Chapter 124 “Projection Of The Fragment”
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In the tranquil prayer room, the air was thick with the aromatic scent of incense. Two old friends, Vanna and Heidi, had found themselves surrounded by the comforting presence of a sacred statue representing the divine goddess. As they looked upon the figure, a powerful silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the blessings of the various gods represented in the room. From somewhere, Vanna felt the faint, reassuring murmur of waves – the signature whisper of the Storm Goddess Gomona.
It was as if the goddess was taking a special interest in this particular location.
Minutes, or perhaps hours, seemed to pass before Heidi’s overwhelming emotions began to ebb. Gathering her strength, she whispered, “What did I just experience?”
Vanna took a moment, searching for the right words, then whispered back, “I believe… it’s what the Suntists have been desperately trying to find.”
“You’re talking about…” Heidi began, her voice trembling.
“The sun fragment,” Vanna cut in gently, nodding. “Only an artifact as potent as the sun fragment could produce the vision you experienced.”
She slowly tilted her head upwards to lock eyes with the statue of the Storm Goddess and said pensively, “These radicals believe the sun fragment is a shard from their true sun…”
Stunned, Heidi’s voice quivered, “If that fragment actually existed in our world, Pland wouldn’t be the tranquil city-state it’s known as today…”
“That’s why the fragment must be hidden or sealed away,” Vanna affirmed. “Rumors say that eleven years ago, the sun fragment was seen in Pland. However, that ‘sighting’ was merely a tiny glimpse of its immense power. It has been latent for over a decade now…”
“They aim to activate it?” Heidi gasped in horror. “Do they intend to bring ruin upon all of Pland?!”
Vanna gave Heidi a knowing look, “Having dealt with cultists as long as you have, their motives shouldn’t surprise you. To such extremists, the annihilation of a city or two is a small price to pay if it brings them closer to reviving the ‘Black Sun’. They would willingly set the world ablaze if it meant igniting the Black Sun’s rebirth!”
Heidi stared, lost for words, her shock palpable. Vanna took a deep breath and continued, “Now, the vital task at hand is deciphering the vision you witnessed — understanding its implications for you, the surroundings, and the museum. By piecing these clues together, we might uncover the current state and potential location of the fragment.”
Heidi massaged her temples, the weight of her recent experiences clearly burdening her mind. “I’m struggling to recall the specifics,” she sighed, “but I’m now fairly certain that I saw some sort of projection when I was out cold. Perhaps I instinctively hypnotized myself to preserve key insights… I remember being rescued and then temporarily housed in a room on the museum’s basement floor. From the bits and pieces people told me after I woke up, I gathered that this room was adjacent to the primary exhibit space…”
Rummaging through her fragmented memories, she mused, “Considering all this, wouldn’t it be logical to assume the clues to everything lie within the museum?”
Vanna leaned in, her voice taking a gentle, instructive tone. “It’s complex, Heidi. Spiritually speaking, you didn’t see the actual fragment. You witnessed what could be described as the ‘echo’ of a massive, otherworldly force bleeding into our realm. Just because the vision occurred in the museum doesn’t mean that’s where the fragment lies dormant. It’s possible that there’s a ‘rift’ there — a tear between our world and another. When we’re unconscious, our mental defenses diminish, allowing our psyche to wander. Yours might have stumbled upon this rift, giving you a glimpse of what’s beyond.”
She continued, her eyes intense, “These rifts, which skirt the boundaries of our reality, can shift location. While it might have once been present in the museum, it could have since relocated.”
Pausing to gauge Heidi’s reaction, she added, “Regardless, we’ll thoroughly search the museum and keep it under watch. Such paranormal phenomena can be inconsistent. Maybe the fragment is indeed present in the museum, safeguarded in some concealed vessel. Or, even if the fragment isn’t there, the residual energies might point to why the rift appeared there to begin with. As for you, you should steer clear of the museum for the upcoming weeks.”
“Frankly, that sounds wonderful,” Heidi replied with a swift nod. “I think I’ve had enough adventures for a lifetime.”
Vanna studied Heidi, who, since their younger days, always found herself embroiled in the most unusual of circumstances. She seemed poised to share some wisdom but then hesitated, lost in the silent gaze of the goddess’s statue. Suddenly, she inquired, “Who saved you?”
“Two teenage girls and a middle-aged man,” Heidi responded. “Interestingly, one of the girls was consulted by my father recently during a home session, and the man, her uncle, is someone I’ve mentioned to you — Duncan Strain, the proprietor of an antique store in the lower city.”
Vanna’s expression shifted subtly at the mention of the name. “Every time ‘Duncan’ comes up, I feel a tad apprehensive,” she remarked, “Although I remind myself they probably aren’t the same individual.”
Heidi laughed softly, “I had a similar jolt when Dad first mentioned him. Anyway, I’ve promised Mr. Duncan a visit tomorrow afternoon. His niece requires a psychological evaluation. It’ll also provide me with a chance to express my gratitude properly. Today’s events were so tumultuous; my departure felt rushed and rather rude.”
Vanna’s tone shifted, taking on a depth that demanded Heidi’s full attention. “I want to clarify something: it’s not just the ‘niece’ that needs to be psychologically evaluated,” Vanna began, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Heidi. “All three individuals who were with you do.”
The weight of her statement hung in the air. “Because…” Heidi tried to form a response, but the realization hit her before she could finish. “Oh.”
Vanna nodded gravely, “Exactly. They were there during your unconscious encounter with the sun fragment’s vision. If this fragment is genuinely the shard of an ancient god, its ethereal influence might have unknowingly seeped into them through your shared experience. And even if it’s a minor influence to you, for regular individuals, it could have dire consequences.”
The implications left Heidi in contemplative silence.
…
Deep within the antiquated quarters of the city, Duncan’s antique shop stood bathed in the soft golden glow of street lamps. He had opted to shut down early, seeking solace within its warm confines. Positioned behind his vintage wooden counter, he exchanged glances with Nina and Shirley, who sat opposite him.
Both girls had recently taken advantage of the rudimentary bathroom upstairs. Nina had slipped into fresh attire, while Shirley, due to her smaller frame, opted to remain in her black skirt. Nina had generously offered her clothes, but Shirley had politely declined. Although the sizing issue was evident, one couldn’t help but wonder if Shirley had additional reservations. Did she perhaps see wearing Nina’s clothes as some form of allegiance to a malevolent force? Only she held the answer.
Circling the counter, the ever-energetic dove, Ai, made her presence known while she pecked away at the mountain of crispy fries piled atop a plate—a testament to Duncan’s reward promise.
While the bird was relishing its treat and Nina found comfort in her familiar surroundings, Duncan felt an increasing kinship with the power he wielded. The atmosphere brimmed with contentment.
All except for Shirley, who seemed to be wrestling with her emotions. Today had brought her to the brink of tears multiple times.
Nina’s voice broke the silence, her tone laden with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “Shirley, so you’re not genuinely my classmate? You employed some ‘detective skills’ to infiltrate the school to pursue your investigations,” she paused, assessing the girl before her. “You’ve never been keen on steam technologies or machinery.”
Shirley hesitated, her gaze darting between Duncan and Nina, “I could never make heads or tails of those textbooks,” she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of remorse. “I apologize sincerely.”
Yet, Nina seemed more intrigued than hurt as her brow furrowed in thought. “What confuses me is your technique. Looking back, you were always near, hovering around my vicinity. Yet, you never seemed to be a regular student. Strangely, our teachers and fellow students never seemed to acknowledge your presence. How did you manage to…”
Shirley hesitated, stealing a quick glance towards Duncan to gauge his reaction. Reassured by his steady demeanor, she began, her voice barely more than a whisper, “It’s somewhat of a unique ability I possess, one that many might term as ‘supernatural’.”
Nina leaned in closer, her intrigue evident. “Supernatural?” Her brows shot up, a spark of realization flashing across her eyes. “Wait, are you affiliated with the Storm Church? Are you one of their covert operatives?”
Shirley quickly shook her head, her gaze flitting back to Duncan, drawing solace from his stoic presence. Memories of their prior conversation when Nina had retreated to freshen up replayed in her mind. She still grappled with the reality of Duncan’s dual identity – a potent figure who had inexplicably chosen to mask himself behind the façade of a humble antique shopkeeper. Heeding his earlier advice, she responded, “No, I’m not tied to the Storm Church. Think of my abilities as those of an independent transcendent, a free spirit of sorts.”
Nina’s astonishment deepened. “Independent? You mean to say there are transcendents who aren’t governed by any establishment?”
Shirley’s shoulders drooped slightly, her tone a mix of defiance and weariness, “If they don’t operate under any formal organization, aren’t they inherently ‘wild’? That’s how those insistent folks from the Storm Church often categorize our kind.”
Nina paused, her eyes analyzing Shirley from head to toe. Under such intense scrutiny, Shirley shifted uncomfortably, attempting to dodge Nina’s piercing gaze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
Nina’s response was unexpected. Her face lit up with a mix of awe and admiration. “You’re absolutely incredible!”
Caught off guard, Shirley’s eyes widened, “Of all things, that’s what you’re focusing on?”
Nina’s emphatic response was a simple and enthusiastic, “Absolutely!”
Thank you for the chapter!
hahaha how cute is Nina
There it is mate. Our dove got her fries…
YAY Ai finally got the fries
It only took 100 chapters, but we got the fries 😀
Finally.. the fries