Chapter 604: Duncans Thought Process

Chapter 604: Duncans Thought Process

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The image in the mirror began to slowly disappear. Duncan, however, continued to stand there, deeply engrossed in his thoughts for what felt like an eternity.Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

He had always been transparent with Lucretia about the unique phenomenon of his incarnations and the capabilities associated with them. Ai, his messenger, had the impressive ability to quickly move between the beacons created by these incarnations. Furthermore, Duncan could effortlessly shift his dominant consciousness and power among these incarnations at a moments notice. This talent was not only extraordinarily powerful but also immensely practical. Yet, in the city-state of Wind Harbor, he had refrained from establishing any such incarnation.

Certainly, one reason was his struggle to locate a suitable vessel for the incarnation. But there was a more profound, secret reason he had kept hidden from everyone.

He continued to gaze into the mirror, studying the features of the face staring back at him.

Over time, Duncan had become completely familiar with this face, which had initially felt so foreign to him. This robust physique, with its serious and commanding presence, had become the way by which this world recognized him.

This body was inhabited by a soul called Zhou Ming, just as the souls named Pland and Frost occupied his other incarnations. With the passage of time, Duncan had adapted and assimilated seamlessly into these personas.

He was confident that if there were to be additional long-lasting incarnations in the future, he would be able to adjust to them, whether it was one more, ten more, or even more than that. Adaptability was one of his strengths.

Upon reflection, he understood that his mental resilience was not only stronger but also more unique than he had previously acknowledged. The challenge of managing and balancing multiple identities and lives didnt overwhelm him as he had once anticipated. The fears of experiencing mental fragmentation or developing personality disorders never came to fruition.

However, Duncan still consciously resisted the temptation to establish new incarnations. He restrained himself from pursuing a body in Wind Harbor to act as another beacon.

Duncans apprehension wasnt about the potential confusion from having numerous incarnations. He recognized that the residual emotions and memories from these host bodies had only a negligible influence on him. Their feeble willpower posed no threat to his dominant spirit.

His real fear was of a different nature.

If he began to regard the act of occupying bodies as commonplace, or started to perceive the control of multiple destinies as a mere strategy, he worried that, one day, something far more treacherous than merely losing himself might occur. After experiencing the lives of dozens or even hundreds of incarnations, would he remain as responsible and considerate towards the consequences of his actions as he was now?

Perhaps in such a scenario, another character like Nina would come into play, but he might not remain the compassionate Uncle Duncan that he once was.

The very essence of human nature can decay when caught off guard.

Thus, with this revelation, he resolved to tread lightly when it came to the matter of new incarnations, only considering it when it was truly appropriate or absolutely imperative.

Of course, Duncan didnt hesitate when it came to temporarily taking over the bodies of certain cult members to gather intelligence. In his mind, this was much like making use of short-term assets that are used briefly and then discarded without a second thought.

A fine veil of black mist began to silently unfurl within the mirror. Emerging from the thickening haze was the image of Agatha.

Upon spotting the captain gazing into the mirror, Agatha instinctively withdrew, minimizing her reflection until it occupied only a small fraction of the mirrors surface. With an inquisitive look, she addressed Duncan, Are you still mulling over the proposal Miss Lucretia presented earlier?

Duncan let out a soft sigh and said, Perhaps she retains some reservations about my intentions. Her suggestion seems to have an underlying tone of suspicion. But thats not whats consuming my thoughts at the moment.

And with that, Rabbi ceased her ramblings, leaving the room once again in contemplative silence.

The vast structure known as Vision 001 was steadily descending into the horizon, and as it did, the once blinding sunlight transitioned into a captivating golden hue, painting gentle beams across the undulating waves. The sunlight that streamed through the ships windows now took on a mellower tone.

The atmosphere grew tense with anticipation as the hour of the assembly approached. The quiet hum of the ship was occasionally interrupted by footsteps and muffled greetings exchanged between the ships crew and the sect members.

A statuesque, slender man with stern features slowly lifted himself from his resting place, taking a moment to absorb the faint noises from outside.

After having spent most of the day resting and overseeing the healing of his death crow, his energy was now restored. He felt reinvigorated.

This formidable figure, known as Richard the Annihilator, took a deep breath, then purposefully strode towards the wardrobe tucked in a corner. From within, he retrieved a dark, hooded robe, the standard garb designated for the upcoming congregation.

Truth be told, Richard had never been particularly fond of this cloak. While many members of the dark sect believed this garment to be crucial for spiritual concentration and enlightenment, Richard had always begged to differ.

To him, the robe felt restrictive, cumbersome for urban excursions, and anachronistic. It was reminiscent of the attire worn by prisoners of ancient dungeons, left to rot in their damp cells. The notion that it enhanced spiritual concentration was absurd to him.

Would a true believer really require mere cloth to align their soul with the Great Nether Lord?

Yet, on this occasion, he felt an unexpected warmth towards it. Being shrouded entirely, blending seamlessly among his peers provided an odd sense of security.

As he draped himself with the robe and drew the hood to cover his face, a comforting sensation enveloped him. He exhaled softly, gearing up to leave.

Before he could turn the handle, a sudden, chilly draft wafted through the cabin. It felt as if a lithe shadow was darting towards him, zigzagging in the air. Almost instinctively, he sensed a feather-like weight settle on his shoulder.

A gentle voice, barely audible, murmured in his ear, Youve taken Rabbis stuffing Now, shall we proceed?

Lets move forward, he responded softly, a warm and fuzzy feeling blossoming in his chest.

It was merely cotton.

But this wasnt just any cotton; it was living, growing.

Richard cracked a comforting smile and proceeded to open the door.

As he stepped into the corridor, he encountered many draped in similar dark robes, all moving towards the heart of the ship. Whispered exchanges filled the air, discussing the Dream of the Nameless One, revelations about the saint, updates on allies, and the recent exploits of the Ender Missionaries.

With determination and Rabbi by his side, Richard embarked on his quest.