Gun of Ashes

”Mechanical Institute! Mechanical Institute! Wait! Where is the Mechanical Institute?”

Shao Liangxi screamed like a ghost, running madly in the rain, but halfway through, she realized that to this city, she was still a foreigner, and without Rod, she couldn’t find her way.

”Follow me!”

Eve said to her, then waded forward, moving with difficulty.

A few minutes ago, they had received a message from Lorenzo, a large-scale [Gap] communication, in which Lorenzo reported Roger’s intentions to them.

His goal was the Death Row, to destroy all hope in one fell swoop and completely paralyze the Purification Mechanism.

Eve didn’t know how the battle was going, but she knew that for Roger to achieve such a goal, he had to break through the Mechanical Institute’s defenses all the way, attack along the Furnace Pillar, and he might destroy the unfortunate Perpetual Motion Pump on the way, or strike directly down to the Death Row.

The good news is that as the core area of the Purification Mechanism, it is heavily guarded, and even against the Demon Tide, they are fully confident in blocking them.

The bad news is that this time they are facing not just the Demon Tide but Roger Cruz himself, who has appeared on the battlefield in person.

Thinking of this, Eve’s hands began to tremble. She was well aware of Roger’s strength, not to mention Roger appearing in person, his body soaked in Secret Blood through endless time, which was undoubtedly more resilient than Lorenzo.

Now they were going to support the Death Row, but it seemed more like a suicide mission than support, yet it was unavoidable; Eve had to move forward, no matter what.

”Roger Cruz...”

Oscar clung to the wet wall, his graying beard soaked by the rain, strands hanging on his face, looking like a homeless person.

”What’s wrong! Oscar.”

Eve turned back and asked with concern.

The most absurd among them was probably this third-rate writer, who was presumed weak and powerless but ended up brutalizing demons with ferocity.

Others were probably fooled by Oscar’s might, but not Eve; she knew well that Oscar was just an ordinary man, and in this Purgatory battlefield, Oscar, this ordinary man, had done very well.

”I’m okay... just a bit breathless.”

Oscar took deep breaths, this intense physical exertion being indeed a burden to his aged body.

”You have to admit you’re getting old.”

Oscar complained, and then his expression hesitated as he was about to say something, but Eve spoke before he could.

”Stop, Oscar, you should rest. We’ll take it from here.”

Eve persuaded, seeing Oscar struggling; these continuous battles nearly cost this lazy guy his life.

Probably driven by some pride, Oscar kept silent, continuously persisting.

”I...”

”Don’t say it, you’ve had too many failures in your life, this is just another common failure, it’s nothing.”

Eve comforted him.

Hearing this, Oscar seemed somewhat dejected, then forced a smile.

”Indeed, reality isn’t a novel; not everything can be solved with fiery passion.”

Oscar waved his hand.

”It looks like Oscar Wilde’s wondrous adventure has to pause, you all continue.”

He leaned on his long sword, limping.

”What about you?”

Eve was a bit worried, looking at Rod, perhaps Rod could stay with Oscar, at least they could take care of each other; this wasn’t familiar streets anymore but a crisis-filled hunting ground, even though the defenses had been reinforced, who knew if demons might reappear.

”Me? Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.”

Oscar flicked his sword, splashing rainwater everywhere.

His gaze shifted to Rod, noticing Rod’s evasive look, he watched him expectantly, as if seeking help, but he kept glancing at Shao Liangxi, his expression hesitating just like Oscar’s earlier.

”Hey! Rod.”

Oscar suddenly called.

”What is it?” Rod was startled.

”I think, in matters like this, the choice is yours, but I also think before making a choice, question yourself whether you will regret it afterward.”

Oscar smiled, seeming to see through everything.

”No regrets, huh?”

Rod probably understood Oscar’s meaning, barely feeling embarrassment in time, he looked at Eve then at Shao Liangxi, both fully understanding what the two were talking about.

”Should we get moving quickly?”

Rod gritted his teeth, asked Eve.

”But...”

Eve wanted to reject Rod; she felt Rod should stay with Oscar, this guy was just an unfortunate translator, unsuited for here.

Then Oscar stepped forward, handed the long sword to Rod.

”Oh, warrior, I guess you’ll need this next.”

Oscar winked at Rod, and Rod only felt perhaps Oscar really had a few screws loose, but he still gripped the sword hilt tightly, nodded strongly.

...

”Long time no see, Lorenzo.”

Inside the swaying carriage, Joey smiled at Lorenzo, but the smile was somewhat bleak on his pale face.

In the most difficult times of war, the Cleaners still watched over Old Dunling, keeping everything in their grasp.

”Joey... I think I may need some time, supposedly I should cheer and celebrate that you’re not dead, you unlucky guy, but seeing you here, it’s like your time is running short.”