Gun of Ashes

Hebdo looked up, watching the Spear of Melting explode across the night sky, the scattering sparks spreading throughout his field of vision, illuminating most of the harbor. A few seconds later, partly molten metal fell, splashing into the sea and raising a mist, while some hit the pier with a tingling sound, akin to a rain of arrows hitting their mark.

”I hope Lorenzo can understand this...”

Hebdo withdrew his gaze, murmuring softly.

After dealing with those attackers, they were supposed to find Froki and meet Lorenzo there, but after taking a few steps, Selyu suddenly vetoed this plan.

”If I were Lorenzo, now with Ice Bay under interference from various forces, it’ll only get more chaotic. It’s better to hold Froki hostage and get away from this troubled place.”

This was Selyu’s conclusion at the time.

”And then?” Hebdo asked, puzzled.

”And then? We should return to the Morning Glow Advance, preheat the engines, get ready. As long as Lorenzo carries Froki back onto the ship, we can escape at full speed, and no one will catch us.” Selyu said.

For a moment, everyone fell silent, but upon reflection, Selyu’s plan did seem trustworthy, primarily because she was one of the few who could keep up with Lorenzo’s thinking. Perhaps during their discussion, Lorenzo was already sprinting here with Froki.

”Most importantly, this is our signal, Notar doesn’t have the authority to do this, only you can give the order.” Selyu said, looking at Blue Jade.

”So, when the flare goes up, Lorenzo will know I’m on the ship, and you all are beside me,” Blue Jade said, ”This will save a lot of time, preventing him from going back to find us and delaying things.”

”And also, I need to persuade you, right?” Selyu said seriously.

After pondering for a while, Blue Jade agreed to Selyu’s plan.

Next came the events happening now, returning to the Morning Glow Advance, launching the Spear of Melting, the engine roaring to life, ready to set sail anytime.

Hebdo looked at the girl standing on the deck, Selyu at this moment showcasing the leadership that a Duke should possess. She was directing the crew, issuing various orders, awakening the steel beast beneath her feet.

Initially, some had objections, but under Blue Jade’s firm insistence, they more or less chose to believe this, including Captain Notar.

”Move quickly, lads! If nothing unexpected happens, we’ll be the enemies of Ice Bay in a few minutes!”

Notar shouted, wearing only a coat, his body shrunk like a trembling reed, his bare calves visible from below.

When Hebdo and the others found him, Notar was still asleep, the time was pressing, so he rushed out with a coat.

”Damn, this sure is some military operation, right! Are we going to cut through the Viking territories all the way?”

Notar seemed a bit sleepy, muttering nonsense, but fortunately, the cold wind of the Northern Territory was sharp enough, soon sobering him completely, not delaying the actions.

”What about your agreement with Ice Bay?” Hebdo then remembered Selyu also had a mission.

”Lorenzo will bring Froki, we can solve it all together then,” Selyu said indifferently, ”Besides, my mission isn’t honestly important, right? It’s just a facade to cover your actions.”

Everyone was hiding these matters, but Selyu still saw through them effortlessly. In fact, when the Armor of Original Sin was deployed in the naval battle, she realized this was merely a trade signing, thinking she brought a Guard Team, but actually, they were armed to the teeth, a military unit.

There’s a problem no matter how you think about it.

Blue Jade opened her mouth to explain something, but Selyu interrupted directly.

”I understand, I understand, I am also a shareholder, after all, very familiar with the Purification Mechanism’s regulations. If you don’t say anything, I won’t ask. Let’s just overcome the current hurdle first.”

No drama or fuss; regarding being kept in the dark, Selyu remained rational, and didn’t ask much.

”If we set sail urgently, the other cargo ships will be abandoned here.” Notar said.

Blue Jade gestured to Notar not to worry too much, ”It’s okay, the main supplies are on the Morning Glow Advance, and they are meant to draw the enemy’s attention.”

The murkier the waters, the bigger their chances.

Even with this thought, Blue Jade was somewhat distracted, feeling extremely troubled. She never thought the situation would accelerate towards disaster, they weren’t even deep into the Silent Sea, and it’s already this troublesome, hard to imagine what awaits beyond.

The whistle blew again and again, the crew standing ready by the cannons, awaiting orders, while the lift on the deck slowly opened, delivering a Third Generation Armor to the deck. This was Blue Jade’s armor; she didn’t have much experience operating it, so she could only use the Third Generation Armor.

However, Blue Jade wasn’t in a hurry to put on the armor, it wasn’t to that extent yet... until a faint light appeared at the horizon.

Hebdo was the first to notice it, as a Viking, personally sent by the King, now participating in the Purification Mechanism’s operation. For a moment, Hebdo wasn’t sure which side he belonged to.