The most direct way to make people surrender is through coercion and inducement. With the help of a hidden dark magic ritual, Ted undoubtedly achieved both.
Maka leaned back on the chair and looked at Ted who was still intoxicated with the desire to dominate in front of the hymn stage, but did not make any other movements.
He seemed... still waiting for something.
After a while, Ted, who had had enough of this pleasure, finally waved his wand again and continued:
"Remember, next time it won't be as simple as just feeling weak!"
As his words came to an end, the wizards and witches present felt that the strength that had disappeared inexplicably just now had returned to their bodies.
After everyone sat down again with chills in their backs, and everyone fell into flustered silence, Ted then spoke:
"I believe you already understand your current situation..."
"Yes, from the moment you complete this magic ritual, your body, your soul, and even your own will no longer belong only to you."
"I know that although you don't dare to speak now, you must still be unwilling to accept it. Since you can complete the first step of the ritual, it means that you are at least wizards with good attainments in potions... Then , as long as you pass today, you will definitely try to explore what is wrong with you."
Many people have been impressed by Ted's words, but this is also a natural thing.
After learning that the side effect of the magic ritual was the loss of personal freedom, except for a small number of people who were just worried, everyone began to think about ways to save themselves.
However, Ted chuckled again immediately.
"Of course," he said, "you can do whatever you want to study! Hum... If you think you can compare with the teacher with your abilities?"
After saying this, he put the topic aside for a moment and turned to:
"But before that, I have to re-introduce myself - I am Martin, an apprentice of the great ancient wizard Mr. Haierbo. And the reason why I have called you together this time is to dedicate your loyalty to the teacher. , let you become his first believers!"
Not to mention what kind of thoughts these straightforward remarks would make the wizards in the church have. His self-introduction alone made Maka secretly say, "Sure enough."
I remember that in the Hanged Man Tavern, the "tavern owner Ted" mentioned a friend named "Martin" and said that Martin had discovered something unusual near the pub some time ago.
That time, Maka originally guessed that he was deliberately talking nonsense in order to divert her attention. Therefore, after that, Maka did not go to the place he mentioned to find out, but left directly.
However, the name "Martin" also remained in Maka's memory, and she even thought afterwards that this boss might be the "Martin" pretending to be.
But now it seems that his guess at that time turned out to be true.
As for the real owner of the Hanged Man Tavern, Ted Gleiman... I'm afraid he was killed by his classmate and friend "Martin" a long time ago, right
While Maka was still thinking about these things, she heard the fake Ted suddenly say:
"Look! The situation is actually very simple, and although you are controlled by me, you are able to come into contact with a truly powerful wizard like the teacher! Don't you think it is a very lucky thing to be the first batch of disciples of the teacher? ?”
"So, don't worry -" he paused for a moment, and then reminded, "Although I have to say that besides me, the teacher has actually accepted other apprentices. And although you are the first batch of believers, you may become the first batch of disciples. It’s far more than just you people here..."
At this point, he suddenly emphasized his tone and said:
"But! Follow me and work hard to develop more disciples for the teacher! If your performance is excellent enough, the growth of magical strength will definitely not be a problem, and the power you can possess will surpass the vast majority of ordinary wizards in the world. !”
"Think about it! The teacher is different from Grindelwald and Voldemort, who are short-sighted and extreme. He is a truly strong man! In his eyes, whether they are hemp wizards or mixed-blood wizards, they are all the same as pure-blood wizards. No different."
"So, as long as we follow his footsteps wholeheartedly, as long as we are talented enough and work hard enough, we can follow him to the top of the world!"
"And isn't this what we have been pursuing?"
With this series of inflammatory speeches, Martin himself seemed to get excited. You could see him stretching his arms, his voice getting higher and higher, and his whole person becoming more and more energetic.
To be honest, among the wizards present, there were indeed many Muggle-born wizards, or wizards with one parent being a Muggle. These people had been discriminated against by purebloods to a greater or lesser extent in the past.
Although they were somewhat resistant because of Martin's previous demonstration, as soon as they calmed down and thought about it, they quickly understood that they actually had only one choice left.
Whether they temporarily succumb to Martin's control of force, or they really have expectations because of his words - becoming a disciple of Haierbo will be the only path they can take.
"Okay! I think you all must have a clear idea of how to choose, so..." Martin suddenly raised his hands and gestured, "Stand up! Before you receive the next information on the magic ritual for free, follow me. Let’s shout together the highest purpose of my religion—”
"Under the soul, all things are equal!"
What kind of slogan is this
Maka couldn't help but feel a little funny about this - because most of these words were probably added by this guy himself.
Of course, judging from the selfish character of Helbo who would not kill anyone for himself, Martin said this is correct. Except for Haierbo himself, isn’t it true that “all things are equal”
Hearing Martin ask all the wizards present to stand up and respond, although many of the wizards in the underground church felt a little resistant, they had no choice but to stand up and shout out.
Maka was mixed in the crowd, but she was thinking about what the other person said before.
I remember what this guy mentioned just now, saying that he is not the only "apprentice" of Haierbo, and the first batch of believers will not only be these people present.
In fact, this is what Maka has been waiting for.
The reason why he did not take action directly some time ago, but allowed this guy to continue to act secretly in the Hanged Man Tavern, was to find out more wizards from him who might be following Haierbo.
And now, when he naturally knew that his guess was true, today's secret meeting was not in vain.
So, is it time to close the net now
No, of course it's more than that - according to Maka's original plan, as long as Haierbo didn't appear in this gathering, there was no need for him to arrest people in such a hurry.
Even after catching this Martin, it is possible to get more clues from his head with Legilimency or Veritaserum, but most of them will be discovered by Haierbo.
Rather than taking this risk, it's better to wait patiently, right
Now, this rally is coming to an end. According to Maka's guess, if Haierbo plans to show up, it must be during the last period of time.
After that, Maca watched the witches and wizards in the church sign confidential documents one by one, and then went to Martin to get the parchment recording the next step. He thought for a moment, then signed his name and received one.
Although there was a very powerful curse attached to the confidential list, Maka knew at a glance that it was not made by Haierbo, but was made by Martin himself.
Therefore, even though signing your name would have a very terrible restriction on ordinary wizards, Maka could easily use the confusion spell to cheat the curse and sign a false name at will.
And until the last moment, Haierbo never appeared.
It's rare that he can't wait until this despicable guy becomes what Maka is looking forward to - at least until he kills all the so-called "apprentices" and "believers", it would be best if Halpo never shows up.
Before the meeting ended, Martin solemnly reminded:
"The time of the next gathering will be announced in a different way from today...and during this period, remember to find more and more reliable believers for the teacher! After completing this step of the ceremony, you will experience this The true secret of the magic ritual, but the subsequent ritual steps will not be available for free like today!"
After Martin finished speaking, I don't know how many people actually listened.
But thinking about it, as long as these wizards and witches fail to release Martin from controlling them before the next meeting, they will have no choice but to obey this guy's orders.
Seeing all the wizards starting to leave the underground church one after another, Maka looked around and was about to follow them out.
Next, it was time for Lupine, Sirius and others to get busy and separately investigate the identities of the wizards attending the gathering today.
But when Maca followed the crowd to the stairs leading to the ground, he noticed that a wizard did not leave with the others, and was still sitting silently on the prayer bench in the church.
With a slight frown, Maka immediately walked into the staircase passage, only to see him swaying slightly in the crowd, and in the blink of an eye he quietly disappeared without anyone noticing.
Then, he returned to the church, randomly picked a prayer chair near the middle aisle and sat down.
Who is the guy who stays? And why should we stay
With all the circumstances of today's gathering, Maka suddenly felt that he might see a good show performed here next.