Gun of Ashes

Chapter 916 6: Red Signal_3

"You don't need to rest, but I do!"

Bola shouted hoarsely. Perhaps out of sheer frustration, he yanked off the nightcap from his head and threw it forcefully onto the ground.

"It's just starting work a few hours early, is that a problem?"

Seeing Bola's extremely agitated mood, Lorenzo realized for the first time that this guy actually had a case of morning grumpiness.

"A few hours early? I just got off work at midnight, and I've only slept for a few hours!"

Bola couldn't help but roar. As tensions between Gaulunaro and Ingwig increased, the Purification Mechanism was busy under this oppressive atmosphere, tightening control over the Lower City District, strictly inspecting every foreigner sneaking in. Bola had been working overtime for several days because of this.

He now resembled a pitiable employee exploited by a heartless company. However, Bola himself could be considered a "management-level personnel," yet even someone of his rank would still be dominated by those of higher authority.

"You need to get used to this, Bola, but I really didn't expect it—you live so close."

Lorenzo didn't pay any attention to Bola's complaints. If he did, it would be truly unbelievable.

A few minutes ago, the Iron Serpent stopped in front of a building not far from the Lower City District. It was then that Lorenzo realized this was Bola's actual residence. Thinking about it, it made sense—how could someone like Bola sleep soundly in the dangerous Lower City District? There must be a secret passage under the building leading directly to the district; during the day, Bola would pass through it to become the king controlling the Lower City District, while at night he would remove his mask to return to tranquility and enjoy rare peace.

Of course, all of this was disrupted by Lorenzo. When he barged into Bola's room, the expression on Bola's face as he was startled awake was incredibly amusing, bordering on panic.

"Ah... so, are there more demons again? What bad timing."

After complaining for a while, Bola calmed down. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the car window wrapped in barbed wire.

The Iron Serpent traveled against the rising sun, passing the awakening skyscrapers and streets, reaching a world of desolation.

The industrial area remained as it was in memory—a barren land with countless large mechanical devices, some still operating, rumbling as they extracted ore from the hard soil, while others lay covered in dust on the grayish-white rock, like dead giants whose flesh had been eroded by the wind, exposing their steel bones.

In the distant remnants of the night sky, thick smoke rose to the heavens, below which were unextinguished furnaces that resembled stars from underground, illuminating the path forward.

"Thanks to you all, the Mechanical Institute hasn't been operating at full capacity like this for a long time. The last time was during the Radiant War."

Bola sighed.

Whistles sounded, as trains loaded with ore crossed the gray-white mountains, entering the burning Mechanical Institute, and then departed with brand-new mechanical equipment fresh off the production line.

They were all sealed in dark green iron crates, plastered with various warning labels. Even those unfamiliar with them would know at first glance that they concealed the unlit fires of war.

"You were prepared in advance?"

Looking at these, Lorenzo's expression became heavy.

"To be exact, the bigwigs at the top were prepared in advance. You have no idea how high the production of the Third Generation Armor has been in recent days. It's said that the output over these few days matches our previous total combined."

Bola shook his head worriedly, then said to Lorenzo.

"You're right; these things would be excellent weapons against demons. But when used against humans, they'll become terrifying slaughter machines."

Lorenzo didn't respond. He had always worried that such a scenario would occur. He thought he could control it all, but in truth, he was too naive.

But this time, he harbored a different thought—a still naive thought. The apocalyptic demons reappeared before his eyes, and perhaps... perhaps these weapons weren't meant to fight humans. Maybe they were also intended to fight demons.

Thinking this, Lorenzo stopped the Iron Serpent.