Gun of Ashes

Chapter 1039 - 62: Distorted History

Apocalypse Society.

A strange yet incredibly familiar term, something Lorenzo never expected to hear again in this barren land after so many years.

Memories surged, and Lorenzo couldn’t help but think of all the events in Valley Town. Though he never personally experienced them, all the memories came from the echoes of soul 047. These recollections seemed so real, as if Lorenzo had traveled with them.

"How do you know about this?" Lorenzo asked, puzzled, "Historically, the Evangelical Church has besieged them countless times, yet they always manage to resurface, spreading their doctrines in places beyond control."

"But in recent years, these guys have vanished without a trace. My last encounter with the Apocalypse Society was many years ago, and we should have eradicated them completely."

Lorenzo was very curious about how Ragnar knew this, that a Viking in this land far from the Evangelical Church would be aware of their existence.

"It’s simple, because we have a group here also claiming to be the Apocalypse Society."

Ragnar said helplessly.

"These society members have distorted and exploited the faith of Odin, causing me quite a bit of trouble. And you, a Demon Hunter of the Evangelical Church, you are an expert in dealing with these kinds of things, which is the real reason I wanted to meet you."

"Is that so? Then you might be disappointed. I’m an expert in hunting demons, not in the Apocalypse Society, which I haven’t had much contact with. My only knowledge comes from the Church’s records," Lorenzo said.

"That’s enough. The records of the Evangelical Church are somewhat useful, much better than our rough Vikings."

Ragnar said happily, clearly understanding the shortcomings of the Vikings in certain areas.

The history of the Vikings is a civil war mixed with faith, and because of the rivalry between lords, everyone records different stories. Coupled with wars, the constant deaths and changes among the Vikings make these records a chaotic mess.

Ragnar once attempted to trace Viking history, only to find that there weren’t even professions like chroniclers among them. The closest were the mystical Shamans, who couldn’t speak ten words without mentioning Odin, of little reference value.

"The only somewhat reliable source is from the songs of the Minstrels. After a victorious battle, Vikings would have Minstrels sing of their achievements. I had people collect most of the information, barely piecing together a history—a history from different Minstrel accounts."

Ragnar appeared more distressed now.

"But you know what Minstrels are like. Over long transmissions, stories get more exaggerated and even bizarre, like the tales of me. In the Minstrels’ mouths, I was a warrior blessed by Odin, with thunder and storms accompanying my battles, destroying my enemies."

Lorenzo’s expression was somewhat peculiar.

"In reality? In reality, I wasn’t blessed; I just had terrible luck, encountering a storm during a battle."

Ragnar sighed, unsure whether to praise or scold these Minstrels.

"So Minstrels’ histories aren’t trustworthy?" Lorenzo asked.

"No, on the contrary, their histories are very valuable, just overly mythologized."

Ragnar’s tone was serious, his eyes filled with sharpness and wisdom, perceiving the development of the situation.

"Minstrels’ stories might be exaggerated, but the stories themselves must have happened. They can’t arise from nothing, just like the myths of your Evangelical Church. Something must have occurred in the past, even though later generations couldn’t understand it rationally, thus deifying it."

Lorenzo’s pupils constricted as he exchanged glances with Ragnar.

The origins and legends of the Evangelical Church, regarding demons and Secret Blood, as Ragnar said, are entirely rational. But those at the time lacked the capability to view everything clearly, thus had to place holy words upon the unknown.

The first Saints brought the Revelation and the Gospel from the edge of the world, but the actual situation might not have been so holy. However, it can be certain that someone arrived here long ago and took something away, and that’s enough.

No... not just that.

Ever since arriving in the Viking nations, Lorenzo had felt an eerie sense, and now he finally understood what it was.

Vikings plundered each other for survival, so similar to the Nation-Builders’ population control plans. Humans are always trapped by the same problems.

More importantly, those myths originating from the Vikings.

From Ragnar’s perspective, these myths are merely excessively exaggerated history. Then what about Odin? Heroic Spirit Hall? Even... Ragnarok?

Why, why in these distant Viking lands, are there legends of world destruction? Like the nightmare approaching in the Nation-Builders’ knowledge, the apocalypse Lawrence sees.

People with no interaction eerily reached a consensus, restoring this world’s original appearance and reality.