The Divine Armor of the Old Century（Book 1）

Chapter 175

The crowd bustled and jostled like a flock of migrating penguins, tightly packed and noisy. Every whisper amplified by the cavernous dome overhead, the murmurs seemed to be whispered directly into your ears.

Looking up, one could see the old clock, with its ticking sound marking time, gears interlocking and turning, pushing the moments forward. The steel girders stretched out like the building's bones beneath the dome, and a steam train slowly rolled into the station. The accompanying steam hissed, rising like the breath of a metallic giant.

Old Dunning Central Station, one of the city's vital hubs. The tracks that started here spread across the land of Ingelwig like veins, allowing travel to any corner of the territory.

"I still think this trip is a bad idea."

"It's fine, just consider it helping me gather inspiration for my writing."

In the midst of the bustling crowd, two people conversed. Lloyd led Cery through the throngs, taking a brief detour to a clothing store to change into more inconspicuous attire—of course, they paid with a Winchester, a device almost as convenient as a credit card.

Lloyd, with a lit cigarette between his lips and wearing tea-colored sunglasses, hid his sharp gaze. Cery donned a brown newsboy cap, tucking her light golden hair underneath it, matching Lloyd's shade. Although she knew Lloyd had turned his back on the Purification Agency and had "kidnapped" her, Cery didn't feel like a hostage at all. In fact, she even bought some candy while robbing the clothing store, occasionally popping one into her mouth.

She seemed relaxed, unconcerned about what was to come or about her previous anger. She waited on the platform like an ordinary girl for the train that would take her on an unknown journey.

"So, where are we going next?" Cery asked, looking up. The crowd was too dense, and she held tightly onto Lloyd to avoid being separated.

"You'll find out soon enough," Lloyd replied, glancing at the old clock hanging in the waiting hall. He seemed to be in a hurry.

The station's dome was made of glass, allowing the setting sun to cast a languid glow, highlighting the bronze statue in the center of the hall. The statue depicted a knight with a sword, seemingly modeled after a real person, his valiant visage captured in metal. An inscription at the base commemorated the Glorious War, honoring those who died for Ingelwig. The statue stood amidst the throng like a defiant rock against the current.

"It's our turn," Lloyd suddenly said, grabbing Cery's hand and moving quickly towards the platform. The Purification Agency was undoubtedly searching for them everywhere. Given their control over Old Dunning, Cery thought they wouldn't even make it out of the industrial zone. But here they were, about to leave the city, with no pursuers in sight. It felt like a grand conspiracy.

Travelers walked by, and Cery wondered if the agency was already here, unable to act due to the massive crowds. Any action in such a populated place would result in horrific civilian casualties and expose the secrets of the demons to the public.

"You're becoming more like a terrorist," Cery whispered.

"I just have my own thoughts and goals... but they won't understand. Yave won't, nor will Red Falcon. Arthur would kill me before I could even explain."

"Executing first, explaining later?"

"I've already executed. Now we need to survive to explain later."

Their voices were casual, discussing terrifying matters. Street musicians played at the edges of the crowd, reminiscent of ancient poets reciting old tales a century ago.

The steam train pulled into the station, its doors opening with a rush of hot steam that condensed into tiny droplets on Cery's hair. She blushed, chewing on candy. Lloyd discarded his cigarette butt, smiling slightly at her.