Gun of Ashes

A terrifying tornado swirled above Old Dunling, as if a giant finger was falling from the sky, bringing torrential rain and fierce wind, trying to touch the ground. In the gaps of the lead-gray clouds, dazzling white lightning leaped, and the thunderous sounds echoed like craftsmen hammering steel, forging something in the center of the storm.

”This is truly a once-in-a-century weather... When I was young, I encountered such weather at sea. The storm swallowed our ship, and the entire world shook violently. It felt like we might sink to the bottom of the ocean in the next moment. I was terrified, thinking my legendary life was destined to end in this ghostly place.

But the Vikings on the ship were inexplicably happy, claiming this was Odin coming to take them, to lead them to the sacred Heroic Spirit Hall. The captain roared excitedly and steered towards the storm.”

Oscar gazed at the dreadful weather outside the window, momentarily being dragged back to the past by the chilling rain.

”But perhaps it really was some sort of hellish Odin’s protection. We charged into the storm’s center, where there was no frightening wind or waves, but surprisingly calm. The entire sky was incredibly clear, and at its borders was the storm’s path.

We rushed into the eye of the storm and survived. At that time, I remember excitedly kneeling on the deck, shouting with the Vikings, ’Odin is above.’”

”So, you actually experienced it? You’re not just fibbing, you sly old man?”

Lorenzo looked at this cunning fellow before him, skeptical of his words.

”If you don’t believe me, you can check my ’The Life of Oscar Wilde.’ I think the story is somewhere in the fourth volume. Although I’ve artistically processed it a lot, but that’s not important, wouldn’t you say?” Oscar said with a smile.

Lorenzo couldn’t be bothered with the guy in front of him. He fiercely rolled up his clothes and squeezed out the rainwater onto the ground.

This was Lorenzo and Oscar’s collaboration. Realizing that the New Church Order had set their sights on him, Lorenzo preemptively formed an alliance with Oscar. Now, everything was proceeding according to Lorenzo’s plan, with control of the game returning to his hands.

”There’s dry clothes in the back,” Oscar reminded.

”Forget it, it’s cumbersome to change, and I’ll just get wet again soon anyway.”

Lorenzo knew perfectly well what would happen next, and said indifferently, casting his gaze next to the seat, where there was a black carrying case.

”Considering the risk, I’ve let Selyu leave first. After all, this brutal battlefield isn’t suitable for her, and as for Heracles, after guiding us here, he said he’s completed his work.” Oscar said.

”Those two staying here would be pointless. All I need are your and Selyu’s resources, and Heracles to pinpoint Black Mountain Hospital’s exact location. Leave the killing to me; your task ends here.”

This was all part of Lorenzo’s previous plan. He watched Oscar closely.

”Are you all ready?”

Said Lorenzo as he picked up the carrying case, placing it against his chest. The entire carriage gently rocked forward, and amidst the swaying, he opened the box.

”Yes, the weapon and some parts of the design... Actually, your plan looks good, but it will be very difficult to execute. After all, your enemies are the Demon Hunters, not a bunch of demons who act purely on instinct. Traps are something they’ll easily see through.” Oscar said.

”I know, but you must understand, Oscar, their target is me, so even if I jump into the fire pit, they’ll have to follow.”

Lorenzo reached into the box and retrieved a Nail Sword. This Nail Sword differed from those of the Demon Hunting Order; it was custom-made by Oscar’s contacts. While the Folding Blade is portable, its effective attack range is limited to the blade’s edge.

Though the custom Nail Sword lacked a Holy Silver coating, it utilized more solid materials, and since Nail Swords were what Lorenzo was most familiar with, wielding this imitation evoked a deep sense of familiarity.

There were many such Nail Swords in the carrying case, and on the other side of the seat was a shotgun. Noticing Lorenzo’s gaze, Oscar picked up several custom Bullet Heads from the back of the carriage, fulfilling one of Lorenzo’s requirements.

”This is the best escape route I could arrange for you. You’ll take the Iron Serpent to the dock, where the civilian airship is already prepped and waiting.

The Midcourt Serpent system has developed over many years, with the Purification Mechanism firmly controlling ground traffic. If you leave from the ground, you’ll surely leave a trail for them to chase, but using the civilian airship is different.

Moreover, with this damnable weather, those War Airships will all submerge. When you ascend, they no longer have a chance to pursue you, and you can fly wherever you like. With your stamina, you surely won’t die from a fall.”

None realized Oscar’s grand gesture, actually mobilizing a civilian airship. Although this thing was still in the trial operation stage, at the moment it seemed quite fascinating. According to Lorenzo’s estimation of Oscar, Lorenzo originally thought he’d only mobilize a train for himself.

Nonetheless, Lorenzo didn’t need to worry too much now. When planning this escape strategy, his hypothetical adversaries were the Purification Mechanism and the New Church Order. It now appeared the Purification Mechanism wasn’t yet a threat to him.