It's time for verdict

MAGNUS

"And you think I will make a trade for that baloney?! The Rank Ruler bellowed on his throne.

Immediately after the Dark Elf announce we only have until sundown to hand over the Seeker – or he'll kill the last of our Rankers. They immediately disappeared. Leaving no blood or traces that they were there.

This time I know the empty dunes are not mere illusion. It's real. Either they use their mana to teleport somewhere, or they melted into the shadow and revert the time back before the invasion battles.

The oasis that was once at the corner part of the desert, which dismantled after a Gray beast collapsed on top – has now remerged like it never been destroyed before. And that confirms my suspicion.

The reason for the unlimited strength of Dark Elves is due to their 'Unified Mana'. The mana abilities each race of the Faery has – the Dark Elves have it embodied in their system. Thus the name – Unified.

The djinn – the second most powerful race of Faeries – has the ability to stop, rewind and accelerate time in a closed space. I know it's the same ability that Dark Elf did to revert the desert back to normal - the state it was in before the attacks.

I clenched my fist until the wound from earlier opened. When I stopped the death arc, my palms are already gushing with blood from the impact. Too much strength applied from gripping my cross swords.

I relaxed my nerves. Staring daggers at the foulest, meanest, probably the top notch loser Rank Ruler this kingdom ever known in the history of magical realm.

"Hey, Magnus stop that." Roland hissed at my side. His hands found its way to my balled fist. He plucks each of my finger until I completely lose my grip from my knives on my legs. I looked down. I didn't notice what was in my hand until he say so.

Am I losing my touch? Because of the battle from midnight? Or because that Dark Elf's words keep ringing in my ear? Either way works, I just don't have it in my cell to care. More than anything I want to rip that snubbing mouth from the Rank Ruler's pudgy face.

At the presence of the Rank Ruler in his throne, we are required to kneel. The Rank Elders too. I badly want to grab one and punch him in the face so hard his teeth will come out on their own accord. I want to confirm if any words of that Dark Elf is true. One of them can answer. They won't act unless the other doesn't know. And they won't kill unless the Rank Ruler himself orders them too.

My eyes waded back to the Rank Ruler's disfigured face, gravely etched with fury.

"How can I protect myself from the clutches of these vermins if I easily offer my life to them? And for what cost? Just mere lives of Rankers on death doors? I'm more important! I'm the Rank Ruler for deity's sake!" he slams his thick fist on his glass armchair and it shuddered.

Even from here, I can see the burn marks singeing his palm. That's what you get if you touch the Deity stone carelessly. I did tell you the deity stone is bathed in blue fiery flame as it crossed the split day and night sky right?

Apparently, the fire didn't die down. They said only the Seeker can and take the stone to his possession. Other than him, you'll have your hands charbroiled if you dare touch it. This almost bald Rank Ruler, with his silver mane from the wolf he skinned, black armor decorated with gold buttons made with Lathiama. Is stomping his feet that almost shake the marble stairs on his ground. Furious as to why the Deity Stone burn his hands. He should be the Seeker. He's more than fit to be the next teacher for the Eklektos.

Seriously, how dumb could he be? How much parching will it take for him to realize he's not that great as he imagine himself is?

The more I look at him, the more my drive to drag him out of his throne bubbled in my mind. I look away. Turn my attention to the braziers hanging on each of the six limestone columns, lighting up the lower levels of the throne hall, engulfing the vast room in a brilliant glimmer.

The illustrations of the Great War between realms from three thousand years ago on the oblique ceiling dance in the flickering light. It was there for a reason. It serves as a reminder. Of who we are. What we are supposed to do. As Rankers, as protectors of the kingdom - we must do all that we can to prevent the Great War from happening again.

Will it be possible when Faeries are out of our capabilities?

Extensive, stained glass windows depicting important Rank Rulers and their deeds in their time are shrouded by curtains that have been adorned with gilded linings and intricate embroidery.

Each one of them deserves the title they carried. Rank Rulers are born in the lineage of Rank Elders. They possess both the blessing gifted only in their families and strength Rankers should have on their very core.

But this current Rank Ruler? Who lazed all day surrounding himself with women? Abusing his position, living like a King in his own palace. Prosecuting whoever damn he wants without valid reason, mutilating the Mark from any Ranker who dared to go against him...

I swallowed the bad taste forming in my mouth. This guy doesn't have any qualities Deities beseech for a Seeker. He's a failure as a leader. As a citizen of Gifted People. Heck, he's worse than pigs in a slaughterhouse.

"At noon, I will offer my hands to the Deity Stone, I'm sure this time I will be acclaimed as the prophecied Seeker. The stone will choose me. It will. I just know it." with mad wild eyes he kept muttering those words to himself.

The Rank Elders announced our leave. But the Rank Ruler is too mesmerized in his own world he didn't notice us left.

"What should we do now? Our brethren..." Liam choked in his throat.

"There's nothing we can do to the disillusioned Ruler. We should head to the High Altar and test each of you. You're the only group who haven't tested for the Deity stone yet."