Chapter 46: “Anomalies and Visions”
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The catastrophic event known as the Great Annihilation forever changed the fate of the world, ushering in the period now known as the “Deep Sea Era.”
Nina detailed the events of the Great Annihilation with such precision that Duncan began to comprehend the full extent of the cataclysm that had drastically reshaped the world. He recognized that the world hadn’t always possessed the strange and perilous qualities it now bore.
Historical records paint a picture of the era before the Great Annihilation as a golden age—a prosperous and secure utopia. Before this cataclysmic event, the oceans did not cover the extensive areas they do today, where they now span an astonishing 95% of the world’s surface, a region currently referred to as the “Boundless Sea.” In those times, humanity inhabited large, protected land masses, safe from the threats of the spirit realm, the abyssal deep sea of the demons, or the unfathomable subspace.
Duncan found himself feeling more connected to what historical texts described as the “Era of Order.” Modern people might view that pre-anomalous era with astonishment and disbelief, but for Duncan, it was the current world that seemed profoundly abnormal.
However, the historical documents offer scant details about the pivotal event known as the Great Annihilation. Despite continued archaeological efforts, interpretations of ancient history vary widely among city-states and different races. The true nature and specifics of the Great Annihilation remain veiled in mystery, an event mired in confusion and secrecy. After the turmoil settled, the world transitioned into the Deep Sea Era.
The abrupt rise of the seas submerged over 90% of the land. The remnants of civilization banded together into city-states and naval factions on the few remaining islands and patches of land. The Boundless Sea and the pervasive sea fog led to the emergence of mysterious phenomena called “Anomalies” and “Visions,” which continually posed threats to the survival of civilization.
Unaware of his true identity, Nina mistook a mysterious captain from a distant land, absorbed in her narrative, for her uncle testing her knowledge. She cherished this rare moment of her uncle’s affable demeanor, fearing that Duncan might revert to his typical self, a concern based on their past interactions.
“Mr. Morris, a scholar deeply engaged with the history of the ancient Kingdom of Crete and considered an expert in this field,” Nina explained, “informed us that though the Kingdom of Crete lasted only a century, it was the first to emerge from the ruins to confront the anomalies and visions of the Deep Sea Era. The insights from a century of exploration have become foundational for much of the world, especially their groundbreaking methods for categorizing ‘anomalies’ and ‘visions’…”
“Methods for classifying ‘anomalies’ and ‘visions’? Have you studied that topic?” Duncan asked, his curiosity piqued as he subtly steered the conversation.
Upon discovering these concepts, Duncan had become deeply intrigued. He had initially thought the supernatural phenomena he heard about were broadly labeled as “anomalies.” Yet, as he delved deeper, he realized that the people of this world had developed a more systematic approach to categorizing these events. Some were designated as “anomalies,” often assigned specific numbers, while others were identified as “visions,” revealing a more nuanced understanding than Duncan had initially perceived.
This level of detailed classification was something that Goathead had never explained during Duncan’s time aboard the Vanished. Now, however, Nina’s formal education was bridging the gaps in his fragmented knowledge.
Nina, recognizing Duncan’s interest, drew on her academic training and explained, “Mr. Morris taught us the simplest way to differentiate between anomalies and visions based on their scale.”
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“Anomalies usually manifest on a much smaller scale, typically affecting an individual creature or object. They can often be physically relocated, and their influence is generally localized. Many are so specific that they impact only a single target at a time. With the appropriate techniques, most anomalies can be safely isolated or even utilized beneficially,” Nina detailed.
“Conversely, visions are on a vastly larger scale. The smallest of them could envelop an area as large as a house, while the largest might encompass entire cities or even broader regions, some of which are difficult to fully comprehend,” she continued.
“Visions are mostly immovable and operate independently. Their capacity to affect areas far surpasses that of anomalies, often influencing countless entities within their reach. They resemble natural phenomenas, which is why we refer to them as ‘visions.'”
Nina further clarified, “Unlike anomalies, visions are nearly impossible to contain or control. They exist as perpetual forces in the world, interacting with their environments according to their inherent properties. Since most visions pose significant threats, the best approach is to avoid them or find ways to mitigate their effects. Fortunately, the most dangerous visions tend to be stationary, and thanks to the pioneers, we know their locations and can steer clear of them.”
Her enthusiasm apparent, Nina added an important note, “Mr. Morris also emphasized that while these classifications and their characteristics are generally accepted, both anomalies and visions are inherently unpredictable. No matter how systematically we categorize our experiences with them, there will always be exceptions that defy these norms. Sometimes, anomalies and visions may even switch roles, or visions might be blocked or eradicated through human efforts.”
For example, consider the year 1830, marked by the newly established City-State Calendar. At that time, a seemingly uncontrollable vision known as the ‘Fungal’ surfaced within the city-state of Lansa. The local church’s guardians paid a significant sum to remove this unmanageable vision and transferred it to a neighboring island. By 1835, this island had undergone a remarkable transformation and was aptly renamed Fungal Island. However, a pivotal event occurred in 1844 when the revered saint, Paladin, sacrificed his life to confine the essence of Fungal Island within his own urn. As a result, the once formidable vision known as ‘Fungal Island’ was downgraded to a mere ‘anomaly,’ now referred to as ‘Paladin’s Mushroom Urn.’ This anomaly remains sealed within the underground vault of the cathedral in Lansa…
Duncan absorbed Nina’s thorough explanation, his mind racing with thoughts even as he maintained a composed facade to conceal his inner excitement.
In just one breakfast session, Duncan realized that the information he gathered far exceeded anything he had learned during his time aboard the Vanished! His decision to establish a line of communication with the mainland and to set up an outpost within a surface city-state had proven exceedingly advantageous—civilized societies serve as the primary repositories of knowledge in the world! He couldn’t help but gaze at Nina, still passionately sharing her knowledge, and felt a profound sense of enlightenment.
A society that had smoothly transitioned into the industrial age would naturally develop methods to distill and integrate essential knowledge into its educational framework. A child raised in such an environment might not realize the treasure hidden within their textbooks: a vast accumulation of knowledge gathered by countless individuals over generations, meticulously refined and organized into the most effective educational structure through years of scrutiny and optimization. These textbooks are crafted as comprehensive “nutritional packages” for the mind, designed to efficiently and effortlessly transform a blank slate into a functioning member of society.
Nina, enthusiastic about her studies, might not fully understand the depth of this concept. Only Duncan, viewing it as an “outsider,” could truly appreciate the simplicity and power of absorbing such consolidated knowledge.
Yet, Nina was oblivious to Duncan’s reflections. She continued to relay the insights from her esteemed history teacher: “So, Mr. Morris concluded our last lesson with a profound statement. He said that while humanity has developed numerous rules to govern anomalies and visions, there is one rule that universally applies: ‘No matter how many rules we create, there will always be anomalies or visions that defy these rules in the world.'”
“This principle is commonly referred to as the ‘Eternal Zero Rule’ by academics and is consistently emphasized at the beginning of all scholarly articles and research related to the topic. Consequently, this has led to the establishment of the well-known ‘Permanent Misalignment Law of Anomalies and Visions.’ To this day, this law remains robust and unchallenged…”
So He’s an Eternal Zero? Sounds a bit edge but cool!
No. Eternal Zero is the disclaimer that goes: “some of this shit will violate the laws of physics, thermodynamics & all the other natural laws”
He & his ship would be considered an anomaly.
He’s a moving vision/ anomally the embondiment of an eternal zero I guess
Lee and his mushrooms!!
“The local church guardians paid a hefty price to expel this ungovernable anomaly to a neighboring island.” Great barely any land let’s destroy another one
probably the neighboring island is no manland, while Lansa is their home ground.