First Gathering

Unlike the darkness outside, the cabin was brightly lit. A long table stretched across it, with over thirty strangers in different clothing seated on either side. Their faces showed curiosity mixed with a touch of nervousness. They merely looked around, without speaking to one another.

Several others stood along both sides of the cabin, though they wore matching uniforms and stern expressions. They seemed to be the people in charge, looking quite professional.

At the end of the long table stood a blackboard, bearing a line of large words—Down with The Church!

Although the cabin was plain and clearly had not been decorated much, the several mages who entered could not help but feel a distinctly solemn atmosphere.

This Black Nightmare Society... was truly serious about this!

Thinking of their repressed lives in the past, and then of the legendary deeds of Mage Benjamin, they felt their blood boil for no apparent reason, even though they had only just entered.

They took their seats by the long table, while Benjamin walked all the way to its end.

"It's getting late. This is the last batch of members, so we won't wait any longer." As he spoke, he addressed everyone in the cabin. "Welcome to the Black Nightmare Society's first gathering. There aren't many of us, so it may seem a little shabby. But don't worry—our ranks will grow quickly."

By the time he finished speaking, he had reached the side door of the cabin. He turned and knocked lightly upon it. The door opened, and under everyone's puzzled gazes, the king slowly emerged from within.

In an instant, the astonishment in the eyes of those thirty-odd people replaced their confusion.

"Y-Your Majesty!"

Some cried out in surprise, while others wore expressions of just as expected. Of the thirty-odd people present,