Gun of Ashes

Lorenzo wrapped in his coat stood on the deck of the Morning Glow Advance. Today was overcast, the sky was gray without a trace of sunlight.

After days of busy work, the team concluded their tasks in Willerte and began the next stage of their journey, advancing into the interior of the Viking countries.

”Since everything is almost done, let’s set off quickly.”

Lorenzo was energized, without a hint of exhaustion, but Hebdo beside him was a different story, his posture slightly swaying, his face full of fatigue, his eyes bloodshot.

It’s been a few days since the hangover, yet Hebdo hasn’t recovered. His consciousness hazy, not even the cold winds of the Viking countries have sobered him much, lingering slight pain in his mind making these days seem unreal, he strains to recall but remembers nothing.

”Destination Ice Bay.”

Notar exhaled a breath of white air and sounded the whistle.

The melodious yet piercing whistle echoed through Willerte, extending far across the ocean.

The Morning Glow Advance began its journey, the ice clinging to the metal surface shaking loose and crashing into the sea. The ship sliced through the heavy waves and floating ice, forging ahead through the gray mist-covered sea. This time, only one cargo ship followed them, the other two, having unloaded in Willerte, returned to Ingwig on their own.

This is the final leg of the trade journey, and the beginning of another adventure.

Thinking this, Lorenzo turned and glanced at Selyu sitting in the cabin. In Lorenzo’s plan, after finding Froki in Ice Bay, they would part ways with Selyu; she would follow the cargo ship back to Ingwig, while the Morning Glow Advance continued north, deep into the Silent Sea.

He was a bit troubled, having tricked the young girl. He did not know how to fabricate this final lie, and given Selyu’s keen mind, Lorenzo doubted he could deceive her; just thinking about it gave him a headache.

Moreover, regarding Selyu’s feelings for him, Lorenzo could foresee the girl tearfully saying ”Don’t go,” to which he’d resolutely reply ”Sorry, to save the world, I must,” and then they’d part ways...

”What’s he doing?”

Selyu pointed at Lorenzo, who was making a strange expression, alternating between melancholic and joyful, twisting about like he was electrified.

”Not sure.”

Hebdo slowly walked over, sitting beside Selyu. He felt terrible, even seasick, no matter how he tried to recall, Hebdo couldn’t remember how much he had drunk.

”No... It won’t be that simple.”

Suddenly stopping his whimsical thoughts, Lorenzo sharply looked at Selyu, their gazes meeting.

Under Selyu’s gaze, Lorenzo’s expression began to contort, as if a pair of hands were kneading his face, sweeping over Selyu.

No... this little girl is also the kind who acts decisively. She may secretly follow us back, I must think of a way to tie her up and send her back to Ingwig.

Lorenzo’s thoughts began to wander oddly without restraint.

Does this count as kidnapping a Duke? Have I kidnapped a Duke before? Right, how much ransom should I ask for? Honestly, kidnapping a Duke would indeed be a prestigious mark in Mr. Holmes’ career!

His eyes flickered over Selyu, her cold face slightly changing, Selyu rarely and directly expressed her emotions.

”This person... is so disgusting.”

Though unclear what Lorenzo was thinking, given this guy’s train of thought, it certainly wasn’t anything good.

”What are you up to?”

Bola kicked Lorenzo in the butt, causing him to stagger and fall against the railing.

”Nothing, nothing.”

Shifting his gaze, Lorenzo decided against voicing his chaotic thoughts.

”In a few days we’ll reach Ice Bay. I’ve told everyone to stay alert, the Armor of Original Sin is on standby, ready to activate at any time. The Geiger Counters are operational, detecting erosive pollution.”

Upon hearing this, Lorenzo straightened up, a serious look in his eyes.

”Based on your experience, Ice Bay is close to the Silent Sea, right?”

”Yes, to be precise, Ice Bay is at the edge of the Silent Sea. It’s even seen as a hub connecting the Silent Sea with the outside world.”

Bola recounted the memories. Though so much time had passed, these memories remained vividly clear, as if they occurred just yesterday.

”The Vikings live on the edge of the Silent Sea. Their beliefs caution them, never venturing into that sea... The Morning Glow Advance has numerous large Geiger Counters, aiding us in detecting our penetration into the Silent Sea.”

”Monitoring the erosion? An erosion covering the entire sea, it seems like something only found in myths.” Lorenzo mused.

”No... there’s no myth, just reality.” Bola recalled something, telling Lorenzo, ”Just like what happened on the Horned Whale, the Vikings viewed it as a ship carrying the dead.”

”What Froki said then... we’re already living within a myth.”

Bola smiled at Lorenzo, looking toward the northern ends of the storm clouds.

”We’re not exploring myths; we’re creating history.”

Lorenzo leaned against the railing, the cold wind sweeping past, the world was gray and carried a touch of deadness. The deeper they went, the colder it became, as if entering a world that had died, bereft of all light and warmth.