Gun of Ashes

The fixed cannon fired.

A dazzling burst of fire flared from one side of the ship; the remaining fixed cannons fired in unison, as the giant serpent approached, hurling tons of heavy shot at it.

The attack was effective. The pitch-black scales cracked one by one, revealing the crimson flesh beneath. Scalding blood mixed with frigid seawater, sizzling and then joining the raging storm.

The sound of cannon fire continued; driven by fear, people attacked the serpent madly. Amidst the swirling smoke, the serpent plunged above the Horned Whale.

”It’s enraged!”

Lancelot said as he ran towards the distant serpent head. With a thunderous crash, the serpent head smashed onto the Horned Whale, plowing through everything on deck. Whether buildings or people, all were easily crushed, shattered flesh and steel sinking into the sea, enjoying eternal silence.

It dove once more beneath the sea, then rose on the other side of the Horned Whale. The serpent attempted to coil its massive body around the Horned Whale to strangle the ironclad ship completely. The fixed cannons fired, as if the sides of the Horned Whale unfurled fiery wings, pushing it away from death.

A piercing roar echoed, making the sea quake in response. Everyone on board felt their hearts race from the roar, and some even had blood trickling from their ears.

The serpent’s speed began to increase. It stopped toying with its prey; the sea bulged once more, and in the next moment, the serpent head collided against the side of the Horned Whale. Steel shattered, the structure collapsed, and a massive gash appeared on the ship’s side. Tons of seawater flooded in, washing people away before they could even scream, while Demons followed in the wake, bringing final death.

Bola stared blankly at all of this; he was still too naive. Every person was the same. They couldn’t escape at all. Against such an otherworldly creature, mortal steel and gunpowder had no chance of victory.

The heavy impacts continued. With each sound, another wound appeared on the Horned Whale. Its speed gradually slowed, like a weary old man, until it finally stopped, the deep blue seawater completely engulfing it.

...

”So, ten years ago, Lancelot didn’t die directly at that time?”

Lorenzo leaned against the door, listening to Galron’s recount. As expected, Bola had lied to him; parts of his story had been replaced with falsehoods.

”I don’t know. I heard all this from Lord Froki,” Galron said.

”Why would he tell you these things?”

Lorenzo pressed, though the story remained the same, its portrayal twisted through different narrators, obscuring its true face.

”Because the lord wants me to be prepared. He said, barring any unexpected events, someone would return with that gun seeking revenge many years later.”

”Revenge? Why do I feel like Froki seems quite pleased?”

Though relayed by Galron, Lorenzo sensed a hint of joy in the words—a strange joy.

”Because the lord also said, the avenger would bring a new ship, a ship to explore the Silent Sea.”

Galron whispered, Froki’s fixation with the Silent Sea surpassed everyone’s imagination. He coughed a few times, then continued.

”And then comes the next tale, a story about decision-making.”