The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 113

Lloyd and Shrike hadn't seen each other for quite some time. When they finally met, Shrike was as lively as ever, seemingly having recovered well from the injuries sustained during the Ende Town operation. His demeanor remained icy, his black attire wrapped in a dark scarf, resembling a harbinger of death... which, in truth, he was.

Shrike served as the overseer and monitor for the Purification Agency in the Lower District. Outwardly, he was the mysterious kingpin of the Lower District, someone whose mere presence struck fear into the hearts of all who saw him. He usually stayed holed up beneath a luxurious casino, and whenever he emerged, it was because some unfortunate soul had angered him.

"Tell me, what's the deal with Hughes? I suspect he smuggled something, which led to the demon's vengeance."

"Guessing?"

"What else? Isn't deduction just educated guessing? None of us can foresee the future, so all we can do is make our best guesses."

"Then I hope your guesses are accurate."

With these words, Shrike stepped into the carriage, shielding himself from the bitter cold of Old Dunling's winter.

"Hughes, a guy from Rainedorner Port, took the opportunity to annex Sabo's assets for rapid expansion after we dealt with Green Shark."

"I know all that. I need to know the more clandestine details, the things not documented, the whispers only someone of your caliber might hear."

Lloyd shook his head, uninterested in the common knowledge Shrike was sharing. Everyone harbors their darkest secrets, only glimpsed through interpersonal interactions. Lloyd needed that glimpse, the piece that would truly shed light on the case.

According to the records, Hughes had numerous friends at Rainedorner Port, the largest port in all of Ingervig. They smuggled goods from other countries, handing them over to gangs for sale, sustaining a gray economy. Hughes managed this business for Old Dunling.

"Hmm... I do have an inkling."

Shrike pondered before continuing.

"Although the smuggling operations are constantly being cracked down on, they've become quite established, spread across Ingervig. This gray economy actually facilitates the Purification Agency's activities, so for now, it remains under our broader control."

Lloyd nodded, indicating he was still listening.

"But recently, they seem to have discovered a new trade."

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure, just heard whispers. The source of the information is linked to Hughes, so it's likely connected to him."

Shrike paused, as if deliberating how to explain it to Lloyd. After a moment, he spoke slowly.

"After the Glorious War ended, the Galunalo people withdrew from Ingervig. However, during the century-long war, many had settled in the southern battlefields. Born during the Glorious War, they carried Galunalo blood but lived on Ingervig soil. Over time, they became part of our society."

Lloyd looked up, sensing where the story was heading.

"The descendants of the Galunalo occupy a precarious position, neither truly Galunalo nor fully accepted by Ingervigians."

"They are largely concentrated in the southern regions, facing discrimination due to their heritage. This results in poorer treatment compared to ordinary Ingervigians. Moreover, the lingering wariness towards Galunalo prevents these southern remnants from moving inland."

Shrike continued.

"Recently, there have been cases of human trafficking. These marginalized people become cheap labor, relocated from the south to other regions. Being of Galunalo descent, they are significantly cheaper than regular workers, making them attractive to many factories."

"So Hughes is secretly involved in this?"

Lloyd found it hard to believe, seeing this as akin to slave trading. His gaze turned hostile, looking at Shrike as if he were a piece of scum.

Shrike, unfazed, chuckled. He never imagined Lloyd would one day look at him this way.

"Don't look at me like that. It's a necessary evil. Our priority is maintaining overall stability by channeling conflicts into localized chaos."

This was the strategy proposed by astute politicians, Shrike added nonchalantly.

Lloyd said nothing more, recognizing the truth in Shrike's words. He, too, would be at a loss on how to handle it differently.

"It seems Hughes might have transported someone he shouldn't have... Can you get me his client list? We need to check them one by one."

"I need time. Such things are well-hidden."

"In that case..."

Lloyd pondered. If the demon's vengeance was linked to Hughes' human trafficking, then the root cause must be that person—the one who came to Old Dunling from the south.

If this was the main thread, then what roles did Rowe, Doron, and the Addams couple play in this?

"Wait, Shrike, if it's human trafficking, do they come directly from the south to Old Dunling, or do they stop somewhere along the way?"

Lloyd had a sudden realization. The main battlefield during the Glorious War was the southern front where the Galunalo landed. Between there and Old Dunling were several cities. If people were being trafficked, they would likely stop in these cities.

Shrike nodded.

"Of course. Why?"

Lloyd's theory was confirmed. He smiled.

"I think I've found part of the connection. Rowe and Doron are from Burhans, and they have gang ties. On the map, Burhans is between the southern region and Old Dunling. It's likely a stopping point where they hand over people to Rowe and Doron, who then transport them to Old Dunling."

The detective seemed excited.

"This explains why the demon killed them—they were involved in the human trafficking."

"Are you so sure?"

"Not entirely, but it's the most plausible guess."

Lloyd's mind raced. This also explained Rowe and Doron's worker identities, likely a cover for their gang connections. What, then, had transpired among them?

"What do you think drives a person to seek such vengeance?"

Lloyd suddenly asked again, his gray-blue eyes as calm as the sea, hiding unfathomable depths beneath.

From the beginning, Lloyd had overlooked one thing—the demon's motive. Not just revenge, but what had sparked this desire for vengeance.

Lloyd even entertained a bold theory: could it be that the person became a demon for the sake of revenge? But what kind of hatred would drive someone to such fury?