The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 30

It seemed like the entire world had lost its radiance, with only an unidentifiable darkness within sight. Ivy walked in the dark corridor, still hoping for the arrival of light, just as Lloyd had said — for those long accustomed to darkness, the arrival of light would be a hysterical madness.

Lloyd and Ivy were now deeper inside, ever since the Stomach Maw broke free from its confinement, the two hadn't stopped moving until they reached here.

The great detective had no idea where they were exactly; all around them was a dead silent darkness, making it impossible to discern directions. At this moment, disturbing sounds continuously emanated from behind the walls, eerie and spine-chilling. It seemed as though thousands of steel needles were lightly scraping against the walls, or as if countless venomous snakes were slithering, producing that rustling sound.

"It's the Stomach Maw. It's a mass of flesh and tendrils. Calling it a 'maw' is merely due to its plant-like characteristics, but its essence is still demonic. And now, it's escaped from its prison."

Lloyd's voice came from the darkness, but Ivy couldn't see his figure. This feeling was truly unpleasant.

"What should we do?"

"Go up. We need to find a way out. We'll be devoured by the Stomach Maw sooner or later if we stay here."

A hand reached out from the darkness and grabbed Ivy; it was Lloyd. He lit another cigarette to let Ivy confirm his location.

The corridor was labyrinthine, but the route was easy to confirm — just keep going up. However, as they ascended, the corridor began to violently shake. They had experienced this phenomenon in the hall earlier; it seemed like someone was bombarding the palace.

"Could it be the people coming to rescue us?"

In this life-threatening situation, Ivy had forgotten about Lloyd's manipulation of her. Right now, she just wanted to escape this nightmarish place.

"Probably not. According to regulations, the Salon Hall shouldn't have heavy artillery. But tonight, the Salon Hall is the only one who knows we're here. To mobilize such firepower, they would need to apply to the military, but even if they did, there's no reason for it to arrive so quickly."

Dust fell from the walls of the corridor, layer after layer, as if the place would collapse the next second.

"Unless... unless there's another group..."

The whole event seemed to become clear. Lloyd struggled forward, trying to find the exit.

Tonight had nothing to do with Lloyd. It was a game between Sabo and another force. Those demons weren't prepared for themselves but for the people attacking here. Lloyd and Ivy were just little lambs who had mistakenly wandered into this battle.

"Do you smell something?"

Ivy sniffed the air, seeming to detect something.

Lloyd took off the cigarette. The tobacco scent interfered with his judgment to some extent.

His clear inhaling sound echoed in the darkness. Silence persisted for a while, then Lloyd's voice rang out again.

"Good news and bad news."

Pulling Ivy, Lloyd started running in the corridor, ignoring the terrifying sounds emanating from the Stomach Maw. The two ran like they were rushing to their deaths.

"The good news is that a more professional group is coming to rescue us. They know how to seal off the palace with oil; demons fear flames, and this will greatly weaken them."

Lloyd shouted loudly.

"The bad news is that we're still inside the palace. They'll burn us alive along with the demons!"