Gun of Ashes

The old man spoke with sorrow.

”If you had come a few hundred years earlier, I might have been able to provide you with some advanced knowledge, but the reactor has been extinguished for many years, the backup power is nearly depleted, and the database has been locked into low-power mode to extend its lifespan... In fact, even if you acquired this knowledge, you would need time to transcribe it, since there are no hard drives or anything like that out there, right?”

The old man used words Lorenzo didn’t understand, but from the context, it was clear they referred to some sort of data storage device.

”Not to mention that much of the technology has been tainted by The Inexpressible. Once unlocked, it deepens the connection with it; if left locked... it’s like you’re crafting a weapon but a crucial step is missing, causing the entire system to collapse.”

He spoke of these difficulties and limitations, and how humanity has done quite well despite these constraints.

”Unfortunately, apart from the history in my mind, I can’t give you anything else.”

His words plunged Lorenzo and Watson into darkness.

Here lies all the truth, but the truth is merely truth; it changes nothing.

Upon hearing the old man’s confirmation, Lorenzo felt his heart tremble slightly, as if it were about to completely collapse.

”So... nothing can be changed after all?”

Lorenzo’s eyes were bloodshot, overlapped by countless images before him, intertwining to outline a mad figure.

The silver armor binding him shattered piece by piece, with deep darkness and murmurs pouring forth from the cracks.

The Pioneer... or Roger Cruz, over the long years, had already been corrupted by The Inexpressible, and now he would once again stir up war, awaken The Inexpressible, and lead humanity to this grand Ascension, ending this meaningless survival.

”This is not just a reboot, it’s the last reboot.”

Watson spoke slowly beside him. She and Lorenzo locked eyes, seeing the terror in each other’s gaze.

”If we don’t stop Roger Cruz, this time, those who perish are not just humans sacrificed in war.”

Lorenzo whispered, but Roger was so powerful that on the surface, Lorenzo was powerless against him. It seemed only Ed could counter him.

The problem is, Ed is also an uncontrollable factor. Like Roger, he stepped into the Well of Ascension and had contact with The Inexpressible. The only difference between them is perhaps Ed hasn’t fallen into madness due to a long sleep, but who can guarantee he’ll remain rational?

”The good news is that someone can help us defeat Roger Cruz. The bad news is, they might both perish, or just one survives. I hope Ed is the one who survives,” Lorenzo analyzed, feeling terribly. ”But if Ed kills Roger, won’t he become the next Roger? Or could it be that before they can settle the score, they’re both dragged into madness by The Inexpressible?”

Clenching his fists, Lorenzo hated this feeling of all control being in someone else’s hands.

”We could place a bet on who wins.” The old man made a poorly timed joke.

”Do you want to start a betting pool?”

Surprisingly, Lorenzo joined in, confident in his ability, like Holmes, who won more than lost in the casino for many years.

”Anyway, I’m betting on Ed to win.”

The old man showed no mercy to Lorenzo.

The two fell into silence, the playful atmosphere replaced by a chilling somberness, as they were serious this time.

”What would you do?” the old man asked.

”Both of them are unstable factors. I’ll choose to kill them both.” Lorenzo answered without hesitation.

Lorenzo came from the Demon Hunting Order. He understood Ed’s past decisions, and like Ed, he would make the same choice.

Erase everything, eliminate all potential crises.

”But you can’t beat them,” the old man said.

”So I’m figuring out a way! I can’t just wait for death when there’s no power here.”

Lorenzo’s tone was somewhat impatient, but the old man laughed heartily.

”See, it’s not completely hopeless yet, is it?”

The old man spoke with relief.

”Since Ed arrived here, I’ve been reflecting on why all my efforts resulted only in failure, yet a casual gift allowed these monkey-like Believers to truly create a new civilization.”

Lorenzo paused his thoughts and looked at the old man, listening to what he would say next.

”Perhaps the times have changed.”

”Changed?”

Lorenzo found this reasoning strange.

”That’s right, no matter what kind of person they are, everyone is restricted by their era. Few can break through, and it seems I haven’t managed it either.”

He gazed at Lorenzo, filled with hope.

”Human choices should be left to humanity itself to decide, not me. I’m merely a Ghost lingering from a bygone era.

See, you’re developing well even without the intervention of the shelter, right? I don’t need to stubbornly hold onto too much anymore.”

The old man sighed, mist visible throughout the glass shell enclosing his head.

”I don’t know if I should do this, but at this point, I feel there’s no need to keep it anymore,” the old man spoke again.