Chapter 610: Slumber in Twilight

Chapter 610: Slumber in Twilight

Though both groups, the Sun Cult and the Annihilation Sect, are classified as cults, their principles, beliefs, and structure are drastically different. When Duncan encounters members from these cults, he has to bear in mind their individualistic attributes.

The Annihilation Sect is comprised of members who willingly choose to alter their very nature. They form dark pacts with demons, essentially changing themselves into powerful beings, still bearing the form of humans. These followers have a deep-rooted belief in the Nether Lord, a figure shrouded in mystery. However, whats striking is that their devotion is unreciprocated. The Nether Lord does not regard them with the same fervor, making their bond with the ancient deities merely superficial. No matter how vehemently they voice their allegiance to the Nether Lord, their ties with ancient gods are tenuous.

Imagine the Annihilation Sect as a hierarchical tower. At its base are ordinary believers, lacking any significant power. Ascending the tower, one finds a priestly class, individuals with the capability to beckon demons. And, the summit is occupied by the so-called saints, individuals so transformed they scarcely seem human anymore. Within this vertical structure, every member continuously endeavors to ascend, hoping to grasp a clearer understanding of their perceived truth. Yet, the distant Nether Lord, positioned at the peak, remains indifferent.

In contrast, the Sun Cult has an entirely different method where power and information cascade from the top. Dominating the hierarchy is the Black Sun, a fading ancient god. As this god teeters on the edge of death, it produces powerful offsprings termed the Scions. These Scions oversee and safeguard humanoid creatures known as the Remnants, which are essentially remnants of the suns power. Beneath this layer is a multitude of human followers, not innately devoted to the Black Sun. Their allegiance is a consequence of the Black Suns power seeping into our realm, altering the mental state of certain humans, turning them into followers.

Seen from a certain angle, the Sun Cult is like a parasitic outgrowth of an ancient deity, a manifestation of the Black Suns waning power and substance.

When Duncan confronts the Annihilation Sect, he should remember theyre essentially humans, albeit changed. But when he faces the Sun Cult, hes essentially dealing with the remnants of an ancient, chaotic god. Each Scion, each Remnant, is akin to a reflex of the slumbering ancient gods tentacles.

These tentacles have a peculiar ability. They can creep into the dreams of beings known as the Nameless Ones. Driven by an inscrutable cosmic impulse, these tentacles have an agenda: to extract the sun from the dreams of the Nameless Ones. When compared against the Annihilation Sect, the tactics employed by these beings might appear more direct, more aggressive, and undeniably more dangerous.Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

Taking a brief pause, Duncan tries to process the plethora of information, choosing to momentarily shelve these intense reflections.

We need Rabbi to pinpoint the location of that ship as soon as the dream ends. Its of utmost importance that we do this quickly, but we must do so without tipping off that Saint. Duncan announces through the shared connection.

A brief pause ensued before Lucretias voice, tinged with uncertainty, replied, Are you worried about the elves who were captured for sacrificial purposes?

Based on the ritual we observed in the dream, they dont seem to be in immediate harms way, Duncan remarked with a somber tone. However, the cultists could have other rituals in mind. Moreover, its possible there are more elves on that ship than the two we are aware of. Thats one concern. My other, more pressing worry is about that goat head artifact they have. I believe it may actually be a shard or piece of an ancient god. If thats accurate, we cannot, under any circumstances, let a relic of such power remain with these cultists. Its unpredictable what they could potentially do with it.

Duncan couldnt be certain, but he felt an almost palpable shift in Lucretias aura or mark. It was as if she was in a more positive mood, possibly reassured by his resolve.

Ill coordinate with Rabbi and work out a strategy, Lucretias voice promised gently. Give us a few days, and well have that ships location for you.

Very well, Duncan mentally responded, taking a deep breath to release the tension he felt. He then redirected his focus to the navigation table where the ominous-looking goat head statue rested.

Although it seemed stationary, Duncan could swear he saw the goat head sculpture alter its position just a moment ago. It appeared conscious yet had opted to remain quiet.

As Duncan closely examined the table, he noticed the previously displayed marine routes and markers were replaced by a vivid portrayal of a dense, enigmatic forest. Above this forest floated a ghostly image of the Vanished.

Duncan pieced together the hints, asking, So, Atlantis currently exists within this dense, nebulous fog, doesnt she? Her inability to achieve full self-awareness means she remains fragmented, elusive, and intangible, correct? His mind raced, searching for solutions, Is there a way for me to actually perceive her? Or at the very least, make some kind of connection?

He remembered past encounters aboard the Ship of Dreams, the radiant traces within the enveloping darkness, and the ethereal voices emanating from them. Duncan was convinced those voices represented fragments of Atlantiss consciousness. Yet, they seemed distant, existing in another plane, unresponsive to his attempts at communication.

The goat head, this time, seemed to contemplate longer before answering.

When it finally broke the silence, its voice was imbued with a sense of melancholy, She requires more rest. Just a bit longer not indefinitely. Let her resolve her own difficulties.

Suddenly, a tempestuous wind howled, brushing past Vannas ears with ferocity. Before she knew it, a dust storm was rapidly forming, reducing visibility to almost nothing.

But just as she was about to shield herself from the oncoming onslaught, the tempest mysteriously ceased right in front of her. Emerging from the remaining gusts was a voice she recognized, Traveler, our paths cross once more.

Vanna instinctively turned towards the voices origin.

As the remnants of the storm dissipated, the imposing outline of the giant became increasingly distinct.

He was seated amidst a heap of black, fallen rocks. Beside him lay his enormous staff. The bonfire, which seemed ageless, had long burned out, leaving behind only embers that faintly glimmered and released sporadic sparks.

Vanna scanned her surroundings and found herself back where she had previously bid the giant goodbye the same wind-protected enclave with the same now-extinguished bonfire. She had returned to this precise location, and it seemed the giant had been anticipating her return.

As I had predicted, our reunion was imminent, the giant remarked warmly, his face lined with age. See, the embers still glow.

Youve remained here awaiting my return? Vanna inquired, slightly astonished. I was under the impression

With a calm demeanor, the giant replied, My wait was short-lived. This place has grown barren, and my diversions here are few. In its own way, waiting possesses a unique charm.

After a brief pause, he lifted his gaze towards the horizon, a distant look in his eyes.

Now that youve returned, Traveler if youre not beholden to a particular course, allow me to guide you to a place of interest.