Chapter Summary: “The Real World”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin’s group has successfully escaped Ikor and crossed the border via an ice ship.
• In a desolate valley near Abyss Valley, they are suddenly surrounded by a large troop of soldiers led by a suspicious general.
• The general interrogates them, suspecting they are the escaped mages from Ikor’s wanted notice.
• Benjamin initially deflects by claiming they are mages from Riley City and the mercenaries are hired helpers.
• The general makes a logical catch: Benjamin knew the wanted notice had portraits even though it was never posted in Frieden — implying he had seen it in Ikor.
• Benjamin counters smoothly, claiming friends in Ikor informed him.
• The general finally blurts out that Benjamin personally summoned the ice ship.
• Benjamin realizes this is an impossible detail: only those present during the crossing could know who summoned the ship.
• He deduces that the general, the soldiers, and the entire valley are an illusion constructed from his group’s own memories.
• The illusion crumbles and freezes; Benjamin uses the system’s intangible ability to break free and returns to the real world.

2. Character Developments

• Benjamin: Displays sharp observational skills, quick wit, and composure under pressure. He turns the general’s accusations against him and ultimately sees through the illusion by spotting a logical flaw in the general’s knowledge.
• The System: Provides comedic commentary (“intellectually crushed by a random passerby”) but is also genuinely fooled by the illusion, showing even supernatural aids have limits.
• The General/Antagonist: Initially intimidating but gradually exposed as hollow and puppet-like — an illusion lacking true personality, making him easy to unravel.

3. Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: The entire confrontation is revealed to be a memory-based illusion; only by questioning “how could they know that?” does Benjamin see through it.
• Logic and Perception: Victory comes through careful reasoning rather than raw power — noticing what an opponent shouldn’t know.
• Escaping the Past / Breaking Free: The illusion is built from their own memories, symbolizing how past experiences can trap or deceive them; escaping requires conscious awakening.

4. Character Interactions

• Benjamin vs. the General: A verbal duel filled with bluffing, veiled threats, and intellectual one-upmanship. Benjamin mimics the general’s tactics and cuts him off, humiliating him.
• Benjamin vs. the Mages/Mercenaries: They instinctively cooperate, nodding along with his claims, showing trust and seamless coordination even in unexpected danger.
• Benjamin vs. the System: Internal banter — the system mocks and worries, while Benjamin remains collected, using their partnership to activate intangibility and break the illusion.

Ending Note: Benjamin wakes from the illusion into the real world, marking the chapter’s title — a return from fabricated reality to truth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin and his group return to reality from an illusion, with no memory of the events that transpired within it.
• An ethereal song is heard, which disappears when Benjamin tries to locate its source.
• Benjamin discovers they were close to their campsite when they entered the illusion, indicating they were tricked early in their journey.
• He wakes up the mercenaries they encountered earlier, who also have no memory of the illusion.
• Benjamin decides to leave Abyss Valley quickly, hiring the mercenaries as guides to Riley City.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows leadership and decisiveness in handling the situation, prioritizing the group's safety and quickly formulating a plan to leave Abyss Valley.
• Andy, though confused, trusts Benjamin's judgment and accepts his explanation without pressing further.

Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: The chapter explores the blurring line between illusion and reality, with characters struggling to distinguish between the two.
• Memory Loss: The characters' inability to recall the events in the illusion raises questions about the nature of memory and its reliability.
• Uncertainty and Danger: The mysterious song and the unknown creatures in the valley heighten the sense of danger and uncertainty.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Andy: Benjamin shows understanding and consideration towards Andy's concerns about their potion ingredients, displaying a mentor-like attitude.
• Benjamin and the Mercenaries: Benjamin takes charge of the situation, waking the mercenaries and hiring them as guides, demonstrating his ability to adapt and make decisions in uncertain circumstances.

Chapter Summary: Riley City

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The group exits Abyss Valley without further incidents; Benjamin uses Void State to confirm reality after suspecting the smooth passage
• Benjamin decides to make Riley City their first stop, hiring carriages for a 5–6 day journey
• They arrive at Riley City, the "most open city"—large, sprawling, with uneven development across districts
• Benjamin goes to the Mercenary Association headquarters with the mercenaries (who are abandoning their failed mission)
• He posts a missing-person mission to find Maurice, Michelle's teacher, with a 30-gold-coin reward (a deliberate, moderate amount)
• He returns to the inn to hold a meeting with the other mages

2. Character Developments

• Benjamin: Demonstrates heightened caution (double-checks reality with Void State). Shows strategic thinking in mission pricing, balancing cost against future needs. Conceals his identity as an unaffiliated Ikor mage. Remains pragmatic about Michelle's death, viewing her teacher as a resource rather than grieving
• Ricky (mercenary leader): Introduced as talkative and ambitious—claims to be training toward becoming a sharpshooter

3. Significant Themes

• Caution after trauma: The illusion in Abyss Valley has left Benjamin distrustful of his own perceptions
• Strategic resource management: Benjamin carefully weighs expenses, knowing money will be needed later
• Identity concealment: The mages operate under cover stories in an unfamiliar political landscape
• Openness vs. hidden danger: Riley City's "open" nature masks complex, dangerous undercurrents

4. Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the mercenaries grow more familiar during travel; Ricky volunteers to introduce Benjamin to a friend who knows the city better
• Benjamin and Ricky discuss Riley City's layout—some areas bustling, some deserted, some dangerous
• Benjamin and the front desk clerk: the clerk warns that the sparse information (only a name, "Maurice") may make the search fail
• Benjamin's brief reflection on Michelle—though their relationship was poor, he trusts she wouldn't sabotage him from beyond death

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin gathers the mages to discuss their future plans now that they've reached Frieden.
• He proposes buying a house in Riley City and settling down, which the mages enthusiastically agree to.
• Benjamin warns them about the potential threats from The Church and the need to become stronger.
• Joanna suggests taking down The Church, which Benjamin humorously adopts as their guiding principle.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows leadership and foresight, considering the mages' safety and future.
• The mages display relief and excitement at the prospect of settling down and becoming stronger.
• Joanna shows ambition and courage in suggesting their new goal.

Significant Themes

• Safety and Security: The mages' longing for a stable life after years of flight.
• Power and Ambition: The need to become stronger to protect themselves and their newfound freedom.
• Resistance: The mages' determination to stand against oppression and injustice.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with the mages as a leader and mentor, guiding their decisions and instilling resolve.
• The mages interact with each other, supporting and encouraging one another's ideas and decisions.
• Benjamin and Joanna have a lighthearted exchange regarding Joanna's suggestion, showcasing their bond and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin and Ricky meet Will, who is being harassed by members of the Crows gang.
• The Crows gang believes Will stole an invitation meant for a mage.
• Benjamin reveals his mage status and scares the Crows members, who then invite him to meet their boss.
• Benjamin accepts the invitation and the original invitation meant for the mage.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Shows his mage status and gains respect and fear from the Crows members. He is initially reluctant to get involved but eventually accepts the invitation.
• Ricky: Stands up for his friend Will but seems intimidated by the Crows gang.
• Will: Admits to stealing the invitation but claims it was to get back at the Crows gang. He offers the invitation to Benjamin to avoid his anger.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Respect for Mages: The Crows gang members show fear and respect towards mages, as seen in their sudden change of attitude towards Benjamin.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Benjamin, the Crows gang, and Will highlights the power dynamics at play in Riley City.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the Crows Gang: Benjamin's reveal as a mage changes the dynamic between him and the Crows gang members, who become subservient and invite him to meet their boss.
• Ricky and Will: Ricky stands up for Will but seems less confident when facing the Crows gang. Will admits to stealing the invitation but tries to appease Benjamin by offering it to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin obtains an invitation to a mage gathering under unusual circumstances.
• He doubts the invitation's authenticity and authenticity of the gathering itself.
• The invitation is for a gathering one week later, at night.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Shows caution and curiosity about the invitation and the mage gathering. He also demonstrates his ability to adapt and plan, deciding to explore the city and learn about it before attending the gathering.
• Will: Reveals his skill in thievery and his eagerness to please. He provides Benjamin with a detailed map of Riley City.
• Ricky: Shows loyalty to his friend Will and provides background information on Riley City.

Significant Themes

• The arrogance and aloofness of mages in Frieden, contrasting with those in Ikor.
• The division and differences between mages in the two parts of the empire.
• The importance of connections and networking, as seen in the gang boss's desire to connect with mages.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with Will and Ricky, questioning them about the invitation and learning about Riley City.
• Will and Ricky interact with each other, showing a friendly and helpful dynamic.
• Benjamin shows no judgment about Will's past actions, focusing on his usefulness instead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin buys a cheap, spacious house for his team, previously shunned due to rumors.
• He purchases potion ingredients and learns about the Mages' Fellowship.
• Benjamin visits the Crows' gang hideout to verify an invitation, using a black feather as a token.
• He is led through a secret passage to a garden, where he meets the Crows' boss.

Character Developments

• Benjamin demonstrates his practicality and resourcefulness in finding a suitable house.
• He shows confidence and nonchalance when dealing with the Crows' gang.
• The Crows' boss is revealed to be a young woman with an aristocratic air, caring for flowers in her garden.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and Misunderstanding: The house's past and the Crows' boss's true nature challenge Benjamin's expectations.
• Power Dynamics: Benjamin's power as a mage influences how others perceive and interact with him.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with the Crows' gang members, who show deference to his mage status.
• He meets the Crows' boss, who greets him with a smile, suggesting a potential alliance or partnership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin meets Jessica, the leader of a gang called Crows, at a gathering.
• Jessica offers Benjamin a deal: cooperation in exchange for resources and assistance.
• Benjamin accepts Jessica's proposal, forming an alliance.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Benjamin shows interest in Jessica's proposal, seeing potential in her and the Crows. He decides to form an alliance to gain more resources and support in Riley City.
• Jessica: Jessica demonstrates ambition and courage by proposing a deal with Benjamin, risking everything for a chance to elevate her gang. She shows potential for growth and leadership.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Reality: Jessica's ambition contrasts with the reality of her gang's limited power. She seeks to break through these constraints through cooperation with Benjamin.
• Alliances and Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the dynamics of forming alliances and the power shifts that can occur as a result. Benjamin and Jessica's alliance could significantly impact their respective positions in Riley City.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Jessica: The two engage in a conversation that reveals their respective ambitions and goals. Jessica's courage and potential impress Benjamin, leading him to accept her proposal. Their interaction sets the stage for a potential partnership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin forms an alliance with the Crows gang.
• He learns about the Mage Gathering hosted by Mr. Finch, a renowned mage.
• Benjamin agrees to help Jessica, the Crows' leader, by assassinating Johnny, the leader of their rival gang, the Eagles.
• Benjamin investigates Mage Finch and decides to attend the gathering to trade for more potion formulas and books.

Character Developments

• Benjamin becomes more strategic in his alliances, considering his investments in the Crows.
• Jessica demonstrates her experience and rationality in gang politics.
• Mage Finch is portrayed as a generous and approachable mage, respected by both mages and mercenaries.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Investments: Benjamin's alliance with the Crows is likened to an investment, reflecting his strategic thinking.
• Trust and Betrayal: The betrayal of Jessica's father by Johnny highlights the theme of trust and its breach in the criminal underworld.
• Generosity and Respect: Mage Finch's generosity and respect for others are contrasted with the cold and withdrawn nature of many mages.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Jessica discuss their alliance and the terms of their cooperation.
• Benjamin seeks information about Mage Finch from local mages.
• Benjamin seeks help from Will the thief to prepare for the assassination of Johnny.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin tasks Will with helping him assassinate Eagle's boss, Johnny.
• Will reluctantly agrees, leading Benjamin to Johnny's secret location.
• They discover Johnny is a devout follower of a religion called Kea Hura'an.
• Johnny receives mysterious books and gives money to an old man in the temple.
• Johnny leaves the temple, heading towards a secret hideout.

Character Developments

• Will shows fear and reluctance when asked to help with the assassination, revealing his cowardice and lack of courage.
• Johnny is revealed to have a devout side, worshipping Kea Hura'an, and engaging in secret transactions with an old man in the temple.

Significant Themes

• The duality of human nature, as seen in Johnny's gangster persona and his devout religious side.
• The power of information and secrets, as Benjamin uses his knowledge of Johnny's whereabouts and habits to plan his assassination.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Will work together, with Will providing information and leading Benjamin to Johnny.
• Johnny interacts with an old man in the temple, hinting at a secret relationship between them.
• Benjamin and Will part ways as Benjamin prepares to assassinate Johnny in a narrow alley.

Summary of “Fine, Go Die Then”

Key plot points/events

• Benjamin stalks Johnny through a narrow alley, using water magic to move silently.
• When spotted, he fakes a cultist greeting (“Kea Hura'an”) to buy time.
• He traps Johnny in an ice sphere, then interrogates him about his link to a cult.
• Benjamin water-tortures Johnny, nearly killing him by accident, then heals him just enough to continue questioning.
• Johnny refuses to talk, insisting his faith is unshakable.
• Benjamin coldly slits Johnny’s throat, kills him, cuts off his head, and cleans up all traces of magic.
• He delivers the head to Jessica, who plans to use it to destroy Eagle at a critical moment.

Character developments

• Benjamin shows a ruthless, pragmatic side: he tries interrogation, but abandons it quickly when it’s inconvenient, and kills without hesitation.
• He is also capable of cruelty, yet careful about magical traces and about keeping his deal with Jessica.
• Johnny is revealed as a devout cult follower, more loyal to the cult than to his own life.

Significant themes

• Ruthless pragmatism and the cold cost of gang warfare.
• Faith vs. survival: Johnny chooses death over betrayal.
• Deception and improvisation: Benjamin’s fake cult greeting saves him at a tense moment.

Character interactions

• Benjamin & Johnny: Tense, violent, and one-sided—Benjamin interrogates, tortures, then executes Johnny.
• Benjamin & Jessica: Transactional but with a hint of personal history; Jessica is calm, calculating, and focused on Crows’ expansion rather than revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin and his mage group move into a new, spacious house in western Riley City.
• The house is remodeled by mercenaries and has over fifty rooms, perfect for the mage group.
• Benjamin plans to convert rooms into a study, potion lab, discussion room, meditation room, and practice room.
• The backyard is cleared and prepared for planting Stone-Pile Flowers, which can be used to make defensive enhancement potions.
• Benjamin uses his magic to clean and cultivate the backyard, then hands over the care of the Stone-Pile Flowers to a mage named George.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows his leadership and care for his mage group by ensuring their new home is comfortable and functional.
• Wallis demonstrates his knowledge of potion-making by providing Stone-Pile Flower seeds and instructions for planting.
• George shows interest in and takes responsibility for caring for the Stone-Pile Flowers.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a stable home and sense of belonging.
• The value of teamwork and shared responsibility in achieving common goals.
• The potential for growth and improvement, both personally and as a group.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with Wallis and George regarding the Stone-Pile Flowers.
• The mage group works together to clean and organize their new home.
• Benjamin shows concern for the safety of Jessica, who is investigating a cult.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jessica, the leader of the Crows gang, orders Berner to frame the Eagle Gang by placing Johnny's head (their former leader) at the Eagle's stronghold and rigging it with an explosive device.
• Berner carries out the task under cover of night, hanging Johnny's head on a clothes rack outside the Eagle's inn and placing a distinctive cap on it.
• The next morning, the Eagle Gang discovers the head, and when they attempt to remove it, the explosive device detonates, killing one of their members and causing widespread panic.

Character Developments

• Berner: Despite his loyalty to Jessica, Berner shows concern about her alliance with a mage and the potential consequences, revealing a level of caution and forethought.
• Jessica: She is portrayed as ruthless and decisive, with no intention of turning back from her current path, even if it means allying with a mage.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Berner's loyalty to Jessica is tested, and the Eagle Gang's loyalty to their former leader, Johnny, is exploited.
• Ruthlessness and consequences: Jessica's actions demonstrate her willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, with potentially severe consequences for both her gang and the Eagle Gang.

Character Interactions

• Berner and Jessica: Their interaction shows Jessica's authority and Berner's loyalty, as well as his concern for the gang's future.
• The Eagle Gang members: Their reaction to the discovery of Johnny's head and the subsequent explosion highlights their shock, anger, and disarray.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A small religious sect around Mohan Street is attacked, and several houses catch fire, supposedly due to a gang feud.
• Benjamin learns about the incident and suspects a connection to his past conflict with the Crows and the Eagle.
• Benjamin decides to stay inconspicuous and wait for the uproar to die down before investigating.
• He plans to hire servants and buys job notices but has no acquaintances to recommend anyone.
• Benjamin visits a potion shop to buy alchemy equipment but is told they only sell finished potions.
• An unfamiliar mage approaches Benjamin, offering to sell him alchemy tools.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows concern for his group's safety and decides to stay away from the incident to avoid suspicion.
• He demonstrates adaptability by trying to hire servants and buy equipment despite the lack of developed systems for mages.
• The unfamiliar mage is timid and hesitant, reluctant to engage in conversation but willing to sell his alchemy tools.

Significant Themes

• Lack of Development in Mage-related Industries: The world lacks mature systems for mages, making both work and daily life inconvenient.
• Caution and Discretion: Benjamin chooses to stay away from the incident to avoid arousing suspicion, showing his ability to think things through before acting.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with several mages in his group, warning them to be careful and stay away from the affected area.
• He meets an unfamiliar mage who offers to sell him alchemy tools, but the mage is reluctant to engage in conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin visits an unfamiliar mage, Allen, to buy a potion-brewing tool.
• Allen, destitute, agrees to sell potion formulas instead.
• Benjamin buys beginner-level potion formulas from Allen, nearly exhausting his cash.
• Benjamin returns home, gives the formulas to his potion mages, Andy and Hannah, and plans to open a shop.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Shows empathy and understanding towards Allen's situation, decides not to buy the tool, and offers Allen help if needed. He also demonstrates foresight in buying formulas and planning to open a shop.
• Allen: Initially hesitant and troubled, Allen opens up to Benjamin, revealing his knowledge of numerous potion formulas. He accepts Benjamin's help and offers his address to Benjamin.

Significant Themes

• Empathy and Understanding: Benjamin shows compassion towards Allen's plight, understanding his situation and offering help.
• Foresight and Planning: Benjamin demonstrates strategic thinking in buying formulas and planning to open a shop.
• Knowledge and Skill: Allen's vast knowledge of potion formulas is highlighted, contrasting with his current destitute state.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Allen: Benjamin shows kindness and understanding towards Allen, leading to a mutually beneficial exchange. Allen, in turn, is grateful and open with Benjamin.
• Benjamin, Andy, and Hannah: Benjamin shares the formulas with his potion mages, fostering a collaborative environment and setting the stage for future growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin attends a gathering of mages hosted by Mage Finch.
• He arrives early and observes other mages, learning about the Mages' Fellowship and mages in mercenary groups.
• The gathering begins with Mage Finch's arrival.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: He shows initiative in attending the gathering and networking with other mages. He also considers forming a mercenary group for financial benefits and better resources.

Significant Themes

• Networking and collaboration among mages.
• Financial struggles and resources for mage cultivation.
• The influence and benefits of the Mages' Fellowship.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with several mages, including Jack, a leader of the Viper Mercenary Group. They discuss the benefits of mercenary groups for mages and the cost of mage cultivation.
• Benjamin observes other mages and learns about the Mages' Fellowship and their opinions on Mage Finch's arrival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin attends a banquet hosted by Mage Finch, a powerful and wealthy mage and potion industry tycoon.
• Finch distributes fifty gold coins to each attending mage as a token of appreciation.
• Benjamin learns about the potion industry's structure and the wealth of Mage Finch.

Character Developments

• Benjamin becomes more aware of the influence and wealth of Mage Finch.
• Jack, a member of the Viper Mercenary Corps, shares information about the potion industry and the Mercenary Association.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power dynamics among mages.
• The importance of networking and connections in the mage community.
• The Mercenary Association's influence and benefits.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with Mage Finch, who offers his help if Benjamin needs it.
• Benjamin and Jack discuss the possibility of Benjamin forming his own mercenary corps.
• Jack asks Benjamin to mention the Viper Mercenary Corps when he forms his corps to receive a referral reward from the Mercenary Association.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin mingles with other mages at the gathering, finding combat mages more approachable than potion mages.
• Mage Finch announces activities: recruitment for potion mages and sparring matches with a unique exchange system.
• Benjamin challenges Jack from the "Viper" Mercenary Corps in a sparring match, using an unconventional strategy to win.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows initiative in networking and participating in events to build his influence.
• Jack is revealed to be a skilled mage but is surprised and overwhelmed by Benjamin's unusual magic.

Significant Themes

• Networking and building influence among mages.
• The unique exchange system in the sparring matches, promoting mage advancement and self-improvement.
• Benjamin's unconventional approach to magic, showcasing his creativity and resourcefulness.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Jack interact, with Benjamin challenging Jack to a sparring match.
• Mage Finch interacts with the gathered mages, announcing activities and incentives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin reveals to Jack that the spell he used was Water Ball Spell, leaving Jack disheartened.
• Benjamin wins his second duel, using Steam Pillars and a makeshift storm spell to defeat his opponent, earning him Wind Phantom Body spell.
• Benjamin returns to the crowd, eager for his next challenge.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: He continues to demonstrate his strategic thinking and adaptability in magic, winning his second duel. His confidence grows, and he becomes more eager to challenge others.
• Jack: Jack's favorability towards Benjamin drops after losing. He tries to strategize against Benjamin but is still surprised by Benjamin's victories.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation: Benjamin's opponents underestimate him, leading to their defeat. Benjamin, in turn, does not underestimate his opponents, showing respect for their abilities.
• Adaptability: Benjamin adapts his magic to counter his opponents' strategies, demonstrating his quick thinking and resourcefulness.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Jack: Their relationship becomes more competitive after Jack's defeat. Jack tries to strategize against Benjamin but is still surprised by his victories.
• Benjamin and the "Viper" mercenary group: Benjamin's victories earn him respect and fear from the other members of the "Viper" mercenary group. They become more cautious and less willing to underestimate him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin challenges and defeats ten mages consecutively using his Anti-Magic Water Sphere technique.
• He wins nine intermediate magic spells in exchange, satisfying his initial goal.
• Benjamin's actions attract significant attention, becoming the talk of the gathering within a short time.

Character Developments

• Benjamin's confidence grows as he openly displays his power, aiming to make a name for himself in Riley City.
• Other mages become curious and intrigued by Benjamin's unique magic technique and his consecutive wins.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of new and powerful magic.
• The desire for recognition and influence among mages.
• The impact of sudden, unexpected success on one's reputation.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with various mages, defeating them in battles and answering their questions about his technique.
• Mages discuss and speculate about Benjamin's background and abilities among themselves.
• The servant recording the matches grows increasingly familiar with Benjamin's presence, from initial surprise to eventual apathy.