Chapter 216: “Hospitality on The Vanished”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
The vast sea stretched out calmly, with a gentle breeze creating light ripples across the water’s surface. The scene was almost idyllic, inviting a sense of serenity. Yet, beneath this beautiful exterior, unimaginable horrors lurked in the depths.
On the raised platform of the Vanished, the dark, ornate steering wheel moved on its own, adjusting its position. As it did, the ship’s sails shifted accordingly. Below, Nina lounged against the ship’s guardrails, one leg swinging over the side, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
She spoke softly, her voice contemplative, “This feels so surreal. I know you’re Uncle Duncan. I’ve always seen you as a pillar of strength, someone I could trust completely. But I also know about the unsettling truths.”
She paused, reminiscing. “I remember having an uncle, a simple and honest man. He was the epitome of goodness, integrity, and hard work. But then, he changed. His health declined, he started drinking heavily, gambling away his money, and his mood darkened. Coming home felt like walking into a storm every day.”
“And then, as if by magic, he seemed to revert back. He was healthier, more cheerful, and our home felt warm again. It was almost like the good days had returned, or maybe even better than before. I often wished you could stay my uncle forever.”
Duncan showed a hint of surprise, “You had suspicions even then?”
“In a way, yes. But many things didn’t make sense,” Nina adjusted her posture, looking at Duncan with a mix of curiosity and determination. “If my home was truly taken over by some ‘evil spirit’ as the stories go, why did this spirit show me such kindness?”
Duncan held her gaze and then broke into a hearty laugh. “Evil spirits? My dear, I have powers they could only dream of.”
Nina laughed too, her laughter light and free. “So you truly are Uncle Duncan?”
He nodded reassuringly, “Yes, and I will always be here for you.”
Relief washed over Nina’s face, her eyes softening. “I’m so glad to hear that,” she took a deep breath, her expression turning somber. “Did my other uncle… find peace in his departure?”
Duncan’s mind flashed back to that fateful night in the city-state of Pland. He remembered a doomed cultist, breathing his last in the cold, damp sewers. Around him, his fellow dark worshippers considered disposing of his body into the abyss. The cultist’s last thoughts were filled with a deranged adoration of the dark sun.
Even amidst the chaos and darkness that consumed the man, a faint glimmer of his humanity remained. This fragment of his soul clung to memories of Nina, aware of the void she would face without him. This flicker of humanity moved Duncan to soften the truth for Nina’s sake.
Looking into her eyes, Duncan spoke gently, “He departed this world in peace. Towards the end, his mind was unburdened, except for the thought of leaving you, his most cherished bond.”
Relief washed over Nina’s face, as though a weight had been lifted from her heart. She stretched, arching her back and extending her arms before sinking back down to rest on the deck. Her gaze wandered upwards, fixating on the ethereal, almost translucent sail of the Vanished. Taking a deep breath, she said, “So much has happened recently, especially today. I need you to tell me everything, Uncle. Everything you’ve kept hidden from me. I want to understand the history of this ship, learn the truth about you, and also… discover the mysteries about myself.”
Duncan stood up gracefully from his makeshift seat on the barrel and sat down next to Nina, looking at her with a knowing smile, “Brace yourself, young one. I have a lifetime of tales to share.”
……
“On the expansive deck of the Vanished, Alice enthusiastically recounted tales of Captain Duncan’s exploits to her attentive audience. Many of the stories she shared came from the whimsical wooden figure named Goathead. Only Captain Duncan could confirm or refute the authenticity of these tales.
For Shirley and Morris, unfamiliar with the unique crew aboard, Alice’s narration was captivating. They hung on to every word, eager to learn more about the ship’s mysteries. Meanwhile, Dog, displaying uncanny wisdom, seemed content to feign indifference, engrossed in a newspaper.
Morris, stroking his chin in awe, remarked, “The Vanished truly lives up to its reputation. I’ve read numerous mentions of this ship, yet the reality surpasses all written accounts. The tales in the books don’t compare.”
A commanding voice suddenly interrupted, “I’d advise you to take Alice’s tales with a grain of salt. Her creative flair surpasses even the most fantastical stories you’ve heard.”
Dog quickly sought refuge behind Shirley. She jumped to her feet, saluting as if acknowledging a superior officer as the ship’s owner appeared.
Caught off guard, Shirley stuttered, “Du-Duncan… Captain, have you finished your business?”
With a nod, Duncan began descending the stairs, followed by a familiar, diminutive silhouette.
Recognizing the figure, Shirley exclaimed, “Nina!” and rushed forward, hugging her tightly, her joy evident. The black chain attached to Shirley’s arm inadvertently pulled Dog along, thrusting the unsuspecting creature directly into Captain Duncan’s path. Duncan’s presence was even more imposing up close, and his stern expression bore into Dog.
Stumbling over his words, Dog tried to offer a friendly greeting, “Uh, Cap-Captain Duncan… A beautiful day, right?”
Nina, sharing in the warmth of the embrace, responded with even more enthusiasm than Shirley. She then bent down to pat the bony figure, saying, “And Mr. Dog, I’m glad to see you. I’ve returned!”
As Morris extended his greetings, he couldn’t help but turn to Alice and ask, “Miss Alice, were those tales you shared… merely figments of your imagination?”
Alice responded with a mix of indignation and surprise, “I wasn’t making up tales! That’s exactly what Mr. Goathead told me!” Her eyes sparkled with almost child-like wonder, “He said he’s been part of the Vanished’s crew for over a hundred years and knows more about this ship than anyone else could!”
Looking a bit puzzled, Morris asked, “Who is this Mr. Goathead?”
Duncan chimed in, his tone casual, “He’s my first mate. Trust me, you wouldn’t fancy crossing paths with him.” Duncan then shifted his attention, mentally tallying the individuals present.
Before him stood Morris, Shirley, and Dog, none of whom had intended to be passengers on his ship. Their presence was a direct consequence of the turmoil back in Pland.
While Duncan had planned to use the Vanished’s unique attributes to correct historical anomalies, he had quickly teleported the “refugees” from the antique shop as a precaution. Now, with the situation in the city-state somewhat stabilized, Duncan pondered the best way forward.
He knew Mr. Morris still had family ties in the city and likely didn’t want to be permanently anchored to this spectral ship.
After a thoughtful pause, Duncan addressed them, “By now, you’ve probably realized where you are and who I am. This is ‘The Vanished,’ and I am its captain. Many chilling legends told in taverns and whispered at bedtime revolve around this ship and me…”
He continued, “While I won’t dwell on the accuracy or embellishment of these tales, be certain of this: once you step foot on ‘The Vanished,’ disentangling oneself becomes a formidable task. Due to Ai’s unique teleportation and ‘spiritization’ process, you’re now, in essence, bound as members of this ship’s crew.”
Duncan didn’t mince words, revealing a harsh truth, “Unfortunately, this transformation is both irrevocable and inevitable.” He reflected on the implications of this newfound understanding of the ship’s powers, with memories of White Oak and recent encounters like Vanna reinforcing his point.
To Duncan’s surprise, Morris and Shirley’s reactions were more composed than expected. Only Dog showed any emotion, shrugging resignedly and mumbling something incoherent.
It seemed they had mentally prepared for such revelations.
After a moment of reflection, Duncan chuckled, “However, there’s a nuance the legends miss,” his voice taking on a more optimistic tone, “This ship doesn’t just trap souls without hope of return. Contrary to tales, I, as its captain, am not some unhinged, relentless force of nature.”
“You all boarded this ship due to urgent circumstances, so I won’t confine or limit your movements on board,” Duncan clarified.
Hearing this, both Shirley and Morris looked surprised, their eyes widening.
“Does this mean… we’re free to return to the mainland?” Morris asked, taking a moment to absorb the information.
“Yes,” Duncan replied with a warm smile. “The situation in Pland has stabilized. You’re free to come and go as you wish. However…”
Morris felt a pang of anxiety again.
“But before you decide to leave, let’s have a meal together,” Duncan suggested in a relaxed tone. “Consider it a gesture of my hospitality. While the cuisine on the Vanished might be simple, we do offer some unique dishes, especially our seafood delicacies. I assure you, these aren’t easily found in the city-states…”
Ah. Yes. The aquatic products which are super monsters forcibly turned into fishies and stewed in a pot.
Drags up Cthulhu’s spawn. This is fish.
A one time only delicacy. The flesh of the prince of the dark sea. That got turned into fish by our one and only captain, Duncan.
Remember if Captain Duncan says it is fish, than it is fish. He is always right.
Now with a hint of subspace flavor!
I am now genuinely, seriously pondering making some art depicting an ad for Captain Duncan’s eldritch fish and chips. Or just call them fries? I dunno. I really want some fries right now.
Dog would be happy to avoid the hospitality, but nobody asks him.
Kinda liked the stern captain not the uncle next door
I hope they get to see him ‘fishing’