Gun of Ashes

At this moment, the atmosphere was slightly subtle, and the nerves that had been numbed by alcohol suddenly became clear.

Ragnar smilingly looked at Lorenzo, and Lorenzo met his eyes without evasion. The two stared at each other for a while, ending with Lorenzo looking away.

This...

Lorenzo opened his mouth to say something, but hesitated for a long time before swallowing his words. Perhaps this is what is called ”phototropism,” where bad things pile up one after another, getting entangled into a mess.

”Shipbuilder Froki, the Lord of Ice Bay, is a guy who loves exploring the seas. Rarely does he set foot on land throughout the year, spending almost all his time at sea.”

Ragnar began to talk about what he knew about Froki.

”His connection with the Apocalypse Society needs to start with the Silent Sea. You might not believe it, but Froki has the most complete nautical chart of the western world, a crystallization of his years of work. Yet, this map is not perfect; only the last piece of the ocean remains unexplored.”

”The Silent Sea.”

Lorenzo responded. In Bola’s narration, he learned about events from ten years ago and Froki’s obsession with the Silent Sea.

”Oh, it seems you are not entirely ignorant,” said Ragnar.

”Ten years ago, our people collaborated with Froki, but only he came back alive... So how did Froki get involved with the Apocalypse Society?”

Lorenzo continued to ask, knowing this connection forced him to reconsider his ensuing plan. With what he remembered about the Apocalypse Society, Ice Bay might have changed drastically by now.

”The Pioneers of the Apocalypse Society reportedly ventured deep into the Silent Sea multiple times, communicating with the Pseudo-God at the end of the Silent Sea. Although it sounds mystical, the known fact is that the Apocalypse Society indeed possesses the capability to delve into the Silent Sea, and Froki wants to conquer that ocean so much that he would gladly join the Apocalypse Society to do so.”

Ragnar continued to disclose information about Froki and the Apocalypse Society.

”So is Froki your enemy? A Lord openly joining the Apocalypse Society must impact your rule, right?” asked Lorenzo.

Ragnar paused for a moment. He thought it over and smiled wryly.

”It’s hard for me to judge. Froki indeed openly joined the Apocalypse Society, which facilitated its spread within the Viking nations. But interestingly enough... the Apocalypse Society seems to be helping me.”

”Helping you?”

”Do you still remember the ultimate goal of the Apocalypse Society?” Ragnar’s voice lowered, ”Death, absolute death.”

”Recently, the Apocalypse Society in Ice Bay held a gathering, the final gathering, where everyone died in a great fire. My spies got the information in advance. It’s said that the Pioneer was supposed to appear at this gathering. Froki also participated in this final gathering to seek the Silent Sea’s secrets.”

This was a great opportunity. If Froki did indeed perish in that fire, it would be great news for me. His Ice Bay is very significant within the Viking nations, yet it’s not under my control.”

Now Froki’s attention is on exploring the Silent Sea. If he no longer focuses on it and is coerced by other Lords, it poses a considerable threat to me.”

”You want Froki to die.”

The King before him was not softened by alcohol, remaining ruthless and merciless. In Lorenzo’s words, he slowly answered.

”To be accurate, I wish all Lords would die, but that is obviously unrealistic. I need several decades to accomplish this.”

Interestingly, Froki didn’t die in the fire. This guy has never truly believed in the Apocalypse Society; their relationship is mutual exploitation. He didn’t join this death feast and became the sole survivor of the gathering, returning to his dwelling...”

Ragnar hesitated slightly before continuing.

”Perhaps there was another survivor, the Pioneer.”

”But regarding these matters, I can hardly give you any intelligence. After all, each territory is autonomously governed by its Lords, so my influence is limited.”

”What a complicated situation.” Lorenzo felt a headache coming on.

”It’s not complicated, Mr. Holmes. You just need to trust in the sword and gun in your hand. Don’t worry too much; now the Viking nations and Ingwig are tied to the same war chariot. Even if you kill Froki and bathe the Apocalypse Society in blood, no one will come to reprimand you.”

Ragnar said meaningfully, and Lorenzo understood his underlying implication, which made him somewhat irritable.

”Is it using a borrowed knife to kill?”

”Not exactly. You need Froki as your navigator, and it’s inevitable that unforeseen events occur in the ghostly Silent Sea. Moreover, for Froki, the Silent Sea as a resting place is quite romantic.”

Ragnar stood up, holding his empty wine glass as he walked towards the barrel, speaking as he went.

”It can’t be helped, Mr. Holmes. In the coming times, Ice Bay will not only be the trade core within the Viking nations but also the most important war factory. Would you entrust these things to a guy who only cares about whether the nautical chart is complete?”

”What’s in your hands is the most genuine thing, and the rest is all illusion.”

Lorenzo pondered, then asked logically.

”What if I let him live?”