Gun of Ashes

”The risk is too great, and there’s too much uncertainty,” Hebdo vetoed.

”If it’s uncertain, increase the dosage. I brought a lot of lacquered antimony; I just don’t want to waste it all here. Otherwise, if those things explode together, it could destroy the entire Yega Grand Theater.”

Lorenzo seemed determined to cause a massive explosion.

”Hebdo, rescuing Ivar and assassinating the Pope are actions to be carried out simultaneously. To ensure success, the negotiation site will also be near the theater square.

Imagine how many people will gather here at that time. The audience, the believers, and even some passersby, the explosion will draw their attention and cause chaos. A large-scale panic will be beneficial for our operations.”

Lorenzo completely immersed himself in the role of a terrorist.

”You’re right, Hebdo, these things are unpredictable. But have you ever thought that our assassination and rescue operations might also go wrong? If the enemy becomes alert midway, do we retreat or continue? In such a case, the explosion will also serve as a smokescreen, buying us time for action.”

”So what are you planning to do?” Hebdo was convinced by Lorenzo.

”Renette’s performance is after sunset, before night falls. That’s the time when we experience the twilight, when the gas lamp valves are turned on, and the Lightkeeper goes to work.”

Lorenzo glanced at the glowing street lamps.

”That’s the moment when dusk and night converge, which is our window for action.

We’ll make the preparations. As night falls, when the gas valves open, the gas will be ignited, and a few minutes later, the highly combustible lacquered antimony will backflow and explode down this street. Panic will ripple through the crowd and might even spark a riot, which is when we can start our real action.”

”How will you detonate it?” Hebdo asked, ”We are already short on manpower.”

”The Lightkeeper,”

Lorenzo said.

Gas street lamps need the Lightkeeper to ignite them. The high temperature will ignite the lacquered antimony, and this lethal substance will release a massive amount of heat. The steel will melt, and the scorching metal will backflow into the pipes, causing successive explosions.

This is like a series of time bombs placed inside the street lamps, spreading panic and fury within Maruri.

”Manpower is indeed an issue, and have you thought about the need for dual operations? A group to rescue Ivar while I go alone to hunt the Pope...” Lorenzo pondered and added, ”Of course, I might not be alone. Our moves need to be synchronized, withdrawing at the same time, using time as the countdown. Do you think it’s feasible? Like, after how many minutes since the operation begins, we start withdrawing, leaving those who can’t catch up behind?”

Faced with Lorenzo’s question, Hebdo was silent.

”I am an expert, after all. Time is the real uncertainty, not to mention we’re up against the Iron Law Bureau. Those guys are far sharper than us, checking the time under such circumstances would undoubtedly arouse their suspicion; we also don’t have communication devices to communicate in real-time.”

Lorenzo pondered for a moment, suddenly remembering his Authority. In a way, Authority: Gabriel could also be used for communication, but it’s a one-way connection. Moreover, Lorenzo didn’t know if triggering this ability would have negative effects on the person being communicated with.

”The explosion will be the signal!”

Eve said from the side.

”Right, the explosion will be the signal!”

Lorenzo clapped hands with her, delighted.

Based on distance calculations, if they managed to set off the explosion successfully, the shockwave would reach the theater square. Even hiding deep inside buildings, the heavy sound could still be heard, like the resounding of a giant bell.

Hebdo sighed helplessly, believing that Lorenzo must have better solutions, but this guy wouldn’t miss the opportunity to legitimately blow up Gaulunaro. Clearly, he cared more about the thrill than the dangerous task.

With the problem solved, he breathed a sigh of relief and looked toward the street’s end. The believers, having finished communion, were emerging from the darkness, and in an instant, the street was bustling again.