Gun of Ashes

During this period of getting along, the relationships among the group are fairly harmonious, mainly because Lorenzo always adheres to the principle of speaking human words to humans and speaking ghostly words to ghosts.

The reason for the perverse interest in Red Falcon is simply because after Lorenzo plays these tricks on Red Falcon, the feeling of powerless rage is quite amusing. On the other hand, Joey would seriously watch himself repeat requests, and Bluebird would just sternly gaze at himself until he cooperated.

Compared to serious people and devout believers, Red Falcon is somewhat interesting, as his rotten personality traits are the most prominent among these people, making him the most compatible with Lorenzo’s mindset.

”Merlin’s castle?”

Lorenzo looked surprised. After spending so much time together, his impression of Merlin was of a scholar with extremely low material needs.

Mysterious, without a past, and seemingly without a future either; in some ways, he actually resembled a Demon Hunter somewhat.

”Yes, but this place originally belonged to Arthur, after all, being the chief of technology, one always needs a decent residence, don’t they?” Joey said.

Lorenzo glanced around the room; things were piled up haphazardly. When he first arrived, it took him half a day to clear a spot by the fireplace for an afternoon nap.

”Hmm... somewhat surprising, but also expected.”

It indeed suits Merlin’s style, with collected items piled here haphazardly; he doesn’t really live here.

Lorenzo seemed to think of something else and asked in a low voice.

”There wouldn’t be any strange alchemy lab here, would there? After all, an ancient castle pairs perfectly with a mad scientist.”

Joey felt helpless.

”Our Purification Mechanism has strict regulations. Even Merlin needs document records to move alchemy materials and equipment to external locations.”

”Really?”

”Really!”

Joey said seriously.

That’s how Lorenzo is. In this strange holiday village, there are no extra entertainments nor any demons for him to slay to relieve boredom.

So this madman set his sights on Joey and others; if you’re not careful, he’ll start to taint you with nasty words, trying to drag you into the water. Red Falcon has fallen for it and is going further down the path of hysteria.

Joey doesn’t want to turn out like that. He’s extremely cautious.

”However, there is a room that Merlin specifically tidied up. Would you like to take a tour?”

Lorenzo looked serious.

”Why not bring out such good stuff sooner?”

Joey rolled his eyes at him, thinking who knew this guy was so annoying? If not given some fun, Red Falcon’s mental health would be seriously threatened.

”Like you said, these are items we’ve collected over the years, like some strange artworks. Merlin loved these and even wanted to make a museum, but due to his busy work, he hasn’t had time after tidying up a portion,” Joey explained while leading the way.

”Of course, perhaps alchemists think differently. I’ve seen those items before, but I’m not sure what their significance is... Anyway, it’s just to keep you quiet and stop messing around.”

Joey couldn’t understand Lorenzo’s antics. For them, vacations were something distant, as Upper-Rank Knights of the Purification Mechanism, they are among the few specially trained ones resistant to corruption.

But this also means, when demons appear, they will be a mainstay force, meaning a high mortality rate. Joey doesn’t even expect to achieve much in his career; being able to retire safely would be the greatest blessing, as the only perk of such a high-risk job is an excellent retirement benefit.

According to the Purification Mechanism’s regulations, due to connections with demons, Joey will be gradually removed from the first echelon and transferred to the Cleaner Squad, distancing him from demon-related work until he no longer has any. This situation will last for several years until he can leave the Purification Mechanism satisfactorily.

Afterward, he’ll part ways with everyone in some sunny small town for the rest of his life.

Joey sighed. In a previously crazy life, the current tranquility feels so precious.

”Alright, alright, hurry up,”

Lorenzo nodded. For him, Demon Hunters know no retirement. More than retirement, what bothers him now is boredom.

They ascended the stairs, reaching the top of the castle. Their actions drew Bluebird’s attention, who arrived holding the Ingwig Code Lorenzo had read countless times.

The three shared a peculiar sense of camaraderie, with Joey finally pushing open the dusty door.

The door swung open, and bright light flooded in. The castle’s dome was made of glass supported by steel frames. One could see remnants of snow and fallen autumn leaves on the glass, and a deep weight lingered in the air. Dust rolled in the beams of light like falling snowflakes.

”Not bad,”

Lorenzo praised and stepped inside.

Rather than a museum, it resembled a somewhat orderly warehouse. Various items were stacked into small heaps, including desks and such.

After several laps, Lorenzo began to understand Joey’s mention of strangeness, as some items were peculiar: a delicate glass cabinet holding a knotted rope, a giant nautical chart laid on a dusty desk, rulers and compasses, blank papers strewn on the ground, and a pile of scientific books.

There was no rhyme or major value to it; even thieves would leave in tears if they broke in.

In another corner were wooden wheels, coins in a box, a copy of the Ingwig Code, a complex lock, and an ancient flintlock pistol. None of these took up much space, but what truly drew the eye was the object at the very center.

It was a steam engine.

Unlike the steam engines in Lorenzo’s memory, it was much bulkier and more complex, looking quite aged but well-maintained.

There was a shiny plaque on the base that read.

”Ingwig calendar 867, this will be the force that changes the world.”

Lorenzo recalled the period when Ingwig was amid the Radiant War, and at that time, the modified steam engine turned the tides of battle.

He suddenly understood what this was. The steam engine before him was likely the first improved model in history, the very thing that triggered the Second Industrial Revolution.

As if struck by lightning, Lorenzo suddenly realized the significance of this place and what Merlin had accomplished.

Looking at those scattered items around, they suddenly had newfound meaning, making Lorenzo’s hands and feet tingle—not from fear, but excitement.

”This is a historical museum,”

Lorenzo remarked.

Joey cast a puzzled glance, clearly not understanding Lorenzo’s point, but Lorenzo continued while scanning the items throughout the room. In a trance, he saw the first fire lit in the darkness, with crouched humans slowly standing up.

It was as if a grand orchestra was playing, elevating melodies and performing Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

”Merlin has good taste,”

Lorenzo commented once more. But seeing Joey and Bluebird’s more confused looks, he couldn’t help but feel a bit saddened, realizing he couldn’t expect everyone to be as brilliant as he was. After all, holding high expectations for others is inherently a disrespectful offense.

”This is a historical museum, documenting great moments of humanity,”

Lorenzo gently brushed the dust off the wooden table. He remembered Merlin once discussing the death of Alchemy with him. It seemed this alchemist wasn’t joking; he was serious.

Though earlier filled with reverence, Lorenzo next sat proudly on the wooden table, looking smugly at everyone.

”In fact, this place could also be called a ’book,’”

”What kind of book?” Joey tried to follow Lorenzo’s train of thought.

”Mythology.”

This term caught Bluebird’s attention, and he looked at Lorenzo, who continued speaking.

”Human mythology.”

From the onset of darkness, battling fear until this day, the unbroken mythology.