1-42
The first-floor hall where members of the Machinery Hivemind had been standing moments ago quickly filled with Nighthawks. Most of them surged up to the second floor to prepare in the washroom, while the rest waited by the entrance, completely unconcerned by the foul stench permeating the rooms.
Soon, accompanied by heavy footsteps, Leonard entered in a full suit of armor and stopped atop the expensive-looking rug at the entrance.
This armor was unlike the current full plate armor of Loen, which served more as decoration than practical protection. Its lines were hard and austere, with no superfluous ornamentation beyond what was necessary. It looked like an ancient relic unearthed from a tomb a thousand years old. Across the front of its breastplate and down from its left shoulder ran a dark red bloodstain, as if someone had splashed it there, making one shudder.
As he entered the room, the thick stench of decay seemed to be blown away by an invisible wind, replaced by cold, damp air. Several Nighthawks shivered at the drastic change in temperature.
"Quick, help him take off the armor. Follow the order; the next person needs to put it on," Soest ordered as he entered. "Leonard, hot water is being prepared in the second-floor washroom. Go soak immediately, or you'll only be able to sleep peacefully in the Goddess's embrace."
The handsome man with black hair and green eyes had lost the carefree air he had possessed back in Tingen. All that remained was the determination settled deep in his heart. He raised his visor and, with his companions' help, quickly removed the heavy armor. Finding the stairs leading to the second floor, he rushed up three steps at a time. Behind him, the bizarre armor radiated intense cold. Another Nighthawk taking his place