Endless Debt Chapter 1156 - 18: Original Sin Armament

Bologue experienced a dull ache in his head. His initial objective was merely to consult Serey for any useful intel he might possess. However, Serey proved remarkably obstinate, retiring directly to his room to slumber, followed by Wei’Er and Bode, who then engaged in a peculiar discourse concerning "aura."

This turn of events left Bologue somewhat bewildered, and Sai Zong’s subsequent invitation descended like a succession of heavy blows, systematically dismantling his grasp on common sense.

Eyes of Eternal Fury? Sin of Wrath?

The intelligence Sai Zong imparted was deceptively straightforward—a mere title, a name, a designation of power. Yet, this simple fragment of information, once processed by Bologue’s mind, fractured into an infinite array of complex conjectures. A singular developmental trajectory branched into countless possibilities, akin to a majestic, flourishing tree where each bough represented an unknown future.

"My intention was to continue living in obscurity, as I have for years."

As Bologue stepped into the encroaching darkness, Sai Zong’s voice materialized beside his ear. Immediately, the door behind Bologue slammed shut, sealing them in absolute blackness.

"Did I pique your interest?" Bologue queried the void.

"Hmm, though to be precise, it is the aura you emanate."

Aura, once more, the mention of aura.

"Could this be connected to the Vengeful Saw Axe?" Bologue inquired, perplexed. "That is merely an unusual Contract Object."

"It is far more than a simple Contract Object," Sai Zong’s voice stated, now disembodied and unnervingly close, directly behind Bologue.

Coinciding with his voice, Sai Zong lightly clasped Bologue’s shoulder. As Bologue turned, the surrounding darkness dissolved, and the environment was suddenly bathed in intense light.

Sai Zong maintained his stoic facade, garbed in that peculiar, comical puppet attire, an outfit that starkly contrasted with the surroundings. Yet, this very incongruity heightened Bologue’s perception of the Devil and the Undead’s unpredictable nature and eerie disposition.

Observing the brightly lit space, Bologue conducted a closer inspection, surmising that this must be Sai Zong’s private chamber. However, upon truly taking in the scene, Bologue found himself involuntary holding his breath.

Absent were any signs of opulent furnishings or a sprawling bedroom capable of accommodating multiple occupants. Instead of polished marble, Bologue’s feet rested upon coarse, gray flagstones. The flickering illumination of candles provided only a faint outline of the objects within, leaving the corners shrouded in deep shadow.

"Is this your room?"

Bologue drew in a breath, a faint, musty odor assailing his nostrils, suggestive of long-term storage. From the upper reaches of the high stone walls, dark stains crept downward, silent testament to the relentless erosion of time.

"An armory?"

As this question left Bologue’s lips, his gaze traversed the array of items.

Dominating the center of the armory stood a grand display platform, meticulously crafted from gold-inlaid metal and exuding an ornate presence. Surrounding it were armors and helmets of muted hues, adorned with feathers and supplementary accouterments. These pieces were impeccably preserved, gleaming and slick, entirely free of rust, bearing only the honorable marks of battles past.

Long cabinets lined the stone walls, their interiors housing spears and spearheads mounted on racks. The light caught the polished blades, creating an endless spectrum against the somber stone.

For an aficionado like Bologue, this place was nothing short of paradise.

Looking upward, numerous swords and firearms were suspended from the towering walls, each artifact representing distinct epochs and warfare.

Several swords bore the engravings of crosses and sacred symbols, hinting at their former role in defending faith and the church, wielded by knights in pivotal conflicts. Other firearms were stamped with royal insignia and the crests of Knight Orders, attesting to their participation in campaigns across vast territories, silent witnesses to valor and loyalty.

Bologue murmured, "These are all part of your collection."

"They are not mere curiosities, but weapons profoundly imbued with the history of bloodshed."

When discussing these acquisitions, Sai Zong’s emotions remained remarkably subdued, betraying a distinct sense of pride.

For a fleeting moment, Bologue’s recollection of his prior conversation with Sai Zong and the intelligence concerning the Sin of Wrath faded. As if ensnared, he reached out, his fingers brushing against each exhibit.

Then, atop the stacked armaments, Bologue’s eyes landed on the object positioned at the very zenith of this peculiar pyramid.

It was neither an ornate, lethal blade nor a formidable spear capable of piercing any armor, but rather a collection of unrefined stone implements.

A stone hammer crudely fashioned from bound wood and rock, a sharpened stone spearhead, a stone knife honed to a keen edge.

These exceedingly primitive implements, possessing minimal destructive capability and hardly qualifying as artifacts, occupied the highest position among the displayed weaponry.

"This is not solely a weapons collection," Bologue stated.

Understanding Sai Zong's thoughts, Bologue suddenly turned to him and inquired, "This is a 'war' collection, isn't it?"

A rare look of satisfaction graced Sai Zong's features, a notable shift in his usual demeanor.

As if to confirm Bologue's astute observation, the candlelight surged, piercing through the gloom and illuminating even the deepest shadows.

Bologue's gaze swept over stone cannonballs and compact cannons, their short forms suspended by iron hooks on the walls. As his vision extended further, the very space seemed to warp and stretch infinitely. The armory unfolded endlessly, the encroaching darkness receding like a swift tide, unveiling neat rows of field artillery, imposing tanks, and swift bombers...