The morning sky over Onyxgate glowed pale gold. Citizens filled the outer courtyard of the High Commerce Assembly, murmuring anxiously. Evan, Brannor, Varro, and Lyrienne approached the main steps.

Guards opened the doors.

Inside, the thirty councilors sat in silence.

The presiding councilor rose. “Evan Cole. Approach”

Evan stepped forward.

The councilor unfolded the verdict scroll. The room tightened with expectation.

“We have reviewed your demonstrations. We have studied your intentions. We have examined the counterfeits, the resonance shifts, and the testimonies from Dawnriver and Onyxgate”

Varro held his breath.

Brannor tensed like a coiled spring.

Lyrienne watched the council with ancient calm.

The councilor continued.

“We have determined that identity resonance is a stabilizing force when used with integrity. We have determined that your Guild of Names enhances craftsmanship, clarity, and trust”

Evan felt his heart pound.

“And therefore—”

Cassian Vale’s eyes narrowed.

“—the High Commerce Council recognizes the Guild of Names as an official independent guild of the kingdom”

A wave of gasps filled the room.

Varro nearly dropped his potions.

Brannor let out a roar of relief.

Lyrienne smiled quietly.

But the presiding councilor raised a hand. “However. Your guild must operate under oversight. You must provide quarterly resonance reports. And you must demonstrate that your identity methods cannot be weaponized for political control”

Evan bowed. “We accept”

Cassian stepped forward, voice sharp. “Councilor. This is reckless. His influence will grow without limit”

The councilor replied calmly. “The Silver Ledger Guild manipulates trade through fear. The Guild of Names stabilizes it through clarity”

Cassian’s expression darkened.

The councilor turned back to Evan. “You are free to expand your guild across the kingdom”

Evan felt something powerful settle inside him.

Not pride
Not triumph
Purpose

As they exited the chamber the courtyard erupted with applause. Craftsmen from Dawnriver who had traveled overnight cheered loudly.

Brannor lifted Evan off the ground. “WE DID IT”

Varro laughed through tears. “The guild lives”

Lyrienne whispered. “This is only the beginning”

Cassian watched from the shadows, his cloak wavering like a blade in the wind.

He whispered coldly, unheard by the crowd.

“The council protects you today. But I will reshape tomorrow”

Evan felt a chill but kept walking, the cheers growing louder.

The brand empire had just gained legitimacy.

And the real war of identity had begun.