A thick, lacquer-black flood of ink appeared out of nowhere, instantly wrapping around Per's entire body.
Even though Per's mech Steam Engine was already running at full power, letting out a shrill wail, it still could not withstand the corrosion of the pitch-black ink surrounding him.
In mere seconds, a darkly gleaming Ink Coffin locked Per tightly within it, leaving him unable to move even a finger.
"Captain!"
Seeing their captain suddenly trapped, the Brass Knights roared and raised their weapons, their Steam Short Guns all aimed at Tiandao.
Yet Tiandao merely glanced at the Brass Knights before saying gently, "Gentlemen, are you sure you want to make a move against a squad captain on Association territory?"
Tiandao's voice was light, but the warning within struck each Brass Knight's heart like a heavy hammer, instantly restoring their calm.
They looked at Captain Per, trapped inside the Ink Coffin, unable to break free even with the Church's newest mech.
After a moment of thought, the Brass Knights silently lowered their Steam Short Guns, choosing not to act rashly.
Seeing this, Tiandao raised a hand and smoothed the wrinkles on his Moon-white Captain's Robe. His tone shifted completely from the drawn swords and taut bows of before as he smiled. "All right, it looks like everyone has calmed down. Now we can have a proper talk."
With that, Tiandao smiled and snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the pitch-black Ink Coffin dissolved into countless specks of ink and vanished into the air.
Suddenly released, Per staggered back two steps. His slightly pale expression, along with the lingering marks of ink corrosion on his mech's surface, silently spoke of the pain he had suffered while imprisoned in Tiandao's Ink Coffin.
By himself, he had snuffed out the powder keg that had been on