Gun of Ashes

”Do you have any ideas, Holmes!”

The Plague Doctor shouted repeatedly; in this deadly situation, he was like a beast, discarding all useless morals and manners. Only those who survive have the right to speak of such things.

”Authority! This sea serpent embodies multiple layers of Authority.”

Lorenzo spoke while plunging his claws again, viciously slicing along the edges of the scales. A gush of blood sprayed out. Finally, with Lorenzo’s fierce strike, the scales began to break, revealing the soft flesh underneath, which he then tore open.

It felt like excavating rock, except this massive rock was entirely made of flesh.

”This thing...”

Listening to Lorenzo’s response, the Plague Doctor felt a chill in his heart. As Lawrence’s assistant, he knew all too well what Lorenzo was talking about.

”Solid scale armor, and this undying flesh.”

Lorenzo cut off a large chunk of flesh, violently prying it away. Amidst the bloody wound in front of him, he could see red fibers dancing wildly, just like the body of the Plague Doctor.

All those who usurp the power of the Secret Blood draw a force called Authority from the blood. But this power is merely one of many contained within the blood. If one desires to bear multiple Authorities...

”This thing, it’s just like me, like Lawrence.”

Lorenzo raised his head, gazing at the serpent head covered by intense light.

Only a sublimated will can govern multiple Authorities, allowing power to extend.

”Are you sure?”

The Plague Doctor found it hard to believe. He understood the intrusion of the Authority of Gabriel upon consciousness, but... but the colossal serpent before them.

Could it be that within this enormous body, an unknown soul has been controlling it for centuries, guarding this place?

”The first time you saw Lawrence invade a new body, your feelings were probably similar to now, Plague Doctor?”

Lorenzo asked him, his face fierce but expressionless, though the Plague Doctor could sense Lorenzo’s disdain.

”You’ve just seen too little. Once you’ve truly seen it, nothing is surprising anymore.”

”But... Doesn’t this thing seem too strange? Is there really a will that can control such a body?”

The Plague Doctor couldn’t help but marvel, finding it hard to imagine the extent to which the will beneath this shell had been sublimated.

”A mortal will might fall short, but if sublimation is profound enough?” Lorenzo explained, ”I’ve always wondered what creatures like Lawrence would transform into if they continue to advance.”

”Perhaps this might be the ultimate form post-sublimation?”

The more Lorenzo thought about it, the calmer he became.

No, this is not the ultimate form post-sublimation; no one has ever seen that form.

There is a will controlling this sea serpent, and the burning eyes are the best evidence. There is no need to be fearful; he controls the sea serpent just like Lorenzo controls the Black Angel, only the size differs.

All are tools, tools used by the void will to interfere with the mundane world.

”Plague Doctor!”

Lorenzo shouted to the Plague Doctor amidst the fierce wind.

”I have a plan!”

”What plan!”

The Plague Doctor asked; he must team up with Lorenzo to solve this issue. As for their battle, those matters can be considered later.

With his menacing claws tapping on the distorted skull, Lorenzo said.

”I will invade its [Gap].”