Deep Sea Embers

An extended quietness that lasted a lengthy twelve seconds gripped the Frost Queen. Her captivating eyes, resembling precious purple gems, serene yet mysterious, seemed to hide the storm of thoughts brewing inside her. When the weight of the quiet became nearly unbearable, she gave a subtle nod, and a soft murmur, “Hmm,” passed her lips.

She appeared deep in thought, hesitating for a moment before seeking an update. “How fares Frost these days then?”

Duncan, with unwavering confidence, met her gaze directly. “Tyrian has assumed the position of governor. The Mist Fleet’s annexation of the city-state is progressing rapidly. Meanwhile, the remnants of the Frost Navy are undergoing a significant reformation.”

A faint smile touched the corners of Ray Nora’s mouth. “Tyrian, interesting… It’s always intriguing how destiny plays out its cards, isn’t it? But this outcome doesn’t seem all that unfavorable, don’t you think?”

Duncan refrained from answering her directly. Instead, he maintained his calm demeanor, sharing, “There’s more. The current head of the city-state’s religious order now reports directly to me.”

At this revelation, a fleeting expression of surprise crossed Ray Nora’s face. She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. “Does this mean you are the one truly pulling the strings in Frost now?”

“I have no aspirations to govern any city-state, but you can interpret the situation as you see fit.”

Ray Nora’s eyebrows furrowed in genuine intrigue. “I’m quite curious about how things have unfolded in Frost. I had meticulously planned strategies, but your role was a factor I hadn’t anticipated. You hinted at some disaster, but none of my projections foresaw such a drastic turn of events…”

Duncan’s voice took on a somber tone. “An army of deep-sea doppelgangers besieged Frost, and a parallel city-state threatened to manifest in our world. While you were occupied trying to appease the deep-sea entity, a rogue religious group sensed its power and exploited it. Their efforts were unwittingly aided by the aggressive mining activities in Frost.”

Feeling it was time, Duncan chose to reveal everything, describing all the events that had transpired in Frost, including the transformative measures he had instigated.

Ray Nora was all ears, never interrupting, absorbing every word. When Duncan wrapped up his account, she let out a profound sigh, her face adorned with a contemplative smile. “Compared to the ancient marine deities, unpredictable humans always seem more formidable.”

She paused momentarily, and her sigh of distress transformed into one of relief. “In the grand scheme of things, it turned out better than most worst-case predictions. The majority survived, and that’s the most critical outcome.”

But Duncan prodded her further, “What if this city-state had been completely overtaken by a ‘subspace shadow’?”

Ray Nora simply smiled, casting a profound gaze at Duncan. “Then, it would appear, you are destined to stand as Frost’s greatest guardian.”

Duncan said, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and bewilderment, “The way you see me, it’s different from most. After regaining my human nature, I’ve met countless individuals. The vast majority are visibly shocked upon first encountering me. Very few can handle such a meeting with calmness, let alone exhibit the kind of positive outlook you have towards me.”

Ray Nora responded with a soft chuckle, “Don’t mistake it for mere positivity. It’s my perception of reality. The fact that you’ve reclaimed your humanity and your efforts to support Frost essentially make you its strongest guardian. Many might instinctively shun this truth, but I’ve spent so much of my life confronting fear that I’ve learned to sift the truth from it.”

Taking a moment to process her words, Duncan eventually replied, “Your turn to be on the receiving end of questions.” He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “When did this replica of the Nether Lord first intrude our realm? And is there a possibility we might face similar threats in the future?”

A shadow of regret passed Ray Nora’s face. “I wish I had a clear answer for you. By the time I became aware of its existence, it was already entrenched in the deep sea. In our initial encounters with it, it was nothing more than a disembodied voice… It claimed to be a rogue replica, seeking to be neutralized.”

Duncan, intrigued, asked, “Encounters? How exactly did you first come into contact with it? And based on what you’re saying, this replica not only informed you about the crisis but also sought your help?”

She nodded slightly in affirmation, “Did you know that I possess psychic abilities?”

Duncan replied cautiously, “I’ve heard rumors suggesting you have the power to see everything, spanning both the past and present.”

Ray Nora smiled gently, “Rumors have a way of magnifying the truth. I don’t have the power to predict the future or know everything. But there’s a grain of truth in those stories. Natural psychics, like me, often ‘hear’ voices that others cannot.” She paused, her gaze becoming introspective. “When I was a child, these voices, these eerie whispers, haunted my nights, and sometimes, I’d see unsettling visions in my dreams. For children like me, these overwhelming ‘symptoms’ could be quite threatening, even to our loved ones.”

She continued with a hint of sadness in her voice, “Imagine having a young child