Chapter 57 “Cowardly Alice”
This translation is provided by bcatranslation.com.
As Captain Duncan spoke his eerie words, they echoed through the dim staircase like a chilling night breeze, instilling in Alice an instinctual urge for self-preservation. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, fighting the unease as she followed closely behind him. It took her some time to decode the ominous meaning behind Duncan’s phrase, “the lights are black.”
In truth, the lower cabin of the ship was not completely dark. It was designed similarly to the upper deck, with structural columns each holding an oil lamp. However, the lamps seemed to deepen the shadows around them instead of illuminating the area, which puzzled Alice. The closer one got to a lamp, the darker it seemed to become, as if the lamps were portals to a world where light created darkness. Duncan’s lantern, however, shed light normally.
What could explain this bizarre phenomenon? Was it an unknown characteristic of the Boundless Sea, an interaction with the sea’s forces and the mysterious attributes of the ship’s disappeared crew, known as the Vanished? Or was the paradoxical darkness a true condition of the cabin? If the oil lamps were extinguished, would genuine light then flood the space?
Curiosity briefly overwhelmed Duncan, tempting him to use his unique skills to snuff out the lamps and test his theory. However, reason soon held him back, reminding him of the potential dangers. His experiences had taught him that everything had a purpose, even these peculiar lamps emitting black light.
He pondered a local belief from the city-state of Pland, which held that the light from a flame could ward off evil spirits. Duncan, however, began to think differently. Perhaps it was not the light but the fire itself that repelled evil. In certain conditions, light and darkness might swap roles. Therefore, the constant presence of the flame should be the most reliable protection.
“Captain?” Alice’s voice interrupted his thoughts. She sounded anxious as she asked, “Do you notice anything unusual here?”
Duncan replied calmly, “No abnormalities,” maintaining his composure as he continued forward.
As he passed the peculiar lamps that cast darkness, Duncan noted coils of rope scattered around their bases. Normally, these could be a tripping hazard, but here, they seemed to shift aside on their own, clearing a path for him.
He realized that the interplay of light and shadow at sea was merely an illusory trick of the ocean depths. The realities perceived at sea level could not be trusted; only the unwavering light of the flames was reliable, vigilantly protecting the belongings of the Vanished.
Admiring the soft glow of the lamps, Duncan nodded in silent gratitude. In response, the lamps flared, their flames leaping higher. However, this did not increase the light but instead deepened the surrounding darkness…
Duncan was silently taken aback, regretting his previous admiration as it seemed to have inadvertently worsened their situation.
From behind, Alice cautiously approached, observing the stacks of wooden barrels, concealed rooms, and winding corridors ending in dead ends. She whispered, “This seems to be a storage area as well… Could this have been a cargo ship?”
Duncan shook his head and explained, “If this were a cargo ship, the goods wouldn’t be stored so deep inside—it would be inefficient. No, these supplies are intended for the Vanished’s lengthy sea voyages to sustain the crew.”
Alice blinked in surprise, “Ocean supplies?”
Duncan didn’t elaborate and began examining the nearest cache.
In some barrels, he discovered a dark brown, thick substance, similar to grease but without the strong smell of crude oil. It likely served as fuel for the ship before it became a haunted vessel, possibly for lighting and protection. Since the ship’s transformation, most of the stored items had become superfluous.
Elsewhere, Duncan found cheese aged older than himself and bacon tough enough to split stones.
Quietly, he replaced the barrel lid.
The lower level of the ship held a variety of reserve supplies. Though outdated by modern standards, their presence supported Duncan’s theory that the ship was originally designed for long exploration voyages. Each compartment was engineered to prevent fires and pest infestations, unnecessary for short-term trips.
The ship’s grand exploratory purpose had disappeared with its original crew, transforming it into a maritime legend known as the Vanished…
Alice and Duncan continued through more storage areas until they reached a new corridor leading deeper into the ship.
“I feel like… it’s getting even gloomier in here…” Miss Doll, hugging herself, whispered to Duncan, “Can you hear the wind? But how is it possible to hear wind blowing inside a cabin?”
“I’ve heard it too. But don’t worry; it’s perfectly normal,” Duncan reassured her, then glanced back at the doll, “Why are you so nervous? You are known as Anomaly 099. You shouldn’t be easily unsettled.”
His words recalled information from Nina about publicly available compilations of “anomalies” and “visions,” which helped people identify potential dangers or unusual occurrences. However, these compilations often left out the most unique and dangerous elements, keeping them hidden from the public.
Duncan had tried to learn more about Anomaly 099 from Nina, but she had never seen this designation in her studies.
This implied that Alice’s “cursed doll” either held a significant secret warranting suppression by the church and authorities, or it was deemed too dangerous for public knowledge.
Yet, when Duncan mentioned this, the doll just recoiled, her expression troubled: “Having a higher number doesn’t necessarily make me braver. I am Anomaly 099, not Courage 099…”
Duncan sighed, realizing that while the doll might not be the bravest, she was certainly the most timid. Fortunately, no sailor had seen Alice’s visibly shaken state; otherwise, her reputation might have suffered irreparable damage…
Nice
Alice is cute!