Gun of Ashes

”Of course, it’s important to be vigilant. We are well aware of this. Although we say it’s a cooperation, there must be some restrictions. For this operation, the Purification Mechanism will also feature a role similar to that of an inspector to ensure that the operation doesn’t exceed our expectations.”

It was like a perfectly choreographed play, with each character taking the stage as Bola continued his recitation.

The door was pushed open again, and Red Falcon entered the carriage with a look of confusion.

”Oh my god...”

Looking at Red Falcon’s puzzled face, Lorenzo could be sure that this guy didn’t know what was happening, probably tricked into coming here under the guise of some official travel compensation.

”Hey! Lorenzo! You’re also on a company tour?”

Indeed!

”I say, Bola, don’t you trust me? One after another...”

”To be precise, it’s precisely because we trust you that we’re aware of what kind of trouble you could cause without control,” Bola mercilessly said. ”Think about the Fall of Reichenbach. You told Oscar you wanted to escape, but it ended up being a counterattack. Fortunately, it crashed on the ridge. If it had fallen into the city...”

Lorenzo fell silent.

”Moreover, Lorenzo, you should also be aware of the current international tension, right? And this operation’s location is Gaulunaro. Without our restrictions, this secret rescue plan could very well turn into you launching an assault on a military base, which might even trigger military conflict between us.”

Bola was right; the cause of this incident lay in the tensions between various countries—Ingwig, Gaulunaro, the Viking nations... This wasn’t an easy task. Though it was just rescuing one person, it concerned these three behemoths.

Lorenzo suddenly had a strange feeling, as if the outcome of this mission might influence the direction of the world.

He found the thought somewhat laughable, like a butterfly flapping its wings, setting off a storm.

Yet he couldn’t laugh, only feeling an inexplicable unease.

”So, is it just me, Red Falcon, and Hebdo this time?” Lorenzo asked.

”Not just them, a contact from Nordro will get in touch with you after you’ve set sail. As for now... um... we have an intern on this mission.” Bola seemed a bit hesitant as he said this.

”An intern? Your Purification Mechanism has such a role?”

Lorenzo was stunned. He had never heard of such a position within the Purification Mechanism.

But then he saw the door being pushed open once more, completing the team for the operation.

A girl dressed in black, carrying a violin case. If Lorenzo guessed right, there’s a weapon hidden inside.

Her gaze was even sharper than anyone Lorenzo was familiar with, her whole being like a sword freshly forged.

With a cold expression, she scanned the members within the carriage, her gaze finally landing on Lorenzo. He suddenly felt a chill, as if his skin were prickling.

”Yo! Long time no see, Lorenzo Holmes!”

The icy demeanor melted away as Eve greeted him in Lorenzo’s manner, her expression seemingly in a mischievous smile.

”Are you kidding me? Bola! Arthur will kill you!”

Lorenzo grabbed Bola. He was well aware of Arthur’s excessive protective instincts toward Eve, and Lorenzo probably was already on the wanted list for kidnapping Eve... though it wasn’t his first time doing so, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

He had just started to reform, even had a legitimate office, a good life waiting for him!

”Don’t worry about Arthur, Lorenzo.”

Eve said, then seemed to remember something, stepped forward, and shook Lorenzo’s hand.

”Let’s get reacquainted.”

Lorenzo looked at the girl in front of him, his throat feeling dry.

”Purification Mechanism, Preparatory Knight, Eve Phoenix, codename Phoenix.”

This was once Arthur’s codename, inherited by Eve after many years.

Lorenzo didn’t get a chance to feel the softness of the hand in his, nor did he have any thoughts about judging the girl in front of him. He just said awkwardly.

”Hello! Hello!”

The scenery outside the train window whizzed by, the background noise was Red Falcon’s howling and cursing Bola for the deception and the unexpected journey, but unfortunately, he couldn’t change anything and could only browse through the mission’s information with tears in his eyes.

Each of them carried different thoughts, harboring different little secrets, brought together by various coincidences and inevitabilities.

The train thundered forward, the scent of sea breeze faintly detectable in the air, Reindona port awaited at the end of the tracks.

...

Old Dunling, Platinum Palace.

Since Lorenzo’s rampage, the security at the Platinum Palace had been strengthened several times. To prevent potential threats, Arthur had even stationed a few Third Generation Armors here.

Within the magnificent palace, Armors of Original Sin knelt like knights on one knee, standing guard beneath the stone pillars like statues. Without the engine’s low rumble and occasional steam bursts, they would all be seen as lifeless stone sculptures.

The man did not rush to complete his work but observed the Armors of Original Sin kneeling around him, gently brushing over the cold iron. Within the dim gaps, mechanisms were slowly in operation.

This was technology far beyond what the man understood. He knew Ingwig had powerful mechanical technology, but he hadn’t imagined they had developed to such an extent. Though the Armors of Original Sin remained silent now, he could envision what they would be like if they were to move.