Gun of Ashes

Heracles spoke while shaking his head, at a loss for words to describe such a mad plan.

”The location is still Gaulunaro...”

He seemed to remember something and then looked at Lorenzo.

”Lorenzo, I’ve recently heard some other news that I think you might find interesting, and it might be related to this work.”

”What’s going on?”

”There’s news circulating that Gaulunaro is preparing to establish its own religion.” Heracles sat upright and serious.

”What?”

Lorenzo, who was born into the Evangelical Church, was particularly sensitive to matters of religion and thought of many things in an instant.

”Actually, it started a few months ago. A new religion emerged in Gaulunaro, calling themselves Orthodoxy. Of course, these religious groups have been seen before, but most have been eradicated by the Evangelical Church, and given that Gaulunaro people are loyal believers of the Evangelical Church, this new religion doesn’t have a large following.”

Heracles continued speaking.

Historically, the teachings of the Evangelical Church have spread across nations, with Gaulunaro being the most influenced by them. Ingwig, due to its isolation by the White Tide Strait, wasn’t as thoroughly infiltrated as Gaulunaro. As for the distant Viking nations, who believed in Odin, they scoffed at these teachings.

”So is there anything special about this time?”

Lorenzo asked, knowing that this so-called Orthodoxy must have something special to it, for Heracles to remember it.

”Do you know Miguel?”

”Cardinal Miguel, a leader of the Evangelical Church, and one of the exiles.”

Shermans’ notes not only recorded knowledge of demons but also some of Shermans’ experiences, such as the bizarre new Pope and the exiles who were forced to leave.

In his notes, Shermans mentioned wanting to attack the Seven Hills and kill the heretic who desecrated the Holy Spirit, yet he ultimately died in the foreign land of Ingwig.

”After Orthodoxy established a certain foundation, Miguel appeared. As a Cardinal, he declared that the Evangelical Church had deviated from God’s will, that the holy authority was currently held by heretics, and he wanted to restore devotion to God, thus Orthodoxy was born.”

Heracles recalled the intelligence, which wasn’t really secretive. Many people in Gaulunaro bore witness to this moment, but perhaps due to constraints in information transfer, it has only been circulating within Gaulunaro for now.

”Then Miguel had more Cardinals who were exiled with him testify, making people believe in the authenticity of his words... After all, you understand believers.”

In his speech, Heracles showed his disdain for faith.

”But that’s not the most critical part. What comes next is Gaulunaro’s official attitude, which is most perplexing. Historically, their populace has been deeply inspired by the Gospel, and logically, this Orthodoxy would be considered a complete heretical presence in their eyes. Even with Cardinals testifying, it would incite strong controversy.”

”Yet, judging by Gaulunaro’s official attitude, they are supporting this Orthodoxy.”

Heracles’ gaze grew heavy.

”This is a terrifying omen. Gaulunaro no longer wants its faith to be controlled by the Evangelical Church. They want to create their own religion.”

No one responded. Suddenly, all sounds disappeared as a prolonged silence enveloped them, and Lorenzo finally broke the stillness.

”No, it’s not like that.”

Reflecting on what Arthur had said to him earlier, amidst the rapidly changing situation, Lorenzo suddenly understood.

”What Gaulunaro wants is not a new religion.”

Night of the Holy Arrival, War Faction, Secret Blood, Cardinals, Miguel...

For some reason, Lorenzo completely lost the casual demeanor he had before. Like an animal sensing danger, he involuntarily clenched his fists, his eyes bloodshot, poised like a deadly blade on the brink of being unsheathed.

”What they want is another... Demon Hunting Order.”