Chapter 560: Two Questions

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.com

In the Deep Sea Age, a once-living entity has become a solid mass of metallic substance. Handling this ‘registered anomaly’ requires intricate procedures. Ted Lir, a Truth Keeper, sees this as part of his everyday duties. He promptly contacts the overseer of the underground archives to set in motion the safe disposal of the entity.

Despite his duty-bound approach, Ted is deeply moved by the history of this ‘living metal.’ Once, it had a noble past, possibly as a hero who attempted to save the world. Now, it has evolved into a ‘transcendent invader,’ posing a grave risk of releasing corruption and pollution into the environment. To neutralize this threat, the metal mass will undergo purification steps: disassembly, grinding into smaller parts, and sealing, all while exposed to high temperatures from a steam core reactor.

This rigorous treatment could be seen as a burial. In this world, the deceased must undergo similar processes to prevent them from posing risks to the living.

The longsword, a unique relic from a now-disappeared world, has miraculously returned to its original form. Scholars can potentially gain unprecedented insights into the lost world through studying this artifact. Although everything from that world has vanished, the knowledge and memories it holds are invaluable.

Duncan, who possesses the longsword, willingly complies with Ted Lir’s request to hand it over for research. “Keeping it serves me no purpose,” he says, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “Let the experts unravel its secrets. If you learn something new, I’d appreciate it if you could share that knowledge with me.”

“Absolutely,” Ted Lir replies, accepting the sword with a sense of gravitas. After a brief pause, he adds, “As for today’s events and the intelligence we’ve gathered, I plan to arrange a scholarly discussion at the Academy of Truth. If new complications arise, we may need your expertise and assistance.”

Duncan nods. “No problem. If I have any new findings or thoughts, you can reach me through Lucretia,” he says, gesturing toward the woman standing beside him.

The unfolding narrative has deeper implications. Since the ‘Great Annihilation,’ humanity’s ‘limit of vision’ has experienced a fissure, promising new, unsettling revelations. These developments will spark intense debates and investigations within academic circles. Even religious organizations like the Church of the Four Gods will be closely monitoring and discussing the situation. Whether they accept it or not, the entity known as the Vanished and its master have become an integral part of this evolving story.

For Duncan, the unfolding events are less urgent than for Ted Lir and Lucretia. From his viewpoint, there are specific and crucial elements in the gathered intelligence that both of them have either missed or cannot currently comprehend.

One glaring issue is the puzzling behavior of the “deep red streak” in the sky, an anomaly that defies the laws of physics and common sense. According to fragments of his own memories and corroborated by the “Paladin’s” explanation to the “Warrior,” the “red radiance” that supposedly led to the world’s destruction should be situated in cosmic space. It might be a cosmic vision stretching across the galaxy, appearing as a band of light against a backdrop of countless stars.

This led Duncan to ponder key questions about planetary rotation. The “Warrior’s” homeland, as shown in his memories, experienced a typical day-night cycle, complete with a sky full of rotating celestial bodies. If that was the case, the “red band” in cosmic space should logically move, rise, and set along with other celestial entities. However, it remains fixed at a specific location in the sky, a point that is both perplexing and telling.

The “Warrior” and his allies have always searched for the landfall of this deep red streak. They perceive this radiant light as anchored at a particular point, overlooking the possibility that it might not be grounded on the planet but floating in cosmic space. The “Paladin” also hints at this conundrum, labeling it as their civilization’s final and most impactful “astronomical discovery.”

Duncan speculates that this “radiance” could be far more than it seems. The “deep red streak” is its physical manifestation, but its core nature might involve the disruption or distortion of universal laws at a foundational level. It might represent a tear in the dimensional fabric or something even more complex and profound.

The immediate problem is that Ted Lir and Lucretia are not equipped to understand these complexities. They do not grasp the basic concept of a planet, much less the astronomical implications of the “deep red streak.” Even if Duncan were to explain it to them now, assimilating this knowledge would take significant time.

Another question that occupies Duncan’s mind is tied to the “World Aggregation Theory.” What exactly constitutes a “world” in this theory? Could it be a planet, a universe, or something more intricate involving multiple dimensions? These fundamental questions are yet another layer Ted Lir and Lucretia have not delved into, opening the door for more discussions and investigations.

The definition of what constitutes each “world” preoccupies Duncan. Are these worlds individual planets within a single universe, or are they distinct universes in their own right? He looks at Ted Lir, lost in contemplation, holding the longsword that could be key to understanding many mysteries.

Objects like the “Moon” and the “Longsword” substantiate parts of the World Aggregation Theory but do not necessarily shed light on the intrinsic nature or ‘tier’ of each fragment of the ‘Boundless Sea.’ Each planet could be a separate world, but so could each universe in its entirety. For Duncan, this distinction is essential for understanding the fundamental reality they are dealing with.

This nuanced difference is something neither Ted Lir, the Truth Keeper, nor Lucretia, often referred to as the ‘Sea Witch,’ can currently fathom. Even if he wanted to, Duncan realizes that conveying such abstract concepts to them in a brief period would be exceedingly challenging.

Additionally, the mysterious “red radiant light” deserves more scrutiny. Duncan has encountered this red light on more than one occasion—once in visions of the crash of the spaceship New Hope and another time within the Alice Mansion, where it was depicted in an oil painting. What could this red light be?

Noticing Duncan’s deep concentration and shifting facial expressions, Lucretia grows concerned. “Father, is something else troubling you?” she asks.

“Many questions need to be answered,” Duncan replies, snapping out of his thoughts. “Let’s head back for now. Once I’ve organized my thoughts, I’ll consult with both of you.”

Sensing that her father is grappling with complexities hard to articulate, Lucretia nods without pressing further. This is the first moment of unspoken understanding between them since they reunited.

“We should go,” Duncan says, sighing with relief. He glances at Nina and Shirley, who appear uneasy, before turning back to Ted Lir. “Lead us out, please.”

Ted Lir opens his magical book to summon the ‘gateway’ once more. They all step through the portal, leading them back to the academy near Crown Street.

“Once we’re back, I’ll take care of some formalities,” Ted Lir says, glancing at Nina and Shirley standing beside Duncan. “Rest assured, you and your followers won’t face any disruptions while moving around the city. However, in return—”

“Don’t worry; there won’t be any issues,” Duncan cuts him off, smiling warmly. “We are all law-abiding individuals who respect the city’s rules and public order.”

Ted Lir and Lucretia hesitate, skeptical of Duncan’s assertion about law-abiding conduct. Ted Lir regains his composure, his expression settling into a formal but cordial smile. “Well, that’s for the best,” he states, pausing briefly. “I’d like to catch up with you sometime. Even though you might not remember our past encounters, I’m eager to discuss that rather supernatural ‘knowledge’ you possess.”

Duncan chuckles. “It’s rare to find someone willing to delve into ‘knowledge’ with me. Your courage is refreshing. I’ll look forward to our conversation.”

Lucretia watches, amused that Ted Lir seems more inclined to discuss complex subjects like subspace with her father than face the challenges of instructing his upcoming class of graduating students.

After brief goodbyes, Duncan, escorted by Nina and Shirley, leaves the academy with Lucretia. They head back to their residence, the “Witch Mansion,” at 99 Crown Street.

“Feel free to make yourselves at home; I’m heading upstairs to rest. Please don’t disturb me unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Duncan instructs. He ruffles Nina’s and Shirley’s hair affectionately before ascending the staircase to the mansion’s second floor.

Shirley, visibly thoughtful, turns to Nina and whispers, “Captain Duncan doesn’t seem to be in the best of moods, does he?”

“I don’t think it’s a matter of mood exactly,” Nina says hesitantly. “Uncle Duncan appears deeply preoccupied. But he seems better today compared to a few days ago—he’s not as downcast, just burdened with thoughts.”

Shirley considers Nina’s words, casting a discreet glance at Lucretia, who seems equally absorbed in thought. “I have to admit, I couldn’t make head or tail of what the captain was talking about earlier.”

Nina smiles sheepishly. “To be honest, I didn’t grasp much either. It seems like something only high-level scholars could fully comprehend.”

Lucretia suddenly breaks her silence. “Don’t fret over it; even the greatest scholars struggle to understand these concepts fully.”

Caught off guard, Nina and Shirley turn to Lucretia, their faces a mix of surprise and bewilderment.

Lucretia gives them a serious, almost solemn look. “What you heard are fragments of ‘knowledge’ from subspace. My father has modified them to be less harmful, but they remain deeply complex—beyond ordinary understanding.”

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