Gun of Ashes

What should you do, Lorenzo Holmes?

The bloodthirsty monsters completely surrounded the group, so close to the Silverfish that they could almost reach out and touch it. Lorenzo could even feel the warm wind blowing toward him.

What should you do?

Their war horses galloped around them as if they were hunted prey, the sharp sword blades reflecting their exhausted faces.

If this goes on, not only will they be left here forever, but the Silverfish will also be unable to escape, and everyone will die here.

It’s a tough decision, and Lorenzo knew very well that someone had to stay here to hold off these pursuers. But who should it be?

No... this shouldn’t even be up for debate. Only Lorenzo could accomplish this, only he could thwart the enemy’s pursuit and let others escape, and this was exactly what Lawrence wanted.

In an instant, Lorenzo felt the so-called sense of powerlessness. Though undefeated in the world, there were still things he couldn’t do, and many of them at that.

An oppressive erosion descended; new enemies emerged from behind the sea of flames.

His figure was battered and staggering, yet his gaze remained incredibly clear. Even after becoming a monster, he still knew his purpose.

”You will all die here.”

The man’s voice was calm yet filled with rage; this was his kingdom, his homeland, now turned into what seemed like Hell by Lorenzo and the others’ blazing fire.

”Corey Ferre.”

Lorenzo remembered this guy, who had severed his arm with a sword. By all accounts, he should have died from blood loss, but now he was alive and well, although one side of his arm was missing, and the other hand dragged a sharp sword like a swordsman marching to war.

The familiar and nauseating scent in the air was Secret Blood. Lorenzo could feel it; Corey had also injected Secret Blood, surviving through the gift of this Forbidden Power.

”Lawrence, this madman...”

Lorenzo gritted his teeth; Lawrence for his own sense of justice ignored the dangers of Secret Blood. This Forbidden Power spread recklessly, and he wanted to use it to build an invincible army.

”Lorenzo.”

A calm voice came from behind, almost magical. It calmed Lorenzo slightly. He turned around and saw Erin looking at him.

”Erin... what are you going to do?”

Lorenzo noted something off about Erin’s expression, realizing she seemed to be planning something.

Erin knew Lorenzo, and Lorenzo knew Erin. They both understood what the other was thinking. Erin extended her hand and revealed that vial of Secret Blood.

”Leave it to me. You and the others leave, let me settle things with Corey.”

This was not a request; Erin’s attitude was firm. She failed to save Ivar, and now she wanted revenge for Ivar and redemption for her own sins.

The enemy closing in step by step, the team cornered.

To Erin, this was the perfect opportunity. Soon, her life’s worth would bloom; she would save everyone and complete the revenge for herself and Ivar.

A life so mundane and uneventful could achieve this in the end. In Erin’s eyes, her life now had ”value.”

”What are you saying?”

Lorenzo looked disbelieving, his voice became stern.

”You want to use the Secret Blood?”

”But it’s the only way, only then can you all leave.”

Erin responded firmly, and this time no one else spoke.

It wasn’t just Erin; everyone understood that someone had to stay to stall the warriors. Only then could others leave. It seemed cruel, but it was the only hope for survival.

”So... Erin, you will die.”

The dazed Red Falcon said slowly. He seemed to be straining to think and comprehend Erin’s words, but with the effects of the potion and his injuries, Red Falcon’s thoughts were terribly sluggish.

”Dying isn’t scary.”

Erin responded. To her, it was scary to live on with guilt. This was her last chance to save herself.

Lorenzo was stunned. He had many things to say to persuade Erin, but before he could speak, he realized it was unnecessary.

He could kill strong foes but couldn’t control others’ will. Lorenzo could invade Erin’s mind with the Gap and make her leave obediently, but was that really what Erin wanted?

No, killing Corey, letting others leave, that was what Erin wanted.

Erin turned around, her back to the others, and approached Corey. She slowly raised her hand, ready to inject the Secret Blood, the needle close to her skin, about to pierce through her flesh and inject that filthy blood.

”Erin...”

Eve spoke in a low voice. Though they hadn’t been together long, they were like brothers who had risked their lives together. Even if Eve was thick-skinned, she still felt sad at this moment, and she couldn’t find a solution.

Everyone fell silent; there were no words to say. They had no idea what to say at the moment, but then Red Falcon spoke up.

”But... won’t you die like this? If you die, you can’t see the endings of those stories.”

In this dreadful moment, his muddled brain recalled that somewhat pleasant afternoon. Red Falcon remembered his conversation with Erin; they were both looking forward to the sequels of those stories. But if they died, they couldn’t see those continuations.