Chapter 279: Agreement Reached

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Pope Helena maintained a calm demeanor, her expression serene, contrasting sharply with Vanna’s evident bewilderment. A slight smile adorned Helena’s face, hinting at a sense of satisfaction.

However, Vanna was far from pleased, struggling to grasp the abrupt turn the conversation had taken. She felt lost, trying to keep up with the swift changes in topic. “This seems too sudden,” Vanna said, her mind racing to understand the situation. “I get the importance of establishing communication with the Vanished, but shouldn’t it be a gradual process? We already have some channels, like Captain Duncan…”

“He contacts you through dreams or mirrors, correct?” Helena gently interjected, “You mentioned it in your report.”

“But…”

“That’s insufficient,” Helena shook her head, her smile unwavering. “Those are merely private conversations between you and Captain Duncan. Such communication lacks both uniqueness and binding force. It’s far from being an official channel between the Storm Church and the Vanished. You should understand the distinction.”

Vanna opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words.

She was now certain this wasn’t a jest nor a whim from the “spokesperson of the gods.” Helena’s demeanor and gaze conveyed deep thought and an intention Vanna couldn’t yet comprehend.

After a moment, Vanna asked, “Is this the goddess’s will?”

“You can see it that way if it eases your mind.”

“…I understand,” Vanna took a deep breath, regaining her composure. She resumed her usual serious demeanor and bowed her head. “I will follow this arrangement.”

“Go and rest for now,” Helena nodded kindly, “There’s much to be done tomorrow.”

Vanna bowed again and left the room.

As Vanna’s tall figure disappeared through the door, Helena lingered for a moment before averting her gaze. She chuckled softly, shaking her head in mild amusement, “She didn’t even ask how I plan to send her to that ship, yet she tries to stay calm…”

A composed voice, blending with the crackle of flames, broke the silence, “I’m curious too, how do you plan to send her to the Vanished?”

In the room’s corner, before a full-length mirror, the flames on several candlesticks turned a dark green. The dim light illuminated the mirror, revealing an abyss from which Duncan’s image emerged, staring silently at Helena.

Helena did not turn around. Even with Duncan’s voice behind her, she continued to gaze out the window. “I knew you were watching.”

“I couldn’t help it; your plan was too conspicuous, and those beads even hit me in the face.”

“…What are beads?”

“A subspace joke,” Duncan said with feigned seriousness. Over time, he had grown fond of fabricating stories during conversations, enjoying the confused reactions they elicited. As for how the other party interpreted his words…

People in this world usually found their own explanations for what he said.

Helena wisely chose not to probe further. She maintained her composure, her tone calm and gentle. “Although you probably don’t need it, I’ll introduce myself – Helena, a humble servant of the Storm Goddess Gomona. It’s a pleasure to speak with you.”

“Duncan Abnomar, captain of the Vanished,” Duncan responded casually. “I prefer straightforward communication, so let’s be clear – what is your purpose, or rather, what does the Storm Church truly intend to do?”

“We aim to maintain the order of the civilized world and address all unsettling changes within it,” Helena replied calmly. “You must have heard what I told Vanna. This world is undergoing significant changes – the situation is far more serious than what I disclosed to her.

“Many shadows are encroaching upon our reality; the anomaly of Vision 001 might just be the beginning. The Enders’ destructive acts in Pland could be part of a larger conspiracy. Some city-states in the north have reported disturbing news, and at the borders, the ‘curtain’ is growing increasingly unstable. Border collapses are becoming more frequent within civilized territories. Amid these changes, the Vanished might be the only entity capable of rational communication.

“We wish to establish stable and effective communication with you. Just as you seek to understand the Storm Church’s intentions, we… also want to understand the Vanished. Why not build a bridge?”

Duncan frowned, “So you confidently chose Vanna to be that bridge – it’s a good idea, but how do you know I’ll agree?”

“You care about her and have aided her before. Your intentions suggest a strong interest in the current civilized world,” Helena observed. “You’ve regained your reason and humanity, necessitating a reconnection with the civilized world. From my perspective, Vanna is well-suited for this role – or would you prefer a ‘random messenger’ chosen by the Storm Church?”

“…Indeed, Vanna is at least an ‘acquaintance’ of mine. From your perspective, sending her ensures the messenger’s safety to the greatest extent,” Duncan acknowledged slowly. “But even so, aren’t you concerned that sending Vanna to the Vanished is like sending a lamb into the lion’s den? Given the notorious reputation of my ship and me in the civilized world, your actions, if publicized, could easily be misconstrued as a bloody sacrifice.”

Helena remained silent for a few moments before turning slowly to face the mirror with its flickering green flames.

“Therefore, this matter will remain confidential. Apart from the people of Pland, most in this world still react fearfully when discussing the Vanished. Vanna will be a secret envoy, known only to high-ranking members of the Storm Church, a few city-state governors, or those who need to know based on circumstances.”

Helena lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Duncan’s reflection in the mirror.

The shimmering and distorted starlight filled her vision.

“As for the ‘lamb to the lion’s den’ scenario… I’m not worried.”

Indescribable starlight flowed across the mirror’s surface, as if trying to break free from the fragile glass, presenting a sense of swelling and writhing. Fine black cracks spread from the mirror’s edge, filling the room, and a low, chaotic roar echoed in her mind. Each roar seemed to carry infinite knowledge from subspace, intertwined.

“I can hear your voice, and it exudes calm rationality. I believe you have indeed regained your humanity, and this humanity is clear evidence that you align with the camp of civilized order.”

The mirror transformed into a vortex within her field of vision. The starlight giant within had lost its form entirely, and all Helena saw was endless starlight. The fragmented light and shadow exploded in her mind, but soon, gentle waves echoed within her thoughts, reshaping them on the brink of disintegration.

“You are friendly and reliable. My deity has guided me, and I have unwavering faith in her. If she commands me to cooperate with you, I will do so.”

The writhing starlight in the mirror overflowed, extending a stream of light and shadow into the air, pulsating and swaying before Helena as if examining prey or sniffing the room’s scent. The starlight formed a figure less than half a meter from Helena’s face, and within its tiny light points, countless eyes seemed to stare.

Duncan scrutinized Helena’s expression through the mirror, seeking to discern her true intentions from her words and actions. Ultimately, he found only calmness and honesty in her eyes.

After a long pause, he looked away.

“Agreement reached. I’ll reserve a place for Vanna on the Vanished, but in return, once aboard, she becomes my crew member. She will adhere to strict rules, and her priority will be higher than her status in the Storm Church. I hope you understand.”

He tried to speak formally, adding a dignified air to the matter to make it seem official.

But in truth, he was elated.

From the beginning, he had believed Vanna was destined for the Vanished. He had been contemplating how to bring this high-ranking cleric aboard as an ally but had lacked a suitable opportunity or reason. This chance falling into his lap was unexpected.

The Storm Church required an official communication channel to understand the Vanished’s intentions, easing their concerns. The Vanished needed a bridge to communicate with the Church’s powers in the civilized world, aiding Duncan’s future endeavors. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

“I understand,” Helena nodded slowly, “So, the agreement is reached.”

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