Gun of Ashes

”I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Roger murmured to himself, as if he were mad, repeatedly saying this phrase for a long time.

The chilly wind after the rain had yet to disperse, occasionally dropping fine strands that cut across the rough metal.

Winter in Old Dunling is approaching, and no one knows when the first snow will fall, dragging this city into a cold abyss.

”This war has lasted too long, and the choices we make now, how are they different from those made centuries ago? It’s still about surviving, endlessly surviving, praying for the slightest bit of hope.

But has hope really arrived? Who can give us hope?

There is nothing, it’s all in vain.”

Roger felt a churn in his stomach and vomited a large blot of blood, swiftly followed by a searing pain.

The scars left by his consciousness mirrored on his flesh, on the verge of collapsing. Even under the influence of The Inexpressible, Roger was no match for Adren. He was the Dean of the Demon Hunting Order, the Pope of the Evangelical Church, and the original Watcher.

Born a powerful warrior, he remained strong despite the torture and troubles he endured.

The mockery Roger hurled in front of Adren was merely defiant; Adren could absolutely kill him. But if Roger were to muster all his strength, it would be the opportune moment for The Inexpressible to strike.

This was a trap, but Adren was vigilant, never stepping into it.

”Someone always needs to make a change, so why not choose to embrace the great Ascension? Perhaps that is the destined path for humanity.”

Roger seemed to be speaking to someone, yet it appeared as if he was endlessly talking to himself.

His mind muddled— the part belonging to ”Roger Cruz” had been tainted many years ago. He was twisted, shattered, leaving only a broken will, dominated by darkness, making his final resistance.

Roger knew very well that he had already died; both ”Roger Cruz” and ”Adren Levien” had died many years ago in the Well of Ascension. What emerged was but a driven wraith.

”Someone always needs to break the deadlock, someone always needs to make a change.”

Roger slowly clenched his fist and tried to stand, but the wind here was strong, roaring past, bringing an icy chill.

The magnificent scenery presented itself, the vague silhouette standing atop the solitary towering spire.

”It’s truly beautiful...”

Gazing over Old Dunling, Roger exclaimed.

He stood atop the lofty spire, the highest point in Old Dunling. From here, one could easily overlook the entirety of Old Dunling, gazing down upon this complex and precise city, with the core of the Purification Mechanism below Roger’s feet.

The Broken Dome.

Amidst the surging clouds, Roger could see the stealthy Iron Whales; they swam and circled above Old Dunling, casting their glow, observing the land and its people and objects.

”Change always makes one uneasy, but as long as you adapt, it’s fine. Just like ’evolution,’ humans continuously evolve, discarding the unnecessary, utilizing whatever tools available.” Roger said with a chilling laugh.

”This is the eve of the Ascension, the first step of humanity’s great Ascension. Perhaps... perhaps in this Ascension, self-awareness is, on the other hand, a trait that needs to be removed?”

Spots of black appeared in Roger’s sclera, akin to ink dripping into clear water; it began to spread and infect, the darkness continuously spread until it painted the entire sclera an absolute black.

No light could illuminate, as if Roger had lost his eyes, leaving only pitch-black sockets, and at the end of this profound darkness lay the lightless abyss.

”I am right.”

Roger got up, stepped forward, and reached the steep edge.

”If you think I am wrong, then kill me, deny me.”

Sharp black armor wrapped around him, burgeoning metallic hardness in hand constructed a sharp spike; Roger leaped, like descending thunder.

...

”Order the Mechanical Institute to expedite the arming of the Peacekeepers; all Peacekeepers with Holy Silver and Anti-Meme Protection are to be immediately stationed throughout Old Dunling, awaiting orders.”

Gareth briskly passed through the corridor, personnel beside him heeding his instructions and distributing one order after another to various departments.

With the dispersal of orders, personnel departed one after another, leaving only Gareth and Percival behind.

Though Gareth was the Knight Commander, due to his long-term stationing at the Broken Dome, his position was higher than other Knight Commanders; one could say that after Arthur’s demise, he became the second commander of the Purification Mechanism, stationed at the Broken Dome, continuing to command the battlefield.

Therefore, Percival had to follow behind him, waiting for Gareth’s instructions.

”All outposts also enter combat readiness; they have sufficient supplies themselves. Once the Demon tide erupts, they will be responsible for sheltering civilians and establishing positions.”

Following Gareth, Percival held a stack of documents, awaiting Gareth’s signature.

”How are things at the Platinum Palace?” Gareth asked.

”The Queen stated compliance with the arrangements of the Purification Mechanism, and there is no need for much defense; she even said that we could completely abandon the Platinum Palace,” Percival responded, ”The Victoria family is troubled by the King’s Curse, with not many people to begin with, no need for much care.”

”Hmm, then station the surplus forces at the central train station; we need to ensure no demons can escape Old Dunling.”