A Girl's Nightmare

They say life's journey is full of unexpected encounters.

That's what I thought when the Special Investigations Department came to the SS Edenity to investigate the Chaos Order.

Ahahaha! Long time no see, Captain!

I'm glad to see you're doing well, Captain.

We rushed over because Terrascion asked us to help with the Chaos Order investigation, but...

Amir looked around.

...Amid the stares from all directions, hardly any seems friendly.

I guess we're not welcome here.

Heh. Can't be helped.

There's no way folks from the Justitia would get a warm welcome on the Edenity.

It's an old rivalry, right? I heard the old-timers talking about it.

...So scary.

Adelheid muttered and stuck close behind Amir.

Anxiety dwelled in her wandering eyes.

Don't worry too much, Adel.

I'll protect you no matter what.

...Okay...

So, where's the crime scene?

Investigating bad guys who teamed up with Chaos? Now that's our specialty!

Hurry up and show us, Captain!

Inside the moving vehicle, Adelheid seemed somewhat deflated.

...

As soon as I spoke, Adelheid flinched in surprise and clung to Amir again.

Noticing how tense Adelheid was, Amir gave a bitter smile and patted her head.

I'm sorry, Captain.

Adel is... particularly sensitive to others' hostility.

Children can be more sensitive than adults, you see.

While Amir didn't elaborate further, her eyes were still heavy with worry.

The hostility toward those from a rival ship might have been too much for young Adelheid to handle.

I hope nothing bad happens while we're staying on the SS Edenity.

Uh, uh...!

You just jinxed it, Amir! Now something bad is definitely gonna happen!

...What are you rambling about, Chief?

While they kept arguing loudly, I quietly leaned toward Adelheid.

...?

Adelheid tilted her head, confused, and I pulled a chocolate bar out of my pocket.

Somehow, thanks to a certain someone, I always end up carrying these around... but in moments like this, I'm glad I do.

Huh...?

And here's a simple hand trick.

The chocolate bar disappeared from my palm in an instant.

...?!

Adelheid's eyes widened.

Whoa, whoaaa...!

...H-How did you do that?

I smile at Adelheid, her eyes now sparkling, and pull the chocolate bar out again.

So... you're not a knight, but a mage?

A mage living in a tall tower...?

It's just a little trick I picked up along the way, but seeing her reaction makes it all worthwhile.

...Okay.

Adelheid nodded with lively eyes.

Munching on the chocolate bar, she now seems a bit more relaxed.

Children can be more sensitive than adults, but sometimes that works in their favor.

Because they can find great happiness in small things.

...

Seeing this, Amir smiled at me and gave a slight nod.

I nod back and turn my gaze out the window.

If nothing else, there was something about what Amir said that bothered me.

Whoa!

So this is the Stella Stage I've been hearing about.

It definitely lives up to its reputation!

Yuki said, looking around.

The huge concert hall, reminiscent of a stadium, looked almost majestic.

Holding concerts and playing music when Chaos is breaking out everywhere... isn't that kind of naive?

What are you talking about? That's all the more reason to enjoy the arts.

War exhausts people. If they don't have time to catch their breath, everyone will burn out, right?

Even if the SS Edenity might be overdoing it... there's no denying its necessity, right?

She's right. Even in records from the destroyed Earth, accounts of morale-boosting singers during wartime are widespread.

For those fighting on the front lines, this kind of stage might actually give them strength.

Indeed, I'm also aware of the fame of Tenebria and Aria...

Although I don't know anything about idols...

That's how you become an old fogey in no time, Amir.

Kids these days... their trends change so fast!

...Chief, you're almost the same age as me.

It's all about perspective, y'know.

Adelheid looked up at the building and let out a gasp of awe.

I-It's amazing...!

See? Adel is hooked at first sight.

Let's hurry inside and show her around!

You don't have to keep work and hobbies totally separate, right?

They were just saying the SS Edenity is naive and all that...

But it seems she's just as naive, if not more.

Yuki spent the entire day searching the performance venue and its surroundings, but didn't find any leads.

Hmm...

Are you sure the Chaos Order has infiltrated the SS Edenity?

That information has been verified by both the Holy Crusaders and the SS Edenity.

...And it's true that abnormal patterns were detected during the recent Chaos Bloom.

Someone definitely interfered.

They're acting a bit different from typical Chaos Order lackeys...

Have they always been this secretive?

The SS Edenity may be laid-back, but they're not stupid.

There's no way they're clueless about a Chaos phenomenon in their own territory.

...

Unless there's corruption on the inside.

You mean...

There's a collaborator.

Hey, I'm just saying!

The SS Justitia trying to root out traitors within the SS Edenity?

That's basically grabbing each other by the collar and starting a fight, right?

...I don't like... fighting...

I-I mean!

I'm just speaking hypothetically, Adel. It's not going to come to that.

Don't worry, I'll protect you. It's gonna be alright!

*sigh*...

Captain, could you look after Adel for a moment?

The chief and I will split up for a while.

We're going to visit the Expert Committee to have a talk.

The chief's intuition isn't something to ignore.

If we look around ourselves, we might find something.

However...

...I understand.

Simply visiting the place could put a burden on Adelheid.

After all, it's a meeting between bitter rivals. The atmosphere won't be pleasant.

...

Still, it's not like the two of us have a lot to chat about or anything.

Adelheid, sitting in a chair inside the performance venue, is reading a storybook in silence.

I quietly observe her from the side.

Amir and Yuki tried to not go into details, but from Adelheid, I can see the defense mechanisms typical of a hurt child.

She distorts reality as she perceives it and is sensitive to hostility around her.

...I don't want to pry into what she's been through.

Captain...

While I'm thinking all this, Adelheid suddenly speaks to me.

You're... not that scary.

Do you... like picture books?

Would you read with me?

...Well.

I know it takes considerable courage for such a child to speak up first like this.

Adelheid smiles brightly at my response.

Ehehe...

Thank you, Captain.

I may have Amir, but... I wanted to make more friends.

I like Yuki, but... she can be scary sometimes.

...Let's keep this a secret from Yuki. I'm afraid of her reaction.

Library...?

I like libraries...! Let's go!

I walk down the corridor holding Adelheid's hand, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

I'm glad she's brightened up. It feels like she's regained some childlike innocence.

...Though I accidently bumped into someone coming around the corner because I was holding her hand.

Ouch!

Ah...!

The girl who bumped into Adelheid fell straight to the floor.

Objects that look like performance props scatter in all directions.

Ow, ow, ow...!

Are you okay? I wasn't looking where I was going...

The girl spoke casually with a smile, but.

Adelheid's gaze was fixed on the storybook, ruined by the spilled paint.

...S-Sorry...

S-Sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

A-Adel, Adel isn't a bad child... I'm sorry...

...Huh?

Adelheid shows no signs of calming down.

Seeing that she's reliving some kind of trauma, I immediately check on her.

Hey mister, wait a moment.

The girl tapped my back as I was about to say something and pushed me aside.

Then she gently holds Adelheid's trembling hand.

Adel, was it?

It's okay.

You didn't do anything wrong. It's okay.

...

Adel isn't a bad child. Don't worry.

No one will hurt you.

As the girl speaks in a warm voice, Adelheid's trembling gradually subsides.

Are you okay now?

...Yeah...

Thank goodness!

The girl stood up with a bright smile and cheerfully picked up the scattered performance props around her.

Well... I can kind of tell why a child would react that way.

I also know what kind of words would put them at ease.

...Looks like that girl has been through a lot of hardship.

Oh, my! We haven't even introduced ourselves!

I'm Clara! I work in the planning department for this Stella Stage performance!

My job is to make Tenebria and Aria shine brighter than anyone!

Nice to meet you too, Adel!

...Clara.

...

It's... nice to meet you too.

Oh, I see. So you like fairy tales, Adel.

Yeah...

Before bed, fairies sing me lullabies. When I wake up, I go play with Mr. Wolf.

Aha, I see.

Something warm and cozy is definitely the best before going to bed. But during the day, it's all about grand adventures!

You know your stuff, huh, Adel?

You have to think pretty hard to understand about half of what Adelheid says.

Yet Clara continues the conversation effortlessly, as if she had a translator.

Having a great imagination is an important skill for a planner, you see.

Understanding stuff like this is more than essential to create the perfect stage!

Clara chuckled, smiling with confidence.

Adelheid wanted to make friends, and now she's met a girl like you.

Never mind that. I was shocked to learn your identity, Captain.

I was really surprised, you know? To think you're the Captain of the SS Nightmare.

...Is it really okay for someone like me to talk to you like this...?

Friends of Adelheid are always welcome.

As we continued our conversation, the communicator in my pocket suddenly rang.

Captain. Where are you right now?

I need you to come to the Committee right now.

...I'd prefer if you didn't bring Adel along if possible.

...It wasn't a voice heralding good news.

The atmosphere in the room was tense, ready to boil over.

Yuki and Councilor Monica were locked in an intense standoff.

I told you, didn't I?

We didn't do anything.

...I understand what you're trying to say.

But how do you plan to explain this?

Several files were scattered across the desk.

Ever since you boarded the SS Justitia, mysterious incidents have been occurring.

People who fell asleep haven't been able to wake up.

According to testimonies from those who happened to wake up... they said they were attacked in their "dreams".

Doesn't that sound familiar somehow?

I learned from your documents that there's someone with similar abilities.

...

...Adelheid would never do such things.

Aren't you jumping to conclusions a bit too hastily?

Of course you'd say that as her colleague. I won't deny that there's no evidence yet.

However, I've heard that the girl isn't exactly mentally sound to begin with.

Are you sure she won't act on impulse?

...Hey, lady.

Watch your mouth, will ya?

...What?

I step between them, clutching my throbbing head.

They might get into a brawl at this rate.

Since boarding the SS Edenity, Adelheid has always been with agents from the SID or the SS Nightmare, myself included.

Attacking someone in a dream? That's impossible.

Do you swear on your honor and rank, Captain?

As I nodded quietly, Monica let out a reluctant sigh.

...

*sigh*... Understood. But...

Her eyes turned cold as they looked at Yuki and me.

...While you're on the SS Edenity, I suggest you don't act rashly.

The Expert Committee will be watching you.

Oh, you gotta be...

Chief.

...Tch.

Let's go, Captain. We have no more business here.

With that, Yuki and Amir left the councilor's office.

That night, I went out for a walk and spotted Adelheid walking down the street.

Without Yuki or Amir, she was walking alone, slowly, sluggishly.

It's almost like...

As I approached closer, I could see something black perched on her small shoulders.

To brush it off, I carefully placed my hand on her shoulder while calling out to her.

Before I could finish speaking, the moment my hand touched Adelheid's body, the surrounding scenery changed in an instant.

At first glance, it looked just like the night streets of the SS Edenity.

However, it was a landscape that subtly lacked a sense of reality, as if I were in a dream.

Adelheid's body flinched as if startled, and focus returned to her vacant eyes.

Huh...?

This is where my friends are...

Are you a magician too, Captain? Is that how you got in?

It's not like I wanted to come in.

This is strange... I didn't mean to come here...

Something's wrong... My friends look scared.

Did some other friends come...?

Is this how Adelheid perceives the world...

I don't know if Adelheid created this space, but since she says her friends are here, it shouldn't be too dangerous.

I'm more concerned about how this world is affected by Adelheid's mental state.

Huh...?!

I don't think I ever had a friend like that...?

...H-Huh...?

It disappeared...

Back on the streets of the SS Edenity, I let out a sigh of relief along with Adelheid.

That just now looked like a monster. Why would something like that be in Adel's world?

Huh? Captain?

What brings you out at this hour?

Adelheid quickly hid behind me upon seeing an unfamiliar face.

As I was patting her head to soothe her, Councilor Rumil approached with a smile.

Oh, good timing. I actually had something I wanted to tell you.

I wanted to apologize about the incident with Councilor Monica the other day.

Councilor Monica seems to be a bit more sensitive lately. I apologize for any inconvenience.

You mentioned that the SID is looking for the Chaos Order, right?

Originally, I also thought there was no way the Chaos Order would be hiding in the SS Edenity...

But there's something I'd like to tell you about this matter.

Yes.

You probably already know this, but it's about the "collaborator"...

Rumil's eyes then turned to Adelheid hiding behind me.

...Oh, pardon me.

This isn't a story to tell in front of a young lady.

...

Councilor Rumil bows with a kind smile.

Hello, young lady.

I see you have a storybook. Do you like reading them?

...

Adelheid nodded in silence while avoiding his gaze.

That's good.

Here's a gift for you, young lady.

Rumil pulls out a transparent bag from his pocket. Inside is an animal-shaped cookie and a badge with a character from a storybook on it.

Last time...? Ah, yes, that's right. When doing charity work, you need various kinds of cookies.

Children are the future, after all. We must always do our best to cherish them.

...

Adelheid nodded as she accepted the cookie.

Th-Thank you.

It's fine. If you happen to make friends, share some with them, too.

...Oh, and Captain?

Could you spare me a moment?

There's something I'd like to tell you about Councilor Monica.

...Hmm, hmmm...

To be honest, this is pretty damning...

Yuki said while examining the materials given by Councilor Rumil multiple times.

All of them have to with Monica.

Councilor Rumil recently contacted us and handed them over.

They're all records of her meeting with suspicious people in shady places.

We already suspected a possible collaborator. And now, with this evidence...

...Yes.

We've also done the legwork ourselves over the last few days and finished cross-validation.

We could start a search right away.

...

Because it fits together too perfectly.

Yuki tilts her head.

Captain, this is just my intuition as an investigator, but...

Prey that gets caught this easily tends to harbor deadly poison.

There's got to be something more.

Are you excluding Councilor Monica from the suspect list?

Of course not. In fact, we must assume that any one of those people could be the culprit.

I don't trust anyone except you, Amir, and Adelheid. Got it?

I look out the window to see Clara, who is with Adelheid.

Adelheid summons a fairy from a storybook, and Clara watches with wide eyes and claps.

Over the past few days, those two quickly became close friends.

Clara... was it?

A girl pure and kind without a speck of fault. I'm glad she's there for Adel.

I heard she wants to create a shining stage.

An interesting wish, isn't it?

She said she also went through a lot, just like Adel did.

She said watching stage performances brought her great comfort.

That's why she wants to give others the same kind of help.

...

Chief, I said before that singing and performing in times like this felt too naive...

Let me take that back.

Indeed, there are people who find comfort in things like that.

Of course!

Anyone would feel down if they only focused on hardships.

Sometimes you need to look on the bright side and enjoy it.

...Even if it's a lie, that is.

The bitterness in her voice makes me think she was thinking of Adelheid.

A girl who lives immersed in fairy tales to forget the memories of reality.

Anyway! Let's put Councilor Monica aside for a moment.

I think it'd be better to look around here a bit more...

A group of people are approaching the venue entrance, looking hostile.

Leading them is Councilor Monica with a menacing look.

Speak of the devil.

Captain! SID Chief!

I demand an explanation. Right now!

*sigh* Won't she get wrinkles from being so angry?

You may have gotten away thanks to the Captain's defense, but that won't work this time.

Explain yourself, SID Chief!

...

...This is...

Yuki and Amir's expressions hardened.

In the photo Monica held out, there was Adelheid walking through the night streets as if entranced.

Around her, dreamlike beings that seemed to have manifested from fairy tales were bizarrely mixed with the surrounding scenery.

Her eyes were unfocused, hinting at her condition.

It looked as if she was caught up in her own dream, unable to control herself.

There are many witnesses.

While the girl was acting like this, the number of victims attacked in their dreams surged.

Are you still going to deny it?

...

...Th-This is...

I...

I don't need to hear any more.

Agent! Detain the suspect immediately.

Captain, SID Chief. You'd better have a good explanation for this.

...Detain her?

I'm sorry, but you're kinda testing our patience here, you know?

You really wanna fight us?

The situation has gotten even worse than before.

Both sides were clashing so fiercely that even my intervention had no effect.

Oh...! I see!

You were rehearsing, Adel!

...At that moment, a voice suddenly cut in.

...What?

Y-You said you'd do it! The special event for the performance!

I felt bad for asking, but I didn't know you were actually practicing! Thank you!

...Performance? The special event?

What are you talking about right now?!

Ah, you're Councilor Monica, right? Nice to meet you!

I'm Clara, the performance director of Stella Stage!

...

Monica flinched at Clara's self-introduction.

The SS Edenity respects art and culture, and Clara is the person in charge of the performance everybody is looking forward to.

Even as a member of the Expert Committee, Monica couldn't simply ignore her.

A-Adelheid was practicing special effects at my request!

Please, don't push her too hard!

...

Tch...!

After glaring at Clara for a moment, Monica turned away.

It seems she thought causing more trouble here wouldn't be a good idea.

...I'll visit you again soon, Captain.

Don't think I'm going to let this slide.

...Man, how persistent.

Now I'm starting to understand why the Justitia and the Edenity don't really get along.

Phew... I was so nervous...

After Monica left, Clara sighed and slumped down.

I'm actually a rookie, not a director... They won't scold me later, right?

That was very courageous of her.

Meanwhile, Amir approached Adelheid, who was hanging her head.

Adel.

N-No...

I, I didn't do anything bad...

I know, Adel. I believe you.

I know that you sometimes visit the dream world.

But I also know that you never caused any harm to people around you.

...

Adelheid's expression relaxed a bit.

Yeah...

Hmph, well said! You're my friend, after all!

Hold your head up, Adel. You did nothing wrong!

Clara...

Thank you... for helping me...

Hehe, don't mention it!

No matter what happens, I'll always be on your side!

Adelheid fumbles in her pocket and pulls something out.

Clara. Here...

Hm? What's this?

A token.

A token... of our friendship.

It was the storybook character badge that came with the cookie Councilor Rumil gave her.

...I wanted to give it to you, Clara.

Thank you... so much...

A-Adel! What about me...?!

Don't make a fool of yourself getting jealous over something like that, Chief.

Clara's eyes widen in surprise, and she breaks into a bright smile.

Thank you, Adel!

I'll treasure it always!

Move it! Anyone who falls behind gets thrown straight out the airlock!

If you want to swim in space without equipment, feel free to slack off.

...

...What's a kid doing here?

Did we always have a kid on our pirate ship?

Remember when we captured those prisoners from that civilian transport that crashed a while back? She came along with them.

The boss told us to grab everything, so we did, but...

Those big pirates around Elvera won't deal in slaves, apparently.

Acting all high and mighty when they're criminals just like us.

Hey, move! You think we'll go easy on you just because you're a kid?

...

...Huh? Are you deaf or something?

Leave her be. She's been like that the whole time.

When her ship crashed, it took her parents' lives with it.

She must be in shock from all that.

No matter what you do, she won't react.

Seriously? Then what are we supposed to do?

You'll have to carry her, obviously.

...Damn it.

...

What creepy eyes, tch.

...

Here. Eat.

...

You can't starve to death, so eat.

If you don't eat, I'll pry your mouth open and shove it in.

...

Seriously, did they really have to make me babysit her?

Hey, if you die it's my responsibility, so just eat!

Maybe that'd be better.

So you can talk after all.

...Adel is.

A bad child.

Because Adel is a bad child, the people around her died.

So maybe it's better to just let Adel die.

...What are you on about now?

Has she lost her mind...?

Just...leave me alone.

Bad children need to be punished.

If it weren't for me, mom and dad would—

...

*gags*

...Geez...

Still wet behind the ears, yet you're all doom and gloom.

Hey, wait a second.

Let's see, I'm sure there was something I picked up...

...?

A book...?

When you have weird thoughts, read this instead.

...

...Why, this...?

...Because if you die, the boss will chew me out.

Just take it. If you start talking like that again, you can forget about food, 'cause I'll toss you out into space.

...

...All right. I got it...

...Huh?

I never thought I had bad sleeping habits.

But this is a dream...right...?

Maybe I was just tired today?

Clara fidgeted with Adelheid's token tucked in her pocket.

Adel- are you there-?

...No, wait.

This is...

Wait, you...!

Stop──

...!

...Clara...?

In the dream, Clara...

...Ugh...!

...

...

Adel came in a hurry.

She said she saw Clara in her dream.

...She said it looked like Clara was being attacked by something.

And this is Clara's current condition.

Yuki places photos of the hospitalized girl and the scene on the table.

...In the photos, the token of friendship she received from Adelheid had turned pitch black.

They said her life isn't in danger.

...Though they did add a caveat that it's only for now.

...

She doesn't seem to want to see anyone right now.

She seems to think this happened because of her.

The department chief and I tried to calm her down somehow...

That's impossible.

She's a child who hates others getting hurt just as much as she hates getting hurt herself.

If she thought such a situation might occur, she would have somehow stopped herself.

Yeah, I think so too.

So...this is the moment we need to convince her.

Adelheid was sitting alone, still, in a dark room.

Soft sobbing can be heard coming from her bowed head.

The storybooks she usually cherished are scattered everywhere, crumpled.

As if she resented them for causing her friend's injury.

...Don't come close...!

As soon as she sensed someone's presence, Adelheid tried to back away.

Even with her back against the wall, she seemed pathologically desperate to avoid anyone approaching her.

Adel is...a bad child...

You'll get hurt if you come close, don't come close...

Looking around, signs of her efforts to forcibly stay awake were visible everywhere.

If I fall asleep... If I fall asleep, someone will get hurt because of me again...

No... Adel isn't a bad child...

They said that while Adelheid sometimes couldn't control her abilities, no one had ever been hurt because of it.

Just looking at her now, there is no doubt about the credibility of those words.

...

...

...I, I...

*sob*, *sniff*... I can't...

I carefully approached the sobbing Adelheid and gently took her hand.

Just like Clara had done before.

The situation keeps getting worse. Clara, and all the victims so far.

If we leave it at this, who knows what else might happen.

It's time to find the real culprit.

...But how?

Someone using abilities similar to Adelheid's...

That's the only clue we have, but there's no way to track them with just that.

What?

Captain, don't tell me...

But...to do that, Adelheid's cooperation is essential.

She might...get caught up in something dangerous.

...Maybe the Chaos Order really is involved.

I'm against this.

It's not that I don't trust the Captain, but it's too dangerous.

...I feel the same way.

These kinds of things are still too much for Adel.

Considering what this child has been through so far, this sort of thing should wait until later...

Yuki and Amir both flinched simultaneously.

...This is a continuation of our previous conversation.

Even if she needs an escape to forget reality sometimes, we can't let her become so absorbed in it that she loses sight of what's real.

Saying that, I looked at Adelheid, who was sitting beside us with her head deeply bowed.

This child already knows.

She knows that the world isn't a bright and warm place filled with fairytales.

But...to endure it, she has no choice but to grit her teeth.

With her own resolve. No one else's.

...Captain.

I.

Adelheid was trembling as she spoke.

She's afraid. Though she's a child, must have some idea of what might happen.

But even so.

I want to help Clara.

...I want to be helpful to Amir and Yuki too...

I don't want to ignore what you are trying to help with...

She summoned a small bit of courage.

Adel...

...

Haah...

Captain.

Will you promise me one thing?

...If we're doing this, we have to do it right.

Absolutely make sure Adel's resolve doesn't go to waste.

When a child has steeled herself this much.

If I can't live up to those expectations, I'd be a failure as an adult.

...Hey.

Huh?

How did you pull that off?

What do you mean?

The kid was a walking corpse. Now look at her.

All I did was bring her some fairy-tale books and chat with her a few times.

Kids are simple like that. That's all you have to do and they think you're their friend.

...You didn't actually become friends, did you?

Seems like you've been looking after her.

...Hmph.

Of course not.

First of all, she's got nothing to do with me.

Exactly, so don't get too attached to her.

The boss said he's selling off all the prisoners this time.

Who knows what'll happen to that kid...but she won't be staying here.

...Is that right?

Unlike those Elvera idiots who pretend to be noble, I heard the Siren folk are pretty active in human trafficking.

I heard that they drag people into Chaos and abandon them so they can escape when things get dangerous...

In other words, they're sacrifices.

Even a little kid like that?

I don't know. They'll figure out how to use her.

...

...

Hey. I'm just asking in case, but...

You're not getting any funny ideas, are you?

Go stand watch, idiot. Funny ideas, my ass.

...What's happening...?

...

Uhm... Well...

How do I put this? Damn it...

Right, you like fairy tales, don't you?

We're going on an adventure right now.

We're in a fairy tale, going on an exciting adventure to a place where you can meet your friends.

...We're going on...an adventure...?

Yup, it's gonna be so fun.

Just keep running straight down this road. You can do that, right?

At the end, there's, uh... What was it again...? The things you like.

A bluebird? Animal friends? Well, stuff like that will be waiting for you.

So don't look back. Just run.

...

...But what about you...?

What about me?

Will we...meet again...?

Is it because Adel is a bad child...? Is that why I can't see you again...?

Is something bad gonna happen to you, like with Mother and Father? Because I'm a bad child...?

I don't wanna say goodbye to a friend who took me on an adventure...

...Ah, damn it, well...

...

Nothing bad is gonna happen to me. We just won't see each other for a little while.

In the meantime, this fella here will stay with you instead.

...Teddy...

Yeah, a bear plushie.

Think of it as me.

...

...Thank you, Mister Bear.

...Alright.

Keep that safe. It belonged to my little sister.

...If she hadn't gotten caught up in Chaos, she would've been about your age.

I probably wouldn't have become a pirate either if she were still alive.

...

Well, that's enough chitchat.

Run! The adventure's waiting!

Good work on the trafficking crackdown, Chief.

All that's left is to return and write a report...

...?

A child...?

Chief, over here!

Huh? What? What's going on?

There's a child collapsed over here.

Looks like she escaped from the trafficking site.

...Oh no, she looks like she is in terrible shape.

We need to get back quickly. Amir, call for medical support.

Understood. I'll take her.

Adelheid... Is that your name?

...

Don't worry. You're safe now.

We're all gathered in the bedroom, dressed in pajamas.

...I don't recall ever having a pajama party.

Amir, you really lead a boring life...

H-have you done this before, Chief?!

No, isn't it rarer to find someone who hasn't?

Yuki and Amir are making exaggerated chatter. Probably for Adelheid's sake, who's extremely nervous.

Adelheid is clenching her small fists tightly, repeatedly taking quiet breaths.

...Yeah.

Pretty luxurious, Captain.

A guy joining a girls' pajama party—that's on some people's bucket lists, right?

Feels good, doesn't it? If it feels good, just be honest and say so!

Chief. Adel's dream world may not be safe.

Could you please be a bit more serious?

...This is why you never got invited to pajama parties.

...

If everyone's ready... I'm going in.

A dreamlike light scatters around Adelheid.

Simultaneously, consciousness flickered.

...What is this...?

Is this... a fairytale world...?

Rather than a fairytale world...it's more like a world within Chaos.

Just as Amir said, there's a familiar sensation.

A feeling where negative thoughts arise even when sitting still, and every breath feels like placing lead weights on your lungs.

A space where the surroundings seem to warp if you don't focus, giving the illusion that paths stretch endlessly.

This place was truly another Chaos.

...This is, strange...

The animals...and the fairies are gone...

Something's...wrong...

Something's wrong...?

Adel, can you explain more?

An evil wizard came and tormented my friends.

Everyone is...so sad...!

...It seems the culprit has already occupied this place. We may have to fight.

Captain, you were right.

If Adel hadn't come in with us, she would have faced this situation alone.

It seems they're targeting Adel...and orchestrated all this.

...Ugh, this is irritating.

A venomous glint appeared in Yuki's eyes.

What bastard keeps pulling these underhanded tricks?

...That's what we're about to find out.

Captain, we're counting on your command.

Wait, that's...

Clara...?

The figure taking Clara's form moves.

As if replaying some memory.

Adel- are you there-?

...No, wait.

This is-

It's you.

You're the bad guy who's been slandering Adel!

Who are you?! Show yourself right now!

Wait, you...!

Stop running away!

And then Clara's phantom, which had been running, suddenly vanished.

...Wow, impressive.

...Certainly not an ordinary spirit.

She didn't just sit there helplessly, she was chasing them down, trying to expose their identity when she was attacked...

Didn't you say she was a new stage director...?

I'd believe it if you told me she was an Agent candidate.

...Adel, you have a good friend.

Adelheid nodded.

...Yeah.

Clara is my friend.

So I'm going to find out.

Who did this.

We advance toward the energy emanating from the center.

The deeper we went into the dream world, the more intense the pressure on our bodies became.

While it didn't compare to true Chaos, it was now nearly certain that this space is mimicking Chaos.

...Beyond this point, there's a high probability of intense combat.

Captain, please be cautious.

This is really irritating!

What kind of bastard prepares all this just to target Adel?

What do they want?

Huh?

There is the possibility that luring Adel here is the objective itself.

...Indeed.

If Adel had entered here alone, I can't even imagine what would have happened to her.

If she'd been captured by the culprit...it's frightening to think what might have happened.

This culprit caused such confusion even without Adelheid's involvement.

If their abilities were combined, disorder on the SS Edenity might grow uncontrollably.

If someone from the SS Justitia caused such an incident on the SS Edenity, it would likely lead to conflict between the Arks.

And...someone who suspected us from the start would be able to speak with great authority in that process.

...Captain.

Are you thinking the same thing I am?

Maybe.

It's time to find out for sure.

...Kugh?!

How did you get here so fast...?!

Did you get too lazy investigating the captain of the SS Nightmare?

One of the Empire's finest Protos, no less.

You did such thorough background checks on everyone else, but you skipped this one?

...Councilor Rumil.

...?!

You didn't think I'd know?

When someone sets up prey this easy to catch, they usually have an ulterior motive.

As Yuki said, when something is served to you on a silver platter, you should suspect an ulterior motive.

Who benefits most from the situation? Think about that, and you'll usually get closer to the truth.

If you put mental pressure on Adel, she'll come to the dream world to rest... That's what you were aiming for, wasn't it?

I don't know exactly what you were planning to pull off, but! Hmm?

It wasn't going to be used for anything good, was it?

If Adelheid is manipulated and confusion intensifies within the SS Edenity, the person who benefits is obvious.

Councilor Monica's position would be strengthened.

And the one who most thoroughly investigated Monica's weaknesses is Councilor Rumil.

A councilor who appeared like a comet, exposing the corruption of Councilor Monica, whose reputation had risen so high...

How nice for the SS Edenity! To have a new hero.

Whatever this new hero does will go well, right?

Since the mayor's office and the Expert Committee, who were trying to root out the Chaos Order by any means, would have fallen too.

Not to mention Heidemarie.

Even though Councilor Monica was cold, greedy, and ill-tempered— she never crossed that final line of betraying humanity.

...You thought it would turn out that way?

You think this is my first time dealing with scum like you?

Yuki smiled with a fierce, beastly grin.

I will proceed with the arrest.

Councilor Rumil, you'll hear the details at the station.

And the e-evidence?! Do you have evidence that I'm the culprit?

The fact that we ran into you here is evidence itself...is what I'd like to say.

But an investigation needs more concrete physical evidence, doesn't it?

R-right! Without evidence, cornering a councilor is...

You know what this is, right?

Saying that, Yuki held up the character badge that had come with the cookies Rumil distributed.

I checked out the store that sells these too.

Among the people who ate the cookies sold here, multiple victims occurred, and around those victims, there was always a promotional item that came with the cookies.

And the factory that makes those badges was being operated with money laundered two or three times from your account, Councilor Rumil.

So? Got anything more to say?

...

No way... Don't be ridiculous...!

Now, when I was almost there...!

You think I'll go down like this?!

Rumil's hand glows darkly.

Along with that, something resembling a magic circle drawn in the underground warehouse emitted an ominous light.

Agh, urgh...!

Adel?!

You! What are you doing?!

Did you fools think I'd be taken down without any defenses?!

Heh, kehehehe...!

Her ability is truly amazing. To be able to overlay manipulated phenomena on reality...!

With the pulsing light emanating from the circle drawn on the floor, dark energies began to gather around Adelheid.

And they crawl up her body as if trying to control Adelheid.

A wall of Black Veil appears suddenly and blocks the way to Adelheid.

Aah...aaaagh...!

Adel!!

Until now, she seemed to have used it to play around by summoning useless animals...

But what would happen if this world itself were overlaid on the SS Edenity?

With Rumil's words, the darkness began to writhe and surge.

Rumil tried to escape from the dream world, but was forcibly 'arrested' by Yuki.

It was after we returned to the streets with Adelheid.

...You almost killed him, Chief.

At least he still has a pulse. That's fortunate.

Amir checks Rumil's pulse and speaks.

He's highly likely to be connected to the Chaos Order.

It would be a problem if he died before we could extract information.

...And we need to make sure he really pays for what he's done.

Don't worry. We'll go through a lawful interrogation process.

Of course, creative and broad-ranging opinions may be reflected in the interpretation process!

A lawful interrogation process.

At least that's what Rumil here will testify to.

...Captain, you saw that, right?

Don't make Amir angry. She's scary when she's mad.

Amir's communicator rings. After checking the message, Amir turned her gaze to Adelheid.

Adel. The victims have regained consciousness.

Everyone's safe, and more importantly...

Clara has woken up too.

...!

Want to visit her togeth...

Let's go!

I really want to!

Before she is even done speaking, a lively voice flows out, and everyone's eyes widened.

This is the first time they've seen Adelheid so lively.

Haha! That worked out well.

Then Amir, go on the visit with Adel.

What about you...?

...

Ah, I have some business to take care of.

Captain. I heard what happened.

I can't believe Rumil...did such a thing...

Heidemarie bites her lip.

Since they knew each other well, she seems quite shocked.

I thought he was a good person working for the citizens...

Why on earth would he do such a thing...

What I felt was closer to anger than surprise.

Not anger from being personally deceived, but anger stemming from everyone's safety being threatened.

Pardon...?

After we receive custody of Councilor Rumil... No, Rumil, the mayor's office will continue a separate investigation.

This will cause the Citizen Council to lose significant political standing.

We'll have to wait and see what results that brings, but...

For now, let's enjoy the good news that we've rooted out a traitor in our midst.

Yeah!

Gaaah...!

R-run! Monster...! Gack!

Huh? Who are you calling a monster? Have you ever seen such a pretty monster?

Bingo, as expected.

I figured if we watched the places where incidents happened in the dreams, the guys trying to clean up would show up.

You're with the Chaos Order, aren't you?

N-no... Gyaaah!

Hmm! It's no fun if you lie, right?

...

Are you the boss here?

Let's see, how impressive are you? Should I take a look at your face?

Shall we?

Huh...? You're──

Good job, Special Investigation Division Chief.

But we can't let this go on any longer, you see.