The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 163

As the largest and oldest port in Ynglwig, the Port of Raindonar harbors countless tales. During the Glorious War, it was seized by Gaulnal, only to later serve as a critical supply base for the Royal Fleet during the counteroffensive. In times of peace, it transformed into Ynglwig's biggest export port, welcoming thousands of travelers daily.

Countless ships dock at the harbor, with sailors bustling about. This port is a microcosm of the world, teeming with people from every corner of the globe. Merchants hawk their unique wares in the crowded streets, while musicians play exotic instruments, their unfamiliar notes echoing through the air. Seagulls circle above, and the port stands in stark contrast to the old city of Dunlyn.

In an unnoticed corner, two new visitors arrived, lifting their heads to admire the metallic structures.

"So, this is our new base?" one asked.

Reflected in the mirrored lenses of his beaked mask, the shadowy figure of the Plague Doctor eyed the rusted vessel skeptically. Compared to the other grand ships anchored here, this steamship looked woeful, like a vagabond climbing out of the slums compared to the other bright and polished vessels that resembled fine maidens.

The Plague Doctor had seen this ship before. It had rescued him from the sea after he had taken the Sacred Coffin. But now, it looked far more dilapidated than it did at their first meeting. It seemed almost as if someone had ravaged it. Were it not for Lawrence's certainty, he would have suspected it had just been hauled up from the ocean floor. The ship's inscriptions had faded with time, the deck in tatters, making it likely to be mistaken for a ghost ship at night.

"Yes," Lawrence affirmed, boarding the vessel with the Plague Doctor. "Don't be deceived by its appearance. This is a state-of-the-art steamship. We just had to disguise it a bit to get it close to shore."

His hand brushed the steel railing, the rust carefully crafted with chemicals. Without this disguise, the new steamship would never have passed Ynglwig's stringent inspections to enter these waters.

During the Glorious War with Gaulnal, Ynglwig's naval power was unrivaled. The Royal Fleet had anchored in the White Tides Strait, their cannons reducing Gaulnal's coastal defenses to rubble. Now, facing the fleet's firepower in the open sea, this ship wouldn't last long. Lawrence might survive, thanks to the Holy Grail's power, and perhaps make it ashore if he were lucky. But the ship's cargo would not. Lawrence had spent too much time securing these items to lose them now.

He was old, old enough to be unsure how much longer he had left. Yet, if he succeeded in his endeavor, he would be reborn.

"Come, Plague Doctor. You'll find something of interest inside," Lawrence said, almost promising a mysterious gift. He opened the cabin door, letting in a breeze tinged with the scent of blood.

"My interest?" The Plague Doctor was indeed intrigued. Few things in this world piqued his curiosity anymore. He followed the dark stairway without hesitation, confident that Lawrence wouldn't harm him. They were kindred spirits. The Plague Doctor knew what Lawrence desired, and he himself had powers that made him confident.

Their partnership was long-term and equal. A wolf does not ally with a lamb unless the lamb is also a wolf.

As they descended, the temperature dropped, as if they had entered a refrigerated chamber. In the dim light, the Plague Doctor could see the stark cleanliness of the interior, contrasting sharply with the ship's exterior.

As Lawrence had said, the exterior was just a facade.

The first level resembled a cargo hold, filled with sealed crates emitting an ominous aura. At the other end were supplies, enough to sustain dozens of people at sea for a long time.