Gun of Ashes

The entire Reichenbach had completely plunged into darkness, with Lorenzo like a Death God in the shadows, silently traversing through it, searching for signs of prey.

Old Dunling is intricate and complex; if those Demon Hunters wanted to escape, Lorenzo could not possibly capture them all. So he used himself as bait, attracting them to come forth. On this rapidly moving airship, they had no chance of escape, just as Lorenzo said, only one side could leave alive.

Of course, more importantly, the environment here could perfectly limit Moriarty’s Authority.

Activating Authority—Raphael required a prerequisite condition, and that was to meet the target’s gaze. Outside, the storm provided the perfect release environment for Moriarty’s Authority, but things were different here.

It’s enclosed and dark; if the Demon Hunters recklessly activated Authority, then their burning eyes would expose them in the darkness. They were so bright, giving Lorenzo enough time to predict the situation and avoid all crises.

However, as mentioned before, Lorenzo really planned to use it to escape; he even had the subsequent route planned out. He would crash the airship on some coast, then proceed along the coastline. If lucky, he would hijack a few merchant ships or some other vessel, and then, with Nordro’s help, reach the Viking States.

Lorenzo wasn’t joking with Gareth; he truly planned to see the aurora borealis, but everything changed due to Moriarty’s actions, successfully angering Lorenzo.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

That logic is simple and easy to understand.

A sharp wind sound emerged within the darkness, followed by bone and flesh tearing, the chest brutally split open, and the heart still forcibly beating was completely smashed.

Blood sprayed from the throat’s wound, not even giving him a chance to scream; the muffled gunshot erupted along the chest’s grim wound, shattering the entire skull.

”The first one...”

Above the broken corpse, Lorenzo whispered.

This was a perfect hunting ground. The Demon Hunters could refrain from awakening Secret Blood, but under such circumstances, their physical strength was only slightly stronger than ordinary people. As long as the attack was swift enough, it could still kill them. But if they awoke the Secret Blood and strengthened their bodies, their bright eyes would expose them in the darkness.

Lorenzo exhaled a breath of turbid air; this feeling was really nice.

Lorenzo was always bound by some strange things, but this was normal. Once a person connects with others, they are bound by others. Although Lorenzo always tried to avoid it as much as possible, his efforts were only minimal.

Although he didn’t want to admit it, he always worried about finding Mrs. Van Rudd and Hig dead at home one day. There wasn’t much life-and-death camaraderie among them, but as Mrs. Van Rudd said, even a dog would develop some feelings after being raised for long enough.

So Lorenzo always acted cleanly and efficiently, never bringing any trouble back home, but this time he failed.

He was worried about some strange things; he feared that the battle against the New Order might harm those innocent people, those who he could barely count as friends. After all, there weren’t many people Lorenzo could truly call friends.

Sword broken can be reforged, guns damaged can be replaced, but once a person is dead, that’s it; there’s nothing left.

But this time was different; this time Lorenzo wouldn’t be bound by anything. He could act freely, even if it meant leading everyone into Hell, it didn’t matter; no one would die inexplicably because of Lorenzo this time.

He was extremely happy; this airship headed for Hell, its passengers were all heinous prisoners, and he was the righteous captain, sworn to send these evil ghosts back to the burning lair.

”This is Captain Lorenzo Holmes! Welcome aboard! Members of the New Order!”

Lorenzo’s voice echoed through the darkness of the ship’s cabin via broadcast.

The stealthy Demon Hunters halted their movements; they seemed surprised to find themselves already exposed, but mostly puzzled. Without the cover of the rain, under such a siege of Demon Hunters, Lorenzo seemed cornered, yet from his tone, not only was he unafraid, he sounded exceptionally thrilled.

The scent of blood emerged from the darkness, a deep bloody odor alarming them. This time, the Demon Hunters didn’t spread out; after experiencing the slaughter in the rain, they were well aware of what kind of monster they were facing.

A creature surviving from the Night of the Holy Arrival.

”Here we go!”

A lively voice sounded at the end of the darkness, eyes blazing like lights.

Blazing white flames surged almost simultaneously with the voice. The Demon Hunters’ eyes burned brightly, clutching their Nail Swords, yet this brilliance couldn’t illuminate the deep darkness, where indistinct shadows squirmed. Without hesitation, they charged forward with their Nail Swords.

The smooth blade reflected layers of flames; as the flames dissipated, terrified faces were pierced by cold steel.

The Demon Hunters coordinated with each other; in an instant, their crossing Nail Swords slashed the figure that hadn’t yet managed to attack. But as they approached, they fearfully discovered they had killed a broken body.

His arms were severed, and blood was flowing from a gruesome cut, as his throat had been slit, preventing any sound beyond whimpers. Tears flowed from the Demon Hunter’s eyes; he wanted to say something, but there was no time. Other Demon Hunters’ blades penetrated his heart and spine at the first opportunity, and like a puppet without strings, he crumbled down.