Things developed just as Taran had expected, and much faster than he had anticipated.
Evernight Harbor's garrison subjected him to a forty-eight-hour intensive interrogation, asking where he had learned about the Enlightenment Society, as well as a whole series of questions about its doctrine, purpose, philosophy, organizational structure, and more.
Who knew whether these Velanders were testing him? Taran had done his homework in advance and wasn't nervous in the slightest. He had memorized all the information from the official website and answered every question fluently during the interrogation.
Even when the Velanders rephrased the same question, he did not reveal a single flaw.
Perhaps moved by his sincerity, every interrogator who took turns questioning him believed him.
The final interrogator in particular was so excited that he could not help rising to shake his hand.
"Mr. Taran, thank you for provi... I mean, thank you for abandoning darkness and embracing the light! Our great cause has gained another righteous companion. The Enlightenment Society welcomes you!"
"For the great cause!"
Seeing that he had finally passed the assessment, Taran excitedly stood as well. However, his hands were still cuffed to the table, forcing him to sit back down.
"I'll unlock them for you!"
Seeing his embarrassment, the interrogator hurried over, unlocked his handcuffs with a key, and warmly seized both his hands.
"You've suffered these past few days! I hope you can understand us; we have our own difficulties too... Reliable intelligence indicates that The Alliance has already set its sights on us, so we can only be extremely careful."
"Compared to the grievances I suffered in The Alliance, this is nothing. I understand your caution... After all, what we're doing is no laughing matter."
Taran looked back at him with equal enthusiasm, like someone who had finally found his