Gun of Ashes

The Demon’s face slammed against the glass in front of him, so close, so clear. Notar felt as though he could almost wail and escape, but the sense of duty weighing on him kept him from moving his legs.

A Folding Blade pierced through the Demon’s body, penetrating the glass along with it. Blood dripped through the cracks, splattering onto Notar, clinging to his skin, bringing a warm temperature.

It was the Soldiers, they had arrived nearby, slashing and shooting, driving the Demons out of the command room area.

They were as terrified as Notar, but to protect the command room, they threw themselves into battle without hesitation.

Notar’s heart surged with emotions, perhaps the only courage he could muster, as he bit his teeth and turned the helm.

”For...”

Notar wanted to shout a slogan, but when the words reached his mouth, nothing came out.

Staring in horror at his hands, Notar was using all his strength to turn the wheel, but no matter how hard he tried, it was as if the wheel was welded in place, refusing to budge.

As if the courage he finally mustered was still false, he was swallowed by fear, futilely trying to weave lies to deceive himself.

”Watch out!”

Selyu warned Notar. Their strength was ultimately limited, and in this fierce attack, a Demon broke through the defense line, covered in blood, limbs severed, yet stubbornly crawling towards Notar, raising its claws.

Flesh blossomed with crimson patterns under the sharp claws, Notar watched his arm lift into the air, his whole body beginning to fall backward, but this time Notar finally summoned strength, shaking the helm.

Just before falling, Notar swiftly turned the helm, causing the entire Morning Glow Advance to plunge into violent turbulence.

His mind was blank, his vision filled only with the ever-approaching Demon.

Notar felt as though he might truly die, his heart was calm, without a ripple.

He wanted to sleep peacefully but was awakened by a girl’s voice.

”Get up, Notar! You’re not dead yet!”

Selyu pushed the Folding Blade, precisely piercing the Demon’s neck. The Demon attempted to counterattack, but most of its limbs had been severed in combat with the Soldiers, and its body had several massive blood holes, continuously gushing blood.

Raising the pistol, Selyu fired repeatedly at the Demon’s heart until it ceased to move.

After killing the last Demon, control of the command room was regained, followed by another round of intense turbulence as the shattered glacier brushed past the Morning Glow Advance, its edge scraping the hull, bringing a metallic screech.

”Hold on, Notar!”

Selyu dragged Notar’s body while continuously calling his name.

Cliff was clearing away the other corpses, and Galron also gripped the Folding Blade, on guard against potential threats, while in the corner behind him, Froki seemed to have calmed down, no longer uttering those strange mutters.

”Notar! You’ll be alright!”

Selyu laid Notar flat on the side, tearing off a corner of her coat with the Folding Blade, binding the torn cloth tightly around the severed limb to stop the bleeding for Notar.

Notar’s mind was already unable to bear the pressure of the Silent Sea. After one of his arms was severed by a Demon, the significant blood loss caused his body to gradually grow cold, his consciousness drifting into a haze.

”I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

He shook his head, apologizing to Selyu full of regret.