Embers of Embers

Chapter 96
The tall, twisted tree was reflected in the mirror, and the dark lines were extremely deep. It seemed that what was beneath was not flesh and blood, but an unreachable abyss.
Lorenzo put on his pajamas after checking and confirming that there was nothing abnormal. Since Operation Ende Town, he had not experienced the high-intensity stimulation of secret blood for a long time. The feeling of this power surging again made him unfamiliar and frightened.
For this reason, he will do such a check every day.
The weird tattoo on the back is the alchemy technology of the Demon Hunting Order. This almost lost skill is even more mysterious than the so-called demons. After all, demons are so vital, there will always be a few who survive, and alchemists in modern times Under the impact of steam technology, not even a single one has survived. Perhaps the last alchemist in the world has died of illness on the street. The tattoo on Lorenzo's body will become the swan song of this skill.
This tattoo is an alchemical matrix engraved on the body of the witcher. It has many effects. The simplest way to understand it is that the secret blood is the source of power, and the alchemical matrix engraved on the body of the witcher determines what this power source does.
According to the angels in the "Gospels", this branch of power is listed under different names, such as Ed's Michael branch. What the alchemical matrix gives him is the power to burn everything. His pure flame will be stronger than ordinary demon hunting. People are still hot, and it can even be said that their bodies will turn into flames for a short time, dancing and surging like the elements.
Within the Demon Hunter Order, depending on the branch of the Demon Hunter's abilities, the Demon Hunters also have different responsibilities. The Demon Hunters of the Michael branch are responsible for burning and purifying. As long as they catch the demon, they can burn it anytime and anywhere. .
Lorenzo's branch is the more solemn Metanzo branch, because the power is to multiply the secret blood and generate extremely strong metal armor. The duty of the demon hunters of the Metanzo branch is to guard the Pope and wear strong armor. Guarded in the shadow of the Cathedral of Saint-Naro.
If the popes of all ages are the people closest to gods, then the demon hunters of the Metanzo branch are the people closest to the pope, the agents of gods, and the people closest to the throne.
But in essence, Lorenzo was a little different from all of this. After the Holy Night, he experienced all the weird things, just like the things that existed in his mind, and he didn't know which direction he was progressing in.
Lying on the bed, the ceiling was covered with various posters by Lorenzo, including those from bars, regular dance parties, and even some luxury jewelry stores and restaurants.
People always need some motivation to live, so Lorenzo would look at the ceiling and the posters for a while before going to bed every day, thinking about what he would eat, do, or play when he wakes up tomorrow. Just thinking about it would make him happy for the next day. With some expectations.
Closing his eyes, the witcher fell into a deep sleep.
The witcher fell asleep, and the other door at 121A Cork Street slowly opened at this moment. The man walked out of the door with a tired body. He looked very haggard, and his hair was messy and looked like it had not been tidied up for a long time. .
Sigg glanced at Lorenzo's door. Although he wanted to say hello to this roommate he hadn't seen for a long time, it seemed that their work and rest times had been perfectly staggered.
It was almost midnight, and Sigg, who had just woken up, felt very hungry. He didn't know if there were any restaurants open on the street now. Maybe he could try his luck in the kitchen on the first floor.
Sigg is a machinist who was born in an unknown place. Although he came from a humble background, Sigg is very smart. With his extraordinary wisdom, he successfully entered the mechanical school in Old Dunling. Although he is not the same as those who are rich and prestigious, The university was much inferior, but it was also Sigg's ticket to the upper class.
Then everything went as normal. Sigg successfully graduated from the work-study program and now works as a machinist in a factory.
There is no particularly exciting experience, nor is there anything in the past that is painful to look back on. Sigg is just a very standard ordinary person.
Hig tried not to attract Mrs. Verde's attention. Although he had lived here for so long, he had never figured out Mrs. Verde's schedule. It seemed that the old lady was awake no matter what time she was. Places suddenly appear and startle you.
After looking through the refrigerator, Sigg found some sausages. Although they were not very delicious, they were enough to fill his stomach. He picked up the plate and sat on the chair. It was late at night when no one was around. Sigg actually experienced a sense of life. .
Life in the factory was not easy. The air was hot and dry, the nose was full of the smell of engine oil, and there was constant rumbling noise. Sigg had to wear earplugs when sleeping there. Even so, it was difficult for him to fall asleep, and his mental state was extremely poor.
Enjoying this short time, a dinner plate was suddenly handed over to him. Mrs. Van Rude looked at him fiercely and then said.
"Eat this, it's too cold."
Sigg was a little surprised and a little panicked, as if he was caught stealing food by his family.
"I...I thought you were sleeping."
"Older people don't need to sleep too long."
As Mrs. Van Rude said, she pulled over a chair, sat at the table and started eating with Sigurd. The atmosphere was a bit subtle, and the two of them just ate dryly until Mrs. Van Rude suddenly spoke.
"You probably haven't been back for half a month."
Hig nodded.
"The factory has added a new production line, and the new machine has many problems."
The dim yellow light reflected on the faces of the two people, a bit like a family conversation, Mrs. Van Rude asked again.
"How do you feel about the situation? You probably haven't touched anything like hallucinogens."
Sure enough, he still asked this question. Sigurd looked a little embarrassed and paused for a long time before returning.
"No, I won't touch that kind of thing anymore."
The old eyes stared at him closely, like a judgment. After a while, Mrs. Van Rude moved her eyes away and forked half of the sausage.
"I hope what you said is true... Sigg, you are different from Lorenzo. Although that kid is a bit neurotic and unreliable, he actually knows what he wants, so I never worry about him. But you are different, you are easily disturbed, just like you used hallucinogens before. If I hadn't discovered it in advance, I really can't imagine what you would have become."
Mrs. Verrode showed her concern for the tenants uncharacteristically. If Lorenzo could see this scene, he would definitely think that Mrs. Verrode had been corrupted by a demon.
Sigg lowered his head. This was his stain. He could not deny that although on the surface he was a serious mechanic with a formal job, Sigg had been using hallucinogens at night for a long time. .
Hallucinogens have been rampant in Old Dunling for a long time. Although it has gone underground due to official suppression, its harm is still significant. Those living in the lower city are the best examples.
"Also, you know Lorenzo's job well, and you don't want to be looked down upon, right?"
She asked lightly, and finally left a business card.
"Xig, I hope you don't mind. This is for your own good. This is a mutual aid meeting held by my friend. I hope this can be helpful to you."
"Dreams are just a place to rest, but they cannot be a place to escape."
Mrs. Van Roode left, and it took a long time for Sigg to move out of the deadlock. He rolled up his sleeves, which still had a row of needle holes, and the emotion called shame gradually engulfed him.
(End of this chapter)