Deep Sea Embers

The Ender Missionaries, one of the various cult groups Duncan came across, were undeniably the most enigmatic and unusual individuals to be called “missionaries”. They were a rare breed when compared to the more populous Sun Cult followers or the adherents of the Cult of Annihilation. Despite their smaller numbers, however, they possessed an unmatched capacity to stir the pot of chaos. Their behavior was puzzling, their objectives were ambiguous, and to date, their organizational framework, the scope of their membership, and their methods of concealment remained a mystery.

But what concerned Duncan more than their strange and unconventional method were their unique “characteristics” – an apparent non-linear existence within the timeline, a trait common to all members of the group. The Four Divine Churches and city-state powers of this world categorized the Ender Missionaries, the Sun Cult, and the Annihilation Sect collectively as the Great Cults. Yet, in Duncan’s eyes, the oddities and distinctiveness of these so-called “missionaries” set them apart, warranting their own category.

Based on the data at hand, the Ender Missionaries could be broken down into two types. The first were the fanatical, unhinged cult followers, while the others were composed of logical, seemingly courteous ‘rational scholars’. Morris, methodically cleaning his pipe at the corner of the table, voiced out thoughtfully that the latter would proactively engage with others, attempting to guide those they had selected. However, judging by the frequency of their appearances, these rational-minded followers seemed far less numerous than their crazier counterparts.

Agreeing with Morris, Vanna immediately noted that all documented encounters with the Ender Missionaries in the heresy reports describe them as insane, thus supporting this theory.

“This suggests that these lunatics constitute the vast majority of ‘these missionaries’, with the sane ones being the exceptions. After all, they are individuals constantly interacting with subspace – mental abnormalities are expected,” Dog casually added, quickly glancing at Duncan, “Ah, Captain, I wasn’t referring to you…”

Choosing to disregard Dog’s murmuring, Duncan quietly pondered. After a moment of silence, he abruptly stated, “Regardless of whether they are lunatics or rational individuals, these two types of Ender Missionaries share one common objective – they are all attempting to meddle with the course of history.”

Everyone at the table was momentarily lost in thought. Agatha, who had been mostly silent throughout the discussion, finally spoke up: “Are you implying… that the Doomsday Missionary who previously made active contact with the Frost Queen did so with a specific future goal in mind?”

“Perhaps we need to try to examine history through the lens of the Ender Missionaries,” Duncan suggested.

Speaking in a calm, unhurried manner, Duncan posed a question, “Let’s assume that they truly are a group of ‘time smugglers’, living non-linearly in time, what then, do you suppose, is their perception of history?”

The dining room fell silent, and after a brief pause, it was Morris’s voice that cut through the quiet, “Everything that has happened can be undone by identifying the appropriate point of alteration.”

“Indeed, the actions of the three missionaries who visited the Vanished over a century ago, and the enigmatic scholar who interacted with the Frost Queen five decades ago, have profoundly influenced the trajectory of history. From an interventionist point of view, the activities of both the irrational and rational Ender Missionaries are fundamentally the same.”

Duncan nodded in agreement, “The distinction lies in their goals. The insane missionaries appear intent on completely obliterating history, while the rational ones seemingly strive to ‘amend’ history, nudging it towards an expected direction…”

“Amending history…” Vanna’s brows knitted together in concern. “That’s a dangerous concept. The Flame Bearers have always been dedicated to safeguarding our history from external disruptions. They had been the church most involved with the Ender Missionaries, and according to the doctrine of Ta Ruijin, history possessed its own integrity and purity. It mustn’t be tampered with, otherwise it’s a desecration of time itself.”

“And what if the goal is to ‘restore’ a history that has already been dismantled?” Duncan queried, promptly adding, “Of course, I am not referring to the actions of the Ender Missionaries; it’s just a question that genuinely intrigues me.”

“I apologize, but that ventures into the more profound and complex tenets of the Flame Bearers,” Vanna responded after a moment’s contemplation. She bowed her head slightly in an apologetic manner, “Among the Four Divine Churches, they are the most mysterious in their actions and the most enigmatic in their doctrine. My understanding of them is rather limited.”

“I see…” Duncan acknowledged, slowly nodding his head as his eyes swept over the table, settling on the figures of Agatha, Vanna, and Morris.

“We are missing an expert on the Flame Bearers,” he sighed softly, almost to himself.

At his words, Vanna’s and Morris’s expressions shifted subtly, while Agatha remained impassive, perhaps because she was still new and didn’t react swiftly.

Oblivious to the implications of his words, Duncan casually voiced his thoughts before swiftly changing the subject, “Vanna, do you believe that the Flame Bearers are aware of the existence of the rational Ender Missionaries?”

Shaking off the slightly irreverent thought that had crept into her mind, Vanna took a moment to ponder before replying with candor, “I can’t say for certain, but logically, they should have at least some degree of awareness.”

“The followers of ‘Ta Ruijin’ have been grappling with these heretics and nefarious forces intent on wrecking history for millennia,” Morris chimed in, nodding in agreement, “The Flame Bearers are highly proficient and astute in this field, and given the available information, these rational Ender Missionaries have been active for at least a century. Unless they surfaced only those two times during such a lengthy period and managed each time to evade surveillance perfectly, the Flame Bearers Church must have noticed them. I can’t fathom why… the Flame Bearers don’t seem to have initiated any substantial action to intervene.”

“I’ll attempt to reach out to the Storm Cathedral to see if Her Holiness the Pope can extract any information from the Flame Bearers,” Vanna offered promptly.

She continued, “Regardless, rational cultists often inflict more harm than mere lunatics. Even though they might appear amiable for now and even seemingly well-intentioned, I find it hard to believe that a group of people, constantly dealing with subspace, can maintain genuine rationality and goodwill…”

Vanna abruptly realized the implication of her words. After a moment of surprise, she quickly turned towards Duncan and added, “Ah, I didn’t mean you.”

Duncan remained impassive as though he had heard this disclaimer before. He waved dismissively to indicate he took no offense. After a pause, he slowly voiced his thoughts, “We need to reach out not just to the Storm Cathedral, and the matter we need to discuss extends beyond the Ender Missionaries.”

Those in the room exchanged looks, with Vanna being the first to grasp his meaning, “You want to raise the alarm for the outside world, just as before?”

Duncan nodded solemnly, “Perhaps, the earlier situation was even more perilous. The ancient god’s awakening event in Frost might be imminent, or even currently underway. Beneath some city-state, a faulty replica of the awakened ancient god might already be stirring. After all, there’s only one Frost Queen while the vast sea houses countless city-states. In order to avoid being caught off guard, we need to inform the various churches and the senior officials of the city-states about this looming crisis.”

As he finished, he looked up at the figures flanking him on both sides of the table.

“Vanna, reach out to the Storm Cathedral, Morris, attempt to establish contact with the Truth Academy, Agatha, you should have a direct line to the higher-ups of the Death Church. Share everything we’ve deliberated upon here today with your respective churches as fully as possible. This includes the real structure underneath the city-state, the circumstances surrounding the Nether Lord, and the intelligence on the Ender Missionaries.”

“In addition, Lawrence, you are in charge of brainstorming a more dependable method of issuing a warning to the Explorer’s Association that won’t incite panic – a warning pertaining to the awakening of the ancient gods.”

“The seafarers navigating the Boundless Sea are an observant and seasoned lot. They are adept at discerning any anomalies lurking in the corners of this world.”

“Tyrian, resolve the matters of Frost as soon as you can, then seek a way to liaise with other city-states in your role as Governor of Frost… Similarly, without inducing panic, try to help other cities construct a warning system for the vision of the ancient gods awakening.”

He poured out all this in one breath, then gathered his thoughts and further underscored the point, “Remember, provide the churches with as comprehensive information as possible. After all, they are somewhat skilled in the realm of the supernatural and have ample manpower.”

“Concerning the city-states and the Explorer’s Association, tread cautiously. This implicates many ordinary citizens. Ponder over how to issue this warning without unveiling too much concealed knowledge. Remember, our aim is not to reveal to them the secrets of the deep sea but to ensure they remain vigilant for possible strange occurrences that may arise in the city-states and along the maritime routes. Does anyone want to add anything?”

Duncan raised his gaze and calmly observed everyone seated around the table.

At that moment, everyone in the cabin – even Shirley and Alice – could sense an approaching tempest, a storm that threatened to engulf the entire world. The forthcoming course of action was being decided and planned by this group of seafarers. Amid the dim cabin, lit by the greenish glow of firelight, at this clandestine meeting with its few attendees, it felt as though the course of the world was being subtly influenced. The sensation of participating in and even molding history gradually rose in Lawrence’s chest. His breaths became somewhat difficult, and his heart pounded.

“This is really going to whip up a storm…” This recently appointed old member of the Vanished Fleet couldn’t resist murmuring to himself.

“It’s not about stirring up a storm, but that the storm is already on the horizon.” Sitting adjacent to him, Agatha shook her head and spoke in a soft voice, “It’s just that no one has taken notice, and now, we are about to throw open the window.”