The Last Gentleman

Chapter 25

As Yi Chen delved deeper into the city of Zion, he grew increasingly fascinated by its astonishing design. The section they were currently exploring, the "Street District," was divided into three layers: upper, middle, and lower.

These layers were interconnected by elevators, stairways along the edges, and some indoor corridors. Notably, the area accessed from the main gate corresponded to the upper street level. In other words, the middle and lower levels were embedded within the mountains.

Due to the three-layered structure, there were significant gaps and spaces between the ground levels of the upper and middle layers, connected by circular arch bridges. The residential buildings in the Street District predominantly followed a Gothic style, with tall, slender spires, clear vertical features, elongated windows, and an overall dark, oppressive ambiance. Some buildings displayed a stacked structure, spanning from the lower to the upper levels.

However, much of the street design was notably inconvenient. The streets lacked straightforward access, with iron gates at certain corners and narrower spots, giving an impression of intentional disorientation and division.

Additionally, the entire Street District lacked a clear main road and more closely resembled a multilayered, nonlinear maze. Occasionally, a winding path would appear between inconspicuous houses, potentially leading to the other end of the district, saving substantial travel time compared to other routes.

While observing the intricate layout, Yi Chen offered his analysis:

"Such a street design likely serves two purposes.

1. This city isn’t designed for tourism; it’s exclusive to members of the organization. No matter how complex the street layout, as long as the members are familiar with it, it won’t be a problem—in fact, it may even be convenient at times.

2. If one day the disease spreads across the world, even reaching Zion, the streets can be effectively and quickly partitioned for isolation thanks to this complex structure."

Moreover, with his enhanced senses, Yi Chen noticed that the people living in the Street District moved with light steps, economical motions, and graceful gestures, often exuding strength in subtle actions. Their attire was equally refined, with every detail meticulously crafted.

"Those who live in Zion must have passed a basic assessment. Even the most ordinary residents are likely stronger than us."

While navigating the district’s uneven streets, Yi Chen also noted several hidden shops, unmarked but evidently conducting business. Certain alleys were closed off and guarded by men in gentlemanly attire for unknown reasons.

He also observed that some gentlemen on the streets were accompanied by rather unusual “pets.” Beyond typical pets like parrots or cats, some had creatures that could only be described as monstrous—such as a dog with a chrysanthemum-shaped mouth and no other facial features, or a large spider with human-like legs. Mysterious pet shops dotted the streets, their doors tightly shut but emitting strange sounds from within.

It was no surprise, then, that when Yi Chen met with other assessors with his pet, Little Grape, perched on his shoulder, they showed little surprise. Apparently, it was common for gentlemen in the organization to carry pets as combat aids.

Half an Hour Later.

The group followed Mr. Jeff, their guide, as they crossed a stone-arched bridge to the other side of the street. On the opposite side, an individual with a striking appearance approached them.

He wore the iconic bird-beak mask of a medieval doctor. The leather of the mask was unique, with faint, starry scars flowing across it. The eye sockets and breathing components were lined with metal, giving him a mysterious and noble air.

However, despite the bird-beak mask, he also wore a modern doctor’s white coat and walked barefoot. This peculiar appearance immediately made Yi Chen think of a profession—the "Doctor."

Upon seeing this figure, Mr. Jeff promptly removed his hat and bowed in a gentlemanly manner. The assessors accompanying him also stopped and bowed in respect.

Yet...

As the mysterious doctor passed by, he suddenly stopped.

With a slight tilt of his head, the metal-rimmed eyes of his bird-beak mask locked onto Yi Chen at the end of the line. From the breathing slit, he murmured in an eerie, almost sticky tone:

"Death… There’s a faint yet real scent of death flowing from you. Where does it come from?"

Yi Chen steadied himself and replied quietly, "I come from the cemetery of Easton Town, where I worked for some time."

"Simply working in a cemetery wouldn’t let death seep into your body… What is your name?"

"William Behrens."

After hearing the name, the mysterious doctor said nothing more, turning to leave.

Following this exchange, everyone, including Mr. Jeff, who was leading the group, turned their eyes toward Yi Chen. Blond-haired Edmund even placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Wow! Mr. William, you actually attracted the doctor’s attention… That’s a rare occurrence! You really are something.”

The word "doctor" immediately reminded Yi Chen of the organization name "G&D," where “doctor” was a key component.

Not wanting to appear ignorant, he asked:

"My life at the cemetery was quite isolated, so I'm not too clear on the meaning of ‘doctor.’ Could you explain?"

"Gentleman & Doctor… Simply put, it goes like this:

‘Gentleman’ represents spiritual purity. It aims to eliminate and prevent the mental decay caused by worldly illness, allowing for constant self-examination and ensuring the purity and integrity of human nature.

‘Doctor’ represents physical purity, using direct methods and ‘medical tools’ to cut away the sources of disease scattered across the world.

In the organization, any gentleman granted the ‘Doctor’s License’ is a true master at eradicating illness at its root.

Of course, some among them are also skilled in healing. As long as you’re not fully dead, even if one foot is in the River Styx, they can pull you back.

In short, they’re immensely powerful.

Keep at it. With your talent, William, you might one day become a doctor too.”

“Thank you.”

“We’re in the same cohort, so let’s look out for each other.”

After some casual conversation, the group continued on foot.

The area of Zion City isn’t particularly large, but fully exploring every corner is no easy task.

After about an hour and a half of walking, the street architecture gradually became sparse. The winding paths widened and straightened into a clear main road. Along its sides stood exaggerated "gargoyle street lamps"—five-meter-tall statues holding lanterns with white, perpetual flames.

At the end of the main road, they encountered a “black bridge”: wide, straight, and extending long into the distance, contrasting sharply with the previous round arch bridge in both scale and structure.

A layer of mist covered the bridge’s surface.

It was clear this bridge served as a “divider” between districts. On the other side might lie an important area of Zion.

After crossing the nearly kilometer-long black bridge, they reached an open gate.

Inside stood a massive, castle-like mansion. Its walls were constructed from large, rough-hewn stones that strangely looked somewhere between stone and skin.

As Yi Chen gazed at this skin-like mansion, a deep unease arose within him, momentarily reminding him of the scaly abyss he had once visited… as if there was some hidden resemblance between the two.

Or rather, an ancient aura—something profoundly old beyond his comprehension.

“So this is the ‘Divine Skin Mansion,’ is it?”

[Author:- The slower pacing here aims to detail the unique structure and architectural style of Zion City, giving everyone a stronger sense of entering this world… describing the city took a lot of time and study (sob)]