Gun of Ashes

Chapter 65: Chapter 46 Radiant

Although night had fallen, this place remained incredibly bright. Hundreds of electric lights flickered beneath the steel and concrete dome, resembling a field of shining stars. Transparent glass walls several meters long perfectly partitioned this vast space.

This was a marvel of human industry, hailed as the industrial creation of Old Dunling’s central station; it was the heart of transportation in Old Dunling. Hundreds of railways extended from this heart, covering every corner of Old Dunling’s territory. Vast amounts of steam gushed forth from it, finally condensing on the surrounding steel, rendering the air damp and cold.

Lorenzo stood at the edge of the platform, wearing his standard attire: a black deerstalker hat and a pitch-black coat, with a white inner lining underneath. The chain of his pocket watch slightly peeked from the corner of his pocket.

He was just another ordinary traveler, as if he were going to meet a friend, holding a brown box with one corner slightly opened, revealing vibrant flowers inside.

Sitting on a bench nearby, Lorenzo lowered his head to look at the time with his pocket watch, standing like a statue amidst the crowd.

He lingered this way for a long time until the melodious sound of the whistle rang out.

The steel creation puffed endless steam as it slowly approached, with over twenty carriages dragged behind, cold dewdrops condensing on the steel like a giant snake gliding over the earth.

A bronze statue of a lion crowned the heavy locomotive; rusty letters painted on the car body bore the train’s name.

The Radiant Steam Train was constructed decades ago to commemorate the victory of the Radiant War, but most had retired with time, and Lorenzo hadn’t expected to see it today.

It was also part of the Midcourt Serpent system, connecting the entire world. With just a few Silver Coins, one could reach any place in the world, showcasing the power of technology.

Distance was no longer a barrier to progress, and Lorenzo had caught a train bound for the mysterious Ende Town tonight.

”Do you need assistance, sir...”

”No need.”

The attendant approached Lorenzo hoping to assist with his luggage but was refused before she could touch it.

Lorenzo’s cold demeanor left the attendant bewildered, though he was accustomed to countless passengers daily, and this minor episode didn’t bother him.

Entering the carriage, Lorenzo headed straight for his seat, eventually stopping at a window seat, placing the box at his feet. Despite his gentle movement, anyone could feel the box’s weight as it landed. It was filled with demon-hunting weapons.

Although Lorenzo had never directly mentioned it, the truth was he was a retired demon hunter, much like he told Sabo back then—becoming a Priest was a prerequisite for becoming a Holy Hall Knight, and the elite among Holy Hall Knights became demon hunters.

Even though demons had been obliterated, and Lorenzo had enjoyed six years of retirement, now these creatures had returned, and this crossed Lorenzo’s line. He felt compelled to uncover why these damn entities had reappeared.

The train’s final destination was a city in the west, given extensive mineral deposits were discovered there. The area had been under development in recent years, yet not to an extent that attracted attention.

Lorenzo’s target wasn’t that city. Based on intel acquired from the station map, the mysterious Ende Town had a new railway completed around three months ago, although the railway wasn’t open to the public. He had to disembark nearby and continue on foot.

However... a nearly forgotten town with a direct railway? What merit did it possess to deserve such?

Lorenzo immediately sensed a conspiracy. And as he suspected, roughly a year ago, an anonymous philanthropist funded constructing this railway for unclear purposes. But everything was lucid now, based on Lorenzo’s current experiences.

Everything was premeditated.

This was a deliberately built escape passage for the Holy Coffin’s escape, with Sabo’s food likely transported there via railway.

”What a nuisance...”

Lorenzo felt a headache, knowing that such elaborate arrangements couldn’t merely transport food once, and nobody knew what this ”food” entailed.

Based on the railway’s transport volume and duration, more would be transported than Lorenzo had estimated.

Suddenly, the atmosphere felt somewhat tragic, as if he was gallantly heading toward demise alone.

But Lorenzo didn’t mind; this was his bottom line, and he needed to see for himself, no matter the cost.

Just as he dwelled on these thoughts, another person appeared before him, seating across from him with a smile.

”Good evening, sir. Are you visiting a friend?”

The man was roughly the same age as Lorenzo, around twenty-four or five, dressed in ordinary clothes, possessing ordinary looks, and an overwhelmingly ordinary demeanor. Everything about him was so common, yet combined, it seemed glaringly incongruent.

He was so ordinary that he stood out.

”Indeed, it’s been a long time since I visited.”

Lorenzo casually replied, his gaze falling on the box filled with flowers, its intoxicating scent creating a sense of tranquility.

The classic gift box from street flower shops—when one struggles to decide on a gift, buying this flower box is always a safe bet.

”Long-lasting friendship, truly wonderful.”

”Indeed, it feels good. How about you? The West is rather underdeveloped, and apart from tourism, people aren’t very keen on visiting.”

Faced with Lorenzo’s inquiry, the man pondered briefly, showing a hint of sorrow before sighing.

”I don’t want to go either, but it’s work-related.”

”Work-related? Let me guess...”

Lorenzo squinted slightly, observing the man closely, employing his limited detective skills to analyze the man’s identity.

If it’s work-related, the West’s sole industries include mining, but he appeared neat, with clean fingers devoid of any coal mining traces. Despite his overall nondescript demeanor, there was an odd scent, reminiscent of machine oil.

”Mechanician? Besides mining, mechanics work there too. Perhaps a machine is broken, and you were sent to fix it.”

Spot on, the man perked up immediately, looking at Lorenzo with curiosity. He had intended to pass the lengthy journey with this small talk but didn’t expect to encounter such an intriguing person.

”How did you guess?”

”Because my roommate is a mechanician; like you, he carries the scent of machine oil, calloused hands, and is always on call. Factory machines often break down, and when short-handed, he’s like you, returning from anywhere for repairs.”

Honestly, add a bit more fatigue and dark circles to this man, he’d be a perfect replica of Lorenzo’s roommate, evoking a soaring sense of kinship.

”I haven’t seen him for almost half a month; he might be drowning at the factory.”

”Really... I don’t know how to describe it...”

The man chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head, evidently as bothered by this wretched job.

”What kind of work do you do?” The man asked Lorenzo with curiosity.

”Hmm...”

Lorenzo pondered before replying.

”Detective, a second-rate detective.”

As for specifics, Lorenzo decided not to divulge, as catching marital affairs or assisting Bola were clandestine, let alone the deeper battles with demons.

”Detective?”

This term seemed to trigger something in the man’s mind; this time, he genuinely focused on Lorenzo, his gaze shifting back and forth, as hidden features began aligning with someone from his memory.

”May I ask your name?”

Seemingly for final confirmation, the man extended his hand, pretending to form a friendship.

Lorenzo naturally stretched out his hand for a handshake, flashing a bright smile.

”Lorenzo Holmes.”

Upon hearing the detective’s name, the man paused, but he deftly masked his emotions, maintaining a casual smile.

”Moon Naredo.”

Staring at this detective, who Arthur and Bola loathed to the point of wanting him torn apart, Red Falcon introduced himself.