Gun of Ashes

”One is the Gospel that established the Evangelical Church, the other is the Revelation that established the Demon Hunting Order.”

In the study, Arthur looked down at the words on the paper. This information came from Lorenzo’s mouth. But after all, he was just a Demon Hunter, though from the Medanzo faction, still merely a guard on duty. He knew nothing of the more confidential parts, but at least it allowed Arthur to see the framework of all these mysteries.

Amidst brief whispers, Arthur’s gaze was heavy, fixed on that term.

North.

What’s in the North? Vikings, the Ice Sea, cold winds, eternal night, and polar day…

In the eyes of ordinary people, that’s all the North has—a forbidden zone of life where only those unafraid of death dare to venture.

But from Arthur’s perspective, he certainly knew what was in the North. Those ascetics known as Secret Keepers. He just didn’t expect it to be related to the origin of the Evangelical Church.

After pondering for a long time, he decided to stop considering their connection with the Secret Keepers. Once it involved the Secret Keepers, it became incredibly complex. The Purification Mechanism last contacted those mysterious Secret Keepers a year ago when Merlin personally went north, but the Secret Keepers refused to see him, nearly freezing that unlucky alchemist to death on the icefield.

He felt a headache, rubbing his temples, feeling extremely troubled.

”Alas, a book. To be honest, hiding a book in such vast lands is too simple.”

Since Lawrence’s death, the Purification Mechanism’s primary task had been to search for the whereabouts of the Revelation. Yet, to this day, they had found nothing. Plus, with the passage of time, the mission from Florence, the escape of Cardinal Miguel… all signs seemed to point to the Revelation, this book no one had ever seen, as the vortex’s center.

”You look like you need a break.”

Blue Jade came over with tea for Arthur.

After Lawrence first appeared, everyone realized the terrifying single-combat ability of the Demon Hunters. They themselves were walking strategic weapons. Assassinating important targets was simply effortless, and after that, Arthur added bodyguards for all key figures.

Although they still seemed powerless against the Demon Hunters, at least it provided some semblance of safety. This time, Blue Jade was responsible for protecting Arthur, but more than protecting him, her role seemed more like that of a nanny.

”Oh my, you’re so thoughtful!”

Arthur said as he took the tea.

Although Blue Jade spoke caring words to Arthur, her expression was extremely indifferent. In her words, according to her career plan, she should have already played a rich man to death by now and be sunbathing on a beach with his inheritance, not serving Arthur here.

”Alas, with a lady’s company, time flies.”

Arthur glanced at the time; Eve should be coming home from work soon.

”I think every minute feels long.” Blue Jade said bluntly, making Arthur a bit embarrassed.

”Don’t do that, you make me seem like an annoying boss.”

”Aren’t you?” Unlike others, Blue Jade was coaxed into this by Arthur partway through. If she didn’t work for him, she’d be sent to prison.

”Do you still need protection? After all, you are... Captain Ingwig!”

Blue Jade continued, showing no restraint in front of Arthur, but despite her sarcasm, she efficiently executed the tasks Arthur assigned her.

Captain Ingwig, as a product of the Ranger Program, was considered a degraded version of a Demon Hunter in terms of physical abilities. Though not as powerful as Demon Hunters, they were among the most outstanding of mortal humans. Sometimes, Blue Jade wondered, if a crisis really came, who would protect whom, she or Arthur?

”I did find you a desk job, didn’t I? The Red Falcon and others are still working overtime searching, while you just need to stay by my side.”

Blue Jade wore an expression of disgust, making Arthur feel more uncomfortable.

”By your side? Experiencing your macho pheromones as you age?”

Arthur was extremely embarrassed, never expecting Blue Jade to be so sharp-tongued.

”Alright, alright, I must admit I brought you here for another purpose.”

The usually dominant Arthur showed a rare bit of vulnerability, seemingly needing something from Blue Jade.

”What is it?” Blue Jade didn’t expect Arthur to genuinely need something from her. She had often been sarcastic and disrespectful to this boss, aiming to escape this madman’s paradise as quickly as possible.

”You’re very much like Eve.”

Arthur put away the documents, seeming like the day’s work could end.

He ran the Purification Mechanism, this absolute forceful institute, with a word able to mobilize countless heavy weapons for artillery strikes. Arthur was incredibly powerful, but even such a man was not omnipotent, especially concerning his daughter in her rebellious phase.

Thinking of this gave Arthur a headache.

”Wait a minute...”

On hearing this, Blue Jade’s look grew more unpleasant.

”It’s not what you think. I mean your... personalities are very similar.”

Arthur hesitated, seemingly pondering how to explain this to Blue Jade.

”She’s like a childish adult, and you are similar to her, just without that childishness.”

”Like someone who hasn’t experienced society’s harsh realities, right?”