Chapter 226: “The Wavering Faith”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Hasty footsteps reverberated through the expansive cathedral, disturbing its tranquil atmosphere. Bishop Valentine, who had been engrossed in giving instructions to a group of priests, looked up sharply. He recognized the approaching figure: Vanna, moving with determination.
“I thought you were taking two more days to recuperate at home,” the head bishop remarked, signaling his aides and attendants to step back, ensuring their conversation would be private.
“Unfortunately, time is of the essence,” Vanna replied, her face showing a hint of concern. “I’ve noticed a lot of activity among the clergy. There are rumors that a group of ascetic priests has been sent to the stargazing well. Is this related to the unusual timing of today’s sunrise?”
Valentine nodded solemnly. “Indeed. The sun rose fifteen minutes late today, 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 have all observed this anomaly.”
Vanna frowned in thought. “So the World’s Creation rift illuminated our planet for an additional fifteen minutes. Has there been any harm?”
The elderly bishop reassured her, “A fifteen-minute delay in dawn isn’t inherently harmful. Our city-state’s safety protocols can handle such a deviation. The concern is that this occurrence was global, suggesting the issue isn’t confined to our lands or oceans.”
“The functioning of Vision 001 has been altered,” Vanna surmised, understanding the gravity of the situation. “And the Nameless King? Any word from him?”
Valentine shook his head slightly. “The tomb remains undisturbed, so this might just be a minor ‘shift’. My primary concern is how the populace will react once they fully realize what has happened. Currently, most are unaware, and those who have noticed aren’t panicking. However, we must remain vigilant until we are certain the sun’s pattern has stabilized.”
After considering the implications, Vanna asked, “What measures have you taken?”
“Just 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 closely monitoring Vision 001. It would be unwise to issue an overly optimistic statement, especially after such a significant anomaly. People might think we’re hiding the truth.”
Vanna listened carefully, not interrupting. As an inquisitor, her primary focus had always been combat missions, making her less experienced in administrative decision-making.
Valentine noticed the fatigue on Vanna’s face and asked, with concern, “You seem distressed. Is something troubling you?”
Taking a deep breath, Vanna responded, her voice heavy with emotion, “I’ve been doing a lot of introspection lately. Every time a disaster strikes, I’m reminded of how fragile life is. All the things we value – our magnificent city-states, our beautiful churches, our impressive naval fleets – they all feel like they’re on the verge of collapse, as if standing on thin ice. It’s terrifying to think that one small crack could bring everything crashing down.”
Valentine listened intently, his voice empathetic, “That’s precisely why we must remain vigilant and strong. But this level of vulnerability is unusual for you. Did something specific happen?”
After a moment of hesitation, she shared, “There are a few things on my mind. The most pressing is that I met with ‘Captain Duncan’ again yesterday.”
Valentine’s eyes darkened briefly upon hearing the name, and he asked with concern, “The ghost captain who left a significant mark on you keeps reappearing. Could he have a larger role in the fate of our city-state, Pland? What did he say to you this time?”
Vanna’s voice was filled with confusion, “Oddly enough, we just had mundane conversations.”
Valentine looked surprised, “So you’re telling me that Captain Duncan, the mysterious figure from another dimension known for altering history and taking a piece of the sun, approached you just for a casual chat?”
Vanna sighed in frustration, “I know it sounds absurd. If he had spoken of a grand plan to rule the world, I might have believed it. But that’s not what happened.” She then detailed her baffling encounter with Duncan.
As she recounted her tale, Valentine’s face displayed a rare combination of fatigue and worry. After a moment of reflection, he looked at Vanna thoughtfully, “Something has been on my mind since our conversation last night.”
Curious, she asked, “What’s that?”
“After your two meetings with Captain Duncan, do you believe he is merely an intruder from another dimension?”
Vanna looked at Valentine, intrigued and cautious, “Your question implies you have a theory. We know the Vanished entered another dimension and then returned. What are you suggesting?”
“I’m not doubting your account or questioning the facts. But isn’t it odd? Based on your experience, how would someone who’s returned from subspace typically behave? Should they be of sound mind, engaging in coherent conversations like any ordinary person?”
Vanna was taken aback by the questions, pausing to consider her response. “Given previous incidents and our understanding of subspace effects, that shouldn’t even be possible.”
Bishop Valentine agreed, “Exactly. Normally, those affected by subspace can’t communicate coherently. The corruption is too profound to reverse. 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, this suggests…”
Vanna interrupted, her eyes widening, “Are you implying that ‘Captain Duncan’ might have somehow regained his lost humanity?”
Valentine shook his head slightly, “Not regained, but wrested back. Historical records describe the Vanished’s aggressive actions upon their return, indicating Captain Duncan had lost his sanity at that time.”
Reflecting on this, Vanna’s expression grew more contemplative, “Could it really be possible? For someone completely consumed by subspace to retrieve their sense of self?”
Valentine interjected softly, “The fact that he approached you for a mere conversation isn’t something we can ignore. 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 amplified the ensuing silence as the two senior clergy members pondered their next steps. Finally, Valentine spoke up, “We mustn’t be complacent, assuming the Vanished or its captain is benign based on this alone. Do you see my point?”
She responded gravely, “He’s experienced subspace and returned. Regardless of his regained humanity, there’s always a risk he might unpredictably lash out at us.”
Valentine nodded, “Moreover, we can’t rely solely on our interpretations. We need to inform the Grand Storm Cathedral offshore. Ultimately, the Pope will determine 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 feels strange discussing such matters within the sacred walls of the church, doesn’t it? Years ago, I might have been branded a heretic for voicing such thoughts.”
Valentine sighed thoughtfully, “You mentioned two concerns earlier. We’ve addressed your encounter with the ghost captain. What’s the second issue?”
Vanna hesitated, clearly struggling with her next revelation. She glanced up at the statue of the goddess before finally speaking, her voice filled with fear and regret, “I believe I need to seek forgiveness…”
“For what?” Valentine asked, genuinely surprised, “What has caused you to feel this need for repentance?”
She took a deep, shaky breath, “After witnessing the devastating fire, I found my faith wavering. I began to question whether I should still trust the goddess…” Vanna admitted, her voice heavy with sorrow and guilt. “I found myself silently accusing her for not intervening to save us all.”
Valentine listened silently, his face betraying no emotion. After a long pause, which made Vanna increasingly uneasy, he finally spoke, “If you feel the need to seek forgiveness from me, to whom should I turn when I too have doubts?”
Vanna was startled, her eyes widening in surprise.
Valentine continued, his voice laden 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 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