Chapter 168: “The Warning Signs”

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Bishop Valentine, still groggy from sleep, was surprised to see Inquisitor Vanna rushing towards the church in the dead of night. Her first words instantly jolted him awake.

“Captain Duncan, the ghost captain, appeared in your dreams?” The elderly bishop looked at Vanna in disbelief, as if questioning whether he was still in a dream himself. “He visited you in the dream world just to give you a location and urge you to investigate it?”

“As strange as it sounds, it’s true,” Vanna replied, her voice weighted with the gravity of her experience. She had prepared herself for the bishop’s skepticism on her way to see him. The encounter with the phantom captain had been just as startling for her. “He pointed me to the chapel in the Sixth District. Though the encounter was brief, this information seemed incredibly important to him.”

Bishop Valentine pondered for a moment, his eyes fixed on the statue of the Storm Goddess at the end of the grand cathedral. After a reflective pause, he said, “Vanna, do you recall the incident where you were exposed to corruption during that cult ritual in the sewers? Even though we purified you afterward, it now seems that…”

Taking a deep breath, Vanna interrupted, “You’re suggesting the purification wasn’t thorough. The dark force still lingers. And now, it appears this ghostly captain can infiltrate my dreams.”

With growing concern, Bishop Valentine asked, “Can you confirm your mental clarity at this moment?”

Vanna nodded firmly, “I’ve checked multiple times. I know my identity, the sacred name of our Storm Goddess, and can even recite specific verses from the ‘Storm Codex’. For now, this corruption is confined to my dreams and hasn’t affected my actions or speech in the real world.”

Valentine, with a sorrowful tone and clear worry in his eyes, said, “While it may seem superficial now, the persistence of this corruption is like a ticking time bomb.” He sighed deeply, “And considering your critical role as the inquisitor of Pland, this complicates matters significantly.”

Vanna understood the gravity of Bishop Valentine’s words.

Her mental sanctity had been breached by a formidable supernatural force. For someone in her position, serving the church as an inquisitor, the erosion of her mental barriers was alarming. If her mind continued to be compromised, her reliability could come into question. Though she was currently devoted to the Storm Goddess, there was no guarantee of her loyalty in the future.

In an ordinary case involving a typical church guardian or priest, the solution would be simpler – perhaps isolation followed by a ritual exorcism. If the city-state were at peace, Vanna could even step back from her duties, undergo a thorough “safe isolation,” and participate in “divine purification” within the cathedral’s secluded sanctums. However, the current situation was far from ordinary…

At present, Vanna was the “inquisitor,” a role deemed indispensable within the church’s hierarchy. Even if they reached out to the higher echelons of the Grand Storm Cathedral for assistance, it was doubtful they would find a solution anytime soon.

Taking a deep breath, Vanna voiced her resolve, “…I cannot abandon my post,” she said firmly. She realized she was presenting Bishop Valentine with a dilemma, but her commitment to her position and the city-state was unwavering. “I sense an impending upheaval that might eclipse our current concerns about the Vanished or the mysterious sun fragment. I believe there’s a far graver threat casting its shadow over our city-state. And given the urgency, I’m not willing to pass on the responsibilities of the inquisitor, even to my most capable deputy.”

There was an intensity in Vanna’s voice that Bishop Valentine hadn’t heard before. He frowned in deep concern, “Beyond the Vanished and the sun fragment? What have your recent investigations revealed?”

Vanna’s expression grew even more serious. “…I spent considerable time in the archives,” she began. “I intended to brief you on my findings tomorrow. But recent events have changed the timeline. My doubts were raised about the origins of the sun fragment within our city-state. Thus, I delved deep into the records from 1889 and earlier and encountered a series of seemingly insignificant yet oddly recurring mentions of heretical practices.”

Valentine’s face reflected sheer shock.

“All these documents, just gathering dust in our archives?” He was almost shouting, “Nobody noticed them before?”

“It appears so,” Vanna responded gravely. “It’s as if a part of our city-state’s history was ‘erased’ from memory, making this ‘reality’ invisible to everyone. This kind of vanishing act doesn’t align with what we know of the sun fragment’s capabilities.”

Holding his staff with a firmer grip, Valentine’s face grew pale.

“Do you think Captain Duncan’s message in your dream is related to this discovery?” He asked sharply.

Vanna took a moment to consider, “I have my reservations. For one, ‘erasing parts of reality’ doesn’t match the ghost ship’s known powers. Also, if the phantom captain were truly behind this, it wouldn’t make sense for him to tamper with my dreams and yet share such crucial information. His past actions have always been erratic and destructive,” she paused, choosing her words carefully. “However, the only other explanations are either he has evolved from a mindless spirit to a calculating deceiver, or…”

“Or?” Valentine prompted.

“Or he is genuinely concerned for our city-state,” Vanna said, almost with a hint of wonder, “reaching out to me whenever he perceives a looming danger.”

Valentine let out a disbelieving cough. “Such an imaginative tale you’ve crafted there,” he said, looking at Vanna with a mix of amusement and concern. “Considering you’re under the scrutiny of some powerful entity, perhaps it’d be wise to refrain from such jests. It makes one question your sanity.”

The old man took a deep breath and gently patted his chest, taking a moment to regain his calm. Once he felt his heart rate steady, he focused intently on Vanna, his expression grave. “Regarding the irregularities you’ve discovered in the archives, is there anyone else who knows of their existence besides yourself?”

Vanna carefully considered the question, then shook her head, “It’s just me. I personally undertook the examination of the records…”

She hesitated for a split second, as if trying to remember something crucial, but then continued with assurance, “I was the one who delved into the archives, alone.”

Valentine exhaled a sigh of relief. “That’s reassuring to know… If there’s a mastermind behind these events, it’s likely they’re still unaware that their plot has been uncovered,” he remarked. Validating Vanna’s prior sentiment, he continued, “It’s evident now, more than ever, that you cannot vacate your position. I assume you’ve already formulated a strategy to delve deeper into those records?”

“I have,” she acknowledged, “It involves collaborating with members of the city council.”

“Start on it first thing tomorrow. You will have my full support,” Valentine assured her. “In addition, I’ll convey these developments to the Pope, hoping the Grand Storm Cathedral might extend their aid…”

Pausing, the wise bishop appeared lost in thought for a moment, then posed another question, “Are you still able to commune with the goddess without any hindrance?”

“Absolutely,” Vanna confirmed quickly. “My communion with the goddess remains unaffected by the recent dream.”

Valentine’s brow furrowed in confusion, “Yet the goddess didn’t provide any insights or forewarnings concerning the spiritual taint you encountered?”

Vanna paused for a brief second, her face reflecting a hint of disappointment, before admitting, “No, the Goddess didn’t offer any premonitions.”

After a contemplative pause, Valentine looked deeply into Vanna’s eyes, seeming to search for something. “From now on, ensure you rest within the church’s walls at night. Avoid spending nights outside. Always have the Storm Codex in your possession when you venture out. Furthermore, should you feel any sudden bouts of exhaustion or dizziness while outside, immediately seek sanctuary in the nearest church. Will you comply with these directives?”

“I will.”

Drawing a long breath, Valentine said, “I hope you don’t interpret these guidelines as an indication of distrust or an imposed hardship.” Recognizing Vanna’s determined stance, he felt compelled to clarify, “Given that you can’t step down from your duties now, and within the city-state of Pland, no cleric holds a rank higher than yours to act as an overseer. These safety measures are in place to facilitate your basic duties…”

Vanna gently replied with an understanding smile, trying to allay the bishop’s concerns, “I fully understand. We’re both aware of the formidable foe we’re confronting. Considering that some of our predecessors fell due to their naivety and lack of knowledge, it’s indeed a blessing that we’re equipped to resist under these protective guidelines.”

She hesitated, gathering her thoughts, “Regarding the small chapel in the Sixth District…”

Valentine took a deep breath and began, “It’s crucial that we investigate this matter.” He nodded thoughtfully, gathering his thoughts. “Regardless of the ghost captain’s motives for reaching out to you, the chapel in the Sixth District requires our attention. And to think of it,” he paused, rubbing his chin with a concerned frown, “it escapes me who currently presides over that church. This lapse in my memory suggests there’s more to the situation than meets the eye.”

Determined, Vanna responded, “I will assemble a team and personally oversee the investigation there tomorrow.”

Valentine gave her an appreciative nod. “That’s prudent.” He then looked at Vanna, his eyes reflecting his growing intrigue, “Besides the chapel, did the ghostly figure relay any other message or information?”

Vanna’s face contorted into an odd expression, catching the bishop’s attention.

Sensing her discomfort, Valentine prodded, “What’s with that expression?”

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Vanna started, “He did make an additional remark,” her countenance mirroring her internal debate on whether to share the information or not, “It was quite a strange comment. I’m unsure of its significance or if it holds any weight at all…”

Valentine leaned forward, his interest piqued, “Often, it’s the most cryptic remarks that hold the most profound meanings. Pray tell, what did he convey?”

Swallowing her uncertainty, Vanna looked Bishop Valentine squarely in the eyes and declared, “He said… ‘Order some fries.'”

For a few moments, the room was filled with baffling silence.

Finally breaking the silence, Valentine, with a mixture of astonishment and confusion, managed to ask, “Are you certain?”

Without missing a beat, Vanna affirmed, “As certain as my unwavering devotion to the goddess.”

Rubbing his temples, Valentine sighed, “Well, that is indeed… rather mystifying.”

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