Early the next morning, Duanmu Huai and Olgis left the church under Lorena's guidance and headed toward the headquarters of the Mechanicus located across the river. According to Lorena, the bishop had allowed her to accompany them as the church's representative, in hopes of preventing further conflict.
Originally, Duanmu Huai expected to see a scene reminiscent of a cyberpunk cityscape filled with augmented humans. But to his surprise, the scenery before him didn't seem all that different from the other districts he had seen. The streets bustled with activity, people came and went, full of life, with vendors and crowds creating a lively atmosphere.
Even more unexpected was the stark contrast in attitude. Unlike in the Church-controlled zones, the people here seemed quite warm toward both Duanmu Huai and Olgis.
"Hey, Steel Bro, want to check out some of my fruits?"
"You there, lovely young lady—I've got some accessories that would suit you perfectly!"
It was worth noting that Duanmu Huai's appearance in other areas would usually make people avoid him altogether. And that wasn't surprising—standing at two and a half meters tall, clad in power armor adorned with a skull and cross insignia, he exuded a chilling aura that practically screamed "keep away." But here, people seemed completely accustomed to such steel constructs, showing little concern.
Duanmu Huai walked up to a fruit stall, and the vendor greeted him warmly.
"Welcome, Steel Knight. What can I get for you?"
"I'm just browsing... Speaking of which, you don't seem the least bit afraid of me?"
Duanmu Huai looked at the vendor and asked curiously. Of course, just to be safe, he didn't remove his helmet.
"Ah, perhaps you don't know this, Steel Knight, but things are different here than elsewhere. No one minds that sort of thing. Besides, the church's own saintess is a great Steel Angel. Everyone was a bit nervous at first, sure—but by now we're used to it."
"Is that so?"
"Of course. If you're still curious, I suggest you visit the church here. I think you'll understand right away."
"Alright, thank you."
After a short chat, Duanmu Huai headed off in the direction the vendor had pointed, making his way toward the church in this district.
It didn't take much effort—with help from the locals, Duanmu Huai and Olgis quickly found the Mechanicus church. And it was then that he finally understood why the people here were so accepting.
Almost all of the clergy in this church had mechanical limbs, their bodies modified with metal enhancements.
"Welcome to the church, sir. How can I help you?"
As Duanmu Huai examined the church in detail, a nun approached him. She looked fairly ordinary, except for the set of mechanical arms mounted behind her back—resembling the thousand-armed Guanyin, forming what looked like a pair of wings made of slender metallic limbs. Each arm held a different tool: some were for prayer, like a tin staff, while others seemed designed for work or daily tasks.
"Are you here to join our church as well?"
She greeted Duanmu Huai with genuine warmth.
"From the way your body blends with steel so seamlessly, I can tell you must have a deep appreciation for our doctrine...!"
"No, I just have some matters I'd like to discuss with your leader..."
"Then please, follow me. The Saintess should be inside."
The nun welcomed them eagerly, leading them deeper into the cathedral.
On the way, Duanmu Huai learned more about the Mechanicus's beliefs through their conversation. As Lorena had mentioned, their doctrine held that flesh is weak—an obstacle to perceiving the divine will and power. Only by replacing it with pure steel could one better connect with divinity...
The degree of augmentation directly corresponded to one's status in the Mechanicus hierarchy. Nuns like the one guiding them, with only external plug-ins, were merely entry-level [Prayer Priests]. The next rank up allowed one to transform their arms into metal fists and become an [Ironfist Monk]. Higher still were the [Mech-Priests], who had replaced everything but their brain with machinery...
Wow. You guys are really aiming for a mechanical ascension, huh. I might as well introduce you to the Cult of the Machine God and just have you all convert into servitors.
Hearing the nun's introduction, Duanmu Huai was speechless. He had always kept a respectful distance from mechanical modifications. If it was because of physical disability or some illness, then installing prosthetics was understandable. But if it was simply for convenience or similar reasons to abandon one's own flesh and blood... well, as a human being, he found that hard to accept.
"Is the Mechanicus really like that?"
Duanmu Huai turned to Lorena and quietly asked, to which she looked puzzled.
"Sorry... actually, I'm not very sure either..."
Led by the nun, Duanmu Huai and the others entered the church, and soon they came face to face with a... mechanical priest.
"What business do you have here?"
The priest before them looked stern. Apart from the head, the rest of his body seemed to be entirely replaced by machinery. He wore a thin coat, and the whole figure looked like a robot with a human brain—well, in fact, not too far off.
"I'm here to investigate the matter of the killer dolls."
Duanmu Huai stepped forward and explained the situation, then stared at the mechanical priest.
"Earlier, under our pursuit, those dolls escaped here, so we want to investigate."
"Investigate?"
The mechanical priest's expression darkened upon hearing Duanmu Huai's request.
"What qualifications do you have to conduct an investigation here?"
"We obviously have our reasons."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I'm only here to inform you."
Duanmu Huai was completely unafraid facing the priest. Regardless of whether the priest agreed or not, his mission wouldn't change. But he would start with courtesy; if the priest agreed to help, all the better. If not, then Duanmu Huai would get tougher.
"Ugh..."
As the tense atmosphere tightened like a drawn sword, Olgis showed no expression, while Lorena anxiously glanced around nervously. Finally, she hurriedly raised her hand and stepped in front of the mechanical priest.
"Father, we mean no harm. This matter is serious—many innocent people have already been killed. We just want to find the culprit, not cause trouble here..."
"..."
The mechanical priest was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright, I accept your request. However, we must send people to be present."
"As long as you don't cause trouble, I have no objection."
Duanmu Huai made a concession, and the near-conflict dissipated, much to Lorena's relief. The mechanical priest didn't concern himself with trivial matters; he simply sent someone to convey his decision. Soon, a young woman appeared before Duanmu Huai and the others.
"She is Melodie, a priestess of our church and an excellent exorcist. She will accompany you in the search for the killer dolls. Now, I take my leave."
After a brief introduction, the mechanical priest turned and left, and the young woman approached them.
"MelodieHanna, greetings."
Compared to Lorena, Melodie gave off a more military vibe. She wore a jet-black coat and stood upright. Mounted on her back were a pair of huge metallic white wings, and in her hands, she held a finely crafted sniper rifle... well, looking at her, she really did seem like a soldier.
But...
Duanmu Huai glanced at Melodie's curvaceous figure, then at Lorena's slender, flat physique.
Though both were priestesses, the difference was quite striking...
(The End of this Chapter)