Chapter 501: The Unforeseen Departure
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.com
In the ethereal plane, there existed a being known as ‘Counterfeit Agatha.’ Born from the mirror’s reflection, her existence was divided into two distinct experiences. One part was radiant, comforting, and filled with a spectrum of emotions—love, hate, and a complex connection to the world. Yet, this life was merely an illusion woven into her consciousness. The other part, spanning just three days, was filled with pressure, exhaustion, and agony, ending in a death that felt paradoxically liberating. This segment of her memory was truly hers. Now, having transcended death, she found herself back in the realm of the living, with a chance to continue her existence.
The challenge she faced was profound. The life she yearned for, the illusion, was forever out of reach. Over time, every regret would turn into bitterness. The real part of her life, though genuine, was too insubstantial to allow her to exist as a ‘complete individual.’
Before she reached this inevitable crossroads, Duncan Abnomar had offered her some advice. After much contemplation, she reached a decision. The thought of leaving and confronting the frigid depths of the sea was terrifying. However, the act of ‘diving’ made her aware that ‘life’ held alternative possibilities, as Duncan had explained in the submarine.
“We fumble our way through unending darkness. Civilization is nothing but a fragile raft, shedding light on its immediate surroundings. We use the superficial wisdom of mankind to interpret the fleeting shadows in the darkness, hypothesizing what the world might be like.”
“Most people choose to huddle in the secure corners of the raft for their entire lives, but there must always be someone who stands at the bow, holding a lamp, peering into the distance.”
“This is a path that must continually move forward because the ‘unknown’ is inherently one-directional. Maybe… this is something I can try.”
Agatha, the mirror’s reflection, spoke calmly. Her black robe, signifying her status as the gatekeeper, subtly transformed into attire reminiscent of a sea explorer.
It somewhat mirrored Martha’s outfit but still bore the symbols of the Death Church. She removed her clerical hat, letting her hair fall freely as the bandages that once wrapped her body began to fade.
She then looked up and smiled at Duncan. “The counterfeit may not have a tangible past, but I can still have an authentic future. Let those cherished memories rest in the past. This way, they will shine brightly, emanating warmth, and remain untarnished by human frailties. Martha helped me create this outfit. What do you think?”
Duncan studied her reflection, and after a long pause, he nodded seriously. “It’s suitable.”
“Do you think I should change my name?” Agatha asked. “If I’m starting a new journey, should I begin this transformation with a new name?”
Duncan took even longer to respond this time. After considerable thought, he shook his head. “There’s no need. It’s fitting that you continue being called Agatha.”
“Why?”
“Simply because I’m used to calling you that, and changing it would be inconvenient,” Duncan responded nonchalantly. “Besides, I can distinguish between both of you.”
Agatha regarded him with a penetrating gaze. “This doesn’t seem like your actual reason, but it suffices to persuade me. Besides, I like this name. Let it be the final vestige of my ‘past.’”
Duncan nodded approvingly. “Excellent. It’s heartening to see you think this way.”
“Have you sorted everything with the city-state?” Agatha asked again. “Are you really going to embrace the role of a ‘graveyard keeper’ in Frost?”
Duncan raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with that job?”
“Nothing in particular. It just feels unusual to envision ‘Captain Duncan,’ who is like a subspace phantom to many, actually standing guard over a cemetery in the city-state,” Agatha said candidly. “But as long as it brings you joy, that’s what matters. I guess there won’t be many places safer than that cemetery in the future.”
“I find it quite appealing. I also run an antique store in Pland. Engaging in civilized society helps adjust one’s mindset,” Duncan replied with a grin. “Also, maintaining a physical presence in the city-state incurs expenses. Being a cemetery keeper at least provides some income.” Suddenly, Duncan paused. He looked at Agatha in the mirror and asked seriously, “Will the cathedral pay me, the ‘new caretaker?’”
Agatha retorted, “Do you need a salary?”
“You don’t pay?”
“Of course, we do. Normally, the salary for a new cemetery keeper is financed by the cathedral,” Agatha began, her expression twisting into an odd smile. “But a subspace shadow becoming a cemetery keeper isn’t a standard situation. You should discuss this with the other Agatha at the cathedral. Knowing myself, she wouldn’t consider it unless you bring it up.”
Duncan appeared taken aback. “Is it really that inconceivable?”
“The sequence of digits you inscribed on the report nearly drove a whole assembly of cryptographers and mathematicians insane. When transferring funds to your account, the cathedral even set up a covert action group to monitor any changes in the spirit world. When you interact with ordinary people as a subspace shadow, please consider the worldviews of most normal humans.”
Duncan’s lips twitched, and he rubbed his forehead. “Alright, I get it.”
Agatha sighed in relief. “Since affairs in Frost are settled, what are your plans?”
“I plan to venture back to the central naval regions. I aim to follow some archaeological leads provided by Morris, tracing maritime routes to visit ancient ruins and enigmatic seas that intrigue me. If possible, I might even approach or venture into regions listed as anomalies to probe deeper and understand this world better,” Duncan, who had clearly devised his plans well in advance, began elaborating on his adventurous itinerary with enthusiasm.
“Throughout this journey, I’ll maintain contact with the civilized world and monitor the major churches’ reactions to my warnings. If they show interest, I wouldn’t mind negotiating with those mysterious Arks from the churches again.”
“Sounds like a splendid adventure,” Agatha said, her voice carrying joy and anticipation.
“It’s fraught with dangers, but it’s worth attempting. Shall we embark now, or do we need more preparations?”
“Hold on, we need to coordinate with the White Oak first, and I should inform Tyrian,” Duncan chuckled. “He should have returned to his office in the dome building by now. I’ll just go and say hello.”
“Understood. I won’t keep you any longer.” Agatha nodded, her figure gradually dissolving from the mirror.
Meanwhile, in the dome building of the Frost Administrative Office, Tyrian had just bid farewell to the last department representative. He took off the ornate but uncomfortable coat he had worn for the ceremony and changed into his everyday attire. Settling behind his desk, he exhaled a small sigh of relief.
There was a brief respite, a necessary breather before tackling the rest of the day’s tasks. As the governor of a city in chaos, he hadn’t had a moment’s break on his inauguration day. The morning’s agenda had been crammed with work that would typically fill an entire day. The afternoon and evening were dedicated to dealing with all the deferred matters. His responsibilities extended beyond Frost.
The vast “enterprise” that the Mist Fleet had operated for fifty years, his intricate and complex liaisons with other city-states, the delicate balance of power in the Cold Sea, and his relationship with his “family”—all these matters were as demanding as his role as governor.
With a deep sigh, Tyrian unlocked a drawer adjacent to his desk, revealing numerous folders and documents. These files included archives related to the Mist Fleet, shared data from the Bright Star, and personal correspondences from other city-states. The period of rest meant that he could momentarily set aside his duties as governor and tackle another batch of tasks just as taxing.
Glancing over the imposing stack, Tyrian couldn’t help but scratch his head. An image of his first mate Aiden’s bald head sprang into his mind, sparking a disconcerting association. The freshly minted governor felt a shiver of trepidation and abruptly ceased scratching his head.
“Aiden had shaved it off himself back in the day… He’s been ruing it for a hundred years,” Tyrian mumbled, trying to distract himself from the overwhelming pressure exerted by the mound of work awaiting his attention.
Just then, a subtle crackling sound punctuated his internal monologue. His heart lurched, but he quickly regained his composure. With an unflappable countenance, he shifted his gaze to the mirror on a nearby wall. He had grown accustomed to Duncan appearing in the mirror.
“My son, I just popped by to check on you. Is everything progressing smoothly?”
“Everything is in order, Father,” Tyrian responded, standing and deliberately meeting his father’s gaze, feeling more at ease.
“Do you have any specific orders for me?”
“Not particularly. I’m just preparing to set off…” Duncan’s voice trailed off. A look of puzzlement crossed Tyrian’s face as he peered at his father in the mirror, who was staring intently at his desk. Duncan’s expression reflected utter astonishment, which set Tyrian’s heart racing. He followed his father’s gaze to a piece of paper that had slipped out of the pile of documents. It was a message from Lucretia of the Bright Star.
“It’s an ‘academic shared document’,” Duncan said, his voice unusually grave. “Tyrian, what is that? Could you bring it closer so I can take a look?”
“Oh… sure.” Tyrian quickly picked up the document and moved towards the mirror. “Is there an issue with this?”
“Where did this design originate from?”
“It was sent by Lucretia,” Tyrian responded, his tone wavering between anxiety and guilt. “I hadn’t mentioned it earlier, but she’s been researching something that fell from the heavens.” Duncan remained silent, staring intently at the paper. After a long pause, he finally whispered, as if caught in a trance, “Moon.”
Oh right. The story focused so much on the “Sun” that I’ve forgotten about the Moon for almost 500 chapters!
ya i know right, i almost forgot too lol
Also never thought of that xD
Same. LOL
Moon? Can you elaborate on it?
Did they carve runes into the moon to have it act as the ‘sun’??
“This is a path that is fated to continually move forward, because the ‘unknown’ is inherently a one-directional concept. Maybe… this is something I can attempt.” Is this a throwback on how all she did was keep walking forward in the mines? Even without a definitive goal?
YOO! Does this mean, Vision 001, is actually a moon wearing Sun’s skin?! And I think daytime in there is actually nighttime in our real world. It’s because they don’t have sun, and the moon is forced to wear sun’s skin, this also explains why that world doesn’t have any moon at all
Eh I don’t know, this is just my hastily made conclusion
I would genuinely like someone to explain to me how he knows it’s the moon. It’s just a spherical rock, and Vision 001 has never had a moon, it only masquerades as the sun. I completely don’t get it.
Help?