Duncan quickly withdrew his gaze from the Golden Mask, lowering his eyes slightly like the ordinary believers around him and putting on an attentive look, as if ready to listen earnestly to the teachings.
He had not heard anything useful yet. He could not draw this cult's attention too soon.
The moment he lowered his head, that sensation of someone's gaze sweeping over him came again.
Duncan frowned slightly and looked in the direction of the feeling. Sure enough, it was that girl in the black dress, with the strange bell around her neck, secretly watching him again—yet when his gaze turned toward her, she quietly looked away.
This left Duncan deeply puzzled.
He was certain he did not know her, and there was no trace of information about the girl in this body's original owner's memories. Why would a Sun God follower he was meeting for the first time keep watching him?
Could it be because the pigeon on his shoulder was truly distinctive?
He entertained that random thought for only a moment before the cult leader's voice suddenly came from the front. After putting on the Golden Mask, the leader seemed to have become the embodiment of some divine authority. Even his voice had become deep and imposing. Duncan had no idea whether he was deliberately controlling his voice or whether the mask had truly mixed another consciousness into it:
"The prayer has ended. The Lord has witnessed our devotion and reverence. Grace has illuminated our souls. Brothers and sisters, be grateful. We have endured another day in this difficult, dark world, bringing us one day closer to the rebirth of the blazing sun and the restoration of order."
The "priest" wearing the Golden Mask spread his arms and spoke in an immensely beguiling tone. Then his gaze