The outer walls of the Guru Dwara gleamed white under moonlight, the golden dome reflecting pale stars. From the outside, it radiated peace — hymns echoed faintly, survivors prayed with folded hands, candles flickered.
But Arjun's instincts screamed otherwise.
Something was wrong.
He and Varun crouched behind a rusted delivery van just outside the eastern wall. The wind whispered, and somewhere, distant Ravagers howled.
"We go quiet," Arjun whispered. "Eyes open. Mouths shut."
Varun nodded, drawing a short blade made from a broken saw handle. His other hand hovered near his belt of makeshift bombs.
They slipped inside through the kitchen supply chute at the rear. The scent of rot clung to the air beneath incense. The tiled corridors were silent — too silent.
Stealth Investigation Initiated
– Detection Chance: 12%– Aura Concealment: Active– Skill Progress: Awareness, Instinct, Stealth +0.2%
They moved in shadows, navigating through storage rooms and servant quarters. What they found broke the illusion of sanctity.
Behind the prayer hall, in a locked storeroom converted from a freezer unit, were bloodstains and shackles.
A camera. A chair with restraints. Drug syringes.
Evidence of torture and coercion.
A battered diary. Pages filled with scrawled confessions from victims. Names of "sinners." Lists of supplies taken. One word repeated:
"Purified."
Varun trembled with restrained fury. "They're using this place as a prison."
Arjun held up a torn photo — a young girl, no more than thirteen, with her eyes gouged out.
He didn't say a word. He didn't need to.
They slipped further inside, now past the kitchens. That's when they found him.
A boy — seventeen, thin, mute. Chained inside the pantry, surrounded by herbs and salt circles etched with ash.
His eyes burned with power, though his lips could not speak.
He looked up, shocked, and motioned quickly with his hands.
Varun translated roughly — his sister was one of the victims. He'd tried to escape after learning what the saint truly was. But the saint had seen through him.
Because he had magic.
Hidden System User Detected
Name: Unknown (Alias: Dhani)Class: Elementalist – Path of Binding AshStatus: Cursed by False RitualPassive Skills:– Ember Sense – Detect fire-related energy fields– Salt Warding – Auto-barrier vs corrupted auras– Ashweave – Bind movement via carbon-rich air
Arjun quickly unlocked the cuffs. Dhani staggered, then knelt, drawing with his finger on the soot-stained floor:
"Beware the Saint. He uses me for elemental rituals. Feeding on spirit. Draining system core for power."
Varun's jaw dropped. "He's harvesting system energy like a parasite."
The saint had cloaked it in faith, hiding blood magic beneath sermons.
And no one suspected.
They exchanged grim looks.
"We leave. Regroup. Then we burn this lie down."
But the kitchen door creaked.
Steps.
Followers.
Voices.
They were no longer alone.
Quest Update – Eyes Behind the CurtainObjective: Escape the inner sanctum with Dhani.Optional: Secure proof for public revelation.Danger Rating: High
Arjun pulled Dhani close and whispered, "You're not alone anymore."
Varun lit the fuse on a smokebomb from his satchel.
In the name of the gods — and justice — they disappeared into shadow.