Chapter 327: Disguise Ashore
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.com.
Emerging from the flaming portal was an intriguing trio: Alice, cleverly disguising her unmistakable features; Vanna, a towering figure clad in understated attire; and Morris, a distinguished gentleman gripping an arcane staff, wrapped in a shadowy gray coat that gave him an air of mystery.
Duncan had summoned this unusual group for distinct purposes. Morris, with his vast knowledge, was invaluable for understanding the labyrinthine city and pinpointing the elusive “Scott Brown.” Vanna, known for her relentless pursuit of enemies, was essential for trailing the cultists and potentially forging ties with the local church. Alice’s inclusion, however, was somewhat unexpected…
While Duncan did not particularly need Alice’s assistance, her fervent interest in the adventure was undeniable, and he couldn’t dissuade her. Besides, her disguise as the Frost Queen could add a dash of unexpected entertainment.
As the eerie spectral flames of the gate dissipated into thin air, Ai, the faithful dove-like companion, settled onto a nearby tree branch. The chill wind seemed to seep through Morris’ coat, causing him to draw it tighter as he studied the city’s brightly lit expanse. Alice, curious, inspected the unfamiliar surroundings, while Vanna, with her sharp instincts, quickly spotted an ominous figure lurking in the shadows.
This figure defied nature – a body that shouldn’t stand, yet did so with calm assurance. The faint remnants of its former attire hinted at an identity lost to time. An inexplicable sense of connection welled up within Vanna, and with uncanny certainty, she concluded that this figure was indeed the captain.
Approaching Duncan, Vanna scrutinized him, her brow furrowed in concern. Though she knew Duncan used “avatars” to navigate city-states, she found the state of this body unsettling. “Your body…”
Duncan dismissed her concern with a quiet voice, “In truth, it’s in decent condition – the appearance is just a bit disturbing. Finding a suitable and compatible avatar is a game of chance. This one’s definitely an improvement over that ‘sacrifice’ you saw in the sewer.”
His words spurred an unpleasant flashback, causing Vanna’s eyes to twitch involuntarily. She whispered, “… I’d prefer not to recall that.”
With a chuckle, Duncan turned his gaze to Alice, still engrossed in surveying their surroundings. “Quit gawking and lend a hand – did you bring everything?” he asked.
Snapping back to the task, Alice scurried over to Duncan, brandishing a small box she had been carrying, “I have it, I have it! There’s clothes and bandages… Oh my! Captain, your face looks dreadful…”
Ignoring the puppet’s dramatic reaction, Duncan accepted the box, revealing its contents: a black trench coat perfect for hiding physical aberrations, a large collar capable of covering the face and neck, gloves, shoes, a matching black wide-brimmed hat, bandages, a stash of cash, and a meticulously folded city map. The contents were more extensive than he had anticipated.
Absorbed in acclimating to his new body, Duncan had neglected the situation on the ship. When he’d sent the message to Alice through Goathead, he only mentioned the necessity of clothes and bandages. The additional items, including the cash, did not seem like something Alice would have thought of on her own.
Before he could voice his thoughts, Alice explained, “Mr. Tyrian assisted with the preparations. He found out you were venturing into the city-state and asked me to bring these along. He also said the map is updated and marked with the Mist Fleet’s covert contact points, and something about lines… oh, what did he call them…?”
“Those would be informants. Individuals on the periphery of the Mist Fleet still living in the city,” Duncan added with a touch of nostalgia, “He may have said he wouldn’t set foot on Frost again… but he can’t tear his gaze away from this city; it’s as if he’s here in spirit.”
Upon Duncan’s clarification, Alice nodded in understanding, “Right, informants. Will these things be of any use?”
Affirming her question, Duncan responded, “Indeed, they will be. Tyrian has been very thoughtful.”
Handing the bandages to Vanna, Duncan asked for her help. Vanna had predicted Duncan’s intentions from the contents of the box. With a hint of apprehension, she asked before attending to Duncan, “Is this really alright? You still stand out…”
“The intention is mere camouflage; I don’t plan to make a life in Frost with this facade,” Duncan said, cooperating with Vanna’s actions, “As long as I don’t draw unnecessary attention from city guardians, it will suffice. In situations where my mobility is restricted, I’ll rely on your assistance and Morris’s.”
Once reassured, Vanna skillfully began wrapping the bandages around Duncan, demonstrating her familiarity with the task; dealing with injuries was an inevitable part of life on the front lines.
Meanwhile, Alice watched Vanna’s work eagerly, “May I assist?”
Evaluating the height disparity between the petite puppet and the towering Vanna, Duncan then looked at his own stature, which exceeded six feet. He chuckled at the notion, “I’m afraid not. Your head might tumble off from looking up,” and added a word of caution, “Remember, we are in a city-state, and Frost at that. Be careful with your disguise. Ensure your wig and head stay put, and don’t remove your face veil. Got it? Your appearance could startle anyone over fifty here.”
Alice instantly obliged, “Understood!”
Duncan then turned to Vanna, who had altered her appearance for their mission. Her usual eye-catching armor and giant sword were swapped for ordinary clothes, fitting for moving around the city undetected. She wore a belted, long gray coat for women, coupled with black pants and boots. Her long, gray-white hair still flowed freely, making her appear energetic as always, but without her armor and sword, she seemed somewhat softer.
Nonetheless, standing at a lofty six-foot-three, her outfit deflected questions, but going unnoticed was still a tall order.
Before long, Duncan’s face was concealed beneath a layer of bandages, leaving only his eyes and a small area near his left eye visible. He then donned the high-collared black trench coat, gloves, shoes, and wide-brimmed hat. Remarkably, these items fit him perfectly, mirroring his robust build.
Duncan meticulously buttoned his trench coat, envisioning his appearance: a black trench coat enveloping him from head to toe, a wide-brimmed hat and high collar concealing most of his face, black leather gloves on his hands, and bandages peeping out from the gaps.
With a pause, he addressed the young inquisitor, “Vanna, tell me honestly…”
With a sigh, Vanna responded, “Inexperienced city guardians or sheriffs might immediately stop you for questioning.”
Momentarily taken aback, Duncan asked, “… And the experienced ones?”
“They would likely call for reinforcements.”
Duncan was silent for a moment.
Vanna quickly added, “Actually, it’s not as serious as it sounds,” she smiled, shaking her head, “The situations I mentioned would only occur in high-security core areas, which are heavily guarded. In ordinary urban areas, you should be fine. I’m basing my assumptions on experiences in Pland, but Frost should be similar. The only potential problem could be your bandages…”
Before she could finish, Morris interrupted, “The bandages might actually prove beneficial for camouflage. They could help avoid unnecessary attention.”
Duncan turned to him, seeking an explanation.
Morris elaborated, “Frost primarily worships the god of death, hence symbols and customs related to death are commonplace. Devout followers even intentionally add bandage-like decorations to their clothing, while priests’ attire incorporates similar elements. At most, you might be mistaken for an eccentric death worshipper.”
Vanna, surprised at this, admitted, “I was not aware of this. I’m only familiar with the doctrines and taboos of the other three churches.”
Morris chuckled, “Understanding each city-state’s unique customs and practices requires in-depth study.”
Duncan directed his gaze at the elder scholar, “Is this knowledge from your ‘old friend’?”
After a moment of silence, Morris responded with a soft sigh, “Yes, indeed. Scott Brown, a renowned folklorist, spent his life traveling through central and northern city-states, particularly Frost and Cold Port. He often sent me letters detailing the unique customs and practices in these places.”
Dem 1 chapter only worth 3 minutes of reading ?
Alice on adventure? YES