The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 107

The blindfold carried a strange fragrance, continuously wafting into Lloyd's nostrils. It wasn't exactly pungent, but it did leave him disoriented. Despite the sensory overload, Lloyd, with his exceptional memory and the keen senses of a demon hunter, could usually recreate his path even when blindfolded. But the Purge Mechanism had anticipated this and stripped him of that ability, leaving him no room to maneuver.

All he could hear was the incessant hum of machinery, indicating a descent underground. In Old Dunling, with its labyrinthine underground structures, hiding a secret facility was all too convenient. During the Glorious War, numerous shelters had been constructed beneath the city, interconnected with the sprawling sewer system, resembling an ant's nest. Without a map, one could easily get lost and starve within its confines.

After the Glorious War, further modifications were made to Old Dunling's underground. Beyond the central Furnace Pillar system, there were steam pipes and sewers branching out, along with an intricate subway network for public transport. Lloyd sometimes felt that even the Mechanarium might not have a complete map of these tunnels, which seemed to be endlessly expanded like a child's unstable brick castle.

After about half an hour, the blindfold was finally removed by Red Falcon. The sudden exposure to light after prolonged darkness made Lloyd squint and shield his eyes with his hand until his vision adjusted. He found himself in a steel corridor, with exposed steam pipes, dripping water from various patched-up sections, and the pervasive smell of rust in the air.

Behind him, the heavy gates had shut, revealing glistening metal through wide gaps—interlocking layers of steel that guarded the entrance, etched with demonic figures that seemed ready to burst through. Dim electric lights stretched down the length of the corridor, ending at another gate guarded by soldiers in bulky iron armor, holding unfamiliar weapons connected by cables.

Lloyd noted the absence of Joey and the other soldiers. Red Falcon noticed his confusion and quietly explained, "To minimize the risk of demonic incursion, the headquarters enforces strict personnel flow. Even senior knights require special approval to enter."

Lloyd nodded, and Red Falcon continued, "Also, please keep your secret blood in a dormant state. The headquarters is fully covered by large Geiger counters; any unusual readings will trigger a lockdown. We don't need any unnecessary trouble."

The soldiers' faces were obscured by their heavy helmets, shrouded in darkness. As Lloyd and Red Falcon passed, the steel gates slowly rose, and the weapons in the soldiers' hands crackled with electric arcs, closely watching Lloyd until they were out of sight. Many such gates lined their path, designed to seal off sections and trap any invaders.

"What are those weapons? I've never seen anything like them," Lloyd asked, curiosity overcoming him as he noticed the electric arcing guns again.

"They're electric spear guns, specifically designed for combating demons," Red Falcon explained without hesitation. "Think of them as compact harpoon guns. The projectiles are conductive metal spears, launched by compressed gas, with enough force to pierce tough flesh. They are connected to cables that deliver an electric shock to the target."

Red Falcon detailed the weapon's workings. "Our research shows that demons, despite their otherworldly nature, have muscles controlled by nerves. High-voltage electricity causes their muscles to spasm, impairing their movement. For larger demons, we use bigger versions of these spear guns."

Lloyd, observing the weapons, felt a growing caution. The Purge Mechanism's advanced technology rivaled that of the Demon Hunters. While he understood the principles behind these weapons, their militarization had never crossed his mind.

"And what about humans? If the invaders were human, wouldn't these demon-specific weapons be useless?" Lloyd asked.

Red Falcon looked surprised, then chuckled. "It seems even Mr. Holmes can have lapses in logic. Not everyone possesses your strength. For ordinary humans, these weapons are deadly."