Chapter 628: The Curse of the Vanished

Chapter 628: The Curse of the Vanished

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

About a century ago, during the golden age of sailing warships, skilled shipbuilders from various maritime city-states followed a revered tradition when constructing their vessels they would always save a piece of the wood used to carve the keel.

This piece of wood received as much attention as the keel itself, undergoing carbonization, being soaked in preservatives, and lavishly oiled to enhance its durability. As the ship was being built, this symbolic wooden piece stood proudly next to it in the shipyard. When the ship was completed, the keel piece was placed on land, preserved in the shipyard forever. Many shipowners even paid extra for priests to periodically bless this sacred piece, with some entrusting it to a church for protection.

Originally, this practice began as a practical way to demonstrate the quality of the material used in the ship, enabling shipowners to confirm the woods origin and treatment. This ensured it met the strict technical standards required for sea vessels. Over time, however, this ritual took on a deeper, symbolic significance as an act of invoking protection and good fortune.

It was widely believed that ships had souls, ethereal and divine in nature. Thus, the keel piece left on shore was seen as a talisman that could bring good fortune to the ship on its sea voyages. More than just wood, it was viewed as a spiritual beacon, guiding lost ships back to safety, much like a lighthouse. Every blessing from the clergy was seen as a protective shield for the ship at sea. If a ship was wrecked, legend held that the preserved keel would transform in the afterlife into a modest boat, guiding the spirits of deceased sailors back to their homeland.

When a ship was confirmed lost, priests dedicated to the god of death solemnly held a funeral for the keel piece. Families of the sailors mournfully said goodbye to this symbolic piece, treating it as they would a departed loved one, and watched it be respectfully placed in the flames of a cremation furnace.

Agatha described to Duncan a touching scene from a century ago, where priests performed this somber farewell for a keel piece.

Today, remnants of this ancient tradition still linger, though not all modern captains, influenced by the steam era, continue it. Many now choose to keep a section of pipe from the installation of steam engines, preserving it in either a shipyard or a church.

Lost in thought, Duncans eyes were drawn to the wooden relic in the box.

The Vanished, a ship built a century ago, was a masterpiece that followed the shipbuilding norms of its time, with its keel fragment carefully preserved.

The piece Duncan held was not a mythical artifact but the actual, original keel of the Vanished, identical to one he had found in the mist at the frontiera seemingly inconsequential small twig.

With reverence, Duncan carefully held the historical yet unassuming piece of wood.

Weightless?! Duncan exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment and disbelief. The keel pieces lack of weight was confounding. The term light barely captured the sensationit felt surreal, like holding something lighter than the most delicate wisp of dust.

As Duncan examined the box, he noticed the plush black satin lining had a distinct indentation, clearly showing that the wooden piece had rested there and made an impression with its weight.

Valentine looked puzzled and said, Excuse me?

Clearly, the bishop was struggling to reconcile this image of Vanna with his previous understanding.

Deciding not to delve into the eccentricities of his ships crew, Duncan signaled to Ai to ensure the safe transport of the large wooden box to the Vanished. After bidding the bishop farewell, Duncan confidently walked out of the cathedral.

Bishop Valentine remained in the glowing ambiance of the chapel, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. The statue of the Storm Goddess, Gomona, stood serenely, illuminated by the soft flicker of candlelight. The days events seemed almost surreal to him.

Could it be that this sacred cathedral had briefly harbored an entity from subspace? And that the same entity had departed so unassumingly?

The surreal nature of the events made him question reality.

Vanna.

A familiar voice came through the still-open psychic channel, Im here. Has the captain already left?

He just left, Valentine replied.

Hearing the uncertainty and subtle emotion in Valentines voice made Vanna pause. Whats troubling you? Did something go wrong?

Its not exactly trouble, Valentine confessed, Its just that everything feels unreal. Could todays events be seen as the cathedral being touched by subspace?

After a moment of silence, indicating her surprise, Vanna responded, I I hadnt thought about it that way.

His gaze fixed on Gomonas statue, Valentine remarked, The Goddess doesnt seem to harbor any resentment.

Vanna replied with a hint of humor, Id think Gomona wouldnt be too bothered. The captain merely came for a visit. If such events were considered invasions, then the Silent Cathedral in Frost would be overrun by subspace entities every week. Yet, everything there remains peaceful.

This left Bishop Valentine even more puzzled than before. He could only mutter a bemused, What?