Gun of Ashes

As Hebdo rushed onto the deck, the storm was already close at hand, like a towering city wall rising from the ground, its shadow completely engulfing the Morning Glow Advance. The ocean currents and wind direction all leaned toward it, as if a funnel between heaven and earth, ready to devour everything.

The bright skyline rose at the far end of the sea, while on the dark side, the residual stars and auroras shimmered. The icy seawater rose with the fury of the wind, sprinkling down like a fine rain, landing on Hebdo’s face with a piercing chill.

This was an incredibly awe-inspiring scene, like the rotation of the cosmos, all deeply etched into Hebdo’s mind, making these images unforgettable for a lifetime.

”We are part of a myth now.”

He murmured to himself.

The Morning Glow Advance sailed into the Divine Domain, touching upon a forgotten story, where events beyond mortal comprehension were taking place. Hebdo was fortunate to witness it.

Another tremor struck, and the jostling brought Hebdo’s awestruck mind back to reality, as the ship began to tilt, the fixed cannons all aimed towards the storm.

”Lorenzo! What’s happening?”

Hebdo shouted towards the figure on the deck, shrouded in darkness, yet the flame rising in his eyes was so bright.

”The final trial has arrived, Hebdo.”

Lorenzo gripped the Folding Blade, his pouch still filled with Nail Swords, as he warily watched the storm approaching the Morning Glow Advance.

”Ten years ago, Bola failed here; the boiling Silent Sea destroyed the Horned Whale, and he could only flee with Froki on a longboat.”

Everything happening now was just as Bola had described.

The restless sea, the emerging storm, the pathway across the nighttime sky, and then...

”The world’s serpent.”

Lorenzo whispered.

His words seemed like a spell being recited, mingling with the wind, whispering into the ear of the Nightmare, causing strange waves around the storm, as if something was writhing beneath the sea surface.

Perhaps Hebdo’s mortal sight couldn’t observe these things, but to Lorenzo’s eyes, they were crystal clear.

He could see the massive scale armor reflecting starlight, hear the breathing hidden within the sound of the waves, and sense the immense and repulsive corruption.

Heavy footsteps echoed, as if a giant was approaching.

Hebdo grasped the cable beside him to steady himself amid the violent rocking, as shadows enveloped him, and he saw the approaching giant.

”Black... Black Angel?”

Thunder flickered as the jagged armor stood behind Hebdo. He recognized this forbidden weapon and knew its name. The sharp Iron Feather was smooth like a mirror, and under the drenching rain, Hebdo could see his own reflection in its surface.

Slowly looking up, white flames continually spilled from the gap under the face armor.

”You’re controlling it, aren’t you, Lorenzo?”

Hebdo asked uncertainly; only Lorenzo could drive this armor, yet now he stood beside Hebdo.

Hebdo had always felt that Lorenzo was keeping something from him, not just from him but from everyone, even secrets the Purification Mechanism didn’t know, such as remotely commanding the Black Angel or the voice echoing in his mind...

Lorenzo’s peculiarities were too many; some strange aspects couldn’t be explained simply by him being a Demon Hunter.

For a long time, Hebdo hadn’t thought deeply about these concerns, perhaps due to the friendship forged in Maruri, Hebdo felt he should trust Lorenzo, even if he held powers unknown to everyone.

But now, they had stepped into a myth, becoming part of this epic.

Was the Silent Sea truly a Divine Domain, or was it Hell itself? Was Lorenzo a false Pseudo-God, or a true Demon?

Hebdo didn’t know, nor could he distinguish; both corruption and awe affected him. Even for someone as brave as him, he grasped his weapon with uncertainty.

”Don’t be afraid, Hebdo.”

Lorenzo’s voice rang out; Hebdo looked over, meeting a pair of burning eyes.

The flames in the pupils reached their zenith, like a dazzling daylight, while the Secret Blood within his body sang and boiled, causing his surface temperature to burn hot, evaporating the rainwater instantly, the fine white steam rising from his body.

Lorenzo wanted to smile at Hebdo, but controlling the Black Angel brought immense pressure, making his smile appear twisted, causing discomfort to Hebdo.

Normally, Lorenzo wouldn’t risk activating Authority: Gabriel so recklessly, but the extremely dangerous situation left him little room to think further.

The sensation of controlling the Black Angel wasn’t very good; Lorenzo could feel the demonic flesh entwined in the metallic skeleton, feel their blood thirst and pain.

The chaotic, unending murmurs filled his ears.

”Trust me, Hebdo. If you feel unable to make a rational judgment before unknown fears, then trust me, bet everything on me.” Lorenzo said.

Hebdo’s chest heaved intensely; he looked at Lorenzo and felt the breath coming from the armor behind him.

”Bola asked me to pass this on to you, after he was attacked by Demons in the cabin, nearly dying, and probably unable to partake in the journey ahead.”