In the palpable, concrete world, the people who had once embodied deviant ideologies and terrifying manifestations in the spiritual domain were now reduced to mere relics and ashes. The intense pollution that had plagued the sewage treatment facility had been temporarily mitigated, but it might have only provided a brief insight into a darker, more threatening specter, one that could potentially engulf the whole city-state.

Following a swift count and assessment of the current situation, Agatha found her attention drawn by the sight of a manager who was standing nearby, showing clear signs of a thinning hairline.

Is his condition already verified? Agatha queried.

Definitely a regular human, without question, one of the guardians affirmed with a deep, grave tone, but hes in a state of extreme terror. We cant dismiss the potential of psychological contamination. Hell likely require a prolonged period of mental therapy and steady monitoring.

Transport him to the local chapel, Agatha commanded with a small nod, And ensure theyre informed about the grave circumstances here at the sewage treatment facility. The whole establishment needs to be subjected to a comprehensive purification and examination. It should only resume operations when we are certain that all potential threats have been meticulously addressed.

I understand, Gatekeeper, a team member acknowledged, understanding the instruction, and then looked at Agatha with a worried expression, You didnt encounter any complications, did you?

Agatha furrowed her brows, Hmm? What prompts you to ask that?

You remained on the other side longer than is usual for you, the team member elaborated, Were you successful in discovering any clues in the spirit world?

A thoughtful look crossed Agathas faintly lined face. There was a residual sensation of overlooking something, but despite pondering over it, she couldnt pinpoint anything unusual could this be a lingering effect from her extended stay in the spiritual domain? She reached into her coat pocket for her habitual eye drops, but hesitated and decided against using them.

Her eyes felt surprisingly fine, almost as if she had already applied the drops prior to returning to the physical world.

There wasnt any unpleasant incident, she assured her team member, The abrupt emergence of those heretics was unexpected, which is why I took a bit more time to interrogate them.

Unfortunately, she couldnt extract any useful information from the interrogation. The heretics were obstinate and zealous, and not even the prospect of death seemed to shake their unyielding beliefs.

But what had she overlooked?

A vague sensation of discomfort once again arose in Agathas mind, but she managed to maintain her calm and composed demeanor in front of her team.

Are we prepared to head back to the cathedral next? a guardian, attired in solemn, dark clothing, inquired.

Yes, we are indeed journeying back to the cathedral, Agatha affirmed, Its of utmost importance that we rapidly orchestrate an extensive search of all the subterranean facilities throughout the city. The circumstances might be graver than we initially perceived.

As the cloak of evening began to unfurl, the sun initiated its slow descent towards the horizons edge. An impressive, dual-ringed rune halo cast a brilliant radiance near the surface of the sea, while the structures of the distant city-state were incrementally tinted by the setting sun. The result was a mesmerizing scene of the entire city seemingly melting into the enveloping twilight.

Duncan had stationed himself near the slender window at the distant end of the corridor on the second floor. His substantial figure almost completely obscured the light filtering in through the window. His eyes, visible through the small gaps in his bandages, silently observed the twilight horizon stretching out in the distance, his mind apparently entangled in a labyrinth of contemplations.

Suddenly, the faint echo of footsteps resonated from one side. Without even pivoting his head, Duncan recognized the approaching presence.

Have you finished your assigned work? He asked in a nonchalant manner.

Shirley, who had just gently eased the door open and was on the brink of stealthily descending to the first-floor kitchen for a quick snack, found herself immobilized on the spot. From a nearby shadow, the trembling head of Dog materialized, muttering in a hushed tone, I knew we couldnt remain concealed

I I have finished my math flashcard exercises, Shirley ignored Dogs regret-filled remark, her eyes warily darting to the imposing figure of Duncan, who stood next to the window, a formidable presence that seemed unshakable. I still have a set of vocabulary assignments left, but Im feeling slightly peckish

Duncan discerned the distinct mix of trepidation and complaint in the young girls voice, prompting a chuckle to escape his lips as he swiveled to face Shirley: Have I ever implied that youre not permitted to eat until youve completed your homework?

Shirley retracted a little, too uncertain to formulate a response.

Exhaling a sigh, Duncan turned back around to gently pat Shirleys head.

Do you detest studying? He questioned, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. You give off the impression that youre undergoing some sort of torment.

I I tend to feel drowsy the moment I commence reading Shirley responded in a hesitant manner, still somewhat ill at ease in her interactions with Duncan in his current state. To her, his bandages and stern, austere attire appeared more menacing than his former position as the ships captain. I Ill return to my room and resume my homework!

However, Duncan gently grasped Shirleys shoulder, preventing her from hastily retreating to her room.

If youre feeling weary, its important to rest, Duncan advised, shaking his head with gentle firmness, Dont exert undue pressure on yourself to study.

Shirley gazed at Duncan, her eyes wide with surprise, but she swiftly nodded in agreement, perhaps fearful that the captain might retract his seemingly lenient stance.

Following a few moments of hushed silence, she stole a cautious glance at Duncan and felt compelled to voice a question that had been nudging at her mind, Why are you so persistent about me learning to read and write I I dont need to attend a university like Nina, and I certainly dont possess the aptitude to become a scholar like Mr. Morris

This marked the first instance when Duncan was confronted with this query from Shirley, but it was evident that it had been burdening her thoughts for an extended period. This young girl, who had never been enrolled in school and whose sole companion was a demon dog, clearly struggled to comprehend the captains motives.

Because knowledge equates to power, Duncan responded after a momentary pause, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Shirley, The very concepts that you perceive as tedious and burdensome are the pillars that support our modern, civilized world. Have you never pondered how the cars that throng the streets, the machines that hum rhythmically in the factories, and the expansive ocean that unfurls beyond our city operate? Or what existence is like in distant cities across the world?

Shirley mulled over his words. It seemed she had a vague notion of what the correct answer might be, but eventually, she shook her head in a tentative manner, No, I Ive always held the belief that having enough food to sustain oneself was enough. I didnt dedicate much thought to matters extending beyond that.

But now, merely appeasing your hunger isnt sufficient, Shirley, Duncan bent down to align with her eye level, engaging her gaze with serious intensity, You might not grasp the full significance of it now, but my aim is for you to experience a life that is more fulfilling. Youve missed out on so many opportunities, but now that youre an integral part of our ships crew, well make up for all the experiences youve been deprived of.

Shirley observed Duncan with a slightly stupefied expression. She couldnt fully comprehend what the captain was endeavoring to convey, but his sincere and solemn tone transmitted a feeling of warmth.

This warmth felt oddly familiar, the same type that only her parents showed during her youth.

She partially understood and responded in a slow, ponderous tone, Oh

Good, Duncan acknowledged, a smile gradually unfurling on his face as he steadily rose to his feet. Now that youve grasped the concept, feel free to grab something to eat and resume your homework. I

He abruptly ceased mid-sentence.

Shirley, who had been eagerly anticipating his further directives, looked up in confusion, Huh? Whats the matter?

Duncan didnt respond immediately, instead lifting his hand and directing his focus towards the distance. His gaze seemed to traverse the length of the corridor, but his deep-set eyes hinted at a faraway meditation as if pondering over matters not present within the confines of the house.

He blinked, one eye reflecting the architectural elements of the corridor and the lofty ceilings of the residence, while the other seemed to perceive a spectral ship enveloped in a haunting green fire, aimlessly adrift in a fog-infused, shadowy expanse.

Onboard the Vanished, gracefully slicing through the boundless waters of Frosts ocean, Duncan abruptly redirected his attention from the nautical chart sprawled on his desk.

His sudden shift in movement instantly captivated the attention of the goat head perched at the corner of the table. It swiveled around with an audible creak, Ah, Captain, how may I be of service? Is it mealtime already? Despite our crews currently depleted state, I am fully prepared to extend dining services to the best of my abilities. What cuisine might you prefer? We could start with southern delicacies: deep-fried meat rolls, savory pork chops, exquisite fish cakes, a variety of delectable egg dishes including grilled, steamed, boiled, stewed, pickled, and smoked eggs

Silence, I didnt divert my attention to hear you catalog an exhaustive culinary roster, Duncan cast a fleeting glance at the excessively talkative goat head, his expression cloaked in a layer of solemnity. His gaze drifted towards the window of the captains cabin, peering in the direction of Frost as he pondered out loud, The White Oak?

The White Oak? The goat head paused momentarily before recognition dawned, Ah, the steamship Alice once journeyed on? What provoked its mention? Do you desire to claim it as spoils of victory? I am capable of devising a comprehensive strategy for acquisition. Are you contemplating augmenting the crew? We could likely persuade the captain to

Its in close proximity, Duncan interjected, curtailing the goat heads ceaseless ramblings. He slowly rose from his seat behind the desk, his eyebrows furrowing together as he tuned in to that faint yet unmistakably tangible link, Close to Frost?

The White Oak is near Frost? The goat head abruptly halted its discourse, its voice resonating with disbelief, Thats an absurd claim Isnt Frost currently under siege? Tyrians naval fleet has imposed a blockade on the surrounding sea routes. If a foreign vessel were in the vicinity, he would certainly inform you, wouldnt he?

Theres something unusual. I can indeed perceive the White Oaks presence, Duncan said reflectively, But its location its rather nebulous and seems to oscillate intermittently

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze unyieldingly fixed on the distant sight of Frost, striving to pinpoint the sudden vivid presence that had come to his awareness.

The emergence of the White Oak had abruptly surfaced and exponentially intensified, much like a beacon spontaneously igniting in pitch blackness, irresistibly drawing his attention. It was an entirely novel sensation, one he hadnt encountered before.

In addition to that, whether it was a figment of his imagination or a tangible reality, Duncan also perceived multiple considerable fluctuations in the ships energy, reminiscent of a lantern sputtering capriciously in a gusty breeze.

Deep in thought, he cast a contemplative glance towards the meticulously chiseled goat head on the table, Do you have any inkling of what might be unfolding?

The goat head pondered for a brief moment before shaking its head, Would you prefer that I propose some dish suggestions instead

Absolutely useless when it truly counts. Duncan couldnt help but grimace as he rose from his chair, circumvented the navigation table, and commenced his approach towards the exit of the captains cabin.