Gun of Ashes

Even Lorenzo's sword strike was like this, tearing open that fragile skin, beneath which the coagulated Holy Silver formed a second line of defense against Lorenzo's attack. But similarly, the toxic substance of the demon was also sealing Ed's Secret Blood within.

"You... your Silver Binding Bolt has completely melted, Ed, you are about to die."

Lorenzo's voice sounded somewhat cold. In truth, he wanted to add some emotion—hatred for the fall of a demon hunter, sorrow for the dying—but all that came out was an indifference.

The Silver Binding Bolt, the most perfect technological creation of the Evangelical Church, a device composed of Holy Silver and mechanical equipment, its appearance a metallic skeleton resembling a human body.

It was a weapon forged specifically for demon hunters. After successfully absorbing the Secret Blood, the implantation of the Silver Binding Bolt would proceed. It was a brutal surgery, and only demon hunters, with their Secret Blood awakened, could endure this transformation due to their far superior physiological capabilities.

In a normal state, the Silver Binding Bolt would protect the demon hunter's internal organs, even if hit by bullets, which would be blocked by the metal deeper within the flesh. But in the awakened state of the Secret Blood, it would be the final shackle restraining the demon hunter.

Neural electrodes begin to spread from the spine, with intricate mechanical structures built-in; it adjusts the functions of the Silver Binding Bolt according to the electrical signals. When the demon hunter's Secret Blood awakens, it would be activated, issuing warnings based on neurological status and the degree of Secret Blood awakening. However, when the demon hunter begins an irreversible demonization, it starts to melt away.

The Holy Silver inside overflows as it melts, spreading along the demon hunter's skeleton, eventually burning out all internal organs, and this is not the end. It will form a seal during the melting process, locking the Secret Blood within the Holy Silver, waiting for retrieval by the Holy Hall Knight Order for reuse.

This was Ed's state right now, the Silver Binding Bolt completely melted, and Holy Silver had flowed throughout his body. By rights, Holy Silver would solidify, and Ed would die like a statue. However, this Michael of a demon hunter had a will far beyond imagination. The soaring Purifying Flame continuously generated high temperatures, preventing the Holy Silver from coagulating. As long as the flame burned, Ed could continue to fight.

The demon of silver and white flames once again raised its blade. There was no so-called pain; his heart had only rage left. Thus, the demon raged with him. Those demons rushing just clung tightly to Lorenzo's body, not intending to attack but just to trap him.

They were numerous as a sea of sand, piling atop Lorenzo until even the black blade had no space to swing. Finally, Ed leaped high, carrying flame and Holy Silver, like a falling meteor, exploded with the brightest light.

The blazing flames engulfed everything; even the black armor melted under this final radiance. As for those demons, in just an instant, they disappeared like dust.

The sword had melted, and so had the black armor under it. Ed seemed to have won, and the Lorenzo beneath the armor was nowhere to be seen, appearing to have dispersed like the demons in the wind.

He finally won, yet seemed somewhat desolate. But just as he let his guard down, metal tore through the air, accompanied by a thunderous roar.

Lorenzo leaped high into the air, holding the Nail Sword burning with Purifying Flame.

This demon hunter in the final moment abandoned his armor, successfully avoiding that fatal blow, creating the illusion of death to lull Ed into relaxation, and at this moment, unleashed the most deadly strike.

His body soared, gripping the Nail Sword, rotating forcefully for a full turn, maximizing the blade speed. This was an attack of great risk; if Ed had sensed it a moment sooner, Lorenzo would have been struck down like a target. However, it was equally a high-yield strike, as it could end the battle with one cut.

This was a self-sacrificial strike within swordsmanship, giving up oneself, bathed in the dying light.

It was a falling guillotine, ending all this frenzy.

A massive wound burst open from Ed's chest, with Holy Silver yet to solidify along with that grotesque flesh. Whether resentment or grievance, at this moment, it achieved peace.

Just like the curtain falling on a hero's saga, Ed stood there dumbfounded, his hand raised halfway in the air to ward off, feebly dropping. Finally, his whole being toppled into the liquid Holy Silver.

"Is this the end? How sad."

Soaked in the liquid Holy Silver, a face covered in Holy Silver spoke unwillingly. The soaring blaze stopped at that moment, gradually dying out, leaving only embers faintly burning, appearing exceedingly mournful.

"Want one?"

Lorenzo spoke but did not wait for Ed's response. He placed a cigarette in the embers, lighting it, then put it in Ed's dry mouth.

"What is this?"

Even in near death, the demon hunter's senses detected the peculiarity of the cigarette. Ed asked weakly.

"Poison; it will numb your nerves, eventually killing you."

Lorenzo said this while lighting a cigarette for himself, then looked down at him.

"The Secret Blood will keep you alive for a while longer; you'll be tormented by Holy Silver, pained beyond endurance. It's better to die this way, isn't it?"

"Euthanasia?"

"Probably."

The two chatted casually. Clearly, a moment ago, they were life-and-death adversaries, yet this moment felt as if they'd become friends.