Gun of Ashes

”Wait, is this strange effect also a form of defense?” Bola just realized at this moment.

”That’s right, this technology came with the armor technology brought by Jiuxia. However, our research on it has been slow, so slow that even now it can only be used to restrict ordinary people.”

As Gawain and Bola proceeded, Percival maintained that dazed smile, as if these matters had nothing to do with her.

”This thing is called an anti-meme, brought by those from Jiuxia. They believe that the Demon’s erosion is a form of meme contamination, capable of transmitting between any media. The anti-meme is the power to reverse meme contamination. Unfortunately, Jiuxia is too far from Ingwig; it’s said that each journey here takes several years, making efficient communication on this difficult.”

”Is Black Mountain Hospital an anti-meme?” Bola asked.

”Precisely, it’s an experiment with the anti-meme. For now, this technology is managed by the Cleaners, and the information related to Black Mountain Hospital is tied to this specific anti-meme. It erases humans’ cognition of Black Mountain Hospital, much like yourself—you might know it exists, but anything deeper is unclear.” Gawain said.

”How do you manage to do this... the rain.” Bola wanted to ask how the Cleaners wield this anti-meme power on everyone, but recalling how they handled the Demons, Bola seemed to have guessed it.

”By refining through Alchemy, the anti-meme elixir is injected into the Furnace Pillar, which spreads with steam above the clouds, then descends, baptizing everyone.”

Thinking of this, Gawain too was amazed. After so many years of effort, Old Dunling is essentially a fortress, keeping madness at bay with the rational city walls.

”I shouldn’t have the authority to know these things, especially about the anti-meme here.” Bola was cautious.

”It’s fine. Our research on the anti-meme is far less in-depth than that on the Armor of Original Sin and it cannot be weaponized as of now. But why am I telling you this...”

Gawain suddenly stopped and looked at Bola.

”The current situation is very critical. Both we and the new Order understand each other’s intentions. We all want to firmly grasp the Pseudo Holy Grail, and disputes over it are bound to erupt; it’s just not clear how.”

The Purification Mechanism’s short collaboration with the new Order has ended. Next, perhaps the great war will erupt... any of us could die, as we are mere mortals. Compared to the Demon Hunters, we are indeed too fragile.”

”What do you intend to do?” Bola felt a slight pressure.

”Demon Hunters possess extremely strong individual combat capabilities. Our discussions speculate that the new Order is likely to fully utilize this ability for decapitation operations. If Arthur dies, I will command the battle. If I die, the command will be given to you, Bola.”

Gawain’s gaze was icy and devoid of emotion. In a trance, Bola suddenly recalled Joey’s evaluation of him.

Gawain is a pure soldier, executing ironclad orders. For all this, he turned himself into a machine, showing no mercy to anyone under command. Just like when he killed those children in front of Joey, even facing himself, Gawain remained cold and ruthless.

”Go prepare, Bola. Merlin has arrived at Black Mountain Hospital. The formal research on the Pseudo Holy Grail will begin tomorrow. If I were the new Order, that would be the best time to launch an attack.”

Gawain bid farewell to Bola as he continued forward with Percival. Tonight’s actions could not be hidden from the new Order’s sight. Of course, they had no intention of concealing the movements of the Armor of Original Sin, which was more like a threat.

Although the Third Generation Armor is numerous, it is still inferior in combat to the First Generation Armor. Both Gawain and Percival, who can operate the First Generation Armor, are currently the strongest here.

”Oh, I thought you would hand over the command to me.” Percival said.

”You? If you could ever be serious, I might, but you’re simply unreliable, Percival.”

Gawain hadn’t even considered his partner. After so much time together, he knew exactly what kind of person his partner was.

Percival just smiled as the scent of iron filled the air, as if a blade corroded by blood leaned in the corner. Yet the woman was unfazed, as if she were devoid of fear.

The War Airship skimmed low over Black Mountain Hospital, dropping cables from the darkness. Those black objects hit the ground, causing a slight tremor.

Arthur stood by the window, watching the Armor of Original Sin that had arrived. Dense steam accompanied by engine rotation spilled from the darkness, the rising steam connecting with the rain curtain, engulfing the entire Black Mountain Hospital.

”This doesn’t feel good, much like war is looming.”

Merlin sat aside, reviewing documents, not looking out the window, but clearly aware of what had arrived based on the continuous faint tremors from the ground.

”Indeed, adult power struggles are truly unsightly. We know clearly that the new Order is scheming something at the embassy, but we can’t just bomb the place, as we’re officially still in cooperation with the new Order. Once a conflict arises, it escalates to a national level.” Arthur said.