and we needed to act quickly. I finished my drink in one gulp, left a handful of bronze-coloured coins on the counter, and gestured for Caius to follow me as I stood up.

Caius raised an eyebrow, his usual cheerful demeanour mingling with curiosity. "Elias, what's got you in such a rush? You're usually not this thirsty. Was your drink really that good?"

I didn't offer an immediate response, my thoughts still racing. Instead, I simply said, "I need to see Darius. I've got important information to share with him, and I can't afford to waste any time."

Caius's eyes widened with surprise but also anticipation. "Important information? Well, then, lead the way, my friend."

We made our way to the Den, quickening our pace through the now-dark streets of Leode as the moon began its rise into the night sky. The anticipation was growing, but we were met with an unexpected sight when we arrived at our headquarters.

Darius was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Mar sat alone at the meeting table, her gaze focused on some paperwork in front of her.

I approached Mar with a polite nod. "Hey, Is Darius around? I was hoping to talk to him about something important."

She looked up, her expression neutral as always. "Boss has gone to the Church for the evening congregation. He said he'd be back later."

“Did he say how long?” I replied.

Mar just shook her head briefly and was immediately engrossed back in the documents she was reading.

"The Church?" I said frowning.

Without looking back up, Mar's response was concise and to the point. "The Church of the Keeper of Time, three blocks past the library to the west."

"Well, it's getting late, Elias. Maybe you should wait for him here,” Caius chimed in.

I didn't hesitate. "Thanks, but this can't wait."

I quickly made my way to the Church of the Keeper of Time, guided by Mar's directions. The night had fallen, and the streets were quieter than usual. The soft glow of street lamps and the pale light of the moon illuminated my path.

As I approached the church, I noticed the serene ambience that enveloped the area. The wooden doors creaked open slowly to reveal the dimly lit interior. Rows of wooden pews stretched out before me, and about ten to fifteen people were scattered throughout, their heads bowed in prayer.

The altar at the front was bathed in the flickering light of candles, and the bishop stood there, leading the congregation in a solemn sermon. The hushed murmur of prayers filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

I spotted Darius sitting in one of the pews near the back, his posture straight and reverent. He was fully immersed in the prayer session, his eyes closed as he focused on the spoken words.

I quietly slid into the pew behind him, taking a moment to collect my thoughts and compose myself. The bishop's voice was soothing, and his words carried a sense of deep reverence.

As the bishop led the congregation in prayer, I leaned forward, close enough to whisper to Darius without disturbing the others. "Boss, I found a clue, something related to the event we've been investigating."

Darius, lost in his devotion, initially shushed me with a quiet, hushing gesture, not even glancing back. But the urgency in my voice eventually got through to him, and he turned to look at me with a finger pressed against his lips, urging silence.

I leaned in closer, my voice barely above a whisper. "Boss, I've found something. It's crucial."

With a serene look, Darius patted the space on the pew next to him, inviting me to sit down. I quietly moved from the pew behind him and joined him, our heads bowed, blending in with the congregation.

Darius whispered to me, his voice hushed as he spoke. "Elias, we can discuss your matter afterwards. For now, let us offer our prayers to the Keeper of Time."

The bishop's voice reverberated softly through the hall as he continued his prayer. Bowing my head I closed my eyes and joined in congregation with the rest.

"True God of Time, who spans the ever-rolling river of eternity, we humbly beseech Your benevolence. You who are the guardian of all moments, past, present, and future, we gather before You in awe."

The True God of Time, it seemed, was a figure of immense significance in this world, revered for their role in maintaining the flow of time. The prayer emphasized the True God's divine presence and the responsibility of the faithful to honour and worship this deity.

As I listened to the bishop's words, I found myself swept up in the gravity of the moment. I had never been a particularly religious person, but there was something undeniably powerful in the air, a sense of connection to something greater than myself.

I felt a strange tranquillity washing over me. It was as if I had entered a flow-like state, where the worries and anxieties of the world slipped away, leaving only a profound sense of peace. The bishop's voice seemed to fade into the background, and for a moment, I felt truly at one with the universe.

The prayer eventually came to an end, and I opened my eyes, returning to the physical world. The congregants around me began to stir, offering quiet words of reverence to the True God of Time.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Once the bishop concluded the ceremony, I couldn't help but feel a change within me. It was subtle, and hard to put into words, but I sensed a shift in my connection with the glass bowl in my mind. It was as if my spirit had entered a state of profound stillness during the prayer, and it had left a mark, an imprint on my abilities.

Darius slowly opened his eyes, his gaze meeting mine. After a brief moment of silence, he quietly spoke, "Elias, you wanted to talk about something. What's on your mind?"

I glanced around the serene chamber, the sacred atmosphere still lingering, before turning my attention back to Darius. I leaned in slightly and spoke in a hushed tone, "I've discovered something related to our investigations."

Darius nodded his expression calm and understanding. "Of course, Elias. You may speak openly here."

I took a deep breath, then began to recount the message I had seen during the fractured vision. "I believe I've found a significant lead. The message I witnessed mentioned an auction, and the underground event is likely exactly that, an auction."

Darius listened attentively, his demeanour unwavering.

I continued, "This auction, connects directly with the other information we got on the market run by King and the new supplier. They might be bringing in rare or valuable items to sell at this event."

"An auction, you say?” Darius replied. “That's an interesting development, but it makes perfect sense. However, we must proceed with caution. The information we have, though promising, might still be a red herring. We cannot afford to be lured into a trap."

I understood Darius's concern. In the world of clandestine operations, information was a valuable but volatile currency. The authenticity of our leads had to be meticulously verified.

Darius continued, "Given what we know, it's highly likely that the auction will be held in the Underground Market as expected. It's the most accessible location for arcanists and has the necessary security measures to keep unwanted individuals out."

I nodded in agreement. The Underground Market was a place well-guarded. Though it was perfectly accessible to arcanists alike, going in and out when they pleased, it was also highly protected not just from the enforcers, but all unwanted personnel. Both King and his guard made sure of that. It would be a significant challenge to infiltrate, but it was a challenge we would have to face.

Darius leaned in, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone. "Elias, we need to find a way to get into the auction. The problem is, we don't know when it will be held just yet. It's a delicate task. We must gather more information and plan carefully. It won't be easy."

As I considered the magnitude of the task ahead, Darius asked a question that momentarily shifted the focus of our conversation. "Elias, are you a religious man?"

The question caught me off guard, and I took a moment to respond. "Not particularly. I don't disregard religion, but I'm more focused on the tangible, the things I can control."

Darius nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "In our line of work as arcanists, beliefs are a complicated matter. Some find solace in faith, while others rely on their own understanding of the world. Whatever helps you navigate these murky waters is essential."

I appreciated his understanding. The life of an arcanist was filled with uncertainties, and each of us found our own ways to cope with the challenges that came our way.

Darius turned his gaze toward the front of the church, where a magnificent statue stood. It was a towering figure, pure white with a blank face. One hand was open outward, while the other reached down, as if extending a guiding hand to those who sought solace.

"’He’," Darius said, gesturing towards the statue, "is the True God of Time. The foremost deity worshipped by the people of Leode. In this city, time holds a special significance, and the True God of Time is revered as the guardian of temporal balance. ‘He’ gives us hope."

I glanced at the imposing figure, its presence evoking a sense of both mystery and reverence. "True Gods. Are there others?"

Darius nodded. "Indeed, there are. In different cities and countries, people worship different True Gods or Deities known as Celestials. In Goldeen, for example, the True God of Space is the primary focus. And then there's the True God of Fate, worshipped in yet other places."

"Each True God represents a different aspect of existence. Time, Space, and Fate are the three utmost pillars that shape our reality.”

Darius continued, his voice carrying a weight of significance. "As arcanists, our connection to these True Gods is profound. We draw our powers from them, aligning ourselves with their respective paths to achieve mastery over specific aspects of reality."

I listened intently, absorbing the information. The concept of True Gods governing different pathways intrigued me, adding a layer of mystique to the already intricate world of arcanists.

"Here in Leode," Darius explained, "we, as Huntsmen, are granted access to the Time paths. The Church of the Keeper of Time governs this area of official arcanists, and it aligns with our pursuits as arcanists specializing in temporal manipulation. Though non-official arcanists in this area may choose to deny this and go down a different path"

He gestured towards the vast space around us, encompassing the church and its surroundings. "Other regions will have access to different paths officially by their respective churches, each corresponding to the True God revered in that area. It's a delicate balance, and the interactions between arcanists from various paths can be both fascinating and challenging."

I contemplated the implications of this information. The diverse paths of Time, Space, and Fate added layers to the intricate web of arcanist abilities, each path providing unique insights into the mysteries of the universe.

Darius stood up from the pew and beckoned me to follow him, leading me out to the entrance of the church.

"Understanding and respecting these paths is crucial for any arcanist. It shapes not only our abilities but also the way we navigate the world. So, Elias, whether you find solace in the True Gods or rely on your own understanding, know that your journey as an arcanist is intricately woven into the fabric of time and destiny."

As his words lingered in the air, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose, realizing that my abilities as an arcanist were intricately tied to the cosmic forces that governed our existence.

Curiosity burned within me, and I couldn't hold back the question any longer. "Darius, why are you sharing all this with me?”

Darius paused for a moment right before the exit to the church, his gaze thoughtful. "Elias, the churches hold significant influence in the world of Arcanists. They are intertwined with our history, our abilities, and even the perception of us by the laymen. Knowing our roots, even if deemed criminal by the anti-Arcanist law, is crucial. It provides us with a deeper understanding of our own existence."

"The knowledge the churches hold is a powerful tool. As Arcanists, we must navigate this world with awareness. Whether you choose to embrace the True Gods or forge your own path, the roots of our abilities are tied to these cosmic forces."

I absorbed his words, realizing that in the intricate dance between arcanists and churches, there was more at play than met the eye.

As we left the church behind, Darius bid me farewell, heading back to The Den. I watched him vanish into the dark streets, leaving me with the weight of newfound insights.

Taking a deep breath, I turned towards home.