Gun of Ashes

Old Dunling, Black Mountain Hospital.

This hospital hidden within the steel jungle continues its unceasing operation even in the dead of night. Like the Perpetual Motion Pump beneath it, since the Death Row project began, all departments of the Purification Mechanism have been running at full speed, coordinating with one another, preparing for the coming disaster.

Abigail pushed open the door of the operating room, removed her gloves and mask, and walked to the window, breathing in the cold, piercing moisture.

Surgery is exceedingly exhausting; your mind needs to focus intensely for extended periods. It significantly drains your mental and physical energy. Even a workaholic like Abigail, after performing a complex surgery, just wants to find a place to rest.

Her gaze fell into the dark rain curtain; she had seen this city countless times before, yet often felt a strange sense of aversion.

She hated Old Dunling.

This city is so advanced, compared to it, other cities are as backward as centuries ago. Yet, staying in such a city for too long always gave Abigail a sense of disorientation.

Old Dunling has detached from this world. Compared to other cities and even countries, Old Dunling is so peculiar that sometimes it doesn’t even qualify as a city. Instead, it is another form of life, unknown to humanity, covered layer by layer by different systems.

The city seems to be alive. Every time steam seeps from below, it’s its breath, the mad rush of the Iron Serpent its blood flow...

Abigail felt she was being assimilated by Old Dunling. To be precise, she had already been assimilated; beyond this city, she couldn’t conceive of any other place embracing her, nor was she sure she could accept anything else.

”Sigh...”

Abigail sighed gently.

Apart from work, Abigail also thought about personal life; but now she was already tied to it, and even she couldn’t figure out the road ahead.

After all, she was human, not a machine. But even machines break down one day, let alone humans who can retire. Abigail was more troubled by the life ahead, yet beyond maintaining the present, she didn’t know what else she could do.

”Dean?”

A female voice interrupted Abigail’s musings. She looked towards the corridor; at some point, Swift had appeared there.

This did not surprise Abigail; she was used to this stealthy fellow. No matter where she was, it seemed that a shout of ”Swift” would have Swift appearing by her side in a short time.

Swift was appointed by Arthur and has been in charge of Abigail’s personal protection for some time.

”Duke Stuart has arrived.”

Swift whispered in her ear, then stood aside like a silent guard.

”Stuart...”

Abigail pondered, unable to understand why this new Nation-Builder would suddenly visit her, then she recalled a recent appointment.

Back then, Selyu had told her there was something she wanted to give her; Abigail hadn’t taken it to heart, merely thinking it was the kind of thing a new Nation-Builder would do to win over people. She heard others say that Arthur and Merlin seemed to have met her as well.

”Ah... I hate meeting with sponsors like this; they always come up with strange requests at times.”

Despite saying this, Abigail forcefully rubbed her face to refresh herself, then entered into work mode, speaking seriously to Swift.

”Let’s go.”

...

The meeting was scheduled in the office; Selyu had already arrived, sitting on the side, observing her surroundings.

She had visited Black Mountain Hospital once before, but that time she only observed from afar and never delved in. She was somewhat curious about everything here, having heard from Lorenzo that this was the resting place for most of the Purification Mechanism’s members.

Those affected by erosion received treatment here: some could leave healthily, others would be taken to sanatoriums, and some would remain here forever, in that vast cemetery.

Lorenzo, too, had been here. He said he almost got dissected by these lunatics, but how could the invincible Mr. Holmo fall here? Lorenzo said he broke free from the restraints, killed his way out, and slashed down dozens of Demons...

Selyu could distinguish between Lorenzo’s truth and lies; she considered all of the above to be just another story from that storyteller. After all, she had heard plenty of his lousy tales; one more wouldn’t hurt.

This was probably the so-called tacit understanding; Selyu knew Lorenzo was lying but acted as if she believed him.

The door swung open, and Abigail strode in.

Along the way, she had already planned how to reject Selyu’s coercion and temptation. No matter what this new Nation-Builder wanted, Abigail would leave her empty-handed. This was a firm resistance against sponsors and a battle for Abigail’s dignity.

Abigail would interrupt Selyu before she could speak, like a sharp blade solving the problem before the enemy could make a move.

”I’m sorry, but we’re currently understaffed. If you want...”

Before Abigail could finish, Selyu immediately stood up, handing over a suitcase.

Abigail sensed something ominous and sighed inwardly; truly, one could expect no less from someone who could become a Nation-Builder. Actions indeed surpass words; Selyu hadn’t given Abigail a chance to speak.

Indeed, if Duke Stuart could become a Nation-Builder, she must have her extraordinary means. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken this duty from the previous Nation-Builder; certainly, it’s something that can’t be bought with money. Probably, the former Nation-Builder endured countless torments from her.