Gun of Ashes

That nation still possesses a special mineral known as Pine Iron, which was applied on a small scale centuries ago. At that time, people called Leiber’s sword the sharpest weapon, and with the aid of industrial technology, it is currently the most easily mass-produced high-strength metal.”

Lorenzo paused for a moment and nodded, not expecting Pine Iron’s origin to be like this.

”Thanks to the mineral advantage and lack of large-scale wars, along with technological accumulation, one could say that in the current Western world, Leiber is the nation most likely to surpass Ingwig. Over these years, due to these industrial developments and various other reasons, these countries, whether Gaulunaro or Leiber and the Viking nations, their development has reached a peak.

Like a monster in a cage, industry and steel are its food, which it devours more and more of, growing ever larger until one day the cage can no longer confine it, until the monster escapes its bonds.”

Heracles continued speaking.

”Sometimes war is inevitable. We all need a war to fulfill our hatred and interests... perhaps Ingwig is also hoping for these.”

”Is it really as serious as you say?” Lorenzo could hardly believe Heracles’ words, finding it somewhat... too terrifying.

Lorenzo didn’t understand; wasn’t a harmonious world better? Why did there always have to be fighting and killing? Lorenzo knew that such words coming from a killer like him sounded ridiculous, like a madman proclaiming his love for life.

”This is the difference, Lorenzo. You might be a powerful warrior, but you are not a greedy politician. You know the horror of demons, but sometimes you need to understand that people can be more terrifying than demons... I’ve always thought you’d be clearer on this point than me.”

Heracles patted Lorenzo’s shoulder.

”In any case, be careful. I always feel that this operation isn’t as simple as it seems on the surface, and you’re right, Hebdo is definitely hiding something, as are Erin and him.”

His stomach churned again, his solemn expression broke, and Heracles looked extremely miserable. He started to walk to his room, but halfway there, he turned back and looked at Lorenzo to ask.

”Do you think Ingwig truly doesn’t yearn for war?”

Lorenzo was startled, and Heracles didn’t wait for his answer, answering his own question.

”To be precise, Ingwig desires a victorious war.”

...

After finishing, Heracles left, collapsing onto the bed and groaning again.

Lorenzo stood dumbly by the balcony, lost in thought.

He suddenly remembered a topic he had casually discussed with Heracles before; Heracles mentioned he had amassed a fortune and bought a private yacht docked at Reindona’s port.

Heracles had splurged on that ship; according to his description, it was like a palace on the sea, equipped for eating, drinking, and entertainment, with stores of food and gold underneath the deck.

He called this ship a refuge, saying if war ever broke out, he would sail it to an uninhabited sea and stay there for years before returning.

Lorenzo thought he was joking, but now it seemed Heracles was serious. Unlike Lorenzo, who tried to prevent everything, Heracles believed such things were destined, like life and death, beyond human control.

As he walked into the living room, a faint light emanated from Hebdo’s room, suggesting he was still reading that strange novel. Eve and Red Falcon’s room was completely dark; those two were already asleep.

Tonight, Lorenzo was on night watch. Since Red Falcon was attacked, someone has to stay awake every night.

However, despite keeping watch, it mostly meant being unable to sleep.

”Are you still awake?”

As Lorenzo passed the sofa, he noticed something and spoke to the woman pretending to sleep.

After a moment, Erin slowly sat up.

”How did you know I wasn’t asleep?”

”Your breathing didn’t sound right; it was noticeably quicker as I passed by,” Lorenzo said.

Erin seemed surprised, then pressed further.

”That perceptive? Or do people like you usually have this ability?”

Lorenzo didn’t explain the matters of the Demon Hunters to Erin, feeling there was no need. However, even if Lorenzo didn’t say so, with her intelligence, she had more or less linked Lorenzo with that mysterious Dean.

”How much do you know about this thing?”

Lorenzo took out the tube of Secret Blood. The living room was dimly lit, but the faint light still illuminated the liquid inside, casting a dull glow.

”Not much.”

Seeing the Secret Blood, Erin’s smiling expression stiffened but she quickly regained her composure, showing that charming smile again.

If Red Falcon were here, Erin might actually fool him, but Lorenzo knew all too well what kind of person this woman was.

”Let’s change the subject.”

”Mr. Holmes, do you enjoy seeking conversation this much?” Erin asked again.

”Just finding night watch rather dull, and... it’s required for work.”

Lorenzo lowered his head, staring at the blood in his hand.

Static Holy Temple...

Based on the current information, Lorenzo speculated that the existence the Demon Hunters had been communicating with, named Static Holy Temple, was actually a [gap].

A [gap] that only allows one-way communication.

As for why every Demon Hunter could connect with it, that question was simpler. Lorenzo suspected that all Demon Hunters, their Secret Blood came from a single demon.