Chapter 586: The Desert

Chapter 586: The Desert

The clockwork marionette, known as Luni, cast a worried glance at Duncan. He had become distant, lost in his own thoughts so suddenly that it was hard not to notice. Concern etched into her features, and after a brief hesitation, she felt compelled to seek understanding from Alice, who was right beside her. What seems to be troubling the old master? she inquired, her voice tinged with unease.

Alice, on the other hand, maintained a calm demeanor, seemingly unfazed by Duncans distant gaze. She offered a comforting response to Luni, Dont worry, hes merely caught up in his thoughts. Its not uncommon for the captain to become preoccupied this way

Luni found this surprising, Really? she asked, a hint of doubt in her voice.

Their exchange of words managed to pierce the bubble of Duncans reverie, pulling him back to the present. He blinked, his focus gradually shifting from the depths of his memories to the reality that surrounded him.

A heavy silence fell upon the group before Duncan, attempting to regain his composure, lifted his hand to the bridge of his nose, pressing gently. His eyes, partially closed, concealed the storm of emotions raging within him. He was overwhelmed by a desire to sift through every memory from his childhood, to lay out each moment of his past before his eyes, yet he realized the necessity of leaving these chaotic thoughts behind to face the present.

Awareness of the parts of his past he had always chosen to ignore slowly crept into his consciousness. Yet, he understood the importance of escaping these ensnaring memories to address the immediate reality.

Raising his head, Duncans eyes met Alices steady gaze and Lunis still concerned expression. Im fine, he reassured them softly, just caught up in some memories

After a pause, his gaze still locked with Alices, he ventured a question, Where did we leave off?

Alice responded promptly, detailing their prior discussion about how Luni and herself might have been excluded from the Nameless Ones Dream because puppets dont dream, and pondering why Duncan was also left in the real world.

Its not just about not dreaming, Duncan mused aloud, his thoughts turning intricate. The workings of the Nameless Ones Dream are far from simple, and theyre probably evolving

As Duncan spoke, his mind wandered back to a memory of the scholar Taran El, who had once found himself ensnared in the very same dream.

It was clear to Duncan that Taran El had been caught within the Nameless Ones Dream, but this experience belonged to the dreams initial layer when the Nameless Ones Dream was still in its budding stages. Back then, Duncan could enter the dream with relative ease, thanks to a mark he had left on Heidi. This was no longer the case; now, he found himself barred from entry, stranded in reality.

This realization led Duncan to contemplate the evolving rules of the Nameless Ones Dream. Over time, its reach and influence had widened, and it had developed mechanisms to filter who could enter the dream, acting as a form of self-preservation.

What future developments lay in store for this expansive dream? Would its influence continue to grow? And how would its mechanisms of self-protection evolve?

As Duncan was lost in thought, Alices voice cut through his reverie with a question that brought him back to the present. Captain, how are the others doing? Can you feel them?

Shifting his focus from the maze of his thoughts, Duncan took a moment to inhale deeply, then concentrated on the spiritual connections he had established with othersa network of ethereal marks he had left on his comrades.

Vanna stood against the backdrop of this desolate expanse, her silver-white hair whipped by the relentless wind. The dry breeze, laden with sand, grazed her skin, prompting her to narrow her eyes against the abrasive assault.

She had found herself once again in this vast, lifeless desert.

Her gaze swept across the distant, indistinct silhouettes of what seemed like colossal stones or perhaps the ruins of an ancient city. Drawing a deep breath, Vanna extended her hand into the wind. Defying the arid logic of the desert, a mist of water vapor coalesced from the sandy gusts, crystallizing in her grasp into a sword shimmering with cold.

The weight of the newly formed blade was a reassuring presence in her hand. Despite the harsh, dry conditions of this dream-induced desert, Vannas allegiance to the storm goddess ensured her divine powers remained unaffected. The dream could not dampen her sacred abilities, granting her a measure of ease as she traversed this unwelcoming terrain.

Coolness emanated from the blade, offering Vanna a sliver of comfort as she set off, her steps measured against the wind-driven sands. She was not wandering without purpose; her eyes were fixed on a distant objective, the vague forms that could be either natural formations or the remnants of a forgotten civilization.

Mid-stride, a sudden intuition caused Vanna to halt. She focused, tuning into a faint voice that resonated within the depths of her consciousness. Within moments, the voice grew clearerit was unmistakably that of the captain.

Vanna, can you hear me? Duncans reassuring and authoritative voice resonated within Vannas mind, breaking through the silence.

Without hesitation, Vanna responded inwardly, a wave of relief washing over her as she exhaled, Yes, she thought back, her relief palpable, Thats wonderful. It appears your plan was successful.

Duncans voice, steady and thoughtful, came through once again, Indeed, as I anticipated. Im proceeding with caution in making contact with you, ensuring not to channel too much energy at once. Given what happened previously, it seems the entity residing deep within the Nameless Ones DreamAtlantisis not particularly welcoming of my fiery essence.

I understand, Vanna acknowledged, resuming her trek across the desolate landscape as she conversed, How are the rest faring?

Duncan provided an update on their companions whereabouts, The others are dispersed throughout the forest, maintaining similar group dynamics as before. Shirley and Dog are together, while Nina and Morris have paired up, he shared, adding, After entering the dream, Lucy was able to reunite with Rabbi; their points of arrival were nearly identical.

Vanna paused, processing this information, Lucretia ended up with that unique rabbit? Their arrival points were the same? And the others groupings have remained consistent as previously observed? She stopped in her tracks, mulling over these revelations, This indicates there might indeed be a pattern to how we enter this dream.

It appears so. Their entry points into the forest seem consistent with our last experience, Duncan noted, then inquired about Vannas own situation, Whats happening on your end?

Vanna came to a standstill, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of desert that stretched before her.

After a brief moment of reflection, she let out a sigh.

Sand, stones, and the sweltering heatit seems the locations where we enter the Nameless Ones Dream remain largely unchanged. Im still stranded in this desert. Frankly, this place doesnt exactly endear itself to me