The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 168

Perhaps due to inner turmoil, Lloyd didn't notice the gaze from behind. Walking briskly through the steel fortress, his mind raced. At this moment, the scales of death were rising slowly in Lloyd's mind, with Bishop Lawrence on one side and himself on the other. He was weighing their strengths and weaknesses.

Bishop Lawrence possessed the Holy Grail, the power of foresight, the ability to traverse the "Interstice," and a horde of demons created from inferior secret blood. Lloyd, on the other hand, had Watson, the pseudo-Holy Grail, the powers of Mephisto, and the assistance of the Purification Mechanism.

Though Old Dunling was Lloyd's domain, they were at a disadvantage. Bishop Lawrence could strike from the shadows at any moment—perhaps he was already here. Lost in thought, Lloyd didn't notice the approaching Red Falcon.

"Lloyd!" Red Falcon called out, noticing Lloyd's unusual state. "What's wrong?"

Lloyd looked up, frowning. "I was just looking for you. Here's a custom weapon that minimizes the consumption of sacred silver." Red Falcon handed over a metal case, which Lloyd had requested, as his nail sword was wearing out too quickly.

Lloyd took the heavy case, surprised at the speed of production. However, considering the Mechanical Institute's advanced production line and industrial level, it was expected. Without opening the case, Lloyd walked alongside Red Falcon to a meeting room where they would plan their strategy. To prevent Bishop Lawrence's eerie "Interstice" from leaking the plan, only part of it would be discussed, with Lloyd and Arthur knowing the full details.

Arriving early, Lloyd and Red Falcon were the only ones there. Curiosity piqued, Lloyd opened the case, wondering what kind of weapon they had made for him. Inside was a slightly elongated hilt without a blade, adorned with intricate grooves, seemingly meant to open.

The weapon was exceptionally heavy, crafted from a special metal that would be burdensome for an ordinary person but manageable for a demon hunter. "A folding knife," Red Falcon explained, taking the weapon and demonstrating its mechanism. The handle split open, releasing a secondary metal segment, and with another twist, a third segment extended, tripling the knife's length. The internal mechanics clicked, locking the knife in place.

"For demon hunters' intense battles, we used a sturdier metal, which increased the weight. To save on sacred silver, only the blade tip is coated with it," Red Falcon elaborated, showcasing the weapon's craftsmanship. The blade bore intricate patterns, resembling flowing waves when assembled.

Lloyd had heard of such preferences, even for deadly weapons, they had to be elegant—something Nicola once explained. He had pondered what people would think centuries later, discovering these exquisite weapons.

Red Falcon continued, "Mainly for concealment and portability. There are also these." He pointed to the box's interior, revealing several sacred silver-coated blade tips, equally detailed. "You can replace the blade tip in battle if damaged, or use them as throwing knives."

Lloyd tested the weapon, finding it feather-light despite its weight, leaving a pale trail in the air. "This is mechanical art?" he remarked, tucking the knife under his clothes, perfectly concealed.

"Just the art of killing," Red Falcon sighed, sitting down. "I envy your strength, demon hunter. I struggle just to swing it."

Remembering a past mission in Endtown, where he was hospitalized for weeks after a fall, Red Falcon marveled at Lloyd's rapid recovery from severe injuries. Hunters' lifespans were also exceptionally long, potentially reaching two hundred years.

"That's not a good thing, Red Falcon," Lloyd said, accustomed to such envious gazes. "Do you think I'm still human?"

Red Falcon, startled, saw himself reflected in Lloyd's gray-blue eyes. "Human?" Lloyd nodded, stowing the blade tips neatly. "Would you call a wild dog that runs faster than a train and bites through steel a wild dog?"

"Monster," Red Falcon answered, the comparison obvious.

Lloyd's lips curled. "Then what about someone who can tear apart demons and live longer than everyone else? Still human?"

Red Falcon was speechless, realizing the cost of such power. "I didn't mean it that way."

"It's alright. These things are easy to compare. In the church, there's a saying: 'Only a devil can kill a devil.' To slay demons, one must become one."

Red Falcon felt a strange sympathy for Lloyd, despite his immense strength. It was a sense of inevitable sacrifice, a fate yet to be faced. "It's like a destiny on credit," Lloyd mused with a bittersweet smile.

Feeling a sudden compassion for Lloyd, Red Falcon suggested visiting the Perpetual Pump post-mission for experimental weapons. "I might do that," Lloyd agreed, sitting down as footsteps approached. However, a sudden noise of someone falling interrupted.

Lloyd, on high alert, rushed out to find a soldier collapsed at the door. Kneeling beside him, Lloyd tried to wake the soldier but found a burnt neural electrode on his neck—a failsafe of the Purification Mechanism, triggered by severe corruption.

"He's been corrupted," Lloyd noted. "In the Mechanical Institute?"

"Yes, against ghostly foes, no fortress is impregnable," Lloyd said gravely. "Notify Arthur. Bishop Lawrence is here. Move the plan ahead."