“My name is Kai Nuku. I came from the distant south after hearing of the Sage’s renown. I am deeply moved by your teachings every time I hear them.”
When Owen offered the somewhat awkward greeting, Benjamin smiled faintly and waved a hand.
“Haha, goodness! Brother Kai Nuku, are you politely rebuking me for my laziness? As it happens, I have been reflecting on how negligent I have been toward our gatherings of late.”
Just as he said, the Sage had hardly shown his face at the evening gatherings recently. The followers merely appeared in turns and bestowed various teachings upon the people.
That was why, despite having attended the gatherings for quite some time, Owen was only now seeing the Sage’s face for the first time.
“Laziness? Nothing could be further from the truth!”
At the Sage’s apology, however, the followers immediately began jumping into the conversation one after another.
“Do you not labor tirelessly every day to prepare for the flames of hell that will soon descend upon us?”
“The Sage’s time carries more weight and importance than anyone else’s in the world.”
“Exactly! Someone such as you cannot possibly devote your time one by one even to those who have yet to awaken!”
“Now, now. Calm yourselves, my brothers.”
Benjamin leisurely soothed the atmosphere before it could become overheated.
“As everyone knows, the horrific future we are destined to face is not something any one person can endure by their strength alone. Within those raging flames, we can survive…