Gun of Ashes

”Yes, humans have indeed overestimated their own capabilities. We truly don’t have the right to wield this Power of Miracles.”

His fingertips brushed against a small gap on the metal surface, so tiny it almost blended with the intricate patterns. If the man hadn’t seen firsthand how it departed, finding this spot would have been quite uncertain.

”Since the Night of the Holy Arrival, I’ve lost track of that thing, and the Church also suffered a significant blow that night. All these years, they’ve yet to complete the recovery of the Secret Blood. But thanks to it, I would’ve been caught and executed by the Church long ago.”

”Now nobody knows where that damned thing has escaped to... Perhaps it’s lurking within our consciousness at this very moment.”

The man chuckled, but this didn’t bring joy to the Plague Doctor.

”Here, this is your reward.”

It was five milliliters of fresh blood, sealed within exquisite quartz, like a slender thread of red, glowing like a ruby under the faint light.

”Five milliliters of the Holy Grail’s blood.”

The Plague Doctor accepted the blood of the Holy Grail, his voice tinged with doubt.

”So, this is its blood?”

Sharing the name of the Holy Grail, the Plague Doctor couldn’t help but take note.

”Yes, or perhaps no—after all, that thing is very strange, it’s something indescribable. What we call blood or body is merely a manifestation of that incomprehensible entity. However, it’s certain that this is the highest purification in the Church’s history, almost infinitely pure Secret Blood.”

That was a liquid miracle, the Plague Doctor suppressed his excitement, yet the man’s voice rang out again.

”What do you plan to do next? This is now one of the world’s most precious possessions in your hand.”

Stowing away the Holy Grail’s blood, the Plague Doctor’s voice returned to calm. He said.

”Of course, I will continue my research; my book is almost finished, thanks to your help.”

”Oh, what do you intend to name it?”

The man gazed towards the horizon of the sea, where the light arose, dispelling darkness and bringing forth warm hope.

The dawn broke, finally ending this night of despair.

”I haven’t decided yet. My research is on humans and demons. Demons possess so many peculiar traits, just like the Stomach Chewing Grass and Nightmare Illusion. It’s not just a strange force, it has its own ’species.’

Moreover, one particularly alluring trait is evolving gills due to fear of seawater, growing wing membranes between limbs due to the inability to fly, even quick regeneration after losing limbs. No matter how harsh the environment, if the pollution level of the demon is high enough, they can adapt to evolve.”

The beaked mask looked at the man, he said.

”Would you like to help me name it? Considering your generous reward.”

The man thought for a moment.

”Hmm... How about calling it ’Evolution Theory’?”

The Plague Doctor was silent for a long time, then said.

”Not bad.”

The loud sound of a steam whistle came from afar as a ship to meet the man appeared on the horizon. He hoisted up the Iron Coffin, the heavy metal shimmering in the morning light.

”Well, the time for farewell has come. I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate again in the future.”

The Plague Doctor nodded, saying.

”Then goodbye, Lawrence mentor.”

Lawrence nodded with a gentle smile and strode into the morning light.

”You too, Charles Darwin, may we meet in the sinners’ Hell.”