Chapter 226 “The Wavering Faith”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Hasty footfalls echoed through the vast space, interrupting the serene atmosphere within the cathedral. Bishop Valentine, previously engrossed in delegating tasks to a group of priests nearby, looked up sharply. He recognized the approaching figure: Vanna, moving with purpose.
“I had assumed you’d be taking two more days to recuperate at home,” remarked the head bishop. With a gesture, he signaled his aides and attendants to step back, ensuring privacy for their forthcoming conversation.
“Regrettably, it appears I’m short on time,” Vanna responded, her face betraying a hint of concern. “I’ve noticed a lot of hustle among the clergy. There’s talk that a faction of ascetic priests was dispatched to the stargazing well. Is this related to the unusual timing of today’s sunrise?”
Valentine nodded gravely. “Indeed. Today, the sun rose fifteen minutes behind schedule – and it wasn’t due to any atmospheric anomalies. Through the psionic communication channel, I’ve received confirmation from various city-states and maritime contacts. They too have observed this aberration.”
Vanna’s forehead creased in thought. “So the rift of the World’s Creation bathed our planet in light for an additional fifteen minutes. Are there any indications of harm caused?”
The elderly bishop reassured her, “Merely delaying the dawn by fifteen minutes isn’t inherently harmful. Our city-state’s safety protocols can comfortably handle such a deviation. The concern lies in the fact that this occurrence was global. This suggests the issue isn’t isolated to our lands or oceans.”
“The functioning of Vision 001 has been altered,” Vanna surmised, grasping the gravity of the situation. “And the Nameless King? Any word from him?”
Valentine gave a slight shake of his head. “The tomb remains undisturbed, so this might just be a minor ‘shift’. My primary concern is the populace’s reaction once they become fully aware. As of now, the majority remain oblivious, and the few who have realized aren’t raising alarms. However, we can’t let our guard down until we’re certain the sun’s pattern has stabilized.”
After absorbing the implications, Vanna posed her question, “What proactive steps have you initiated?”
“Only the basics so far,” Valentine explained. “I’ve notified City Hall and suggested they draft a calming message for the public when the news inevitably spreads. But we’re keeping a close watch on Vision 001. It would be ill-advised to release an overly optimistic statement, especially after an anomaly of this scale. People might suspect we’re concealing the reality of the situation.”
Vanna listened intently, offering no interruptions. As an inquisitor, her main focus had always been combat missions, making her less well-versed in administrative decision-making.
Valentine noticed the worn-out expression on Vanna’s face and, with a hint of worry in his voice, asked, “You seem distressed. Is something bothering you?”
Drawing a deep breath, Vanna responded, her voice heavy with emotion, “Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of introspection. Every time a disaster occurs, I’m reminded of how fragile life is. All the things we hold in high regard – our magnificent city-states, our beautiful churches, our impressive naval fleets – they all feel like they’re on the verge of collapsing as if they’re standing on thin ice. It’s scary to think that just one small crack could cause everything to come crashing down.”
Listening intently, Valentine said with empathy, “That’s precisely why we must always stay alert and strong. But this level of vulnerability in your voice is unusual for you. Did something specific happen?”
She took a moment, searching for the right words, then shared, “There are a couple of things on my mind. The most pressing is that I met with ‘Captain Duncan’ again yesterday.”
Hearing the name, Valentine’s eyes darkened momentarily, then he asked with concern, “That spectral captain, the one who left an indelible mark on you, keeps reappearing. Could he possibly have a bigger role in the fate of our city-state of Pland? What did he say to you this time?”
Vanna replied, her voice filled with bewilderment, “Oddly enough, we just had some mundane conversations.”
Valentine looked surprised and said, “So you mean to tell me that Captain Duncan, the same mysterious figure who came from another dimension and is known for changing history and taking a piece of the sun, approached you just to have a casual chat?”
Vanna let out a frustrated sigh, “I know, it sounds absurd. If he had talked about some grand plan to rule the world, I might have believed it. But that’s not what happened.” She then delved into the details of her baffling encounter with Duncan.
As she recounted her tale, Valentine’s face showed a rare combination of fatigue and worry. But after a moment of reflection, he looked at Vanna with a thoughtful expression, “Something’s been on my mind since our chat last night.”
She asked curiously, “What’s that?”
“After your two meetings with Captain Duncan, do you believe he’s really just an intruder from another dimension?”
Vanna looked at Valentine, intrigued and cautious, “Your question suggests you have a theory. We all know that the Vanished entered another dimension and then returned, so what are you getting at?”
“I’m not doubting what you’re saying or questioning the facts. But isn’t it odd? In your experience, how would someone who’s returned from subspace typically act? Should they be of sound mind, engaging in coherent conversations like any normal person?”
Vanna seemed taken aback by the questions, pausing as she pondered her response. “Based on prior incidents and our understanding of the effects of subspace, that shouldn’t even be feasible.”
Bishop Valentine agreed, saying, “Exactly. Normally, those who’ve been affected by subspace can’t communicate coherently. The corruption it inflicts is too profound to be reversible. To us mortals, subspace acts like a potent toxin, nullifying even divine protection or blessings. Yet, here you are, recounting lucid conversations with a captain who’s been there and back. Logically speaking, it suggests…”
Vanna interrupted, her eyes widening, “Are you implying that ‘Captain Duncan’ might have somehow reclaimed his lost humanity?”
Valentine shook his head slightly, “Not reclaimed, but rather wrested back. Historical accounts depict the Vanished’s aggressive actions upon their appearance, indicating Captain Duncan had lost his sanity at that time.”
Reflecting on this, Vanna’s expression grew increasingly thoughtful, “Could it really be possible? For someone wholly consumed by subspace to somehow retrieve their sense of self?”
Valentine interjected softly, “The fact that he approached you for a mere conversation isn’t something we can overlook. Remember the ‘law of zero’.”
Realization dawned on Vanna, “Meaning there are always exceptions and occurrences that deviate from the norm…”
The grandeur of the cathedral’s main hall seemed to amplify the ensuing silence as the two senior clergy members weighed their next steps. Eventually, Valentine spoke up, “We mustn’t be complacent, thinking the Vanished, or its captain, is benign based on this information alone. Do you see my point?”
She responded gravely, “He’s experienced subspace and returned. Regardless of his regained humanity, there’s always the risk that he might unpredictably lash out at us.”
Valentine nodded, “Furthermore, we can’t solely rely on our interpretations here. We need to inform the Grand Storm Cathedral located offshore. Ultimately, the Pope will decide our course of action.”
Respectfully, Vanna replied, “Yes, Bishop. I understand the gravity of the situation.”
She paused, a conflicted look crossing her face, “It’s rather odd discussing such matters within the hallowed walls of the church, isn’t it? Had it been years ago, I’d likely be branded a heretic for even voicing such thoughts.”
Valentine let out a thoughtful sigh, “You mentioned two concerns earlier. We’ve spoken about your encounter with the ghost captain. What’s the second issue?”
Vanna hesitated, clearly torn about revealing her next concern. She looked up at the statue of the goddess before finally speaking with a mix of fear and regret: “I believe I need to seek forgiveness…”
“For what?” Valentine asked with genuine surprise, “What has caused you to feel this need to repent?”
She took a deep, shaky breath, “After witnessing the devastating fire, I found my faith wavering. I began to question whether I should still put my trust in the goddess…” Vanna admitted, her voice laced with sorrow and guilt. “I found myself silently accusing her for not intervening to save us all.”
Valentine listened in silence, his face betraying no emotion. After a long pause, which made Vanna increasingly uneasy, he finally spoke, “If you feel the need to come to me to seek forgiveness, then to whom should I turn when I too have doubts?”
The revelation startled Vanna, her eyes widening in surprise.
Valentine continued, his voice heavy with emotion, “You aren’t alone in your doubts. Both of us, right here, are struggling believers.” He looked visibly aged as he spoke, the weight of his own internal conflict evident. “Can you sense it, Vanna?”
Puzzled, she asked, “Sense what?”
“…The goddess’s blessing is still with us despite our doubts.”
Bruh if a god had the attention to spare to change blessings instantly whenever something happens they’d be able to monitor all the corruption themselves. Just saying.
Her not being able to do this ,is exactly why she is just strong not a god
She lost an entire region of pland, and afterwards the entirety of pland, twice!
Man every time what I absolute love and makes every story better is nicknames they elevate the story but they have to be significant like now Valentine looked surprised and said, “So you mean to tell me that Captain Duncan, the same mysterious figure who came from another dimension and is known for changing history and taking a piece of the sun, approached you just to have a casual chat?” that is a badass nickname