Gun of Ashes

”Damn it!”

Blue Jade cursed angrily.

Sure enough, the worst-case scenario had happened. Someone couldn’t hold on anymore and transformed into a demon. Morning Glow Advance was so vast, and with communications down, this ironclad ship had become an arena for humans and demons.

She was preparing to deliver the final blow to this demon, but just then, she heard the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps, accompanied by a gust of wind surging behind her.

Only one bullet left in the revolver, and Blue Jade didn’t trust her marksmanship. More importantly, even if this shot hit a vital spot, with the revolver’s firepower, it was uncertain if it could directly kill the demon, given these creatures’ stubborn vitality.

The experience of struggling between life and death allowed Blue Jade to make the necessary judgment. She released her grip, letting the revolver drop into a pool of blood, and as she turned, she drew the folding blade from her waist.

Enduring the pain in her body, Blue Jade fiercely swung the blade, the cold metal tracing a ghostly arc through the air before slicing down ferociously.

Warm, foul-smelling blood splattered onto Blue Jade, followed by the sound of bones and flesh being severed by the folding blade. The demon’s entire arm was chopped off, the severed limb spurting blood as it rolled into the darkness.

Screams echoed around, and Blue Jade dodged the attacking demon, realizing it was a soldier who had been on guard duty just moments ago, now leaping at her like a beast.

”Sorry.”

Blue Jade whispered.

Just a few hours ago, they were colleagues and comrades, and now Blue Jade had to end its life.

The folding blade fell again, cutting through most of the demon’s waist and abdomen, spilling guts and foul blood, releasing a stench and rising steam.

As expected, the strength of just one arm was quite limited, not to mention these swings had already pulled at her wound. Intense stabbing pain emanated from the wound as Blue Jade took a deep breath to suppress it, and then more footsteps resounded.

They clattered noisily, sounding above and around her, coming from all directions.

Demons? Or humans?

Blue Jade wasn’t sure, but she knew one thing: she wouldn’t entrust her life to anyone else.

What difference was there between hoping someone would come to save her and giving up resistance in favor of some slim chance?

Blue Jade dashed towards Bola’s room, twisting the handle. Luckily, this guy hadn’t locked the door. Blue Jade pushed it open and burst inside. Without further thought, she closed the cabin door again, locking it tight.

A few seconds later, the chaotic footsteps rushed to the cabin door, followed by a brief silence.

Blue Jade suppressed her breathing, her heartbeat resonating clearly in the eerie silence.

Screech—

The sharp sound erupted suddenly, razor claws raking against the steel, emitting a piercing wail that tortured her ears, as if countless demons were behind the cabin door.

”It’s demons, after all?”

Blue Jade stared anxiously at the shaking cabin door. If she had hesitated even a little earlier, thinking those footsteps were soldiers coming to help, she would have been reduced to fragments by now.

Thinking this, she leaned against the wall, placing the folding blade aside, covering her wound. The fight had opened up the stitches on her wound again, fresh blood oozing slowly, bringing pain and cold.

Blue Jade gritted her teeth, tightened the bandage a bit more, and then moved to the side of the bed.

After everything that had happened, Bola seemed oblivious, sleeping facedown on the bed, deep in slumber.

Looking at him like that, Blue Jade felt a complex emotion, inexplicable.

She had just gone through life and death outside, and Bola was just a few meters away, sound asleep as if the demons and death outside had nothing to do with him.

”Bola! Wake up!”

Blue Jade shook Bola, realizing this was no time to sleep. Crew members and soldiers had already begun demonization, Morning Glow Advance was no longer safe.

”Bola!”

Blue Jade shouted loudly. No matter how she shook Bola, there was no response. The cabin door shook vigorously, intensifying the fear within.

She pushed Bola to the floor, yet even as he hit the floor, Bola didn’t wake. At that moment, Blue Jade noticed Bola’s dreadful condition.

Bola lay on his back on the floor, hands clasped tightly around a silver revolver, knuckles turning white from the grip, breathing rapid, as if trapped in a grim and monstrous nightmare.

Not sure if it’s sweat or tears, the liquid covered his face, his expression twisted in agony.

”Bola...”

Blue Jade gazed at Bola blankly, feeling the weight of his pain emanating from him.

The sharp screeching brought Blue Jade back to her senses. She turned her head to see countless bulges appearing on the cabin door. Some had already ruptured, and claws were reaching through the steel.

”Wake up! Bola! Wake up! Do your dreaming later!”

Blue Jade shook Bola desperately, but there was still no response, even when she pinched his face hard, nails digging into his skin, drawing blood, there was still no sign of him waking.

She tried to pry the revolver from Bola’s hands, but he gripped it so tightly that she couldn’t do it with just one hand, leaving her to get up in frustration, cursing angrily.