Deep Sea Embers

The two sides stopped at a short distance - enough for large ships to make a quick round trip with landing boats.

Duncan observed this large-scale pilgrimage ark curiously, looking at its college facilities built in the upper area and the tall tower structures. He saw many figures moving near the wall, some of which might be guards of the college ark. and sailors, but others looked like ordinary scholars or apprentices in their dress. He also saw steam walkers-those large spider robots climbing on the protective wall at the edge of the Ark, which looked far better than those he had seen in other city-states. The walking machines I saw were much more flexible and obviously had a higher technical level.

Duncan knew that the people on the Pilgrimage Ark must also be observing the Lost Home.

There are sparkling waves floating on the sea, and the breeze ruffles the sea. The setting sun gradually coats the undulating waves with a layer of pale gold, but the pale golden light is mixed with wisps of faint green. , this kind of water glowing with green fire centered on the Lost Home, spread all the way outward, and did not stop until the edge of the patrol ark - there was a clear "border" there, and on that border line, Duncan could feel the obvious "resistance".

The ghost ship and the church ship faced each other quietly and silently across the sea.

After the confrontation continued for an unknown amount of time, Duncan suddenly looked at a shadow beside him with some confusion: "What are they waiting for?"

"Perhaps they are still observing the movements of the Lost Home?" Agatha's voice came from the shadows, sounding a little hesitant, "But they should at least send a contact..."

There was sudden silence on the bridge. Duncan thought for a while and finally said with some uncertainty: "Do you think it's possible that they are trying to call the Lost Home by radio?"

Agatha: "...Is there a radio on the ship?"

"No, but I have always wanted to pretend to be a good person. I originally had this plan when I came to Qingfeng Port this time..."

Agatha: "..."

At this moment, flashes of light suddenly lit up from the upper level of the Pilgrimage Ark, interrupting the communication between Duncan and Agatha - and along with the regular light signals, Duncan noticed the flag waving near the light.

In the end, the traditional and reliable lights and semaphores came into play.

"Are they inviting the Lost Home to visit the Ark?" Duncan discerned the meaning of those signals, with a look of surprise on his face, "Are they serious?"

"Captain, this may be a trap," the goat-headed voice immediately came from the spiritual connection, with the same conspiracy theory and natural vigilance towards the church, "You have to be careful."

"I understand your vigilance, but it is unlikely at this time," Duncan shook his head, "And whether it was a trap or not, my original plan was to meet the people on the ark - now they It would be just right if you take the initiative to invite me.”

As he spoke, he slowly controlled the Lost Home to move closer to the huge ark not far away. At the same time, he paid more and more careful attention to the movements of the Pilgrimage Ark and the surrounding warships, and with the help of the power of the flame, he moved himself The perception further spreads to the surrounding sea.

Of course he will not lose his most basic vigilance - although logically, he does not think this is a trap, after all, this is direct contact with the top force of one of the Four Gods' Churches. Who knows who serves Lach, the God of Wisdom? What are the thoughts of the Pope at this moment?

And Duncan believes that the people on the ark may have the same worries - they have extended an invitation to the Homeless Ship, but are they panicked?

They were also panicked.

From their perspective - who knows what the "Ghost Captain" on the Lost Home has planned.

After returning to the real world, the Lost Home has come into contact with many city-states and church powers. Duncan knew that these "contacts" were effective. The Four Gods Church was trying to understand this ghost ship returning from subspace and was sent to the ship. This is indeed a friendly signal, but Duncan also knows very well that the Lost Home is still an elusive, mysterious, and dangerous symbol for the world.

The same is true for the Four Gods Church in Duncan's eyes.

Be vigilant, scrutinize, test, and contact. Even if a certain degree of communication or even a certain degree of tacit understanding has been established, both parties still have to cautiously take steps towards each other again and again, confirming "safety" bit by bit. They want to confirm Whether the ghost captain who returned to reality has true humanity, he must confirm whether the recent series of actions of the Lost Home are true goodwill, or a disguise driven by the chaos of subspace - and Duncan must confirm the tacit understanding and trust sent by the other side. how many.

And at the same time, he was communicating with his followers.

Morris studied at the Academy of Truth - his mentor at the time was even the "Pope" who was in charge of the Academy's Ark.

This is the "tradition" that distinguishes the Academy of Truth from other three-god churches - followers of the God of Wisdom take "knowledge inheritance" as their core doctrine, and their "priest" system is maintained in the form of teachers and students. Even the Pope is no exception.

Almost all outstanding scholars in this world have studied at the Academy of Truth, and the luckiest ones among them have been lucky enough to board the Academy Ark and become students of Pope Rune.

"...I think you can rest assured that I have communicated many things about the Lost Home with my mentor. Among the four popes, his attitude when facing the Lost Home should be the most calm, rational and objective. one……"

"I'm not too worried about your mentor's 'attitude'. I'm just a little curious as to why the Pilgrimage Ark from the School of Truth came to Qingfeng Port in person and came so quickly," Duncan said in his heart. "You have to know that before Rand made so much noise, the Cathedral of Storms only arrived in a hurry after the incident was over, and as far as Frost is concerned, the Ark of the Death Church has not even appeared."

"Qingfeng Port is close to the border, and the Church's Pilgrimage Ark patrols near the border most of the time. It is normal for it to arrive quickly," Morris explained. "Qingfeng Port may have sent a request for help to the college headquarters many days ago. in addition……"

He paused suddenly when he said this, and then continued slowly after a few seconds: "In addition, more than half of the people on the Academy Ark are elves."

Duncan narrowed his eyes slightly.

The Pilgrimage Ark was approaching, and this amazing creation was floating in front of the Lost Home like a small city-state. Part of its "ship's side" was enlarged in Duncan's field of vision, and in the end it even showed what could almost be called a "coastline" structure.

Then, guiding lights and flags appeared on the "coastline", accompanied by waves of low roars and the low roar of the large steam valve when it was releasing pressure. Duncan saw a part of the edge of this extremely special "church ship" suddenly It deformed and a large structure stretched out from its retaining walls and into the sea.

A dock appeared there, a dock where the Lost Home could be temporarily docked.

Duncan let go of the wheel.

The Lost Home began to adjust its position and angle on its own. It carefully "observed" near the mechanical dock extending from the Academy Ark, and then finally slowly approached the trestle.

For some reason, Duncan felt that the "action" of the Homeless Ship even conveyed a kind of...disgusting emotion.

But Duncan's attention soon turned elsewhere.

He raised his head and looked at the sky above the Academy Ark.

He once again "saw" the hazy, strange structure that seemed to have tentacles, like a soul that had escaped from the body. The huge and indescribable ethereal spirit stretched out from the ark, like clouds and mist. Like floating in the sky above this giant ship, countless arms and legs and shadows of ever-changing shapes extend from the edge!

Duncan stared hard at the "phantoms" extending from the Academy Ark.

When the Cathedral of Storms visited the city-state of Pland before, he also saw similar things!

At that time, he thought it was some kind of "power" of the storm goddess Gemona, the god worshiped by the Church of the Deep Sea, and a symbol of the power of the deep sea, but now it seems... the Ark Ship of the Academy of Truth also has this thing? !

Are they also found on the ark ships of other churches?

This thing comes with the four-seat Arkship? What the hell is it!

Duncan had huge doubts in his mind for a moment, and at this moment, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a figure appearing on the "trestle" connecting the Lost Home and the Academy Ark.

He quickly put away the messy thoughts in his mind and focused on the "visitors" who came down from the Academy Ark.

There were four steam walkers - they escorted a small group of people onto the trestle, and then stopped between the Lost Home and the Ark. They lay low on both sides of the trestle and stood by, while the small group of people continued Walking towards the Lost Home, there were guards wearing uniforms of the academy's knowledge guards and followers dressed as apprentices, and walking in front of them was a short, fat old man wearing a scholar's robe.

Duncan recalled Morris' previous description of his mentor.

That should be the leader of the Academy of Truth, the spokesperson of Lachem, the God of Wisdom, in the human world, and Maurice's mentor - Rune.

The "Pope" actually ran out in person - taking only a few followers with him, and went straight to the Lost Home?

Duncan thought, and in the next second, his figure had turned into a stream of fire - the stream of fire flew past the deck, and finally fell straight to the end of the trestle, re-condensing his figure.

The group of people who came down from the Academy Ark were obviously startled by the sudden flames in front of them. They instinctively moved forward to protect Lu En, but the latter just waved his hands indifferently, and then walked out of the flames. Duncan smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Captain Duncan Abnomar," the old elf nodded politely and gently, "This is the first time we have met."

"I'm glad to see you too." Duncan nodded politely to the other party.

But just when he was about to say something more, he suddenly noticed something strange about the other party.

The body of this "Pope"... actually looks vaguely transparent!