Gun of Ashes

Chapter 327: Chapter 16: Heart of Iron

The Bluebird prayed devoutly, the Red Falcon lay drunk in bed, Bola organized his work, Arthur worried about how to educate the rebellious child...

Putting aside those demons and devils, everyone is just an ordinary person, hustling through life’s toil, with no end to worries.

As time slowly reached zero, this old year disappeared, and for a moment, the ancient bells of Florence rang long, with deep and melodious sounds spreading across the entire city, extending all the way to the Seven Hills.

Fr. Anthony leaned against the window, gazing at the city by the riverbank. In this cradle of faith, the people of Florence are much more fervent about Divine Birthday. Believers take to the streets, celebrating and singing praises, with countless lights almost igniting the city, shining brightly like torches in the night.

Even in the tranquil Saint Nalos Cathedral, Anthony could hear the cheers from outside.

He made the sign of the cross toward the worldly place, silently praying, as his gaze turned behind him where someone seemed to be admonishing others.

”Is His Holiness still busy?”

Someone came over and spoke to Anthony.

The person was a bit younger than Anthony and wore the same attire. This was Anthony’s former subordinate who, after the Demon Hunting Order was rebuilt, was incorporated into it as Anthony’s assistant.

Anthony nodded and seemed to have been waiting there for the person. He then signaled for the person to follow him.

”His Holiness has just taken office not long, and although his thunderous methods have dealt with many people and consolidated his position, some still refuse to submit to His Holiness, not to mention those sinners who fled during the chaos.”

”Are they preparing to retaliate?”

”Maybe, but I’m not sure. The outcome isn’t known until His Holiness finishes the meeting.”

Anthony looked towards the layered walls from where muffled voices emanated.

The Divine Birthday has extraordinary significance for the Evangelical Church. Normally, this time of year is the church’s most fervent celebration, even the silent Saint Nalos Cathedral would come alive with joy, as the Pope and Cardinals gather here, praying devoutly to welcome tomorrow.

But this time is different, the newly appointed Pope brought blood and chill winds, acting in ways beyond anyone’s imagination. Some attempted to create chaos during the transition, but he suppressed all dissenters, leaving the Seven Hills awash with blood.

He enveloped the Seven Hills like an iron curtain, and even on this day of the Divine Birthday, the place remains silent and deadly.

No joy, no prayers, tonight the ones in power gather here, awaiting the Pope’s commands.

”Is something about to happen?” The newcomer seemed puzzled, as the sacredness within Saint Nalos Cathedral was replaced by a warlike tension.

”Perhaps, Samuel.”

Anthony walked as he spoke, recalling recent rumors.

”The northern Viking country’s civil war ended, a Viking named Ragnar united the countries again, and they’re watching the south like a hungry flock of vultures.”

The cold wind blew from the north.

This was not good news; everyone hoped those Viking countries would remain embroiled in endless civil wars, continuing to deplete their own strength. But now they’ve ended the civil war, and with scarce resources in the north, those Vikings are bound to focus on the seas across, where plunder is their nature.

”The distant Empire Leiber is also developing, during the Radiant War, they were always busy, constantly developing trade, and now their industrial technology keeps advancing... They’ve even left the Holy Evangelical Pope Kingdom far behind.”

The rise of industrial technology began to shatter the previously stable ruling position of the Western world, and now new players keep joining, causing Anthony’s unease.

The power of faith is terrifying; once, the Holy Evangelical Pope Kingdom’s influence could radiate across the Western world, and in some countries, without the Pope’s recognition, not even a king could ascend the throne.

But now faith is dust-covered, and the church’s status is not as before, while those in power likely don’t wish for its resurgence.

The church has little time left, as everything climaxes into a Zenith, inevitably sparking great wars that will sweep the Western world.

”I suppose the Pope is also troubled by these, not to mention the fugitives who know the demon’s secrets... I don’t know what they might do.”

Anthony arrived at the corridor’s end, where a grand door stood before him.

The doors within Saint Nalos Cathedral are similar, but the keys to open them differ, like a giant maze. Without guidance, it’s almost impossible to find the door you wish to open.

Slowly turning the key, the door opened, and the inner space was dim, lit only by flickering candlelight.

”What’s to be done here?” Samuel appeared curious.

Having joined not long ago, he had a strong curiosity towards the enigmatic demon, like entering a shadowy world now unveiled before him.

”The archive room.”

Anthony answered.

”Our situation is very precarious, Cardinal Miguel along with most cardinals fled, and although their remaining forces at home have been purged, no one knows what they might be hiding, moreover, they know too many secrets about the church.”

His hand gently swept over the file bags on the wooden table, with the yellowed paper exuding a sense of historical antiquity.