Chapter 494: Gathering of the Followers
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.com
The serene expanse of the sea was suddenly interrupted as a massive submarine surfaced, sending waves cascading outward. The afternoon sun, blazing like a radiant jewel in the vast sky, cast shimmering trails of light over the seemingly endless ocean. The sun’s intense glow reflected off the submarine’s steel exterior, creating a stark contrast between its warmth and the coldness of the metal.
A single-use smoke device atop the submarine’s hull came to life. A brief, brilliant flare erupted, followed by a muted detonation that propelled a blazing orange streak through the clear blue sky. The crew adjusted the submarine’s alignment and power settings, stabilizing it on the water’s surface. A loud, grinding sound echoed as the submarine’s locking system began to release.
Inside, Duncan, with steady hands, turned the handle that secured the thick hatch. As he opened it, fresh ocean air flooded into the chamber, a welcome relief to both him and his silent companion. Though neither technically needed air, the refreshing sea breeze provided an unexpected reprieve. The chilling illusions that had plagued them during their submerged journey began to fade. Holding the handrail for support, Agatha gathered her strength and followed Duncan out onto the submarine’s sturdy outer surface. The vast ocean spread before her, a vision of tranquility and grandeur.
“How does the daylight feel after our ordeal?” Duncan asked, looking sideways at the sentinel-like figure next to him.
Agatha, her voice barely above a whisper, replied, “It’s like being revived from the brink of oblivion. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the warmth of the sun and the simple pleasure of breathing fresh air until they were taken from me.”
“And what about the other you?” Duncan continued. “During our descent, she stayed distant. She was watching us, wasn’t she?”
Agatha nodded. “Our feelings are intertwined. She expressed a desire for reflection and chose silence. Do you want me to call her forward for a chat?”
Duncan shook his head gently. “No need. Give her the space she needs. This undersea voyage has been deeply moving for each of us, almost like a rite of passage. We must all reflect on it in our own time.”
Duncan’s attention was drawn to the horizon by an approaching ship. “The rescue vessel sent by Tyrian is nearing,” he announced, a touch of relief in his tone. “It seems we won’t have to find our own way back to our home city-state.”
A steamboat appeared on the horizon, slicing through the ocean waves towards the submarine’s distress beacon. Having accomplished its mission, the submarine was safely guided back to its main ship, with the invaluable “Gatekeeper” aboard. Receiving this report via the pneumatic messaging system, a wave of relief washed over Tyrian, who had been anxiously waiting for an update in the southern port’s command center. He let out a sigh of relief and moved to the window, captivated by the hues of the setting sun.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence. It was Lucretia’s voice, echoing from a gleaming crystal ball nearby: “Have you received any updates about Father?”
Turning to face the glowing orb, Tyrian responded with a hint of surprise. “You caught that… Was my anticipation so obvious?”
Lucretia, while multitasking — biting into bread, jotting down calculations, and adjusting experimental tools — glanced briefly at her elder brother. She quipped, “Your mix of anxiety, uncertainty, relief, and confusion can only mean one thing: Father is back.”
With a mock grimace, Tyrian remarked, “Really? Is this how scholars talk nowadays? I sound like an emotional pie chart to you…”
Taking a moment, Tyrian added nostalgically, “Times have changed. It wasn’t long ago when news of Father’s return wouldn’t have evoked such feelings in me. My initial reactions during his earlier expeditions were very different.”
With a teasing grin, Lucretia chimed in, “Oh, I remember. Your knees wobbled like jelly. You even deployed the Sea Mist against our own Father, staying sleepless for nights on end. You had a knack for waking me up at odd hours, recounting your nightmares. They were so vivid we both ended up shivering…”
Cutting her off, Tyrian said with mock annoyance, “Alright, enough of your dramatic flair. Those aren’t the memories I want to revisit right now.”
Lucretia’s animated hands stilled, her research temporarily suspended, and her bread set aside. She looked intently at Tyrian, her eyes filled with understanding and patience, ready to listen.
In Lucretia’s steady gaze, Tyrian felt an eerie sensation, as if she were scanning every inch of his skin, analyzing him beyond the surface. Finally, breaking the tension, Lucretia spoke.
“When we were kids, it was normal for Father to be gone for long periods. Every time we heard the bells from the harbor, we’d rush to the rooftop, scanning the horizon for the distinctive flag of the Vanished. You’d always scold me to act more ladylike, more composed. But amusingly, you were always the one scrambling to the highest point first.”
“That was a long time ago,” Tyrian responded, pausing as he seemed lost in thought. When he spoke again, his voice carried a deep sense of nostalgia. “I can still remember the shade of blue our roof was painted in. The windmill you placed there would catch the sea breeze, creating a soft melody. That’s how our rooftop adventures began.”
“Things have changed a lot since then,” Lucretia said. “We’re now experiencing moments even that old rooftop couldn’t offer, seeing the world from perspectives that were once only Father’s. But we’re not yet walking in his footsteps.”
“Father’s explorations took him to the deepest parts of the ocean, places even the ambitious Abyss Project hasn’t reached. What do you think he’s hoping to discover on this latest expedition?”
Tyrian was quiet, contemplating the weight of Lucretia’s question. Before he could respond, the stillness was shattered by clicks from the mirror behind him. Duncan’s voice followed from the glass: “I’ve stumbled upon an extraordinary secret and was about to share it with you both.”
The sudden intrusion shocked Tyrian; his muscles tensed reflexively. But Lucretia’s reaction was more striking. He heard her gasp, followed by chaotic noises on her end. Then, smoke and flashes of light filled the crystal ball, abruptly cutting off their connection. With his heart still racing, Tyrian turned to find the mirror behind him ablaze with an ethereal green flame. Emerging from the dark surface of the mirror was Duncan’s face, who glanced around curiously.
“Is your sister okay? Did I scare her?” he asked.
“Could you please not make such dramatic entrances every time you show up?” Tyrian mumbled, almost without thinking. As the words left his lips, he felt a blush of embarrassment. He looked at Duncan, wondering if he’d offended him. But Duncan’s face remained impassive.
“I considered making a more subdued entrance, perhaps with a knock or a notice,” Duncan admitted, locking eyes with Tyrian. “But Vanna pointed out it’s not my arrival that startles people; it’s the sheer surprise of my unexpected presence. She probably has a point, so I didn’t change it. Besides, catching others off guard has its own charm.”
Tyrian’s eye twitched at his father’s attitude towards the discomfort he caused. Struggling for words, he quickly composed himself, his features curious as he regarded Duncan’s reflection. “Have you returned to the city-state? Should I come find you?”
“The avatar I used has returned, but you needn’t go there,” Duncan interjected. “Prepare yourself and head straight to the Vanished.”
Tyrian’s surprise was intense. “What?”
“I’ve made an extraordinary discovery in the deep sea,” Duncan said gravely. “This information must not be public and may have ties to the ancient gods. We need to convene on the Vanished for a discussion. I’ve already sent Agatha, and my followers are assembling.”
“As captain of the Sea Mist and newly appointed governor of Frost, your presence is essential.”
From Duncan’s tone, Tyrian knew the situation was exceptional. He straightened, his earlier casualness replaced by determination. “Understood. I’ll leave a note for Aiden.”
“Excellent,” Duncan nodded, his gaze sweeping the room and landing on the crystal ball. “Bring your crystal ball. Lucy should also know. She’ll be intrigued by the deep-sea secrets.”
Tyrian, writing a note, looked up abruptly. He first shot a surprised look at Duncan, then swiftly nodded. “Understood. I’ll bring the crystal ball. Where is the Vanished? I’ll arrange for a speedboat.”
Duncan waved off his concern. “There’s no need. Ai will take you.”
A knocking sound drew Tyrian’s attention to the window. Outside, the ever-present plump white dove, a constant companion to his father, pecked at the glass, its head tilted inquisitively. “Are you ready to board? Plenty of space, and the old driver is steady.”
Tyrian was left bewildered, a question mark practically hanging over his head. “…?”
The Vanished’s dining room was the customary meeting point for its crew. The expansive dining table had been meticulously cleaned and glistened under soft light. Radiant oil lamps hung from the columns, casting a warm glow.
The ship’s faithful followers gathered on either side of the table, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Vanna and Morris maintained strict, upright postures. Shirley and Alice seemed lost in thought. Nina and Dog were engrossed in books, their focused attention evident. Today, the tableau included two unfamiliar faces.
Clad in the garb of a blind nun, Agatha sat at the table, whispering silent prayers. Adjacent to her, Lawrence, in a crisp white coat, nervously clutched his pipe. His gaze flitted around the cabin, scrutinizing every detail with unease. Lawrence’s ship was moored nearby, with his first mate attending to the ship’s affairs. Unaware of the specific circumstances, Lawrence, the captain, found himself summoned to the ‘flagship.’ The unfamiliar surroundings filled his heart with trepidation; it was his maiden voyage on the Vanished.
Stepping aboard this legendary phantom ship, a vessel rumored to have returned from subspace, Lawrence found himself amidst Duncan Abnomar’s trusted followers. Assembled in this solemn cabin, they awaited Duncan’s command. They understood the identities and origins of the present company – the animated puppet, the fragment of the sun, the sentient demon, the exiled inquisitor, the legendary scholar teetering on madness…
Now, Lawrence was part of this extraordinary assembly. He could never have imagined such a scenario even in his wildest dreams or hallucinations. After all, he was just a retired captain of an exploration vessel… How did he find himself in this situation?
Love the similar feel to Lord of Mysteries gatherings.
i am still waiting for the revelation if their had a mother alive or not. it particularly stands out since it has never been mentioned, and every recounting is empty of any note. there is also no feeling of longing or mourning. like, even if not about her early death, relating instead that losing their father to subspace was that much harder for him being the only one pillar in their lives. idk, i might have missed something, but I am surprised that there is no clear mention even at almost 500 chaps.
i think there was a hint or 2 i cant remember where but it was along the lines of duncan suddenly having a wave of remenicance or notalgia and sorrow when touching somthing i think is was a ring or somthing like that
It was either a comb, a hairpin, or a comb hairpin. It was Lucretia’s, not Duncan’s wife’s.
He only ever felt “nostalgia” three times. First with the comb in the Vanished, second when he hugged Nina as Uncle Duncan in the Antique Store, and third when he put his hands on the submersible as General Duncan in the secret submarine workshop.