Magic Industrial Age

In the days that followed, the situation unfolded almost exactly as Loye had predicted.

The commoners at the bottom, including even the free people, artisans, and wage earners, were visibly excited, practically spreading the news from door to door.

The tragedy of the God's Grace Festival had claimed far too many lives; even if their own families hadn't suffered losses, everyone had relatives or friends who had.

The news of the notorious pirate Gies's death naturally filled them with excitement.

However, the wealthy merchants and nobles remained silent, like the calm before a storm, foreshadowing even greater chaos.

Then, amidst the silence, some nobles chose to leave, taking their families to other cities for a short stay, hoping to avoid the impending turmoil.

Without a doubt, this was the wisest choice; whether or not there was unrest, it was best to stay out of harm's way.

But in reality, not many people could afford to do so!

Even the wealthiest merchants had their money tied up in their businesses, and they had production tasks to complete; they couldn't just leave on a whim!

Therefore, most people chose to reinforce their guards, increase vigilance, or hire more skilled mercenaries or detectives.

According to Ang's information, the hiring prices for mercenaries and detectives in Oakland City had at least tripled.

Especially those second-tier mercenaries with established reputations were in high demand.

Some wealthy merchants, unable to find mercenaries, even turned to certain gangs for help, such as the Bloodhand Gang, which accepted such assignments.

Hiring gang members to guard their homes was, frankly, laughable.

But they did it anyway, and once it started, such incidents became increasingly common.

This situation further heightened the tension within the city!

Loye had initially planned to leave with everyone else, figuring it was better to avoid trouble.

However, after careful consideration, he abandoned the idea.

Oakland City, for all its faults, still had some semblance of order, which provided a degree of protection. He feared that running into the wilderness would only attract swarms of attackers.

If these people were determined to target him, they would surely track his movements, making him like a sitting duck, with no escape!

But since he couldn't avoid it, he would face it head-on!

Loye was eager to find out if his current combat strength could match a Transcendent.

He also wanted to know who exactly dared to try and kill him.

Once this idea took root, Loye couldn't suppress it any longer.

Of course, the initial preparations and arrangements still needed to continue.

For example, he paid a visit to the Ancient Spirit Magic Tower and had an in-depth conversation with Madam Linda.

If there was a safe place in Oakland City during the chaos, Loye believed that the magic tower of the Filant Magic Academy was one!

Therefore, he wanted to entrust Lilia Lightninger and the two children from the Maruna family to their care.

Without any worries, he could act without restraint!

Furthermore, Loye had previously ordered three sets of double-layered snakeskin armor, which were being custom-made and hadn't yet been picked up.

Now, knowing that danger was imminent, Loye naturally prepared to retrieve them.

However, the efficiency of classical alchemy remained low, and only two sets of the double-layered snakeskin armor had been completed so far.

Two sets would have to do; Loye wore one set himself and gave the other to Olivia.

As the main combat forces, they naturally needed to maximize their defense!

In addition, Loye purchased a magic energy pistol with the 'armor-piercing' attribute from Gary Mills.

This pistol was also a revolver, with an enlarged cylinder that could hold ten bullets and a lengthened barrel adorned with purple magic patterns. Each shot resembled a dragon breathing fire.

Therefore, this specially made magic energy pistol was also known as 'Fury'.

Accurately speaking, it was a combination of magic energy technology and classical alchemy, possessing both the advantages of a magic energy pistol and the 'armor-piercing' attribute.

Each activation of the weapon required 100 points of magic power, and the effect was to make the bullets more penetrative and extend their range.

This was Gary Mills's former main weapon; before obtaining the gold and silver dual pistols, he had relied on this magic energy gun to make his name.

Of course, the main reason Loye spent a large sum of money to purchase it was because this gun could use special bullets.

Holy water bullets, silver water bullets, flame bullets, ice bullets, and so on...

If used properly, these could be incredibly effective!

In addition, he purchased a batch of magic potions, including healing potions, antidote potions, and battle energy recovery potions.

With these matters settled, Loye and Olivia walked out, leaving the magic tower without looking back and boarding a carriage.

Sixth floor of the magic tower, by the window.

Madam Linda and Gary Mills stood there quietly watching.

As the carriage was about to disappear into the distance, obscured by other buildings, Gary Mills finally spoke:

"Couldn't you let them hide in the magic tower for a while?"

Madam Linda slowly shook her head: "That won't do. We at the magic tower have already been warned not to intervene in this chaos."

"Although I am a second-tier magic potion master, I am only a second-tier magic potion master. I don't have the final say in this magic tower!"

After a pause, she raised her head slightly and pointed into the distance, saying, "Besides, haven't you noticed?"

"Loye didn't even mention it, which means they are aware of the situation."

"This is a hurdle they must overcome. Once they do, few people in Oakland City will dare to provoke him in the future."

"Only then will he be truly established!"

Gary Mills's eyes flickered, and he asked, "You can't interfere, but what about me?"

Madam Linda turned her head in surprise and asked, "Really? You've only known each other for a few days, and you're already willing to help him?"

"I'm also very curious; you actually sold your 'Fury' to him. Didn't you say you wanted to keep it as a memento?"

Gary Mills didn't turn around, as if afraid to meet Madam Linda's gaze.

But he still answered: "A wealthy and generous gunslinger apprentice is hard to find!"

"Moreover, his talent is extremely high. To be precise, I think he's much stronger than me."

"If the Eagle Eye style can truly be carried forward, it will likely depend on him."

Madam Linda couldn't help but cover her mouth: "Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"

Gary Mills nodded, then shook his head, and asked, "Just tell me, is it possible?"

Madam Linda hesitated slightly before saying, "Directly intervening might not be appropriate, but I remember you have ranged methods, don't you?"

"If it's really necessary, you can use them! But you have to maintain a certain degree of control."

"Understood!"

...

19 Lombardy Street, first floor, training ground.

A life-size mirror was placed against the wall, reflecting the entire layout of the training room.

This was specially arranged by Loye so that he could directly see his movements during training and correct them accordingly.

Of course, Loye wasn't training at this moment; instead, he was standing in front of the mirror, organizing his equipment.

First, he took off his outer coat, leaving only his undergarments, and then he put on the double-layered snakeskin armor.

The cool snakeskin felt particularly smooth against his skin, and Loye couldn't help but twist his body, taking some time to adjust to the unusual sensation.

The surface of the snakeskin armor was covered with layers of overlapping scales, specially treated and reduced to the size of a baby's palm, shimmering with silver light and possessing a high degree of flexibility.

Between the snakeskin and the scales were dense magic patterns, layer upon layer, ultimately forming a six-layered magic array.

With a thought, Loye channeled magic power into the array, and the layers of magic patterns lit up, with rays of light emanating from the scales.

In front of Loye, six layers of 'deflection field' magic completely enveloped him, following his movements wherever he turned.

Six layers of deflection field could even block bullets from long-range magic energy sniper rifles.

Even a nearby artillery explosion could mitigate most of the impact force, making the effect absolutely remarkable.

Combined with the arrangement of the double-layered snakeskin, it provided excellent defense against stabbing attacks.

The only slight weakness was against the concussive damage of heavy weapons.

However, one couldn't ask for everything; this was already a rare magical equipment, extremely impressive.

Next, Loye hung a gun belt around his waist, with a Colt revolver on the right and the magical left-hand Fury revolver on the left.

The bullets were still placed in special speedloaders and inserted into the gun belt one by one.

On his feet were magical item deerskin boots, which had the effect of lightness.

However, after wearing all this equipment, Loye could no longer put on a fitted gentleman's suit.

So, he directly chose a gray windbreaker and put it on over everything.

He wore a top hat on his head and turned up the collar of his coat, covering most of his face, giving him an air of mystery.

As for the cane, he stopped using it after his strength improved and he felt more confident.

What did it mean for such a young man to carry a cane?

Finally, he held the Dawn Rapier in his hand. The long sword was unsheathed, and with a slight vibration, shock diamonds appeared from the blade, spreading and diffusing.

At this moment, Loye felt the vast power within his body, the strong heartbeat, the pure and quiet flowing battle energy, and the overly active magic power...

He only felt incredibly strong!

Turning his head slightly, he looked at Olivia, who was similarly dressed, and couldn't help but grin, saying, "Teacher, when do you think the enemies will come?"

"I'm really eager to try myself out now!"

Olivia tightened her belt, narrowed her eyes slightly, and said, "Soon, I think!"

Yes,

Soon!

And so, time flew by, and three days had passed.

Evening,

Dark clouds gathered, obscuring the last bit of sunlight, and just as darkness was about to completely descend, a beautiful song rang out in the sky.

Without lyrics, it purely relied on the melodious tune to move people's hearts.

Responding to her was divine power, with a pair of heaven-covering wings slowly unfolding, seemingly able to envelop half the city.

Amidst the dazzling divine light, a figure stood suspended in the air, holding a thorny wooden staff.

At this moment, even the well-prepared Loye felt his sword-wielding hand tremble!

No one told him that this chaos would be initiated by a fourth-tier powerhouse!

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