Chapter 1418 10: Advance (Part 2)

"Just curious, I have to follow the fixed path, just like the prophecy said.

Go forth, fight, die in battle.

Besides, there are even more fascinating things awaiting afterwards."

Lawrence spoke with deep affection, but to Corey, this affection carried a sense of extreme madness. Since he first knew him, Corey could feel that Lawrence has changed a lot, constantly sliding into chaotic darkness beyond redemption.

"What things?"

"The future."

"The future?"

"Yes, an unknown future. Aren't you curious about what the world will be like after such an apocalypse?"

Lawrence proposed something Corey had never considered.

"According to the prophecy, you should be dead by then."

Corey said, while Lawrence smiled without reply.

His gaze full of doubt, Corey suddenly thought of something and asked.

"Have you... tried looking into such a future again after that?"

Everything is false, Lawrence reached this point completely because of that cursed prophecy. Ever since then, he's like a puppet controlled by the strings of fate, moving forward according to a predetermined destiny.

Lawrence nodded and then said.

"I have tried many times, but just like fate, I am destined to know all the sorrow at that moment, unable to glimpse that everything ever after."

"Do you truly believe in this 'fate'? And really, have you only seen these things? Are you telling the truth, Lawrence?"

Corey continued to question, staring at the icy mask.

Lawrence had worn the mask for so long that Corey almost forgot what he originally looked like. Facing him now, all Corey felt was a chilling coldness.

After the ecstasy of faith being destroyed, the cold evening wind swept in, cooling Corey down, soon followed by endless fear.

Corey regretted it somewhat, realizing only now the price of dealing with the devil, as boundless doubts rose from his mind.

Is Lawrence's prophecy correct?

How to ascertain the truth or falseness of this prophecy? Could it even be just a hallucination of Lawrence's, considering he mentioned he's never foretold so far ahead, something scarcely possible.

Cold sweat soaked Corey's garments, he couldn't see Lawrence's expression, only felt that in the profound darkness beneath the mask lay countless abhorrent souls praying for peace.

If... if this is wrong, then Lawrence, this mad believer of fate, has followed the wrong path until today.

Has Lawrence ever considered this?

Another thought flashed through Corey's mind. He felt Lawrence wasn't a fool; instead, he is cunning and strong-willed. Having thought of this, it's impossible for Lawrence not to have.

Has he ever doubted himself? Amidst repeated failures, has he ever considered the prophecy might be wrong?

Or, like those fanatic believers, does he move forward deceiving himself, even when the truth is full of holes, persistently refusing to believe, just following his own goal, blindly advancing ahead.

Corey showed an unsightly smile on his face. They mocked the fanatic believers, but they themselves were the most ludicrous fanatic believers. This was a mad world, and only in mad fanatic believers can one steadily progress through thunder and storm.

"The truth? It should all be the truth."

It seemed Lawrence noticed Corey's transformation, speaking softly.

"But if there's anything being hidden, it certainly exists."

"What did you hide?" Hearing this, a slight hope rose in Corey's eyes.

"Some... things I am not quite sure of myself. In any case, after that apocalypse, I saw some intriguing things."

Lawrence's voice became increasingly light, like an elder recalling ancient and forgotten stories in old age.

"After the crimson disaster, I saw a sky, stained gold by the morning sun's rays..."

"It sounds like a bewildering vision."

"Yes, that's why I never mention these things to anyone. If you hadn't asked, I would have almost forgotten, after all, that apocalyptic crimson was so ominous, stirring one's soul."

The two fell into silence, Corey found it hard to describe his feelings. They were like boulders rolling down from a cliff, knowing their mistake, yet no way back.

Countless warships docked on the sea outside the harbor, loaded with monsters bearing Secret Blood, eager to try, gnashing teeth and drinking blood.

"What have I done?"

Corey muttered to himself, looking at where his arm had been severed, feeling life like a nightmare he couldn't wake the.

"Driven by your desires, raging, you shouldn't be lost, Corey. You should be thrilled now, everything you wanted is almost within reach, isn't it?"

Lawrence didn't understand his confusion. Hearing these words, Corey smiled helplessly, quickly that smile became increasingly grim.

He was right, Lawrence was right, Corey began to understand him; in this mad world, keeping one's sanity is difficult, yet if only focusing on advancing towards a single goal, regardless of right or wrong, they will be rewarded whether it's good or ill.

"We can go now, Corey. You should want to step onto that sacred land with me, don't you?"

Lawrence suddenly spoke, while in the darkness nearby, a group of people approached. Through the dim light, Corey could see the gleam of metal reflecting on them.

Knives and firearms, these were well-equipped soldiers, wearing masks similar to Lawrence's, like the king's guards defending him.

Lawrence glanced at Corey, the darkness beneath his mask roiling with scorching white, his voice twisted with laughter.

"Just now, King Cornel granted us permission to begin battle."

Corey was stunned, gazing at the ghostly fires in the darkness, his body trembled slightly.

In the midst of their conversation, Lawrence was wandering in the endless wilderness, effortlessly achieving all of this.

"You... persuaded him?"

"He only made the correct choice."

Lawrence spoke significantly.

The Nation-Builders presumably know Lawrence's terrifying nature through Lorenzo, restricting this monster is an unwise decision, moreover, this monster's purpose aligns partly with that of the Nation-Builders, better to let the wolf devour the tiger.

Lawrence guessed they wouldn't completely indulge him, on that familiar native land, he should see more familiar faces.

"Lorenzo Holmes..."

Lawrence whispered the name with a sense of comfort.

Lorenzo Holmes indeed was his most outstanding student, returning from the Silent Sea, even killed Roger and Ed. His achievements could mark the history of the Demon Hunting Order, unfortunately, after the apocalypse, regardless of victory or defeat, all these will be buried and destined to be forgotten.

"Let's go, Corey."

Lawrence called to Corey, surrounded by soldiers, they walked onto the dock to board the warship already prepared.

They were laden with the Secret Blood legion, silently departing the port, venturing towards the depths of night.

"Corey."

In the oppressive silence, Lawrence suddenly spoke.

Corey looked at him, only hearing him talking to himself.

"Whether real or false, right or wrong, someone always needs to practice, to see it firsthand, even if it's not for myself, but for those willing to believe in me, and die for it."

Corey seemed to understand, asked.

"Why suddenly say this."

"Just thinking of some old friends."

Lawrence looked northward, calmly speaking.

Silently progressing, Lawrence gazed at the darkness, vaguely as if he could see that sky through the night, a golden sky.

In a daze, gentle sunlight seemed to fall, softly brushing his weary and furious spirit.