The moment Lucretia took the delicate hairpin from his hands, Duncan felt a profound relaxation deep within his heart.

It was a sensation located in an imperceptible corner of his soul, a feeling impossible to articulate with mere words. It felt as though a long-delayed mission was finally complete. Even if his physical body had forgotten what that mission was, a sigh still echoed from the sentiments ingrained deep in his spirit.

I hope you like it, Duncan spoke after a brief pause, his voice gentle. Ive forgotten many things, but I remember that this hairpin was meant for you.

I heard from Tyrian, Lucretia nodded, and at some point, she felt the hesitation and anxiety that had been weighing on her for days dissolve. Even though she had communicated with her father via a crystal ball in the past, it was apparent that only a real-life meeting could alleviate those worries. Regardless, its good that youve returned to this side.

Duncan nodded in agreement, then shifted his gaze towards the elven scholar who had been trying to keep a low profile from a distance.

Master Taran El, Duncan said with a soft smile, attempting to sound approachable, Here we are, meeting again in the real world. Im delighted to see you safe and sound. Theres much Id like to discuss with you.

No No need for formalities, Taran El hastily waved his hands dismissively, Just call me by my name. Ive admired you for a long time, the great explorer Captain Duncan. I mean, when you were alive when you were still human I

As Taran El stumbled over his words, Duncan silently observed him while Lucretia quietly pulled out a wand that resembled a magicians stick, pointing it directly at Taran Els nose.

Frog or snake? she said in a calm voice, hinting at a menacing undertone.

Taran El raised both his hands in a surrendering gesture, looking pleadingly at Duncan, What I meant was, a century ago, I began admiring your reputation, but unfortunately, we never had the chance to meet.

Duncan couldnt help but laugh at the amusing character of the elven scholar, Is that the truth?

Absolutely, Taran El said earnestly, As a scholar deeply interested in the frontier, Ive always wanted to connect with genuine explorers, to learn about the world beyond our civilization from them. Ive even dreamed of embarking on a journey to explore the great veil barrier myself. Unfortunately, such a grand adventure is beyond my reach

Its alright. Now you have a chance to get to know me better, Duncan replied with a nod. But as if he suddenly recalled something, he turned to Lucretia and said, Oh, I have something else for you.

Lucretia looked confused for a moment. Then, as she watched, Duncan raised his hand in a summoning gesture. The flaming portal that had appeared on the deck earlier hadnt vanished. With Duncans motion, it expanded rapidly, and a cavity seemed to form within the swirling flames. After a brief eruption and fade, a large wooden crate appeared on the deck.

Perched atop the crate was a fluffy, white-feathered dove.

The dove, named Ai, tilted its head. One eye looked at Lucretia, while the other seemed to be glancing elsewhere. Hey, please accept your delivery and give a five-star rating, okay?

Lucretia stared at the scene, puzzled by the talking dove. Her eyes then drifted to a metal plaque on the side of the crate.

This is the spirit lens Tyrian prepared for youof the highest quality, Duncan pointed to the crate, You havent forgotten, have you?

Ah, no I havent, Lucretias eyes shifted slightly, hinting at her embarrassment. She quickly changed the subject, pointing at the dove who strutted confidently on the crate, Is this Ai my brother mentioned? And what did she mean by five-star rating?

Dont mind that. Most people cant understand the doves way of speaking, Duncan waved it off. He gestured for Ai to land on his shoulder and signaled Lucretia to lead the way, Leave the lens on the deck for now. Handle it later. Lets find a place to discuss matters.

Alright.

Led by Lucretia, Duncan, and Taran El made their way to a reception room located in the middle section of the deck.

It was a spacious upper cabin with large windows close to the side of the ship. Through these windows, visitors could observe the ships side power structure and its ethereal tail section, which seemed always cloaked in mist.

Approaching the window, Duncan curiously examined the exterior view, studying the unique characteristics of this ship, which, though different from the design of the Vanished, bore an equally eerie vibe. He was especially intrigued by its ghostly tail end. After a while, he remarked, This ship looks nothing like the Sea Mist.

Upon hearing Duncans casual review, Lucretias expression became slightly uneasy. Its been a long time, and both the Sea Mist and the Bright Star have evolved considerably from your original designs. To survive in the borderlands, Ive made many bold modifications to this ship. I hope youre not upset about that.

Change is natural and can be beneficial, Duncan replied with a smile. The Vanished has also undergone many alterations. If you were to see it now, youd be quite surprised by its current state.

Step aboard the Vanished? For a moment, Lucretia appeared to be lost in thought, perhaps recalling distant memories or perhaps thinking of her brother, who had boarded the Vanished several times and intermittently contacted her, occasionally startling her.

She quickly snapped back to reality and nodded at Duncan, Ill visit it.

She then raised her head slightly and called out louder towards the door, Luni, you can come in now.

The door opened, and to Duncans curious gaze, a clockwork doll, bearing a striking resemblance to Lucretia but made entirely of metal, ceramic, and leather, entered, pushing a trolley laden with drinks and snacks.

As the gentle sound of gears turning accompanied her, the clockwork doll approached the table and gave Duncan a slight bow, Its a pleasure to see you, old master.

You must be Luni? Duncan couldnt help but examine the intriguing doll more closely, I found your sister Nilu in Plands doll shop. To be honest, the two of you are quite different.

When you first saw me, I was just a simple three-part doll, Luni replied politely, her internal mechanisms producing soft ticking and clacking sounds. Back then, I couldnt think or speak. It was my mistress who gave me life.

Incredible technology, Duncan remarked, looking at Lucretia. However, I now have a doll aboard my ship that can think and speak. Perhaps Luni and she could become friends.

Im aware. My brother told me about Anomaly 099, Lucretia nodded, Luni is indeed curious about Miss Alice, but is she truly safe?

Perfectly safe, Duncan assured, waving his hand dismissively, Of all things aboard the Vanished, shes the most harmless. Even a bucket could overpower her

Lucretia looked puzzled.

The young witch slowly began to grasp what her father meant when he earlier mentioned, The Vanished has also undergone many changes

At this moment, Duncan finally shifted his attention to Taran El.

Under the elf scholars nervous gaze, Duncan adjusted his posture and asked with a serious expression, In your elvish legends or traditional beliefs, is there any mention of the term Dream of the Nameless One?

Taran El blinked in confusion, Dream of the Nameless One?

Realization then dawned upon him, Are you referring to the dream I was trapped in before? Are you suggesting that dream has a name, called the Dream of the Nameless One?

If the information is correct, thats what its called.

Duncan confidently confirmed this and proceeded to share all the intelligence he had acquired, albeit through some coercive methods, from a group of cultists. He laid out everything, including the possible role that the Enderss might play in the shadows and even his own speculations. He even shared his prior discussions with Agatha, withholding nothing.

As Duncan narrated, Taran El gradually forgot his initial anxiety and became deeply engrossed. Even Lucretia, sitting beside him, leaned slightly forward, her face occasionally revealing a contemplative expression.

This information, although obtained from heretics, sounded dangerous and tantalizing for a scholar passionate about research. It might be closely related to blasphemous heretical teachings, but behind them seemed to hint at certain hidden knowledge and mysteries.

Once Duncan concluded his exposition, an extended silence enveloped the room. The two scholars present were deeply engrossed in their thoughts. After what felt like an eternity, Lucretia finally broke the silence, Is this information reliable? Im not doubting you, but these cultists are notoriously cunning. Even church inquisitors, experts in dealing with heretics, often struggle to extract information from such individuals.

Its reliable, Duncan assured with confidence in his tone, I employed some highly effective interrogation techniques. Ah, would you like a detailed account of the process?

Both Lucretia and Taran El were taken aback, and without hesitation, they simultaneously shook their heads.

Alright then, Duncan seemed slightly disappointed, What are your thoughts now? Mr. Taran El, any speculations on this so-called Dream of the Nameless One?

After pondering for a few moments, Taran El carefully responded, In all of our elvish tales and traditions, theres no mention of this term. At least, I can assert that this term doesnt originate from the elvish language. However, if we focus on the concept of dreams our race does indeed have numerous tales related to it.

Duncan immediately showed interest, Oh?

Have you ever heard of the Great Demon God, Saslokha?