Chapter 223: “Enhance Understanding”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Duncan was deeply invested in this topic. His admiration for the resolute and straightforward inquisitor was evident. He particularly admired her exemplary performance during the catastrophic event. Beyond this deep seated respect, Duncan viewed Vanna as his unique “node” or connection.
For most people, establishing a connection, or “node,” with the church’s top leadership would be a formidable challenge, especially without any element of chance. Even forming a basic bond or friendship with these figures would be a significant accomplishment.
Moreover, Vanna’s forthright nature meant she acknowledged and valued Duncan’s actions, particularly when he provided refuge to Pland. He wasn’t certain if others within the church, especially those vehemently opposed to heretics and similar entities, would view it the same way.
Despite his genuine feelings, Duncan was aware that his earnestness could sometimes be unsettling to those around him.
It felt as though their bond was so intense it seemed almost cursed. Duncan, being immensely powerful, had the potential to alter the very fabric of history. Yet, his true motivations remained a mystery. If Vanna wasn’t as mentally resilient as she was, she might have already succumbed to the overwhelming pressure.
Vanna paused, composed herself, and then asked, “What do you really want from me? Please, no more talk about ‘making fries’. I need a serious answer.”
Duncan replied with a hint of humor, “Believe it or not, the ‘making fries’ part is quite serious. And if you could, add a generous amount of ketchup.”
Vanna was taken aback, questioning his intentions.
“It’s simple,” Duncan explained with a chuckle, “I’m trying to enhance the dining experience on my ship.” He then laughed heartily, amused by Vanna’s surprised reaction. He moved around, looking for a comfortable spot to sit, and posed a question, “Ever wondered how a captain like me spends his free time?”
Caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation, Vanna replied, “I’ve never really given it much thought.”
Duncan spread his hands and said, “Exactly. No one does. Everyone just sees me as the notorious ghost captain wreaking havoc in the mortal world. But in reality, managing my massive ship is no easy feat. My ‘crew’ can be quite a handful, always causing chaos. But the most pressing issue I face is our water supply. I’ve been thinking about fitting a boiler onboard. Do you have any suggestions?”
Vanna responded, slightly flustered, “I’m not particularly knowledgeable about boilers… Wait a minute!” She instinctively blurted out, her voice echoing with shock and confusion. For a brief moment, she grasped the absurdity of their conversation. “Why are you bringing this up out of the blue? Are you even serious right now?”
Straightening himself, Duncan locked eyes with Vanna. His face was earnest as he said, “Vanna, don’t you see? I’m not as terrifying as you’ve perceived. Fear often stems from the unknown, and now you’re beginning to understand more about who I truly am.”
Vanna hesitated, momentarily thrown off by Duncan’s pace in the conversation.
Taking a deep breath to collect herself, she attempted to redirect the topic. “With you taking the sun fragment, you’ve inadvertently eliminated another latent threat in the city-state of Pland. I suppose I should thank you for that.”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Duncan’s lips. “There’s no need for gratitude. I enjoy collecting things.”
What he didn’t share was that he had already returned the sun fragment to Pland. Nina had initially been thrilled about spending a night on his ship, but she soon realized she missed the comfort of her own bed.
Duncan half-expected Vanna to react sharply if he disclosed this, perhaps with a swift gesture or retort.
But Vanna seemed unaware of the fleeting change in Duncan’s demeanor. She simply acknowledged his words with a nod and continued, “With the recent events, order in Pland has been steadily reestablished, and the chaos brought on by the Enders has fully dissipated. The fanatics who conjured the Black Sun have, ironically, become the very fuel for their own malevolent plans. I trust this outcome meets your expectations?”
Duncan shrugged nonchalantly, “It’s decent enough. But groups like them tend to resurface. Those heretical followers are simply manifestations of malevolent deities. Unless we address the core issue, these cults will persistently re-emerge.”
Vanna contemplated Duncan’s words, her face reflecting a budding intrigue. “From what you’re saying… it seems like you have quite the contentious history with these heretical followers.”
Duncan replied with a sly grin, “Looking for some inside information, are you? I understand. It’s not every day you get the chance to delve into the enigmatic world of ‘Captain Duncan’ and the tales of the Vanished. But you can be straightforward; ask away.”
Caught off guard by Duncan’s candidness, Vanna was momentarily lost for words, her face flushing with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
Duncan began by clarifying his stance on the cultists. “To be honest, I have a deep aversion to those cultist groups, be it the Suntists or the Enders. As for the Annihilators who venerate the Nether Lord, I might not have the full picture, but I’ve encountered enough of them to know that many are unhinged individuals who constantly irritate me.” He spread his hands in a nonchalant gesture. “You can relay this information to your superiors. Let them know that the Vanished are sworn enemies of these three major cults, and if the situation allows, Captain Duncan wouldn’t hesitate to obliterate any cultist that crosses his path. I believe they’ll find this intel valuable.”
Vanna took a moment to digest his words, her expression solemn. “Thank you for sharing that,” she said, albeit hesitantly.
“Do you have more questions?” Duncan probed.
Vanna seemed deep in thought, her lips pressed into a thin line.
She had a multitude of questions, especially about her own fluctuating faith and the mysteries of subspace. Yet, she chose to sidestep her personal dilemmas and delved into subspace-related inquiries. “… I’ve been curious about whether subspace is influenced by mortal desires. And if so, what’s the price one has to pay to unravel its secrets?”
She emphasized the word “cost” because she was acutely aware of the potential repercussions. Yet, she was prepared to bear them.
Duncan’s reflection in the mirror erupted in laughter. “Why so tense? Rest assured, there’s no price to it. Contrary to popular belief, even I am not extensively versed in subspace’s enigmas.”
Vanna looked puzzled, “Really?”
Duncan, with a hint of exasperation, said, “Just because I’ve ventured into subspace doesn’t mean I’ve cataloged its every facet. It’s akin to you living in a neighborhood; would you claim to know every single resident?”
Vanna responded confidently, “I actually do know everyone in my area.”
There was a brief, awkward silence.
Sensing her misstep, Vanna’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment. “Well, perhaps I might not be acquainted with a few… I get your point.”
Duncan, regaining his composure, remarked, “Even if I can’t provide answers to your specific query, I can sense it’s tied to your current predicament. Is something from subspace troubling you?”
Vanna’s gaze fixed on the ghostly captain’s reflection, her expression a silent testament to her inner turmoil.
“Excluding myself, of course,” Duncan hastily clarified.
“I’m unsure,” Vanna replied, her voice quivering. She seemed on the verge of adding more but then thought better of it.
Duncan responded with empathy, “It’s alright. Your apprehension is understandable. But remember, if anything from subspace ever becomes a menace to you, don’t hesitate to seek my assistance. That’s one area where I can genuinely offer help.”
Vanna’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and for a brief moment, she was lost in thought. Breaking the weighty silence, she finally managed to voice a single word, “Why?”
Duncan’s reflection in the mirror shifted slightly, revealing a commanding and somewhat melancholic demeanor. However, his next words carried a softer, more genuine tone, “You want to know why I’ve offered my help? Perhaps it’s because of my past connection with Pland. Or maybe, Vanna, it’s the steadfastness and valor you exhibit.”
The ethereal figure of the ghost captain began to rise from his seated position in the mirror, signaling his intent to depart.
Vanna felt a mixture of emotions wash over her. Whether it was her natural caution, or just plain nervousness, she couldn’t decipher. But as Duncan prepared to vanish, a weight seemed to lift from her chest.
Yet, just as Duncan was on the cusp of disappearing, Vanna’s mind grasped at another lingering query. “Hold on, there’s something else,” she quickly said.
Duncan’s form paused, turning slightly in her direction. “Yes?”
She hesitated, searching for the right words. “In future encounters…” She took a deep breath, then continued with a hint of trepidation, “Could you, perhaps, not appear so unexpectedly?”
Duncan remained still for a moment, his facial features obscured by the dim light, making it impossible for Vanna to discern his reaction.
A few tense seconds passed before Duncan’s voice broke through, echoing with a hint of amusement, “Very well. Next time, I’ll make sure to knock.”
Would you hear anything if he knocks from the other side of a mirror? Coming in through the door would be even more surprising, especially if he would leave through the same door. Because it’s more probable for his avatar to show up that way, not the main manifestation. And avatars are more likely to be noticed and followed back to their source, so that would suggest for him to use them as disposable tools instead. So fulfilling that promise looks like a lot of hassle either way.
How would you knock on the door while being a projection in a mirror?
Knocking on the mirror is still possible, isn’t it?
The mirror is his door
it is likely a way of saying it. he will nudge at her mind a few times, indicating his intent to communicate, and only engage fully when she responds.
The Goddess can send her a telepathic knock, why can’t Captain Duncan do it? He’s also psychically connected to her
mc really is not holding back anymore in his declared benevolence. but it will likely take a while for his legend to change.