Thomas continued his quiet discussion with Enke and the other elders for a short while, until Benjamin entered the side hall, followed by several temple guards. With a respectful bow, he announced:
"Missionary, the sacrificial ceremony in honor of Deus Initium is about to begin."
"Everyone, please follow me and observe the proceedings."
Without further delay, Thomas led Enke and his companions toward the expansive square in front of the temple.
What greeted them there was a sight so vast and dense, it seemed to stretch beyond the horizon.
An ocean of people had gathered—devotees from every corner of the region. They stood shoulder to shoulder across the endless plaza, yet there was no chaos. Some knelt on the ground in deep reverence, their foreheads bloodied from repeated kowtows, and still they did not stop. Not even for a moment.
