Chapter 601: The Dream of the Growing Nameless One

Chapter 601: The Dream of the Growing Nameless One

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It was only after Lucretia mentioned it that Taran El realized something unusual was happening in their immediate environment. Jolted by her observation, he swiftly turned his attention towards the window. Outside, a massive, verdant tree dominated the view, its sprawling branches and leaves filtering the majority of the sunlight. He moved closer to the window, studying the tree intently, confusion evident on his face. It was clear he was attempting to align this unexpected reality with his recollection of the place.

After a long moment of contemplation, he exclaimed, No, this tree was never here before. Pointing to a rooftop across from where the tree stood, he continued, Do you recall the day the sun disappeared? I lept from this very window to that rooftop. There was no tree then to hinder my path.

Lucretia, curious, stepped beside him and observed the trees base. It was peculiarly positioned at a corner of the courtyard, its roots disturbingly twisting and turning above the soil, entwining with the nearby stairs and ground, as though it had stood there for ages.

She then glanced back at Taran El, noting the deep concern etched on his face.

The Dream of the Nameless One is expanding, Lady, Taran El said, his voice filled with a mix of dread and urgency. Certain fragments of it are beginning to appear in our world, even during daylight.

Lucretia responded, Its not just appearing. Had I not mentioned it, the oddity of the tree might have gone unnoticed by you. In fact, when I first entered this room, it took me a while to sense that something was amiss. The tree was already there, standing tall and unyielding.

Taran El stood silent for a while, his eyes searching the horizon, encompassing the farthest streets, rooftops, and the entire expanse of the city-state that was visible.

During dreams, our minds often fail to discern the anomalies present, he finally remarked. Our subconscious tends to rationalize these peculiarities to prevent unsettling feelings. But now, the line between our dreams and reality is becoming indistinct. If this continues, the whole city of Wind Harbor might remain in a perpetual slumber, and its existence in the known form might be at risk. We must act swiftly to halt the growth of the Dream of the Nameless One.

With a sense of urgency, Lucretia said, Gather all your research and clear your mind. Seek out Governor Sarah Mel; hes in dire need of assistance. Perhaps consulting Ted, the Truth Keeper, would be beneficial too. He must be struggling to make sense of all this.

Without missing a beat, Taran El replied, Ill set out immediately. He then paused, gazing at Lucretia with concern, And what will you do during all this?

The woman known as the witch wasnt originally a native of Wind Harbor, but she had recently become an unmistakable force in the city. Having known Lucretia for quite some time, Taran El was convinced that she would never remain passive when things escalated to such urgency.

Im swamped with responsibilities just as you are, Lucretia remarked, her hand fluttering in a dismissive gesture. Oddly, her silhouette began to soften and fade at the edges. The Dream of the Nameless One is destined to resurface, and I need to make the necessary preparations for this evening. Furthermore, my concerns stretch beyond the boundaries of Wind Harbor.

Before Taran El could form a reply, Lucretia underwent a mesmerizing transformation. She dissipated into a whirlwind of vibrant paper-like fragments, which were swept away in an unforeseen breeze, leaving the room empty of her presence.

The paper shards eventually spiraled down gracefully at the bustling harbor on the upper deck of the gleaming vessel known as the Bright Star. They flowed into the ships main cabin and reconstituted into the majestic figure recognized by many as the Sea Witch.

A peculiar sailor, seemingly crafted from an amalgamation of discarded metal, bolts, and tubes, quickly approached her. The metallic clinks of his movements echoed through the ship as he bowed deeply, announcing, Mistress, Mr. Tyrian sought your presence about an hour ago.

Of course, I was aware of it, she replied, her tone crisp and matter-of-fact. Gather a few of your fellow crew members and relocate all the photographic and video gear from the storeroom to the deck. Point everything towards Wind Harbors quay, set up a timer, and chronicle any transformations in the harbor past 9 oclock tonight. Proceed.

The mechanical sailor nodded in acknowledgment, Your command is my duty, Mistress.

Taking a moment to center herself, Lucretia settled in front of the luminescent crystal ball. With a deliberate gesture, she gently tapped its surface, summoning its powers.

Rabbi, she began, her voice both stern and inquisitive, I trust youre there.

Deep within the crystalline sphere, a faint glow began to dance, eventually revealing the ethereal presence of Rabbi. Her voice, curiously youthful and reminiscent of a mischievous child, reverberated, Oh, Mistress~ Shhh~ Rabbi is in the middle of a secret mission

Lucretias eyes narrowed with intrigue, Youve located their lair, havent you? Which city-state are they operating from?

Rabbis voice returned, tinged with a mix of pride and mischief, Its not exactly a city-state, Mistress. Based on the fragmented memories Ive gleaned, theyre harbored on a ship.

A ship? Lucretia repeated, her surprise evident.

In a melodious and playfully exaggerated tone, Rabbi confirmed, Indeed~ These misguided cultists have set their base on a ship. And oh~ the air here~ is thick with the scent of blood~~!

For a brief moment, Lucretia allowed Rabbis dramatic reveal to sink in. Ignoring Rabbis theatrics, a spark of intrigue and satisfaction lit up her eyes.

So Rabbi had unearthed a naval stronghold of the cultists?

The rhythmic sounds of the waves caressing the ships exterior formed a consistent background. Within the vessel, the hisses from the steam-powered machinery whispered tales of an era gone by. The relentless din from the engine compartment was hard to ignore. Within one of the ships chambers, a lean man stirred from his restless sleep, his face etched with evident distress.

Lost in contemplation, he suddenly reached out, seizing a glass. With a swift motion, he gulped down its mysterious contents.

The events from the prior evening weighed heavily on his mind. Their well-laid schemes had been unexpectedly thwarted. A girl, fighting alongside a fearsome dark hound, had unexpectedly unleashed a devastating force. Her raw power had decimated the remnants of the Black Sun a turn of events no one had anticipated.

The horror and chaos of that fiery onslaught still loomed large, casting dark shadows over the spirits of every cult member who had witnessed the catastrophe.

The troubled man let out a weary sigh, replaced the now-empty glass, and slowly got up.

Remaining confined to his quarters had done little to soothe his tormented soul. Maybe, he considered, meeting his comrades might provide some solace.

Gathering his thoughts and shaking off his lethargy, he was about to step out when an oddity caught his gaze. He halted.

Stooping down for a closer look, he noticed a small tuft of white, cotton-like substance resting near his bed.

Cotton? Here?