Chapter 645: Return to Tranquility

Chapter 645: Return to Tranquility

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.

Flames towered into the sky, mimicking a volcanic eruption, as they consumed the remnants of the mythic World Tree. The mighty tree quickly succumbed to the inferno, disintegrating into ash and spectral wisps. The fire spread relentlessly across the void, engulfing the dark realm in a vast sea of flames, devouring what remained of an ancient dream of the entity known as the Nameless One, and ultimately restoring scattered elements to their proper place in the tangible world.

Amidst this surreal landscape, an expansive body of water appeared, its surface rippling with gentle waves that danced in sync with the flames. As the darkness dispersed, a city began to emerge within the fiery chaos, its outlines solidifying into distinct, robust architectures.

From the prow of the Vanished, Duncan watched the scene, reminiscent of ancient elven tales of Saslokhaa realm where dreams form and life begins in chaos.

The scene mirrored the dawn of creation itself.

As the new world reached its zenith, sunlight kissed the vast blue ocean.

The flames withdrew almost imperceptibly, and the morning sun cast its radiant light from the horizon, bathing the endless waters and the awakening Wind Harbor in golden light. The engulfing nightmare was receding, and with the sunrise, all that was consumed seemed poised to return to its rightful reality, including transient illusions reverting to their original forms.

Approaching the ship was a colossal black goat, once revered as a deity and creator, moving majestically across the water to the ships side in one decisive step. It bowed its head, its sharp horns pressing gently against the ships tall mast, a faint green flame flickering at the tip.

I return the flame to you, Captain, it announced.

Observing the humanoid goat, Duncan responded with a touch of pride, I could have managed on my own. Your intervention wasnt necessary

Yet it is most fitting that I perform this act, the black goat countered, its voice heavy with meaning. Long ago, I brought her into being, and it is only proper that I now guide her into her final voyage.

Duncan nodded solemnly, acknowledging the sentiment.

There is no cause for sorrow, the black goat continued, what has transpired was meant to be. It happened long before our Deep Sea Era. The nightmare was just a fleeting shadow, and allowing it to spread would dishonor her memory. Besides

The goat paused, prompting Duncans curiosity. Besides what?

A hint of amusement crossed the black goats face. It seems you have already taken her away, havent you? it remarked, a realization dawning.

Youve noticed something, Duncan admitted, taken aback.

I dont see the full picture, but I sense it, the goat replied slowly, its eyes reflecting the pale green flames on the ships deck. Your flames essence has taken Atlantis to a realm beyond my reach. I believe its a peaceful sanctuary for my young sapling.

Vanna corrected her seriously, Actually, it was twenty-eight times, not twenty-seven. I must have miscounted earlier because of the heat.

As Vanna and Shirley walked away, debating the number of times, Duncan shook his head in amusement.

Thats nice, a soft voice called.

Duncan turned to see Alice, delicate as a porcelain doll, sitting on a large barrel at the decks edge. She enjoyed the sunlight, her legs swinging over the side as she swayed with the ships motion.

Thats nice she repeated with a contented sigh.

Curious, Duncan moved closer and asked, Whats so nice?

Startled by his sudden approach, Alice nearly fell off the barrel. She gasped and quickly grabbed Duncans arm to steady herself. Oh! You startled me!

Her heart still racing, Alice steadied herself on the barrel, holding onto Duncan. You really gave me a scare, she laughed relievedly.

Duncan chuckled warmly and gently smoothed her hair. Whats making you sigh so contentedly? he asked.

Alice sighed deeply, filled with profound relief as she surveyed their surroundings. Its the peace of normalcy thats so delightful, she reflected, her eyes sweeping over the now calm city-state. No catastrophic blaze, no bizarre treesit all looks just as I remember. Our ship sails on the docile sea, no longer hovering above that eerie, haunting forest And I can go back to my usual tasks, the simplicity of scrubbing the deck, the routine of cooking in the galley.

As she contemplated her days duties, Alice sprang from her seat with cat-like agility and dashed off. She called out to Duncan, waving energetically, The day has begun! Time to prepare breakfast! Just you wait, Captain!

Duncan watched as Alice, the small whirlwind, hurried across the deck. Her rush led to a mishap when she ran into a taut rope, causing her to tumble into Shirley and Dog, sparking a small, chaotic scene. Meanwhile, Vanna rushed to retrieve Alices headpiece, which had flown off in the commotion.

This minor disturbance seemed to awaken the usual lively rhythm aboard the Vanished.

After watching the scene with a mix of amusement and reflection, Duncans gaze returned to the oversized barrel where Alice had been sitting. He nudged it with his foot, pondering their recent conversation. Do the rest of you find comfort in this return to our regular ways? he wondered aloud, though more to himself than to anyone else.

The barrel wobbled slightly under his touch, and to his surprise, the lid popped off, revealing it crammed with an assortment of wave amulets. The barrel had served multiple purposes: storing Vannas amulets, providing a seat for Alice, perhaps even as a makeshift desk for Dogs homework or a canvas for Shirleys sketches. It seemed to silently protest its varied roles.

A rueful grin appeared on Duncans face as he carefully replaced the lid.

He then sat on the closed barrel, his eyes drawn to the horizon where the sun bathed everything in golden light. It was a moment of peace in a world that had recently been too chaotic. For Duncan and the crew of the Vanished, this simple return to ordinary moments was indeed a cherished respite.