The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 40

It was a tale steeped in ancient history, concealed within the shadows of the world, known only to those who understood its significance, their lips sealed until their departure, when they would pass on the secret.

"The initial combatants against the demons were the followers of the Gospel Church, or more precisely, the clandestine organization beneath it known as the Demon Hunters Guild," Lloyd began recounting the history that should have been forgotten, his gaze distant, as if glimpsing those who had once exposed themselves to the darkness by raising torches.

"In the beginning, humanity was powerless against the demons. The only way to defeat them was through a mountain of corpses. It was the darkest and most challenging era, where we could only cower behind fortresses, trembling with fear, or sacrifice our own kind to appease the demons' aggression. It was a bloody era, until one day, someone claimed to have received a divine revelation."

Eve found herself drawn into Lloyd's narrative.

"A divine... revelation?" she inquired.

Lloyd nodded, continuing as all myths and legends do, with a trailblazer.

"He claimed to have received a divine revelation, stating that there existed a sanctuary in the North where one could be free from the demons' grasp. So, he gathered a group of believers, perhaps the world's first, and they journeyed through the dark lands, sailing away from the kingdoms, enduring countless ages, until they reached the frost-covered North, stepping foot onto the desolate ice fields."

"Many years passed, and everyone forgot about them. Those who remembered believed they had perished on the journey. But suddenly, one day, they returned, carrying bronze urns sealed with gold and holy silver. The craftsmanship on those urns surpassed anything of that time, as if gods and demons were imprisoned within that metal. They appeared monstrous, guarding the knowledge contained within."

"Inside were books written in ancient languages, understandable only to the chosen few who had accompanied the one favored by the gods. After many years, they finally translated the book."

As Lloyd's soft voice wove the eerie tale, Eve felt a strange connection, as if stepping into a new world.

Melodious chords from a street musician's lute drifted in, mingling with murmured prayers echoing through the room. They realized they were near a city church, where some event seemed to be taking place. The organ played glorious melodies, while the faithful whispered prayers.

"They named the book 'The Gospel,' and thus, the Gospel Church was born, built upon the seven hills, rising from the barren land below. This marked the beginning of faith's expansion, and the Holy Gospel Empire emerged upon the world stage."

This was the genesis of the ancient order, steeped in myth and epic, momentarily eclipsing Eve's own anomalies.

"Of course, I don't believe any of this," Lloyd interjected, smoke curling from his cigarette. "It's just a story. Anyone can make one up. But what's certain is that 'The Gospel' isn't as simple as it seems. In fact, there are two parts to it. The first, which everyone knows, preaches about god and faith. The other exists only within the church's inner circle."

As he spoke, the atmosphere grew heavier with secrets.

"The other is called 'The Revelation.' Just as 'The Gospel' established the Gospel Church, 'The Revelation' founded the Demon Hunters Guild in the shadows. There's no god or faith in that book, only knowledge about demons."

It delved into the deepest mysteries of the world. Yet now, Lloyd casually revealed what had been amassed through countless blood-stained efforts, making it seem worthless.