Gun of Ashes

”Cole?”

Arthur looked at the leading lunatic, stared at that familiar face, and couldn’t help but speak. He never expected to see him here, but thinking about it, it made sense — this guy has always lived in Black Mountain Hospital.

Old Cole also noticed Arthur, his excited face suddenly stiffened. He walked towards Arthur with enthusiasm, like two old friends who knew each other well.

”Your Majesty! I didn’t expect you to personally come to the battlefield.”

Old Cole knelt on one knee in front of Arthur.

Arthur was taken aback, then smiled helplessly and talked to himself.

”Yeah, you’ve gone mad.”

After the helpless smile, Arthur’s expression became serious. He also chose to join this ridiculous performance, issuing orders.

”Prepare for battle, Mordred.”

This long-shelved title didn’t wake much sanity in Old Cole. He remained immersed in his self-woven beauty, excitedly firing his aluminothermic rifle.

Fools are not afraid, fools are unaware of how dire the present situation is. In this adverse condition, they are the most useful weapons indeed.

The firepower network was reconstructed, though the remaining ammunition was scarce, it was enough to support Arthur’s advance.

Eve and others covered the medical staff’s retreat. This girl no longer followed Arthur’s arrangements, she chose her path, doing her best, just as Arthur said at the time — a nonsensical sentiment. He was Captain Ingwig, Eve should not be far behind.

Arthur tacitly agreed to her defiance this time, and he proceeded towards the sleeping armor. He needed to kill all these demons, ending the battle here.

Yet, at this moment, heavy footsteps sounded, accompanied by deafening roars. The Armor of Original Sin was knocked to the ground, a sinister hand clawed onto its face armor, dragging it forward, sparking fiercely on the ground, finally throwing Percival forcefully aside.

The First Generation Armor fell before Arthur, blocking his path. Two daunting monsters were still fighting, yet it was clear Percival was at a disadvantage.

She was too exhausted; this high-intensity combat had broken her spirit to the brink.

Before Arthur arrived, she had led the remnants of her troops, exerting all their strength to kill two demons transformed from Demon Hunters. The armor was already battered, blood uncontrollably gushing from the wounds, Percival was on her last legs.

The armor’s counterattack became sluggish and eventually powerless, while Arthur and others had no means to assist her; the existing weapons couldn’t harm these iron-armored demons, let alone the one possessing Secret Blood, stronger than other demons. The current firepower couldn’t assist Percival in sharing the burden; any slack would lead the hunting demons to breach this fragile defense line.

The battlefield was suddenly divided; fortunately, Eve and her team were at the entrance. They could retreat at any time while Arthur had no way back; he could only move forward now.

”Run, Arthur!”

The following Blue Jade yelled at him, knowing what Arthur intended. They must use all their strength to assist Arthur in reaching the armor. The longer they delayed, the more time those retreating had to escape. Although it might just prolong death’s arrival, it was their only form of resistance against the Death God.

The burning trail crossed overhead, paving the way for Arthur. Turning around, Red Falcon snatched the weapons from the patients, unwilling to let these guys ruin the weapons.

”Fire! Fire! Cover Arthur!”

Though unsure of Arthur’s exact intentions, Red Falcon knew that as a soldier, a knight, the only thing he could do now was believe in his commander. Trust that he could bring the hope of life, for Red Falcon truly looked forward to the colorful life after retirement.

Arthur began to sprint, surpassing Percival who was fighting the demons, yet once he passed here, he would be concealed by the armor and demons, with no support from the rear.

”Percival! Help me!”

Arthur, this time, shouted directly towards the armor. In an instant, scorching steam blew through the rain screen, almost knocking Arthur down.

The armor’s joints began bending strangely; its engines roared to life, exerting the last of its strength, gradually standing up, forcibly lifting the demon’s massive body until it pushed it away with force.

The iron-armored demon staggered a few times, regaining its footing, yet before it could attack, the First Generation Armor launched its final charge, picking up the Great Sword, pressing against the demon’s chest, pushing it away with all its might.

The highest threat on the battlefield now, apart from the ever-observing Plague Doctor, was the terrifying demon before them. Percival needed to take it as far from Arthur as possible so he would have enough time to ascend the armor.

Almost there; Arthur was about to reach the armor, everything was about to transform.

Pale brilliance brought a piercing sound, immediately piercing through Arthur’s calf. For a moment, he couldn’t fathom what was happening, then he fell into the dark red puddle.

”Isn’t it frustrating? You were so close to success.”

A murky voice sounded, as the Plague Doctor squatted down, his lenses reflecting Arthur’s embarrassed face.

”Such a great biological observation, I’ve always wanted a large ecological box like this, to put humans and demons together, see if there are any fascinating reactions.”