Chapter 576: Individual Actions

Chapter 576: Individual Actions

Vannas disclosure sent shockwaves through everyone present, leaving them visibly stunned. Her account discredited many of Duncans recent theories concerning The Dream of the Nameless One. Contrary to the general expectation, Vanna revealed she had never ventured into the forest that had been the focal point of their conversation. Astonishingly, she hadnt even encountered a forest in her dream experience. Instead, she described being ensnared in a mysterious desert. This unexpected twist left everyone wondering: What could this desert symbolize or represent?

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Duncan was the first to recover his composure. He probed, Were there any indications of human presence in this desert? Did you notice any distinct landmarks or unusual features that stood out?

Taking a deep breath, Vanna began detailing her experience in the dreams desert landscape. The desert was dotted with bizarrely-shaped boulders, towering and contorted, as if some force had petrified them in the midst of motion. Far off in the distance, I could discern what appeared to be fluctuating shadows. I couldnt determine if they were natural formations like rocky outcroppings or perhaps even a cluster of buildings; they were simply too far away to identify. What was most striking, however, was a faint red fissure that marred the sky, colossal in its dimensions.

Duncans eyes briefly glinted, and his focus seemed to intensify. A red rift? Could you elaborate on its appearance? Were there other noteworthy elements in the sky?

Vanna got up from her seat and retrieved a pen and paper from a small table nearby. As she sketched, she continued describing the mysterious rift. The rift had a dark red hue, its edges blurred as if enveloped in some form of mist. It emanated a subdued glow from deep within, though the specific features inside the rift remained indistinct and enigmatic.

Everyone watched, captivated by Vannas pen as it moved across the paper. Meanwhile, Duncan leaned in as if being pulled by a magnetic force to get a better view of the sketch. The lines she was drawing seemed to resonate with his own memories of the red light, causing his expression to take on a grave seriousness.

After a brief pause, Vanna ceased her sketching and pushed the paper toward the center of the table. This is a rough approximation. Im no artist, but Ive done my best to capture it. Aside from this rift, the sky was devoid of other features.

Duncan appeared perplexed as he instinctively asked, No other features? What about the sun? Could you describe what it looked like?

This question was of paramount importance to Duncan. If Vanna had observed a sun in that mysterious desert, then the suns physical characteristics would hold significant implications.

Vanna, however, shook her head. There was no sun to speak of. Oddly enough, despite this absence, it still seemed as if it were daytimethe sky was filled with a radiant, albeit sourceless, light, except for the area around the red rift.

A mixture of surprise and puzzlement floated across everyones faces. Even Duncan seemed momentarily confounded until Vannas voice pulled everyone back to the present moment. Thats all the information I can offer from my experience, she concluded.

All eyes then shifted to Duncan as if awaiting the next revelation.

Nina, appearing increasingly intrigued, inquired, Uncle Duncan, what did you see in your dream experience?

After a brief moment of thoughtful contemplation, Duncan began to share his own surreal experiences. Alice and I witnessed something quite unnerving in the real worldcity blocks had transformed into nightmarish distortions of themselves. Towering trees and a maze of vines had overtaken the streets as if the forest from The Dream of the Nameless One had somehow bled into our own reality. Interestingly, we saw no elements of the desert that you described, Vanna. But what truly captured our attention was an extraordinarily large vine we discovered deeper within this altered neighborhood.

He went on to detail his unnerving exploration of that vinehow it led to a different Vanished sailing through an impenetrable fog. Mounted on the ship was another goat head that was both strangely familiar and deeply unsettling. The head spoke to him, revealing a constantly changing sea map and offering a plethora of cryptic information while enveloping Duncan in a dream-like state of awareness.

The room descended into an even more profound silence than after Vanna had spoken as if the gravity of Duncans revelation weighted down the air itself.

Your experience is even more perplexing and unsettling than the desert landscape I found myself in, Vanna murmured, almost to herself.

Finally, Shirley, who had been quietly listening, looked up and posed a question that was undoubtedly on everyones minds. So, while were gathering all this information and awaiting another occurrence, what are our immediate actions?

The tension in the room was palpable. Each person was acutely aware that they were operating against a ticking clock, the nature and timing of which were as yet unknown. Clearly, the next steps, whatever they might be, needed to be executed with both speed and extreme caution.

The Dream of the Nameless One is a volatile element that could shift and evolve without warning, Duncan stressed, maintaining focused eye contact with Lucretia. Our immediate task is to check if other districts in the city-state were similarly affected last night. The most efficient way to do that is to liaise directly with Wind Harbors governing officials.

Lucretia didnt hesitate. Ill take care of it. Ill go speak with Sara Mel, the city governor, to see if he has any insights or has observed any anomalies from last night.

Acknowledging her with a nod, Duncan shifted his focus to Morris and Vanna. We should also extend our inquiries to the surrounding communities, especially around Crown Street. We need to determine whether residents of other racial backgrounds, apart from elves, have experienced any peculiar events as a result of the dream. This could give us a broader understanding of the scope of its impact.

Vanna nodded energetically. Thats right up my alley. I can canvas the area and speak with the locals.

Morris chimed in, I still have some academic contacts at the Academy of Truth. They might have information that could aid our investigation.

Finally, Duncan looked over at Nina and Shirley. For now, its best if both of you stay at home, he advised after giving it some thought. Your skills could be essential if we unearth any significant leads about the followers of the Black Sun or the disciples of Annihilation. But until we do, its safer for you to stay put.

Nina sighed, visibly disappointed but obedient. Alright, I understand.

Shirleys eyes met Duncans. And what will you be doing?

I have to return to the ship, and I need to do it immediately, Duncan declared as he stood up from his chair.

Alice, sensing the urgency, rose to her feet as well. Then Im coming with you!

A look of confusion flashed across Duncans face. Why would you want to accompany me?

Alice hesitated, scanning the faces of everyone in the living room. She scratched her head, finally declaring with an air of inexplicable certainty, I really dont know!

Duncan looked at her for a moment, contemplating her unorthodox enthusiasm, and then finally broke into a resigned yet endearing smile.

Very well, if youre keen on joining, youre welcome to come. To be honest, Id be uneasy leaving you alone in the city, given the circumstances.

Alices face lit up with a mischievous grin. Hehe Great!

With their roles and missions clearly defined, each person left to carry out their respective tasks. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of gravity and urgency; everyone understood the potential dangers lurking ahead. Duncan headed for his ship, taking the silly Alice along for the ride. Meanwhile, Lucretia, Vanna, and Morris dispersed across various sectors of Wind Harbor, each carrying out their individual missions to gather more information about the perplexing dream that seemed to hold their world in its increasingly unsettling grasp.