Chapter 600: Traces of a Woken Dream

Chapter 600: Traces of a Woken Dream

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

Agathas extraordinary talent allowed her to move through shadows and reflective surfaces like mirrors instantly. As such, once the dream orchestrated by the mysterious Nameless One ended, she immediately transitioned back to the ship in the tangible world. She would then observe any alterations that occurred within the mirrored realm.

With a thoughtful look and slight creases appearing on his forehead, Duncan reflected on Agathas recent theory, So, if either entity Atlantis or Goathead awakens, it would mark the end of the Nameless Ones dream? This seems to imply that both Atlantis and Goathead are jointly maintaining this dream?

Speaking with gravity, Agatha responded, Its possible that this dream is a collective one between them. It might also shed light on why the Shadow Vanished sails at the boundaries of the dream world of Atlantis.

Duncan took a moment, processing her words before inquiring further, So, if my understanding is correct, the abrupt end to the Nameless Ones dream was because my first mate was roused from sleep? What could have possibly triggered this awakening?

Pondering Duncans question, Agatha responded with a hint of uncertainty, It might have something to do with the direction you took towards the end?

Direction? Duncans expression showed a hint of confusion.

You were notably careful, Agatha elaborated. You kept a tight rein on your inner flame and even embedded it within the reflection of the Vanished to make sure a small spark remained on the Dream Ship. While this tactic ensured you didnt alarm Atlantis, you were seen as an outsider in the eyes of the ship within the dream. Do you remember when you made a move in that eerie, foggy space by physically touching a vine at Wind Harbor in our world? It felt as if you were breaking in from the outside

Duncan absorbed every word Agatha said. The entity known as Goathead, which had a direct stake in the matter, was initially puzzled. But as Agatha elaborated, realization washed over it. Turning its gaze to Duncan, it quickly assured, Captain, never doubt my loyalty! Youre the rightful commander of the Vanished. Even in my dreams, I would

Duncan cut off Goathead, Its not about mistrusting you. Its about the inherent nature of the dream. It has a defense mechanism against outsiders.

He then elaborated, From what I gather, unless someone is actively drawn into the dream, like Vanna and a few others, and truly becomes immersed in the dream world of the Nameless One, any external attempts to engage with the dream result in this rejection. Such intrusions could potentially awaken either Atlantis or you.

Goathead, its wooden face betraying an oddly human look of worry, voiced its concern, Then whats our next step? Captain, often Im unaware when Im in a dream state, and I cannot control it.

With a contemplative tone, Duncan replied, We might not have direct control, but I believe we can find a way around this. I think I have a potential solution, and we can test it tonight.

Lucretia watched with a mix of frustration and curiosity as Taran El moved frantically amid a disorderly mound of gadgets, tools, and paperwork in his laboratory. Her brow was deeply furrowed, a sign of her growing impatience. She had been summoned here by Tarans apprentice early in the morning, and now she found herself waiting, almost feeling as though her time was being wasted.

The atmosphere grew palpably intense as Taran El presented his enigma, So, it begs the question, Miss Lucretia during that span from nine in the evening to the early hours at five, when I was nowhere to be found in this plane of existence, whom exactly did this apparatus detect and record?

Lucretia inhaled deeply, processing the gravity of the information. She stared at the final image she held with captivated eyes.

The snapshot revealed an empty cot in the quiet corner of the lab. The electrodes, designed to track neural signals, were abandoned and lay eerily on the cushion. Under the lenss scrutiny, their metallic ends shimmered, almost as if whispering secrets to an unseen presence, all while the city outside was draped in the serene shroud of the nocturnal hours.

However, Taran Els voice cut through her thoughts, adding another layer to the mystery. But this puzzle is merely one among a multitude. The phenomenon of the Nameless Dream has given rise to countless enigmas, and these inconsistent readings represent but a fraction.

He made his way to his workstation and settled into his chair with a sense of gravity. A more pressing dilemma is this where do our essences travel during the dreams embrace?

She looked puzzled, What do you imply?

Youve shared your experiences. During the occurrence of the Nameless Dream, both you and the followers of your father are transported to a distinctive dreamscape. This dream territory, dominated by expansive woodlands, is an uncanny reflection of the one I found myself in during my past confinement. However I retain no memory of revisiting such a location last night.

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. Since my prior entanglement in that woodland realm and your subsequent intervention to liberate me, Ive never ventured back into those woods during my dreams. And my experience isnt unique. Every time the Nameless Dream looms, the entirety of this citys inhabitants disappears into the void of sleep. Unlike you, however, we dont consciously experience this dream dimension or traverse its enigmatic woods. For us, the process feels instantaneous we drift into sleep, and moments later, dawn arrives. Were it not for the warnings from you and your father, wed remain oblivious to the events of the preceding night.

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle, So, during this nocturnal enigma, where do the souls of our citys denizens journey?

Although Lucretia lacked a definitive answer, Taran El wasnt truly seeking one. He was merely voicing his musings, shaping the trajectory of his investigations.

As rays of sunlight pierced the canopy of clouds, they were filtered by a majestic tree situated outside the lab. Its intricate web of branches and foliage produced a mosaic of light and shadow, a dance of illumination on the scholars desk, emphasizing the readings from his automated tools.

Suddenly, a realization seemed to dawn upon Lucretia. She looked up abruptly, her gaze locking onto the tree outside.

Master Taran El

He looked up, Yes, Miss Lucretia?

Her voice trembled with disbelief, Has there always been such a prominent tree outside your laboratory?