Gun of Ashes

He lowered his head and saw it.

At the base of the lamp post, black water of unknown origin was slowly seeping out, carrying a sinister aura.

The Lightkeeper didn’t even think, he turned around and fled, shouting loudly for others to evacuate the area.

...

Corey took a deep breath, he had to admit that at this moment he was feeling a bit of pressure, after all, he was about to accomplish two feats in one day.

It had been a long time since he felt this way. As the director of the Iron Law Bureau, there were few things in this world that could stir his emotions. Over time, he had grown numb—until this day arrived.

Corey’s heart beat strongly for the first time in ages, loudly like a war drum, his cold body surface grew hot as if he had regained youth.

His gaze focused on the door, he sat at the end of a long table, surrounded by several guards, each armed.

Although Hebdo’s letter was sincere, Corey’s vigilance against the Viking nations never wavered. Sometimes he thought things were going too smoothly, smoothly to the point of unease.

At this moment, knocking sounded at the door, and accompanied by a melody played from the theater below, a familiar person pushed open the door.

”Long time no see, Corey.”

Erin pushed open the door, and at first glance saw Corey, who once was a ”father” to her. Her emotions were complex, but her face was extremely calm, as if she already knew the future—nothing could faze her.

”Erin?”

Corey clearly didn’t expect to see Erin here. He showed no emotion outwardly, but his hand, hidden from view, had already tightened around the gun grip.

Erin entered the room, and behind her, Lorenzo emerged. It was then Corey noticed Erin was being held at gunpoint, as Hebdo slowly made his way inside.

”Hello, Corey Ferre.”

Hebdo approached and sat opposite Corey, while Lorenzo followed like a lackey, holding Erin hostage.

”I heard your Iron Law Bureau is hunting her, consider this a greeting gift.”

Hebdo glanced at Erin as he spoke. Although he wasn’t clear about Lorenzo’s scheme, the situation had reached this point. Hebdo didn’t have much time to worry about it; he appeared deep in play, speaking confidently.

”Oh? Things just got interesting.”

Corey looked at Hebdo, then his gaze returned to Erin’s face.

His expression shifted slightly, something unexpected had happened.

”I suppose it’s more than just a hostage exchange this time?”

Faced with Corey’s question, Hebdo’s face formed a carefully masked smile. He reached into his coat and took out a vial.

The crimson liquid inside the glass container rolled slowly, like a liquid fire, emanating a seductive heat. Staring at this vial, Corey felt his heart racing, and the guards beside him reacted similarly—it was as if Hebdo held a world treasure that captivated everyone’s attention.

Secret Blood.

”Our Viking nations are quite curious about this power as well. I think we can further collaborate.”

Hebdo placed the Secret Blood on the table, its magic power continued to interfere with the mortals’ will.

Corey’s gaze was somewhat dazed but quickly cleared. He flashed a slightly helpless smile.

Although things took a turn, it also reassured Corey. He never quite trusted the Viking nations would easily compromise, he even doubted Hebdo’s diplomacy was genuine, so he arranged guards and the Choir’s monsters in readiness.

But now Corey believed Hebdo’s sincerity.

This is what a king should do, not easily threatened over the life of offspring—only the desire for power could make him yield.

The Viking nations coveted the power of Secret Blood; this was Hebdo’s true purpose for negotiating.

”Ah? In that case, I’ll need to think it over.”

Corey hadn’t considered this aspect, actually, the Choir was always managed by Lawrence; he only knew the power existed.

Sometimes he too yearned for Secret Blood’s power, then he could escape his decaying body and regain youth; perhaps after consuming Secret Blood, Corey would have the chance to witness the Evangelical Church’s downfall.

But ultimately, Corey gave it up.

He’s not sure if God truly exists in this world, but he knows one thing...

The world holds Devils.

Secret Blood is like an invitation from the Devil. To this day, Corey refuses to sell his soul to those Devils in peril.

”This matter isn’t urgent; after today, we’ll have plenty of time to discuss Secret Blood.”

Hebdo sidestepped the conversation.

Everything is unfolding smoothly, as Lorenzo taught him on the way, under this deliberate guidance, Corey had been perfectly deceived, and next came the action they should take.

”So, where is Ivar?”

Hebdo asked.

”Ivar?”

Corey’s heart raced, his gaze moved to the wall on one side. Just as he was about to reveal Ivar’s location, he realized something and swallowed his words.

He looked alertly at Hebdo and the Secret Blood on the table.