Mayor Kelly was clearly used to making speeches. He turned to face the hundreds of townspeople and continued with fervor:
"Resistance is hopeless. The strength of us human survivors cannot compare to the demons' power! Only by avoiding their attention and displeasure can humanity cling to life.
"The gulf in strength is so vast that I don't believe any Savior could close it. Not even a true god could! The demon forces have three Ancient Gods on their side.
"Erasmus and his apprentice Kelowen's prophecy about 'Hristos the Savior' is plainly a carefully fabricated lie! I don't know what they hope to gain, but that lie poses a deadly threat to Utu Town. It could easily draw the demons' attention here!"
Among the hundreds of townspeople, some nodded to themselves.
Mayor Kelly concluded, "So we must act before our home is destroyed—drive out that outsider! Drive out the so-called Savior! We don't need a Savior, and we don't believe he can save the world!"
"Drive out the outsider!"
Several dozen protesters took the lead in chanting.
Some of the more radical ones even shouted, "Drive out the witch Kelowen!"
"Instructor Herbart, the people are waiting for your answer! As Utu Town's protector, you must make your position clear," Mayor Kelly said.
Herbart and several militiamen faced the steadily advancing crowd, unsure what to do.
The witch Kelowen's expression remained calm, as though the surging tide around her had nothing to do with her.
Just then, a voice rang out. "Who wants to drive me out?"
The voice was not loud, yet it was exceptionally clear. It cut through the clamor and reached every ear as though the speaker were standing right beside them.
Everyone spun around.
A handsome young man in white robes approached from the gate. He seemed to