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 Vannas existence as his special node.

If theres not a sufficient level of coincidence, placing such a node among the top brass of the church wouldnt be an easy task, let alone forming the most basic level of friendship with them.

In addition, Vannas straightforwardness determined that she wouldnt deny Duncans merits in sheltering Pland. He couldnt say for certain about others in the church who are wholeheartedly against heretics and the likes.

Of course, Duncans 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 ones mind at will, a superior being powerful enough to reverse the pollution of history but with an unclear purpose. If it werent for Vannas indomitable will, the latter wouldve 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 dont 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: ?

Isnt it obvious? Im improving the food situation on my ship, Duncan suddenly bellowed a hearty laugh because none of Vannas 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 havent thought about it. Nobody ever thinks about these problems. Who would? Im 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, theyre either running around and causing trouble or giving me a headache. But my biggest problem isnt that; its my water supply. Im recently considering installing a boiler aboard. Do you have any recommendations?

I dont know much about boilers Wait, no, this isnt 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 inquisitors 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 didnt comment because she struggled to keep up with the captains 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 Duncans mouth quivered imperceptibly: Theres 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 couldnt 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 didnt notice the instantaneous change in the other partys 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 theyll 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 its 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 dont like those cultists, both Suntists and Enders. As for the annihilators who worship the Nether Lord I dont 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 didnt 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: Im 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. Shes not afraid to pay the price.

Dont be so nervous because there is no cost. Duncan laughed wildly in the mirror, Unlike what everyone thinks, Im 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, Its true Ive been to that place, but Im 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 Im less familiar with Uhh, I see what you mean.

Although I cant 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 dont know. Vanna shook her head and opened her mouth again as if she wanted to say something, only to stop at the last second.

Its fine. It seems that you still have some concerns. I can understand why, Duncan didnt 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?

Youre asking why Im willing to help you? Duncans 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 its 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 couldnt tell whether she was vigilant and cautious or simply nervous, but the other partys intention to leave lifted a burden off her shoulder.

But when Duncans 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 youre still going to show up in the future, can you not always be so sudden

Duncan didnt 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 persons voice come into her ears: Next time, I will knock on the door.