The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 60

A multitude of believers flooded into the sacred city, celebrating the divine birth tonight. Though winter had already set in, the countless beating hearts kept the atmosphere warm.

This was a religious festival of the Gospel Church. According to the "Book of Gospels," it was on this day that the deity was born. With his birth, the first ray of sunlight pierced the dark world, and a rain of fire burned the earth for seven days and nights.

The demons that roamed the barren lands perished under the fire rain, and new life emerged from their ashes. Even the solid glaciers melted, causing turbulent tides to engulf much of the world.

A beautiful new world gradually rose from the ashes of destruction.

However, according to the "Book of Revelation," this day held another meaning. It was described that when the deity descended, the darkest shadow would appear at his feet, representing the abyss. On this day, not only did the deity emerge, but the demons that fought him also crawled out from the darkness.

"What are you waiting for, child?"

Stepping down from the carriage onto a blood-red carpet, Archbishop Lawrence gazed at Lloyd, who remained rooted to the spot, his hesitation prompting a question.

"I'm thinking," Lloyd replied slowly after a long pause.

"Thinking about what?"

"Everything."

Archbishop Lawrence, smiling as if he'd heard a joke, walked over. "There's no need for that now. All you need to do is accept the honor and enjoy this victory celebration."

The centuries-long war between the Demon Hunters and the demons had finally ended. All the sacrifices seemed worthwhile. Torches blazed brightly in the night, ultimately burning away the endless darkness.

Blood turned into honeyed wine, corpses into soft bread, and the air seemed sweetened.

Lloyd glanced around. Faces beamed with fervor and joy, the sacred words of prayer mingling with the church's organ, creating a melody that surged continuously, as if the entire world was singing praises.

Indeed, it was a day worth celebrating. Once, a deity had been born on this day, and now, in this distant future, the last demon would be nailed to the cross.

Thus, the crowd reveled in joy.

"Come, Lloyd."

Archbishop Lawrence extended his hand once more, like an invitation. Behind him, at the end of the red carpet, the doors of the grand Cathedral of Saint Nalo slowly opened, an endless light spilling through the gap as the hymns grew louder.

"Lloyd, what are you waiting for?"

The archbishop kept his hand extended, while Lloyd seemed frozen in place.

He gazed silently at the archbishop, his gray-blue eyes filled with pity and nostalgia.

"No, that place isn't for me... nor is Florentia or the Gospel Church."

Lloyd casually fumbled with his clothes, deftly pulling out a tin box from his sacred robe and lighting a cigarette.

"I thought you didn't smoke," the archbishop said, sensing something was amiss.

"Yeah, it's a bad habit I picked up in Old Dunlin."

Lloyd looked around at the celebrating crowd as if he were watching a farcical play.

"Archbishop Lawrence, do you remember? You led our specialized training as Demon Hunters. You told us that demons were corrosive, and in the face of that terrible corrosion, our will could only barely resist."