Gun of Ashes

”Ah...”

Red Falcon was completely stunned. During his previous chat with Lorenzo, he had boasted about himself, claiming to be the Lucky Red Falcon. Although his work always seemed like a brush with death, each time Red Falcon survived by sheer luck.

He wasn’t sure if this was luck or misfortune, but now it seemed that everything would soon be confirmed.

Merlin didn’t pay too much attention to Red Falcon’s excessive internal struggle. He shouted into the communicator, questioning this foreigner from Jiuxia.

”Don’t worry, Merlin, everything is under control... at least that’s how I feel.”

Left Garrison strolled amidst the dense forest of iron. The light here was dim, and pipes were densely packed everywhere, covered in dust and rust, as if no one had been here since its construction.

”You say under control?”

Merlin’s loud voice echoed from the communicator.

”Yes, please believe us, Merlin. I’m not great at reasoning, but you’ve seen my actions. I’m stationed above the Death Row; if anyone must die, it’ll be me first.

Although I feel that life is rather futile, for you, this would be a very costly price, wouldn’t it.”

Left Garrison stopped and looked down.

It was a huge circular gate, level with the ground, covered with a thick layer of dust that completely concealed its original appearance. As for the internal mechanical structure, it might have rusted and aged over time, unclear if it could even start.

It divided the Furnace Pillar into two sections. The area Left Garrison stood in was the maintenance area, while below was the deep zone where almost no one ever ventured. According to the technicians’ explanation, it was where the Furnace Pillar’s waste was discharged and the current location of the Death Row.

Countless Anonymous were roaming inside, setting up various weapons; at this moment, they were guarding the gate to the Death Row.

”You...”

The voice in the communicator had become calmer, perhaps Merlin hadn’t expected Left Garrison to say such things.

”What’s wrong with you?”

”Just realizing something, a loophole only a seasoned Anonymous can notice,” Left Garrison smiled. ”After all, you haven’t experienced reverse meme coverage multiple times. Memories, for us Anonymous, aren’t reliable.”

”What loophole?”

”I can’t say. If I do, once you’re invaded by Roger, then Roger would know too.”

”What about you?”

Merlin had wanted to say something but suddenly realized the meaning behind Left Garrison’s words. The matters that had puzzled Merlin were answered, followed by fear and... reverence.

He paused, leaving the channel silent.

”Yes, that’s it. It’s the final moment, Merlin. Why not talk about something else?”

Left Garrison continued, and after a while, a voice emerged.

”Old Dunling’s Geiger index is still soaring. Even if we win the war, all we’ll get is ruins. I’m preparing to go to the central control room.”

”Are you planning to throw all the anti-memes into the Furnace Pillar? A good decision; they will continue to spread, along the massive system, dispersing throughout the city,” Left Garrison said.

”Hmm, I’m not sure how this will affect the war, but it’s inevitable,” Merlin cursed, ”I’m just a scientist; it’s all I can do.”

”Then goodbye, Merlin, very...”

Left Garrison said decisively, without dragging it out, but his farewell was interrupted by a burst of noise in the channel. The high-intensity corrosion had spread here, affecting the communication.

This thing was now useless; Left Garrison tossed the communicator into the darkness below. He drew the Folding Blade, looked up, as if he could see the clear and beautiful sky through layers of obstacles.

”Ah... what a good plan, Holmes.”

Left Garrison smiled. Although he wasn’t clear about the plan’s entirety, he had guessed some through these loopholes and clues, and had also guessed his fate and duty.

He wasn’t afraid or worried because Left Garrison knew this was the choice he made; he just forgot.