Chapter 1444: 23: Connection

Chapter 1444: Chapter 23: Connection

Thunderous Cape Military Port, belonging to the secret military port of the Purification Mechanism, is also a large industrial area where the extraction and refining of lacquered antimony are carried out. It can be said that this is the second core of the Purification Mechanism. After Old Dunling was severely damaged, most of the functions of the Purification Mechanism are gradually moving here. Just because of its secret existence, coupled with the distance from Old Dunling, it doesn’t have much presence in the minds of many people.

“Thunderous Cape?” Lorenzo seemed a bit puzzled, “What’s there?”

“You’ll know when we get there.”

Merlin said mysteriously, then reached out and patted Lorenzo on the shoulder.

“We still have some time before we arrive, so take a quick nap now, relax a bit, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

He was genuinely concerned about Lorenzo, and before Lorenzo could say anything, he continued.

“I know, sleep isn’t very important to you demon hunters, but you should conserve some energy, right?”

At this, Merlin’s tone lightened, with a hint of a smile.

“Many times, I really envy you for this ability; that way, I could work continuously without sleep constraining me.”

“It’s just not very necessary, not completely unnecessary. Otherwise, I’d wear my body out,” Lorenzo paused, showing a faint smile, responding to Merlin’s kindness, “I know, don’t worry too much.”

“That’s good.”

Merlin nodded, stepped back to the car door, glanced at Lorenzo again, and then slowly left.

Walking in the slightly narrow carriage, surrounded by crates filled with deadly metal.

Passing through carriage after carriage, Merlin frowned, thinking to himself, imagining that many people shared his concerns about Lorenzo, while also looking forward to it.

This is the last round of dealing on the gambling table, just like expecting Lorenzo to hunt Roger before, this chance to change fate is within reach. Everyone couldn’t help but expect from him, though unspoken, Lorenzo must be aware of this, bearing such pressure.

Merlin felt worried for Lorenzo, knowing well what it felt like to be expected, let alone by so many people.

Expectations sometimes become people’s motivation, driving them forward for someone’s expectation, but sometimes, it’s a double-edged sword. Countless expectations can press down on a person like a heavy stone, causing hesitation and delay, until they are utterly crushed at some point.

At the thought, Merlin couldn’t help but turn back, as if his gaze could penetrate layers of obstacles to see Lorenzo.

“Lorenzo…”

Merlin murmured softly.

…

“Phew…”

Lorenzo didn’t fall asleep, his eyes slightly bloodshot. He breathed deeply, trying to dispel the pressure crushing his chest, but it was futile, leaving him feeling increasingly exhausted. But now wasn’t the time for exhaustion.

An unusual feeling surged within him at this moment as if invisible cold water flowed slowly over his body.

Lorenzo knew clearly the reason for this; she could have arrived unnoticed, but probably afraid of his panic, she usually reminded him like this, like knocking on a door.

[Are you okay?]

The voice echoed in his mind; it was Watson’s voice.

“I’m fine.”

Lorenzo repeated; he always felt that this conversation had happened many times these days, and he had replied the same way many times.

[You’re not, you look terrible right now.]

“Yes,” his lie uncovered, Lorenzo said expressionlessly, “but there’s no way I can tell them that I’m actually terrified.”

Watson remained silent, sometimes seeming to be Lorenzo’s only listener.

In Lorenzo’s heart, Watson occupies a unique position unlike others, as Watson is the only one who witnessed everything about him, remaining the only link between Lorenzo and his past life.

Others know Lorenzo’s present, but only Watson knows Lorenzo’s past.

So, many times in the face of Watson, Lorenzo would rarely completely relax and reveal a side of himself that no one has ever seen.

“It’s a strange feeling; on one side, you feel like a hero admired by everyone, expected to wield a sword and slay all these messes. On the other side, it’s a bit terrible because even if you’re unsure of doing certain things, you must brace yourself because you’re their hero, and heroes can’t back down.”

[Do you want to run away?]

“How could I possibly!” Lorenzo exclaimed loudly, but his voice soon softened, “Even without these people’s expectations, I have to do it, don’t I? I must eliminate the demons, that’s destined.”

[And then?]

“And then… I can’t say, my feelings are so complex now, too complex for me to articulate.”

Lorenzo murmured to himself, looking out the window as the sky grew brighter, the distant view drawing closer.

“It’s like… like a book that has been written for a long time is finally coming to an end.”

He lit another cigarette, holding it in his mouth, puffing out smoke.

“I asked Oscar before what he felt when a book ends. He said he felt anxious, like all this was a dream, and once it ends, the beautiful dream will shatter… No one knows what reality follows the dream.”