When Benjamin received the letter, he was busy expanding the Black Nightmare Society's ranks.
As the Indulgence Incident continued to ferment, the name Black Nightmare Society gradually began to spread throughout the Hori Kingdom. People said that it was this organization that had exposed the truth to the public, stirring up the first strikes. Thus, some began quietly inquiring into its origins.
Before long, the Black Nightmare Society's initial distribution of invitations at Koester Tavern was uncovered. More and more people flocked to Koester—among them were those who likewise harbored resentment toward The Church, but there were also those seeking information.
Benjamin intended to further expand the Black Nightmare Society, so he quietly slipped into the tavern and began screening the motley assortment of people. Spies from The Church might all have come over, so he had to be extremely cautious. Whenever he heard someone asking about related matters, he would scan them at least a dozen times, thoroughly investigating their background before making contact.
Expanding the membership this way was indeed inefficient, but at least it guaranteed absolute security.
"So far, the Black Nightmare Society has reached two hundred and seventy-five members. The vast majority are young people under thirty-five, including eighty-seven mages... At this rate, surpassing a thousand should not be difficult," the System reported.
Benjamin nodded as well.
At that moment, he had just left another Black Nightmare Society mobilization meeting and returned to the Academy's Dark Division hideout when he received a letter from Havenlight.
It took roughly half a minute from opening the envelope to the slight change in his expression. By the time he had finished the entire letter, his face had turned grave. Stroking his chin, he sank into thought.
He crumpled the letter into a ball and stuffed it into his pocket,