"Then they'd explained what gravity is, how to draw the lines of force, and everything would make perfect sense. "Because education carries authority, you accept these ideas easily. Later, you build on that knowledge to learn other related things. "This cult leader is like a teacher. The authority he leans on is that so-called god. He made up a bunch of theories that seem logical, giving lost people a path to follow. "And the main reason these survivors believed him so quickly is that they'd been tortured by endless disasters until they were nearly broken. They desperately needed someone to give them hope." After listening to Cassian's explanation, Natalie nodded, half understanding. It basically meant this cult leader destroyed and rebuilt the survivors' worldview. People living in suffering need a bright hope to keep going. At this moment, the cult leader appeared and told them that all their suffering was only temporary, and that one day everyone would return to heaven and live happily. At the same time, he kept painting big dreams, letting them imagine their future after they "ascend", to control them, steal supplies, and gain power. Even though most people had originally trusted science, the apocalypse in the past few years couldn't be explained by science. That made mystical-sounding reasons seem convincing. Natalie looked around at the people and suddenly felt sorry for them. If it weren't for being completely desperate, who would put their hope in a made-up, imaginary god? She sighed. "As always, Cassian, your analysis is spot on." Cassian gave her a sideways glance. "Mostly because I'm hooked up with a rich lady. When your life is comfortable, it's harder to brainwash you."Natalie punched him lightly. "Stop talking nonsense. Hurry and save Angus—I think he's about to join the cult." Her shopping coupons haven't even been used yet—they can't go to waste like this. Cassian turned to look at Angus, who was still listening carefully, and said seriously, "A good smack will wake him up." Natalie blinked. "Huh??" Cassian smirked. "I think he's kind of scared of you." He curled his lips. "The book says that when kids are about to go bad, if parents hit them enough, it works." Natalie twitched her mouth. "What kind of book are you reading..." Cassian grinned. "A novel. About traveling back to be a hot mom in a noble family." Natalie was speechless. She turned to look at Angus, who was still focused on the lesson, thinking about whether Cassian's idea might actually work. By now, the fat guy on the stage finally finished the lecture. The hall erupted in deafening applause and chants, "Blessed be! Blessed be!" Seeing Angus about to join in, Natalie instinctively slapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, wake up!" But Natalie didn't realize she'd pushed too hard. Angus fell on the ground. He stayed still for two seconds, then looked at Natalie in disbelief. "Hey, why'd you push me?" Natalie cleared her throat. "Nothing. You were getting too into it, so I just helped you wake up a little." Angus pouted and scrambled to his feet. "Don't mess with me. I actually think this cult leader's lesson makes some sense..."Luckily, they were sitting alone at the very back, so no one else got disturbed. If they had been in the middle of the crowd, his fall would have knocked people over, too. "Makes sense?" Natalie rolled her eyes at him. "Wasn't it you who said this place felt creepy and weird?" Then she patted his shoulder. "Hey, remember your real intention. Stay true to yourself!" Angus froze for a moment. Is that how this saying works? His mind was slow, and before he could say anything, the cult leader's voice boomed from the stage. "Thank you all for listening! Next is the part everyone's been waiting for—Divine Healing!" The entire hall erupted in cheers. "Thank you, Goddess! Thank you, Shepherd!" Hearing this, Angus leaned forward eagerly to see what would happen next. Natalie exchanged a glance with Cassian. Divine Healing? Can he actually do that, too? Then they watched as the man went through a bunch of oddly ceremonial preparations: kneeling and bowing to god, washing his hands with "sacred water"... Natalie noticed the so-called sacred water looked like melted snow—dirty and murky. After about three or five minutes of all this fuss, the "healing" part finally began. The fat guy nervously closed his eyes, raised his hands, and called out to the crowd, "Children of the goddess! Close your eyes with me!" Immediately, the believers obediently closed their eyes.