In the midst of chaos, a monstrous skeleton spider produced a series of loud, discordant sounds, almost as if it were playing a jarring symphony filled with powerful mental disturbance. It roared as if on the brink of madness, its fury almost tangible. Yet, this intense anger had no effect on the resurrected ship, which steadily continued its journey home.

Despite substantial damage and disorientation, the ship was gaining speed and heading towards a specific destination. The Saint on board could feel unusual vibrations throughout its structure. He was certain he had destroyed the steam core, yet miraculously, the propellers were accelerating. Even with its navigation and linking devices out of action, the ship seemed to instinctively find its way back home.

Behind the skeleton spider, a strange thumping sound emanated from its grotesquely enlarged brain. Its blood vessels pulsed rapidly, and something bright seemed to be forming inside, signaling a buildup of a potent and destructive aura of madness.

As the Annihilation Priest, the Saint, was about to use himself as a catalyst for a catastrophic self-destruction, he suddenly lost control over his body. A peculiar stiffness overtook him, making his limbs and eyestalks feel as if they had turned into stone or ceramic. Then, as if compelled by an overwhelming force, these rigid limbs were held firmly in place.

Fear crept into the depths of his mind. Struggling, the Saint managed to move one of his functioning eyestalks to look elsewhere.

There, amidst the flames, stood a striking doll-like figure with silver hair, dressed in an elegant deep purple court gown. She stood silently, her hand raised as if manipulating unseen strings. In that fateful moment, the Saint noticed nearly invisible, transparent threads wrapped around her fingers.

Anomaly099 he said, his voice a mix of anger and fear.

You need to calm down, said Alice, the girl with the silver hair. She tilted her head slightly, observing the grotesque skeleton spider. Your threads are all tangled. Let me straighten them out for you.

At her command, the skeleton spiders body shuddered and then became unconscious. Just before it completely transformed into a doll, Alice released the invisible threads from her hands, remembering the captains orders to capture this creature alive.

Observing the scene, Duncan looked at Alice with a mix of surprise and curiosity. He then glanced at the now unconscious skeleton spider and asked, It had threads too?

Yes, Alice confirmed with a nod. This ones threads are more tangled than usual, but they can still be straightened out

Duncan frowned slightly, his face thoughtful.

Just then, a gust of wind swept through the engine room, carrying colorful paper scraps that swirled about ten meters from Duncan, forming the figure of Lucretia.

Lucretias gaze first landed on the motionless skeleton spider, then shifted to the surrounding wreckage the obliterated steam core, the remains of the differential machine supports, and the myriad flames and debris frozen in time.

Upon her arrival, Duncan nodded, Everything here has been dealt with.

Lucretia seemed slightly bewildered as she took in the devastation. I heard a massive explosion from below, saw huge flames and metal fragments shooting from the stern She paused, trying to reconcile the scene before her with her expectations. Did you manage to restore its power?

It will find its way back to its home port, though it will take some time, Duncan replied, indicating the ruins with a hint of regret. Its unfortunate about the mechanical machine. I had a keen interest in it, but now its in ruins

While speaking, he shook his head in disappointment and gestured towards where the Saint lay.

Bring it with us. This one is severely wounded. I need it to regain some stability not a complete recovery, just enough to stabilize its mental state and vital signs. Its essential for opening the gateway to the abyssal deep sea.

Okay, Papa, Lucretia quickly regained her focus and moved forward, wielding her conductors baton. She showed a faint expression of distaste as she gently prodded one of the skeleton spiders limbs with the batons tip.

Suddenly, a shadow erupted from the baton as if something confined within it was being released. Duncan caught only a fleeting glimpse of its vague and menacing outline before it expanded into a large, abstract maw that engulfed the skeleton spider whole. The shadow struggled momentarily to swallow its prey, then swiftly retracted back into the baton.

With a look of disdain, Lucretia stored the baton away.

Your spells are incredibly useful, Duncan noted, his expression subtly changing as he watched Lucretias actions with a tinge of sentimentality. The method you employed to summon me here this time was also quite effective.

Im glad youre pleased, Lucretia replied, her face lighting up with a smile. Ever since you mentioned your avatars and the beacon rules for transferring between them, Ive been thinking about it. Im happy it proved useful.

Duncan nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

He had arrived on this vile ship in his authentic form. Initially, he had planned to send only a fraction of his power, but the circumstances on the ship demanded the presence of his full, formidable self. This decision, though necessary, was not without its challenges.

For such a teleportation to occur, a beacon was needed a navigational aid for Ai. The usual methods involving mirror rituals were inadequate, and the bodies temporarily possessed were too fragile to endure the process. There were other potential beacons on the ship, but these were the innocent victims held captive by the cultists.

Normally, outside of the Vanished, the so-called beacons were indeed possessed bodies. Duncan, however, found the idea of using these innocent sacrifices as beacons to be morally reprehensible.

Thankfully, Lucretias creativity provided a solution. She had devised an artificial beacon robust enough to facilitate Duncans arrival. She first teleported to the ship using the cultists summoning ritual controlled by Rabbi, then utilized the power of this artificial beacon to bring Duncans true form there. This innovative chain summoning technique had proven to be impressively effective.

Duncan contemplated his hands, now linked to the artificial beacon Lucretia had engineered. This beacon, functioning flawlessly within him, was a testament to her skill.

This beacon test went smoothly, Duncan acknowledged, his gaze lifting to meet Lucretias. If it remains stable over time, always carry one with you. That way, I can come to your aid immediately if youre in danger. Its far more reliable than the mirror ritual.

Lucretia, momentarily caught off guard by his suggestion, eventually smiled gently. Then Ill send one to Big Brother later

I already have an avatar with Frost, Duncan interjected, watching her reaction. He even visited me in the graveyard this morning. He doesnt need your artificial beacon.

Lucretias expression faltered slightly at the mention, Oh

Dont always think about teasing your brother, Duncan gently chided her.

Okay~

Duncan shook his head with a sense of resignation, changing the subject. How are the sacrifices on the ship?

Lucretia swiftly shifted her demeanor as the conversation turned serious. Ive located them with Rabbis help. The good news is that the area where they were held, in the lower front part of the ship, wasnt affected by the engine room explosion. Thanks to your intervention, none of them died from the explosion or the fire. The bad news, however, is their condition is extremely dire. Some were already dead in their cells when we arrived. The cultists, growing bored during the sea voyage, resorted to torturing them for entertainment, even killing those who no longer held any blood value just for fun

Lucretia paused for a moment, her eyes carefully studying Duncans visibly distressed expression.

But rest assured, Ill do everything within my abilities to heal the survivors, even those who are barely clinging to life. As for their mental state, thats a different challenge altogether. Theyll need extensive professional mental health care.

Mmm, Duncan gave a slight nod, his troubled look easing slightly with her assurance. After a brief moment of contemplation, he shifted the topic. Have you managed to locate the Dream Skull?

Were still on the hunt, Lucretia replied. Its a prized yet hazardous sealed object, likely hidden in the most fortified and secretive section of the ship. Ive dispatched my toy soldiers and shadow servants to scour every nook and cranny from top to bottom. We should have it located shortly.

Alice, who had been quietly observing the conversation, voiced her concern, Is there a chance it was destroyed in the explosion?

Lucretia shook her head confidently. That seems unlikely. The Dream Skull is an item known for its activation and corruption properties. It would be too risky to store it near the steam core as it could potentially compromise the machinery. Even those cultists would be aware of such a hazard.

Hmm Duncan pondered Lucretias explanation, his tone shifting to a more thoughtful one. But what really perplexes me is what we should do with it once we find it. Im not certain how well it will coexist alongside the goat head.

After considering for a brief moment, Lucretia replied, First Mate Goathead is quite adaptable; I think theyll manage fine.

Lets deal with that when the time comes, Duncan said, somewhat dismissively, waving his hand. First, I want to see the condition of these sacrifices.