Gun of Ashes

The blindfold had a strange fragrance that kept filling Lorenzo’s nostrils. It wasn’t exactly overwhelming, but it did disorient his sense of direction.

With the sensory abilities of a Demon Hunter, coupled with Lorenzo’s extraordinary memory, even blindfolded, Lorenzo could gradually retrace the route he had taken. But clearly, even this was taken into consideration by the Purification Mechanism, leaving Lorenzo no room to maneuver.

All he could hear were the roars of mechanisms, seemingly advancing underground. And indeed, with Old Dunling’s complex underground facilities, it was the perfect place to conceal a secret mechanism.

During the time of the Radiant War, many shelters were constructed underground in Old Dunling. They were often connected to the intricate underground waterways, as complex as an anthill. Without a map, it was easy to get lost inside and eventually perish from hunger.

After the Radiant War ended, Old Dunling underwent extensive renovation of its complex underground. Not to mention the core Furnace Pillar System and the steam pipelines and sewers radiating outward from it, but also the development of an intricate subway to enhance convenient transportation.

With these continuous modifications and additions, sometimes Lorenzo felt that even the Mechanical Institute might not have the complete schematics of the underground, like a child endlessly stacking bricks with a castle on the verge of collapse.

The journey lasted for over half an hour before Red Falcon took off Lorenzo’s blindfold. The prolonged darkness made it difficult for Lorenzo to adapt to the bright light. He raised his hand to shield himself as his blurred vision gradually cleared.

At this moment, he found himself in a steel corridor, with steam pipelines exposed directly. Due to constant repairs, water dripped from the steel seams, rust was everywhere, and even the air was filled with the scent of rust.

Looking back, the gate behind Lorenzo had already dropped. Through the wide gaps, one could see the gleaming metal, intersecting like crossed swords and halberds, layer upon layer guarding the door. The rust-covered surface depicted Ghost Gods, their faces malevolent, as if they might break through the door at any moment.

The dim electric lights above extended continuously to the end of the corridor, where another gate had fallen. Soldiers clad in bulky Iron Armor held weapons unfamiliar to Lorenzo, connected with cables.

Lorenzo did not ask further questions. This eerie place carried an unspeakable oppression, similar to the Saint Nalos Cathedral.

Red Falcon signaled Lorenzo. Only then did Lorenzo realize that only he and Red Falcon were present; Joey and the previous soldiers had not followed. Red Falcon seemed to notice Lorenzo’s confusion and softly spoke to him.

”To minimize the potential of Demon intrusion into the headquarters, the headquarters enforces minimal personnel circulation. Even an Upper-Rank Knight requires strict approval to enter the headquarters.”

Lorenzo nodded, and Red Falcon continued.

”Also, please ensure your Secret Blood remains in a dormant state. The headquarters is completely covered by a large Geiger Counter, and any anomaly will trigger internal lockdown. If possible, try not to cause any additional trouble.”

The soldiers’ faces were concealed by heavy helmets; Lorenzo could see only darkness. As the two passed, the steel gate slowly rose, and the soldiers’ weapons discharged brilliant arcs, keeping a keen eye on Lorenzo until he and Red Falcon were out of their sight.

There were many such gates along the route. Should an invasion occur, these gates would seal shut, trapping the Demons within.

”What is that thing? I’ve never seen such a weapon.”

Once again seeing the guns that emitted jumping electric arcs, Lorenzo couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity.

The weapons of the Purification Mechanism were full of a super-modern sci-fi vibe, like the Aluminothermic Rifle and the Armor of Original Sin, which boldly combined machinery with Demons. Every weapon design seemed like a wild fantasy, making it evident that Ingwig’s rise in the Steam Age was well-deserved.

”Electric Spear Gun, a weapon specifically designed to combat Demons.”

Red Falcon didn’t hesitate to explain directly to Lorenzo.

”You can think of it as a miniaturized Harpoon Gun. The bullets within are special conductive metal spears, propelled by compressed gas. The impact under thrust is sufficient to penetrate tough flesh and blood. At the tail end of the conductive metal spear, there’s a small cable that connects directly, electrocuting the target hit.”

Red Falcon elaborated on the weapon’s principle.

”Based on our years of analysis on Demons, they are essentially biological entities; their so-called muscles require nerves to command. Under the baptism of high current, their muscles will spasm, losing mobility to a certain extent. Of course, Electric Spear Guns come in different models for Demons of varying sizes. For instance, for reclaiming out-of-control Armor of Original Sin, we use large Electric Spear Guns.”

Looking at the weapons crackling with electric arcs, Lorenzo became more cautious. As expected, the Purification Mechanism’s black technology was not much less than that of the Demon Hunting Order. Lorenzo understood the principle but hadn’t considered that such things could also be militarized.

”What about humans? If the intruder is a human, won’t these Demon-targeted weapons be useless?”

He asked again, though this time Red Falcon was somewhat surprised, looking at him before bursting into laughter.

”It seems even Mr. Holmes sometimes falls into cognitive traps.”