Deep Sea Embers

In the extensive collection of literature provided by Morris, only a small portion was related to the enigmatic symbol – and that symbol was merely an unassuming element of this tiny section, as the author hardly dedicated any effort to explaining the symbol or its associated relief patterns.

Duncan and Morris were limited to examining the details displayed in the manuscript illustrations, cautiously concluding that the shattered cross encircled by a hexagonal border was probably a religious symbol or scholarly emblem from the ancient kingdom era.

From a logical standpoint, Morris doubted that the ascetics who visited the Vanished a century ago could be descendants of the ancient kingdom. The odds of a group of hermits surviving and preserving their lineage for ten millennia during the tumultuous and perilous deep-sea era were virtually nonexistent. From a rigorous academic perspective, he couldn’t make such a claim without additional evidence.

Nonetheless, Duncan instinctively felt that a powerful link must have existed between those ascetics and the ancient Crete kingdom. They possessed the mysterious emblem and attached great importance to it, suggesting that they were aware of its meaning.

Of course, in the absence of proof, all conjectures were mere speculation. At this point, unless the ascetics reemerged before Duncan, their origins would remain undetermined.

“…How many well-preserved Crete artifacts have been discovered and still exist in the world?” Duncan inquired suddenly after shitting the large tome book.

“Very few artifacts have been unearthed, so few that you could count them on one hand. As for well-preserved… it depends on your definition of ‘well-preserved’,” Morris replied. “For those researching the ancient kingdom, discovering a large pit confirmed to be connected to Crete, finding intact wall bricks longer than ten meters, or even just a couple of toppled stone doors on the ground would be considered well-preserved.”

At this point, the elderly scholar couldn’t help but lament: “Normally, relics within a city-state’s jurisdiction aren’t likely to be conserved. We attempt to document them through text and images, capturing every detail, and then gather the artifacts for examination in research institutions. Ultimately… the relics themselves are flattened, buried, and integrated into the city.”

Duncan contemplated for a moment, murmuring to himself: “Land is as valuable as gold.”

Morris agreed: “We study history, preserve history, and endeavor to remember the past as it fades, but we can’t let the past encroach on our living space.

“The new city-states have been in existence for nearly two millennia. During the height of the exploration era, new islands were often discovered, bringing forth uncharted wildernesses and ancient ruins to light. However, over the past century or two, such ‘discoveries’ have become almost nonexistent.

“The initial ‘new islands’ eventually evolved into city-states, and there’s only so much land to be found in the vast ocean. The remaining relics are either on barren islands with inhospitable conditions or concealed by extraordinary forces, or situated on the fringes of dangerous anomalies. As a result, even the Church of the Four Gods can only briefly investigate them before marking them as sealed on their maps.”

Duncan remained quiet for an extended period, his thoughts still on the symbol and its underlying literature: “You mentioned earlier that your academic friends might be able to uncover more information related to this symbol?”

“I have a friend in Lansa who is an expert on the ancient kingdom’s history, and he was my classmate when I studied at the Academy of Truth,” Morris confirmed, gesturing to the large book on the table. “He gifted me this book many years ago, and I recall he mentioned relevant literature back then. I’ve sent a letter, but I’m unsure when I’ll get a reply.”

Duncan sighed: “We’ll wait patiently and let things unfold naturally.”

Subsequently, he and Morris discussed various aspects of the ancient Crete kingdom – the scattered discoveries, the enigmatic and peculiar legends, and the partially true, partially fabricated ancient scrolls that blurred the lines between reality and myth.

After an engaging conversation, it was time for Morris to bid farewell and depart.

“I promised my wife I’d be home for lunch,” the elderly scholar said with a smile. “If I return too late, I’ll face scolding from both my wife and daughter.”

Duncan laughed: “It seems you find joy in it.”

Morris chuckled, nodded, donned his hat, and carried the large book under his arm, leaving with Duncan.

Nina was counting a few banknotes behind the counter, with Alice observing curiously, and Shirley was nowhere to be seen, likely out playing.

As Duncan descended the stairs, Nina patiently educated the bewildered Alice about currency: “You see, this one with the golden corner is a Sora, and here’s the denomination… These coins are ‘Pesos,’ and the number on the front is the denomination… Don’t bite it, it’s dirty!”

“Business seems to be thriving today?” Duncan eyed the money in Nina’s hand, raising an eyebrow. “Usually, it’s not this busy.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure why, but business has been booming today,” Nina cheerfully waved the banknotes at Duncan. “It appears to be related to Alice?”

Duncan was taken aback: “With Alice?”

“A kind elderly woman who left earlier mentioned it,” Nina explained with a grin. “She said that having an employee like Alice in the store makes the items on the shelves seem more authentic…”

Duncan: “…?”

He gazed silently at Alice, who returned a puzzled look.

However, Miss Doll was oblivious to the situation – she was still trying to memorize the banknotes’ appearance and learning to count money.

“I didn’t anticipate Alice serving this purpose here,” Duncan pondered for a while before abruptly turning to Morris. “Would you like to take something with you when you leave?”

“Ah?” Morris was slightly surprised. “I hadn’t planned on it when I left home…”

“No charge, think of it as a token of appreciation for your efforts in searching for the literature,” Duncan smiled and approached the counter, selecting a crystal pendant from the shelf – identical to the one he had previously given Morris as a “gift” since he had an entire box of them. “I recall you mentioning that your daughter’s pendant was damaged. This one is for you.”

Morris observed the pendant in Duncan’s hand, watching the magnificent crystal, a symbol of modern industry, gently sway in midair, its surface casting a kaleidoscope of colors. His thoughts turned to the extraordinary experiences Heidi had recounted upon her return: the sobering events during the city-state’s disintegration, witnessing the divergence of two historical paths and the erasure of one, and the protection provided by the amulet.

Only now did he understand that Captain Duncan had offered his goodwill so early on without his awareness.

“I hope this amulet continues to bring good fortune to Miss Heidi,” Duncan said with a smile. “Take it, you’ve earned it.”

Morris solemnly accepted the crystal pendant and expressed his appreciation. But Duncan seemed to have another idea and pondered, “If you bring this pendant back, you’ll undoubtedly be nagged by your daughter, and this time your wife will join in. Wait a moment; let me find you an authentic item to take home and appease your wife and child.”

Hearing this, Morris immediately protested: “No need, no need, you don’t have to go to such lengths for me…”

Nonetheless, Duncan had already turned and started rifling through the assortment of items next to the counter, murmuring without looking up, “No more objections, we understand each other… Ah, found it.”

As he spoke, he retrieved the “authentic item” he had discovered and placed it on the counter with a resounding “thud.”

The sudden noise startled Alice, who instinctively raised her hands to cover her head.

“What is this…?” the old man was somewhat perplexed at the object placed on the counter.

“An antique,” Duncan stated earnestly, looking at the elderly gentleman. “There aren’t many genuine items in my shop, but this one is unquestionably authentic.”

“It appears to be a cannonball?”

“Exactly, from the Vanished, in superb condition. If you locate a compatible caliber muzzle-loading cannon, you could even fire it,” Duncan enthusiastically patted the large iron ball on the counter. “More importantly, the projectile retains the complete steel stamp of the cannonball foundry and the personal mark of the caster. In truth, it’s rarer than the dagger I gifted you last time. Consider it a present.”

Morris glanced between the cannonball and Duncan, his expression growing increasingly baffled. For a moment, he was unsure whether bringing home a cannonball or a glass pendant would be more likely to agitate his wife and daughter. However, confronted with Mr. Duncan’s radiant smile, he eventually conceded and graciously accepted this… “gift.”

“I am deeply… grateful for your generosity.”