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Alice responded with a quick, “Okay!” and promptly began tidying the table.

Duncan reclined in his chair, lost in thoughts of his recent encounter with the chilling darkness. He mentally revisited the disturbing interactions he had within that mysterious void. At the same time, he wondered how he might re-establish contact with that enigmatic realm.

Considering the manuscript’s inability to withstand the profound impact of the “truth,” Duncan’s thoughts turned to the original “Book of Blasphemy.” Where could it be? If he were to obtain it, would it grant him a consistent link to the disconcerting void? Were there perhaps other mystical artifacts that might offer a similar connection?

Duncan’s mind drifted back to a memory, an unsettling dream aboard the ‘Vanished’, where he unexpectedly found himself on a different ‘Vanished’ in subspace dimension. In the captain’s quarters of that duplicate ship, he had encountered the same strange darkness.

Boldly, he theorized that this “Dark Space” was an actual realm nestled within subspace. To communicate with it, one might need a specific conduit or method. While Morris’s “manuscript” had facilitated a connection, Duncan pondered if other “mediums” might exist. Maybe, if he could discover a way back to the alternate ‘Vanished’, it would provide another avenue to the dark realm.

A passage… within subspace itself?

Shaking his head, Duncan abruptly arrested these thoughts. He was left wondering whether these musings truly originated from his own consciousness or were being insidiously planted by subspace.

One thing, however, stood clear.

He required more “samples.” Whether it was the Suntists’ golden masks, the Book of Blasphemy revered by the Annihilators, or any artifact the apocalyptic Enders possessed, each could potentially provide insights into the true nature of their world.

With renewed focus, Duncan addressed Morris and Vanna, “Are you aware of any places I might find more of such artifacts? Specifically, items like the ‘Book of Blasphemy’ that the cultists employ during significant rites and teachings?”

Morris looked stunned by the request. “More?” he echoed. After a pause, he responded, “That might be challenging. Even though religious and governmental bodies confiscate cultist artifacts regularly, they typically eradicate these items post examination and analysis, regardless of their rareness or intrinsic worth.”

Surprised, Duncan inquired, “They just annihilate them? Without preserving any samples?”

Vanna, seemingly more versed on this subject than Morris, interjected, “Physical samples aren’t preserved, only the gathered information.” She continued, “In cases of particularly perilous items, even the data might not be stored. Only a sanitized and safe version of descriptions remain, housed in specific repositories or sometimes merely held within the minds of designated ‘guardians of secrets’.”

Vanna hesitated for a moment before elaborating, “The real issue with these powerful cultist relics is that they come with tremendous danger and the potential for corruption. What’s even more concerning is that over time, the degree of danger and corruption they exude might amplify. Predicting the full scope of harm these items can unleash is difficult. Thus, the most prudent approach has always been to refrain from preserving samples. Additionally…”

Morris, sensing Vanna’s reluctance, chimed in, “Human behavior is fickle and even the most resilient guardians can have moments of fragility. Those assigned to monitor these blasphemous relics can, over time, become vulnerable to their influences and often not even be aware of their descent into darkness. For instance, back in 1666, a revered saint in the city-state of Mok was seduced by a prohibited tome he was meant to safeguard. The book cast an illusion on him, which inadvertently triggered an incident, claiming the lives of many. It was this very event that compelled city-states to cease retaining samples of any confiscated heretical items.”

Vanna released a resigned sigh, “In several aspects, these heretical items pose greater threats than ‘anomalies’. The most potent anomalies can be harnessed and utilized once we decode their binding principles. However, with these forbidden objects, even their creators can’t always anticipate the dangers that might manifest.”

Duncan rubbed his temples, clearly feeling the weight of the conversation, “Given this, it seems futile to expect any samples from the city-states. Our only option is to directly confront and deal with these rogue cultists.”

Hearing Duncan’s decision, a trace of anxiety brushed past Vanna’s features. Taking a deep breath, she offered, “If you are truly set on this path, I might be able to procure some research data from the cathedral archives for you. Even though the original items have long been destroyed, sanitized and safety-edited research records still exist.”

“I’d appreciate any assistance in obtaining that information,” Duncan responded, although with an underlying hint of skepticism. His quest wasn’t merely for documented data; he sought a tangible “medium” among these heretical artifacts.

The Book of Blasphemy had already revealed to him the potential for a supernatural item to present different manifestations – or “forms” – depending on the observer. He surmised that the scholarly interpretations and records from the Church of the True God might not be particularly helpful for his purpose.

Still, he believed that expanding his understanding in the realm of the supernatural was always beneficial.

Their deep discussion was abruptly disturbed by a loud commotion outside Duncan’s cabin door.

The distinct voices of Shirley and Dog could be heard.

Duncan ordered, “See what’s happening out there.”

Alice hastened to open the cabin door. As she did so, Shirley, with her petite frame, rushed past her, pulling a reluctant Dog behind. “Captain! It’s urgent!” she exclaimed, “Dog’s been possessed! He swears he’s seen something incredibly strange!”

Duncan shot a dubious glance at the shadowy hound, “Possessed? Dog is a shadow demon. Can he even be susceptible to possession?”

Morris and Vanna exchanged glances, their expressions clearly questioning the plausibility of a supernatural entity being taken over by another supernatural force. Meanwhile, Dog, who was visibly rattled, proclaimed, “I’m telling you, I’ve encountered it twice! This… presence just invaded my mind as I was engrossed in my reading. It felt like it was gazing directly into my very consciousness…”

“While you were reading, you say?” Duncan furrowed his brow, perplexed. “Why would that be surprising? Isn’t that normal on this ship? Nina multitasks by vanquishing multiple demons in a single day, especially when she’s rushing to complete her homework.”

“My experience has nothing to do with my family or ancestors,” Dog vehemently shook its large head, appearing visibly agitated. “It wasn’t a manifestation from the spirit realm or any malevolent entity that I’ve encountered before. What I saw appeared directly in my consciousness. I saw an array of strange lights: a large central light emitting a red glow encircled by smaller twinkling lights. The arrangement closely resembled the ‘starry sky’ that separates our world from the spirit realm, but it felt different—smaller lights were revolving around the central red light.”

Just as Dog was in the middle of its somewhat disjointed explanation, Morris abruptly interjected. “Wait, what did you say? Can you describe what you saw once more?”

Dog recoiled, surprised by Morris’s sudden and uncharacteristically intense reaction. “Uh, I saw a large, glowing red light, and it was surrounded by several smaller, twinkling lights,” Dog reiterated cautiously.

Astonishment and confusion washed over Morris’s face as he carefully verified Dog’s description multiple times before lifting his head. It was as though his lifelong beliefs and understandings had been suddenly and irrevocably challenged. He was speechless for a moment.

Finally, Vanna, who had been silently observing, spoke up hesitantly, turning to Morris. “What Dog described sounds eerily similar to…”

“The gaze of Lahem, the God of Wisdom,” Morris softly murmured. He looked at Dog with an almost reverent gaze, as if Dog had transformed into an ancient, priceless artifact right before his eyes. “Did you, by any chance, receive the gaze of the God of Wisdom?”

An awkward silence enveloped the captain’s cabin.

After a long pause, Dog finally lifted its head, looking utterly confused. “What did you just say?”

Duncan, however, seemed to be more concerned with Morris’s claim than Dog’s puzzlement. “Are you absolutely certain about this?” he inquired.

Morris responded immediately, “Unless Dog is fabricating this tale, there’s no other explanation. What he described is the image that forms in the minds of those ‘blessed’ when the God of Wisdom bestows his gaze upon them. I have experienced it myself. Anyone who follows Lahem would recognize it instantly.”

Duncan fell quiet.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally broke his gaze from Morris and turned to look at Dog, who was lying dazedly on the floor. “What exactly were you doing when you had this vision?”

“I was engaged in exercises,” Dog answered frankly. “Once while I was studying geometry, and once during algebra.”

Duncan paused, his eyes locked onto Dog’s face—or more accurately, its monstrous, oversized canine head. He didn’t say anything more, simply staring in silent contemplation.