The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 95

Winter cast an especially cold veil over Old Dunlin, where steam rose and condensed into dew on metal surfaces, crystallizing into frost in the frigid air. People bundled in heavy clothing moved through the streets, their breath forming faint, white clouds under the night lights.

Yet, beneath the surface, an unprecedented heat roared. Massive gates slowly opened, allowing the Thames to flood through rusted channels, passing through multiple filters before plunging dozens of meters underground. The vast volume of water was consumed by the blazing boilers, which in turn powered the mighty machinery. Heated gas surged through the network of pipes, an intricate, web-like system spread beneath the city, channeling energy to an inverted deep well.

The bottom of that well glowed a deep red, housing the marvels of modern technology. In an instant, high-temperature steam erupted, racing along pre-set pathways and flooding the streets of Old Dunlin with warmth within minutes. This was a testament to human ingenuity, a spectacle so awe-inspiring that it could make onlookers kneel in reverence, reminiscent of mythic colossi.

The Furnace Pillar System, the largest steam engine assembly in human history, lay buried beneath Old Dunlin, providing energy for the entire city. Over decades of relentless expansion, it had grown like a steel tree, its roots extending far and wide, its true extent known to few.

Nikola, despite his usual weary appearance, now wore a grave expression. The air reeked of rust, and the dim light above flickered as he walked. Entering the elevator, he punched in a code, and the rusty steel doors closed. The cables creaked, lowering him into deeper darkness.

Beneath Old Dunlin lay many secrets. Not only was there the complex Furnace Pillar System and the subway network, but also the deeper layers housed the highest research institution of Ingervig, the domain of the Perpetual Pump.

Down and down he went.

Suddenly, light pierced the murky darkness as the elevator doors opened, revealing a new scene. White-robed scholars moved about their instruments, occasional electric arcs illuminating the high domed ceiling, striking insulated barriers and creating dazzling sparks.

An ouroboros, a serpent devouring its own tail, was etched into the iron, forming the symbol of infinity—emblem of the Perpetual Pump, established by its first director. Their ultimate goal was simple yet profound: to create a perpetual motion machine, a mechanical miracle that would never cease.

A wry smile tugged at Nikola's lips. Everyone here knew that a perpetual motion machine was an impossibility, a concept confined to myths. Yet, they persisted, striving to craft a scientific marvel.

"Has the package arrived?" he asked, turning to a nearby technician who knew exactly what he meant.

"It's here, delivered by the Mechanical Institute, waiting in Lab Three."

The Perpetual Pump was essentially encased within the Furnace Pillar System. Beneath them, the ever-burning furnace consumed hundreds of tons of coal, powering the boilers to unleash steam, compelling the mechanical behemoth into action. Above the Pump lay the Mechanical Institute, a massive industrial complex working ceaselessly, serving the Pump's needs.

A heavy gate opened with a groan, like a portal to another world.

Nikola did not enter Lab Three immediately. With the staff's assistance, he donned a cumbersome protective suit, its visor limiting his view. The suit's built-in communicator crackled to life.

"I'm ready. Proceeding with entry."

After a moment, a voice replied, "You may enter."

Stepping inside, Nikola found himself in a sealed chamber, high-strength glass isolating the experiment site. Control personnel observed from an elevated command platform, while armed guards stood vigilant in the corners.

The centerpiece of this experiment lay on a steel operating table before Nikola, surrounded by similarly attired researchers.

"How's the status?" he inquired.

"We just opened his chest cavity... or rather, made a small incision," came the reply, the speaker's identity hidden by the suit.

"Maxwell, what do you mean?"

"See for yourself. These Witch Hunters are truly peculiar."

Maxwell stepped aside, allowing Nikola a closer look. The body on the table was barely recognizable as human—flesh and sanctified silver fused into a grotesque, chaotic mass.

This was Ed, whose corpse had been retrieved by the Purification Squad after the battle in End Town and brought to the Pump for study. From Lloyd's ferocity, one could infer the power of Witch Hunters, essentially monsters themselves. The Pump had spent days modifying Lab Three to prevent contamination, requiring the scholars to wear protective suits.

"It's a strange metal. We cut a small piece for chemical analysis. Results aren't in yet, but we know this so-called sanctified silver lethally suppresses monsters."

A specimen dish rose on a mechanical arm, revealing the reactive interplay of demonic flesh with sanctified silver, the flesh contorting and decaying upon contact.

Maxwell continued, "According to our intel from Burlow and others, Lloyd, the Witch Hunter, claimed this metal was blessed, created by martyrs who leapt into the smelting furnace, becoming one with the metal and imbuing it with holy properties."

The mythic fabrication process, even in retelling, conjured vivid imagery—aged martyrs chanting prayers as they stepped into molten metal.

"Do you believe in such tales, Maxwell? Blessed by faith?" Nikola scoffed.

"Enshrining technology in myth is a clever disguise. Superstitious people guard these holy doctrines, forgetting that even the original doctrines were mere words."

Nikola's eyes gleamed with rational delight as he observed the specimen's violent reaction.

"No gods, only equations. If we can't explain it, it's because we lack the knowledge."

He pulled a lever, lowering the specimen dish.

"We have a new goal: replicate sanctified silver. It's deadlier to monsters than fire."

The new task was relayed, echoing through the command center, where a secretary documented every word.

Orders cascaded down, adding new experiments to the roster.

Nikola then turned his attention to the mangled body on the table, curiosity and gravity mixing in his gaze.

"Now, tell me about the peculiarities of Witch Hunters."