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Upon hearing this, Xitia slightly raised her hand to cover her lips, her expression as calm as ever.
But a faint smile flickered in those deep blue eyes, as if he had understood Fran's slightly absurd dark humor from his impromptu performance.
"If you put it that way, my character is like a bad guy."
"Please rest assured, Dr. Fran, I will not interfere with your plans. However, Captain Niflår is currently in some trouble, and I would like to make a trip to the Leviathan to offer him some assistance."
Xitia explained in a gentle tone.
"Oh?"
This was something Fran hadn't expected.
As a legendary navigator who has dominated the deep sea for countless years, Niflår should not encounter anything that can be called "trouble" as long as he stays on a safe course.
"An unprecedented storm is brewing in the Abyss, which has trapped him in Foy Harbor and prevented him from setting sail. Both the White Cup Order and the Hunters need him to transport their support, so it is inconvenient to waste too much time."
"But if we force a departure, the risks are simply incalculable."
Speaking of that cold, dark, cannibalistic sea, her long-lost "homeland," a trace of nostalgia flickered in Shiodia's eyes. Even though that sea had lost its purity under the stain of the corpses in the Abyss, it still haunted the dreams of the Heirs, making it hard to forget.
"So, Ms. Shitia has a way to keep ships sailing during storms in the Abyss?"
In fact, this was just Fran's usual casual question.
Before she even voiced the question, she already knew the answer. As a long-standing noble family of Heir, they couldn't possibly be without methods to cope with harsh weather conditions.
XiaoSHUO: Target《【√￡7潞⊥♂←＊si∝±侕“Yes.” Xitia admitted this with considerable certainty.
“Then let’s set off… It just so happens that I also want to see who the Hunters sent. If Yaheng can free up his hands, I can avoid a lot of trouble.”
With that, Fran called out to Heda, who was studying Proverbs and Silence on the sofa in the main hall, and stepped out of the clinic again.
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Port Foy, Leviathan.
The black waves of the deep sea surged short and heavy, causing the ship to rock much more violently than usual. In the distance, thunder rumbled in the thick clouds, and the howling wind carried a terrifying frenzy and rage.
"This awful weather. The weather forecast a few days ago didn't even give a hint of a storm."
Niflü squinted, puffing on his meerschaum pipe with a hint of frustration.
“The Listeners have already launched a covert war in Mordway and clearly have no intention of continuing to play the good guy. Although I have the background of White Cup, my identity has always been neutral and not very sensitive... As long as nothing unexpected happens, I won’t be targeted for purge in the short term.”
"But that old fellow Grantham has already specified 'as soon as possible' in his letter, so the situation with the old vampire on Vanfna Street must be very urgent..."
He sighed softly, his aged expression revealing a palpable sense of melancholy.
At the Leviathan's normal speed, a round trip from Foy to Norrington takes nearly a month. But that's assuming passenger and crew comfort is guaranteed... If the arcane furnace were to run at full speed, disregarding wear and tear and fuel consumption, this time could be reduced by two-thirds.
However, no one would want to challenge the wrath of the Abyss.
Since the beginning of the millennium, countless geniuses and so-called legends have been buried beneath the sands of the deep sea, turning into unknown skeletons and fish feed among the wreckage of ships.
Even Niflår must admit that facing the storm head-on was not a wise choice. If the ship sank, perhaps he and Ustus III could survive thanks to their Heyle bloodline, but the other sailors would certainly perish.
Originally, Ms. Shitia should have been the one to demonstrate her abilities upon returning to Gormouth. But now, Jinghai still needs her help, which is rather shameful.
Just as Niflü was pondering this, there was a knock on the captain's cabin door, followed by Utus's reminder.
"Captain, Ms. Shitia and Dr. Fran have arrived. Sister Heda is also here."
"I see."
This time, Niflü did not invite the men into the captain's cabin. Instead, he walked out of his room and into the corridor of the Leviathan.
The horizon was pitch black, with only a sliver of pale twilight from a crescent moon peeking through the thick clouds. The thunder roared louder and louder, accompanied by an unpleasant, sultry heat, as if a torrential downpour was imminent.
"It's a pleasure to see you all again. As for my current predicament... I'm sure you've all seen it."
“Normally, we could just detour along the coastline to a less stormy area, it would just take a little longer. But that old man Grantham’s messenger from across the border is insisting on being quick, because something major has happened to Jude.”
"The old vampire's exact words seemed to be, 'Vanfna Street has now fallen, and I don't know how many people I can bring out. If you come too late, you'll probably be the ones collecting my old bones.'"
Upon hearing this, Fran lightly touched his lower lip, as if deep in thought.
"Did the Star Abyss Society target the Six-Eyed Raven Cult while also attacking the Moon Clan? A feint attack on one hand and a surprise attack on the other—it's quite an interesting strategic tactic. Judging from Mr. Jude's tone, their attack must have been very effective."
Using her own blood as an anchor, she briefly sensed Rosalie's condition.
The young Noralian Moonkin is currently in good health and appears to be unharmed. However, she has left Vanfna Street and is currently hiding in a wooded area on the outskirts.
Considering she was by Jude's side, and that she should be able to protect herself even if she encountered danger, Fran didn't offer her any additional help. ☆＆
Compared to the fragile human body, the vitality of the Moon's Kin is astonishingly tenacious. Unless the injury is caused by silverware or some kind of immersion-type secret ritual, even if their heads are severed, it is not considered fatal.
"In that case, let's not delay... let's set sail now."
"That's what Xitia said simply."
As she spoke, she maintained a gazing posture, her expression detached as she watched the approaching storm. Her eyes held no heaviness, only a deep, serene longing.
"Alright, I'll activate the secret furnace core now."
Out of his almost unconditional trust in the Heir nobles, Nifl did not inquire about how to deal with this unprecedented sea storm. He immediately prepared to activate the engines and the secret furnace core.
However, Shitia never intended to travel on the Leviathan.
"Captain Niflår, this time, please board the ship of our fallen comrades in Heyle. I have heard their call across the waves and death."
As she spoke, her eyes closed slightly, and a soft murmur, like the language of a whale, escaped her lips.
"This is……"
Faintly, Niflår heard the roar of the tide, like a giant wave crashing in like a tsunami. But looking out of the ship, the waves were as large as ever, only more intense because of the storm.
The next moment, he learned the source of the sound of the tide.
An ancient, pure white, two-sailed ship cleaved vertically through the sea, revealing itself amidst the surging tide. Its white color came from the unknown bone that constituted it, some kind of salt crystal, and the jagged barnacles that clung to it.
The ghost ship of Heil...
Having sailed the Deep Sea for so many years, this was the first time Niflår had witnessed it so closely. Although he had been able to spot it from afar a few times before, it would always disappear or dive beneath the surface as soon as he got a little closer.
A wide, dry, salt-bearing archway extended from one side of the ghost ship, as if extending an invitation to Shitia.
"Given its speed and the ritual passage within the Abyss, a round trip can be completed in just two days. Dr. Fran, would you like to come along?"
Before stepping onto the salt bridge, Shitia asked Fran a question.
While this was the fastest means of transportation she knew, it was still inefficient compared to the doctor's almost miraculous "Fog Within a Door." Given Fran's previous travel experience, a round trip from Golmouth to Norrington would take less than an hour…
“Hmm… My dear Ms. Shitia, you should know that I never refuse an ‘invitation’ that brings a sense of novelty.”
As he spoke, Fran followed Shitia across the salt bridge to the deck of the ghost ship, with Nifl and Utus close behind.
One could see a grayish-white spirit standing quietly on the deck.
Its image is slender and thin, with some feminine features, and accompanied by a kind of unstable and ambiguous state, like an illusion made of floating light and shadow.
However, upon seeing Xitia, the spirit of Hail, the incarnation of the ghost ship, visibly showed excitement. He then knelt on one knee, lowered his eyes and bowed his head, and respectfully kissed the instep of Xitia's foot.
Sensing its compatriots so close at hand, two streams of clear liquid slowly welled up from its eyes, which then condensed into fine grains of salt moments later.
"Thank you for watching over us across a thousand years, nameless souls. Now you need not linger any longer... Complete this final voyage, and then return home."
After offering a word of comfort, Xitia raised her hand and helped the pale spirit up.
The other party then dissipated into pure light spots and disappeared back into the ghost ship.
“Dr. Fran, I think you would not want your clothes to get dirty with seawater during the dive. Please come with me to the watertight compartment.”
After paying their respects to the lingering spirits of the ship with the courtesy due to Heil, Shiodia led the group to the captain's cabin. The ghost ship quickly sank, disappearing completely into the churning black waves.
--die
Oak Nest, on the outskirts of Modway. Target
Beyond the oak forest, a shadow puppet formed by shadow manipulation techniques coldly stared at the Tidecaller array, which stood ready for battle.
The Star Abyss Society's tactic of "encirclement without attack" was not unexpected. As the largest ancient secret realm surrounding Mordway, Oak Shadow Nest, having ceased fading, possessed unimaginable stability, even sufficient to withstand attacks from Apostle-level beings.
Unfortunately, if Oak Shadow Nest had been repaired more perfectly, or if I had reached the sixth tier... I could have directly moved the entrance to the Secret Realm in the material world.
At that time, the Black-feathered Bird will once again retreat into the shadows, and will not be bound to its nest in the woods.
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a little regretful.
Having obtained "The Deep Forest Where Crows Perch" and "The Secret Sequel of Black Feathers" from the Hermit Lady, he had more concretely grasped the high threshold of the Apostle's rank, but he still needed time to hone his skills and a truly earth-shattering case as a ritual for his ascension.
The current situation remains deadlocked. The Tide Listeners have only launched attacks on the outer outposts of the Six-Eyed Ravens, and both the First and Third Habitats are currently disbanded.
Gray Mark and White Neck are currently on the run. Although they are in poor condition, they have at least broken through the encirclement and are still alive.
This also gave Yi Mu the leisure to analyze the situation at his own pace.
Cuyu was also outside. Although his attitude towards the sect was somewhat ambiguous, he wasn't reluctant to lend a helping hand to his comrades.
All I can do right now is hold on and wait for "change" to come.
After gathering his thoughts, he looked at the scaled old man standing at the very center of the Listening Tide people's formation, his arms crossed.
“Victor, what did Melvis promise you? The former Antscale Saint would actually risk his life for such a despicable person.”
"An offer you can't refuse."
Viktor himself had no hostility toward the deceased, and his answer was quite swift.
Although the two sides are at odds at the moment, he doesn't mind chatting for a while and casually revealing some unimportant information... Anyway, it's not time to launch a general attack on Oak Shadow Nest yet, so he might as well just relax.
"Oh...it concerns your curse and chronic illness."
The remaining eye had some understanding of the Antscale Saint's serious illness, so even ambiguous words were enough for him to glean the truth.
The Ravenfeather High Priest, who holds the highest position in the Six-Eyed Raven Order, is weighing the situation... If only Victor is the only high-ranking disciple outside the woodland, he can quickly defeat him and slaughter the Star Abyss Society's forces.
But his opponent should also know he can't beat him in a one-on-one situation, and most likely has prepared hidden helpers. Melvis is currently nowhere to be seen; is he waiting for him to lose his patience?
Moreover, a strong intuition told him that there were other potentially deadly threats outside the Oak Shadow Nest, like venomous scorpions lurking beneath the dunes, waiting to extend their stingers.
After a moment, Yi Mu gave up his plan to forcefully intervene.
Meanwhile, the Night Moth Priestess in the Ochre-White Skirt, standing quietly in the distance, caught the crescent moon coin tossed onto the back of her hand. The reverse side, engraved with a waning moon and a dream flower, faced upwards.
"'Hold firm'? How cautious."
This result was not unexpected for Lin in the ochre-white dress. Regardless of what choice Liu Mu ultimately made, she had prepared a corresponding action plan.
Mylvis drove away the Moonkin of the Noralia family on Vanfna Street, and according to his divination and Jude's old vampire nature... he should be on his way here now.
What she had to do was to "besiege the enemy's stronghold and attack their reinforcements," setting up an ambush to intercept and kill them.
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soup!
Chapter 181 The Sea of Skeletons
The skeletal white ghost ship of Heil broke through the black vortex of the abyss, diving deeper and deeper, gradually blurring the gap between the world's surface and the deep realm...
Through the crystal porthole of the captain's cabin, one could vaguely glimpse an unnamed, enormous spiritual creature stretching and roaming freely in the surroundings.
"Oh... to be able to reach the 'other world' directly, what an ancient and exquisite skill."
"This kind of secret ritual that can directly take people and objects away from the material world seems to have been completely lost after the Pure White Era. The existing ones are all simplified versions, such as the messengers used by the White Cup and the Moon Familia."
Gazing at the deep and enchanting scene outside the window, Fran couldn't help but lightly touch his lower lip, and a hint of novelty appeared in his amber eyes.
Shitia herself was one of the most talented occultists among the Heil nobles, and when faced with the astonishment expressed by the doctor beside her, she quickly explained the principles of the technique.
“Even during the Lost Age, at the height of the Heil remnants’ power, we did not fully master the art of opening and traversing between realms. The reason we were able to put it into use directly… was partly due to some clever tricks.”
"Though the Abyss Well perished, many of its remnants remain in the world. Its decaying and sunken corpse transformed into wriggling creatures that defile the sea, while the spirits that broke free from its body constitute this 'Sea of Skeletons,' independent of the world's surface. The Ghost Bone Ship was also a backup plan we prepared to completely distance ourselves from our homeland, the Abyss Sea..."
At this point, she couldn't help but sigh softly with a hint of regret, before quickly composing herself.
"Of course, this plan ultimately failed."
"While the Sea of Souls itself is devoid of filth and malice, its environment is unsuitable for the living to linger for extended periods. After our defeat in the War of Destruction, these bone ships lost their anchor to return to reality, leaving them to drift aimlessly in the ever-changing vortex of spirits, forgotten by history."
"Gradually becoming dazed, gradually losing their way, they were then swallowed and assimilated by this vast sea of spirits."
Upon hearing this, Fran scratched his cheek. Eight
As a highly professional psychologist, she personally prefers to alleviate patients' mental illnesses in a gentler way. She unravels the complexities step by step, only resorting to strong remedies at crucial moments…