Chapter 58: “Bilge”
This Translation is hosted on bcatranslation.com
Duncan was endlessly intrigued by the unique and chilling characteristics that made the Gothic doll, Alice, both fascinating and frightening. Mariners would tremble at just the sound of her name. The doll, showing signs of awareness and moving independently, was a sight to behold. It was even more chilling to see Alice running wild without her head. Despite these eerie traits, Duncan was skeptical that they justified such a high rank on the Anomaly list.
For context, Duncan referred to a passage in Nina’s textbook about another anomaly to understand the ranking system better:
Anomaly 196, known as ‘Blood,’ was a dangerous entity contained within the underground vaults of the Storm Church in Pland. It appeared as a mass equal to the blood of an adult, moving on its own and seeking to replace the blood of any nearby ‘host.’ Kept at sub-zero temperatures in twenty-two specialized tanks, it remained contained unless blood was spilled within ten meters of it, causing it to break its seal and attack. This anomaly could overcome any protection offered by a so-called ‘Saint,’ proving fatal to its host.
Anomaly 196 was one of the deadliest under Pland’s control, and all details about it were publicly available to ensure a quick response if it were ever accidentally released.
Duncan, unfamiliar with the term ‘saint,’ assumed it referred to someone with powerful, supernatural abilities, like Inquisitor Vanna, a figure often mentioned in the media. He pondered how many saints could handle Anomaly 196 in the city-states.
While this anomaly was perilous, it was ranked just under 200. In contrast, Alice, the Gothic doll, was ranked at 099, indicating a significantly higher level of danger.
However, Nina pointed out that the correlation between anomaly numbers and their nature wasn’t straightforward. Rankings didn’t always directly reflect the relative power or threat of different anomalies. Higher-ranked anomalies typically presented greater risks or exhibited more erratic and impactful ‘traits’ that could potentially change history.
Being in the top hundred indicated an anomaly with supernatural danger or complexity. Yet, the mystery surrounding the cursed doll known as Alice persisted…
Duncan, on impulse, glanced back at Alice. She followed him loyally, smiling sweetly in a way that belied her innocent appearance.
Duncan wondered if she was unaware of her dangerous nature. Were there more details about her hidden in Pland’s historical archives? But as a humble antique dealer from the city’s lower regions, would he be allowed access to such information?
As he quietly moved through the ship’s cabins, guided by the eerie green light of his lantern, the reality around him seemed increasingly distorted. In this strange light, everything looked unnaturally altered.
To someone unaccustomed, these distortions might cause discomfort or even seizures. However, Duncan found an unusual peace and clarity in response to the ship’s ambiance. His mastery over the elusive sections of the ship was slowly returning, calming the once restless objects below deck.
In the unsettling quiet, Duncan addressed Alice, noting her discomfort. “It’s clear you’re uneasy with the ocean’s depths. Even this descent into the cabins seems to trouble you,” he observed.
This Translation is hosted on bcatranslation.com
Trying to maintain her composure, Alice responded, “I… I wasn’t prepared for this! I thought this was just another area of the ship. I didn’t realize that going below deck meant being below sea level! After all, I am merely a puppet!”
Duncan, unconvinced by her reasoning, replied sharply, “Yet, you’ve embraced learning to cook despite having no need to eat. Don’t use your doll nature as an excuse to avoid responsibilities. You’ll need to compensate for this lack of knowledge later in the journey.”
Alice sighed in frustration at his words, but Duncan quickly interjected, “What is it about the deep sea that terrifies you so much? Specifically, why does the idea of being ‘submerged in the sea’ frighten you to this extent? I understand the ocean has its dangers, and it’s common for people to be afraid of water. However, your fear seems to go beyond the normal — you’re petrified by merely thinking about being underwater. Also, try not to clench the frills of your dress so tightly; we can’t repair them if they rip while we’re on this ship.”
Caught off guard, Alice quickly loosened her grip on her dress, only to subconsciously grasp a button, “I… I hadn’t really thought about it. I’m just scared. Isn’t it okay to be afraid?”
Ignoring Alice’s question, Duncan turned his focus back to navigating the ship. As they approached the stairs that led deeper into the vessel, closest to the ocean, the darkness seemed as deep as in the previous areas. Duncan lifted his lantern for a better look, and together, they could just make out the vague shape of a door in the distance.
Noticing this, Duncan, the ghostly captain, frowned in confusion. The staircase was oddly placed, on the opposite side of the ship from the stairs they had initially climbed, which didn’t make architectural sense.
Moreover, the distance they had covered felt excessively long. The Vanished was certainly a large ship, but the extent of their journey seemed unusually protracted.
And then there was the door at the end of the stairs — why would a door be positioned there?
With these questions in mind, Duncan continued cautiously, motivated by a determination not to let mysteries linger in the shadows.
Alice felt even more uneasy about this strange turn of events. Still, she decided it was safer to stick with Duncan, the captain and master of the ghost ship, than to remain by herself in the darkness at the top of the stairs. So, she followed him.
When they finally reached the mysterious door at the bottom, Duncan raised his lantern, and they noticed an inscription above the doorframe that read: “Final Door.”
Alice voiced her confusion, “Final Door… Isn’t it unusual for a doorframe label to simply name itself rather than describe its purpose?”
Duncan considered this, his eyes shifting from the inscription to the doorknob he was about to grasp. “It seems like a caution,” he concluded. “If you go through and find another door, best not to tamper with it.”
Alice nodded nervously and watched as Duncan boldly pushed open what was labeled the “last door of the bilge.”
As they entered, a strange, pale light filled the space beyond.
Alice gasped in disbelief, “This… This…” Regaining her composure, she exclaimed, “Captain! The bottom of the ship is torn open! It’s shattered!”
Duncan seemed unfazed by her panic. He stood frozen, captivated by the sight before them.
The lowest level of The Vanished was in ruins!
Everywhere, the reality seemed broken, with vast cracks distorting the space, turning the room into a chaotic, fragmented scene. Beyond these fissures, Duncan could clearly see not the dark depths of the ocean, but a pale, vague void dotted with countless moving lights and shadows, twirling through the immense emptiness.
AND THE PLOT THICKENS
YESSSS
I just realised these anomaly and visions are similar to scp and its class…
Yeah there’s zero chance the author hasn’t read SCP. Lord of the Mystery’s author does the same and told everyone it’s bc he loves SCPs, and I Was Once A Legend has actual SCPs in it, like the teddy bear that heals people. (Not the one that pretends to be cute and uses people as parts to make offspring.)
What’s SCP?
Secure Contain Protect it is a fictitious place and a part of the collaboration writing wiki project. Some of the most known is scp 096, SCP 173 and SCP 106. One is a shy guy who you must never see his face except for drawings (The artist most likely died), one is a statue that snaps necks and the last one is a naked tar covered looking old man that loves to put people into its pocket dimension and playing with them and killing them. Unlike the other two he can’t be truly contained as he phases through walls.