Chapter 497: Ritual (2/2)
”I won't lie, I just find this occupation very interesting at first.” Raven stated, ”Not much has changed even now, only my interest is at its highest. I like the prospect of discovering more about the things that really piques my interests.”
”Aish! I shouldn't have asked!” Monica said, mocking an angry expression but couldn't hide the amusement on her face. ”If Senior Brother Theo was the one who asked, he would've kicked you out right at this instant!”
”But he's not here though. It's you, who's here. Not him.” Raven replied with a smile of his own.
”Aren't you a cheeky one?” Monica replied, finally getting rid of the faked anger on her face. ”Whatever, we could use more hands anyway. But, don't you think that you're already one of us just yet! You still need to be tested.”
”I'm ready.” Raven replied with a serious face.
”Well, you said it yourself. Don't blame me for what happens afterwards.” Monica added, it's unknown whether she said this to discourage him and frighten him or just giving him a heads up of what's about to happen.
Monica then moved behind Raven and said: ”Wear this and go into the kiln. Embrace the flame and commune with it. That's all you have to do.”
She handed him a pure white robes which seems to be made out silk. She then pointed him towards the direction of the changing room and told him that she'd be waiting for him here.
Raven complied and changed into the outfit that was given to him. Once he's done, he returned to where the kiln where and saw Monica nodding to him, a signal that he could begin.
Taking a deep breath, Raven's face turned serious as he gently approached the flames. The moment he took as step forward, he felt an incredible heat sweeping through his body. He was surprised at first, thinking to himself that a mortal would've probably be left with several burn marks on their body if they were to be exposed to this temperature.
Needless to say, it would take more that this to deter him from approaching the flames. Raven took several steps forward, feeling the temperature getting hotter and hotter as he approached the flames.
Monica was a bit surprised when she saw the ease of Raven's approached. Back when she went through with this ritual, it took her more time and energy before she eventually arrived at the kiln. However, Raven took almost no time at all. His approach looked as casual as it could ever be, making it hard for her to believe that this guy is a Freshman.
Raven eventually arrived at the kiln. Feeling the scalding temperature of the flames even greater than before. Needless to say, he's still fine. More importantly, he could hear faint whispers on his ears the closer he got to the flames.
Eventually, Raven stepped in the kiln itself, causing Monica's eyes to shine.
The moment he stepped in, the still and peaceful flames suddenly erupted greatly surprising Raven in the process. Raven was immediately swallowed by the flames, but even so he didn't panic - well maybe he did for a just a second but it went away swiftly since he could feel that this flame didn't have any ill intentions, which is very ironic considering the flames engulfed him from head to toe.
Following Monica's instructions, Raven then sat down in the kiln, despite being swallowed by the white flames, and started his communion with it. He concentrated his focus and let go of all unnecessary thoughts on his mind. He focused on the whispers invading his senses and traced it back to its source, this lead to him entering a special state where he no longer have any awareness of his surroundings.
Monica who's watching this process whispered to herself: ”You're talented Junior Brother, that much I can tell. Hopefully, you pass this and make a difference cause god knows we need it more than ever.”