Half a minute later, Benjamin had changed clothes, smeared his face with mottled blood and dust, and rushed out from a street corner looking like a commoner who had just escaped death.
He ran straight toward the church.
"Help, help..."
Benjamin cried out in panic. Over at the church, the Paladins standing guard at the front seemed long accustomed to such scenes. Several of them stepped forward together, extending their hands to skillfully stop Benjamin.
"Don't panic. Our church is under the protection of the gods. The enemy hasn't reached this place yet. You're safe now." The priest in charge came over to soothe him and swiftly began verifying his information. "Young man, what is your name? Are you a local of Rhine City? Which street do you live on?"
Benjamin took several deep breaths, using that time to come up with an excuse for his identity.
"I—I'm Miles. I'm a merchant from Liam. I came here to hand over a shipment of lumber, but then... then..." As he spoke, a sobbing note crept into his voice. "My goods! Father, what am I supposed to do? Please help me. The goods were all left at the inn. Could you help me get them back..."
"Young man, there is no need to panic. God has His own arrangements for all things." The priest hurriedly cut him off before he could make any further requests.
Before Benjamin could start prattling on, the priest turned and gave a meaningful look. Two Paladins immediately understood. Grabbing Benjamin by the arms, they told him, "That's enough. You'll be safe staying here. We'll drive the enemy away soon," while closing the Holy Light Barrier and dragging him into the crowd of refugees by the church entrance.
However, Benjamin clutched tightly at the Paladins' arms, refusing to