Deep Sea Embers

Chapter 223 “Enhance Understanding”

To be fair, Duncan was being genuinely sincere on this topic. He admired the tough-willed and straightforward inquisitor, admired her performance in that disaster, and even if he put aside this admiration, he cherished Vanna’s existence as his special “node”.

If there’s not a sufficient level of coincidence, placing such a “node” among the top brass of the church wouldn’t be an easy task, let alone forming the most basic level of friendship with them.

In addition, Vanna’s straightforwardness determined that she wouldn’t deny Duncan’s merits in sheltering Pland. He couldn’t say for certain about others in the church who are wholeheartedly against heretics and the likes.

Of course, Duncan’s sincerity still remained more or less scary to others on the receiving end, that much he knew.

Imagine an unbreakable connection similar to a curse, a subspatial shadow that could invade one’s mind at will, a superior being powerful enough to reverse the pollution of history but with an unclear purpose. If it weren’t for Vanna’s indomitable will, the latter would’ve had a mental breakdown several times over by now.

“…… What exactly do you want?” Vanna took a small breath, reluctant to show any form of weakness despite already swaying inwardly. “And don’t say ‘make some fries’ anymore… I want to hear something serious.”

“…… Actually, ‘making fries’ is serious,” Duncan looked helpless, “and a lot of ketchup if you can.”

Vanna: “…?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m improving the food situation on my ship,” Duncan suddenly bellowed a hearty laugh because none of Vanna’s reactions exceeded his expectations. Then he strolled around in the mirror to seek a comfortable spot for sitting. “Vanna, what do you think a captain like me usually does on my off time?”

“What you usually do?” Vanna blinked in bafflement. Unknowingly, the conversation had shifted from a tense atmosphere to one shared between two friends on an afternoon. “I… never thought about it…”

“Yes, you haven’t thought about it. Nobody ever thinks about these problems. Who would? I’m the infamous ghost captain that has committed heinous acts of subverting the mortal world, right?” Duncan said, spreading his hands helplessly.

“I have a very, very big ship to take care of, and there are a lot of headaches on that ship. My ‘crew’ often makes a mess, and every time I look around, they’re either running around and causing trouble or giving me a headache. But my biggest problem isn’t that; it’s my water supply. I’m recently considering installing a boiler aboard. Do you have any recommendations?”

“I don’t know much about boilers… Wait, no, this isn’t right!” Vanna subconsciously cried out, her voice and eyes showing shock and disbelief. Then, for a brief second, she realized how ridiculous the conversation had gotten. “Why are you suddenly telling me this? And… uhh, are you serious?”

Duncan adjusted his posture and met the inquisitor’s eyes, his expression serious: “Vanna, have you noticed – I am not as scary as you think? The unknown brings fear, and now, you are starting to know more about me.”

Vanna didn’t comment because she struggled to keep up with the captain’s rhythm.

But after a moment of silence, she slowly exhaled and tried to change the subject: “… By taking the sun fragment, you have also cleared another hidden danger in the city-state of Pland. I should express my gratitude for this.”

The corners of Duncan’s mouth quivered imperceptibly: “… There’s no need for thanks. I have a hobby of collecting.”

But what he actually wanted to say was that he just sent the sun fragment back to Pland. Although Nina was initially excited to spend the night on the ship, she soon discovered that she couldn’t sleep right without being in her own bed…

Naturally, Duncan was afraid that when he said this, the person on the opposite side would do a jump chop…

Vanna didn’t notice the instantaneous change in the other party’s expression; instead, she just nodded slightly and continued: “Now that order in the city-state has gradually been restored, the aftermath of the pollution caused by the Enders has completely subsided. Those cultists who summoned the Black Sun… as they wished, became firewood for their own cause. I hope you are satisfied with this result.”

“Good enough, but they’ll pop up sooner or later again anyway,” Duncan said casually, “heretical worshippers are the byproduct of evil gods, and as long as those ‘roots’ are not eliminated, cultists are going to continuously sprout up.”

Vanna listened thoughtfully to everything Duncan said, causing her expression to grow curious: “It sounds like… you have a bad relationship with those heretical worshippers.”

“You want intelligence?” Duncan beamed a smirk, “I get it. This is a rare opportunity to know how ‘Captain Duncan’ and the Vanished operated after nearly a century. But it’s okay; you can be blunt and ask me.”

Vanna was a little speechless there, and her expression visibly flustered with embarrassment at being caught.

“I don’t like those cultists, both Suntists and Enders. As for the annihilators who worship the Nether Lord… I don’t have many details, but most should be crazy individuals who annoy me.” Duncan spread his hands and shrugged, “So, you can directly report this matter to those above you. Just say that the Vanished and the three major cults are enemies, and if conditions permit, Captain Duncan will happily destroy any cultist who appears before him. This information should be useful.”

“…… Thank you for answering.” Vanna hesitated but nodded with a rather heavy note.

“Is there anything else you want to know?” Duncan asked again.

Vanna pursed her lips.

Of course there were more, but she didn’t know if it was the right choice to ask the ghost captain about her faith wavering and the truth about subspace.

Ultimately, she abstained from touching the topic of her wavering and focused on questions related to subspace: “… I’m wondering if subspace will respond to mortal wishes, and at what cost does one need to pay to learn this information.”

Vanna specifically mentioned the “cost” at the end because she knew very well how grave the topic truly was. She’s not afraid to pay the price.

“Don’t be so nervous because there is no cost.” Duncan laughed wildly in the mirror, “Unlike what everyone thinks, I’m not familiar with the subject either.”

Vanna: “… Wah?”

“Why does everyone think I will know a lot about the secrets of subspace?” Duncan rubbed his forehead a little helplessly, “It’s true I’ve been to that place, but I’m not doing population research in subspace either. Would you know everyone who lives in your neighborhood block?”

Vanna nodded: “I do.”

Duncan: “…”

Vanna quickly realized her folly and showed a flushed face, this time deeper and redder like a child. “Of course, there may be some that I’m less familiar with… Uhh, I see what you mean.”

“Although I can’t answer your question, I can see that this question is related to your current bad state.” Duncan resumed his serious voice, “Something from subspace is bothering you?”

Vanna only stared at the ghost captain in the mirror, her face saying it all without words.

“I mean, besides me…” Duncan quickly added.

“I don’t know.” Vanna shook her head and opened her mouth again as if she wanted to say something, only to stop at the last second.

“It’s fine. It seems that you still have some concerns. I can understand why,” Duncan didn’t care and shrugged, “but if something in subspace bothers you, you can ask me for help. At least in this area, I can help you.”

Vanna fell silent, and after nearly ten seconds, she suddenly broke the silence: “Why?”

“You’re asking why I’m willing to help you?” Duncan’s voice sounded from the mirror, still majestic and even a little gloomy to Vanna, but it seemed more gentle and sincere at the moment, “Maybe it’s because I fought alongside Pland. Vanna, I admire your fortitude and bravery.”

The figure in the mirror stood up, indicating the ghost captain was ready to leave.

This brought a wave of relief to Vanna. She couldn’t tell whether she was vigilant and cautious or simply nervous, but the other party’s intention to leave lifted a burden off her shoulder.

But when Duncan’s figure was about to completely dissipate from the mirror, she seemed to remember something else and spoke up: “Wait, there is one more thing.”

Duncan turned his face slightly: “Huh?”

“In the future…” Vanna froze a little, organizing her language again before speaking with a slight hesitation, “I mean, if you’re still going to ‘show up’ in the future, can you not always be so sudden…”

Duncan didn’t respond, his face shrouded in shadows deep within the mirror, leaving the lady unable to make out his expression.

After a few seconds, Vanna heard the other person’s voice come into her ears: “Next time, I will knock on the door.”