Heart, Promise

Tiana...?

What are you doing here...?

I can feel the distance in Tiphera's voice.

It looks as though she can't feel any sense of reality.

Tiana's voice that replied was terribly mechanic.

With expressionless, emotionless eyes, she replies.

What I need to do.

...What?

Unlike you, who left your family behind and fled-

Tiana clicked her fingers as she spoke, and the monster behind her growled.

It was clear that it was under her "control."

There's something I need to do.

Something you can't do. Something only I can do.

What... do you mean? Tiana, what are you-

...Wait. Wait.

Renoa glares at Tiana.

Her Chaos contamination levels have exceeded the limit.

I'm sure it's affecting her mind.

...That's not the person you knew. Wake up.

...

While Tiphera's face stiffened, Tiana began to walk.

...Pfft.

I don't know who you are, but that's mine...!

Shut up.

With her cold voice, the monster sat up and growled.

...Agh...!

...Everyone, get out of there!

That's not just any old monster...!

The moment the comms from the SS Nightmare were cut off, the monster's roar slapped our eardrums.

I couldn't even move... The difference between the enemy and us was obvious.

This should be used to save people.

I can't let others intervene.

Just then. Tiana's gaze lingers on me.

A twisted smile forms on her face.

...Oh, you're the "Captain."

We've never actually met in person.

I don't know all of you.

So, I'm going to find out in more detail soon.

When Tiana spoke calmly and clicked her fingers, a monster rose from the ground.

But goodbye for now. I have a job to do.

Let's go. We're done here.

The growling monster obediently followed after Tiana.

In an instant, the light that shone from beyond the rift embraced both Tiana and the beast.

Damn it, where...!

We have very little information about the opponent. We can't fight them without identifying them.

For now, we need to form a countermeasure.

...To sum up.

Her name is Tiana. She's the younger twin of the marshal Tiphera here.

She handles powerful monsters like servants, killed the Deity, and stole the egg...

How are they related?

...I'm not so sure myself.

Tiphera replied in a crestfallen voice.

I did hear that her last tracks were found here.

But I don't know what happened in the meantime...

...I need that egg.

I'm sorry if you know her, but I don't think we can talk it out.

That's not the problem right now.

That Tiana. I analyzed the video...

Numerical values sprang up above the strategic map on the SS Nightmare.

These are the energy waves of the Chaos "Burning Life."

And the opposite are Tiana's energy waves.

What with the Chaos contamination levels, I'm sure she's being affected in some way.

...

Tiphera bit down on her lip.

Are you saying... that my sister is contaminated by Chaos energy?

...Looks like it, for now.

Although we'll have to face it directly to know for sure.

Fortunately, I was able to hazard a guess on the location by analyzing the energy waves.

It's probably familiar for the Captain.

Renoa's face contorted when she saw the location displayed on the strategic map.

...Verne.

Yeah.

Looks like we have to return to the core to settle this.

...So, Commander.

Are you really going to chase the Captain all the way to Verne?

It will be more dangerous then usual.

It would be better to be cautious here.

I've already considered that when I made my decision.

The Captain and I aren't just casual acquaintances.

...I already owe a debt.

W-Well, we certainly...did receive help...

Right, Wolf Platoon never forgets a debt.

We will accompany the Captain to Verne—

I-Is...that Nine...?

...Nine? From Kladenetz, the freelance mercenary ranked number 1?

What would a famous person like that be doing on the SS Nightmare?

Commander, why don't we just try to pass by them without running into them?

Mercenaries are notorious for being rough, so let's not create any trouble... Commander?!

...Oh no, she's already gone.

Come to think of it, when it comes to Kladenetz, the Commander has always... How should I put it...

Been a fan.

Like a fan following a celebrity.

Well, I understand. They're mercenaries with incredible achievements.

...Right, Alcea. So, I'm planning to accompany the Captain to Verne.

Setting aside the Egg of the Deity, we need to give those Peltion idiots something to shut them up.

I heard there's something called the Eternal Flame in Verne—

...?

Uh, excuse me—

...Could you give me your autograph?

...

...

...An autograph?

...I-I was a fan.

...A fan?

...Of me...?

...Hehe.

Just do it for her, Nine.

Looks like you're more popular than you thought.

B-But. I've never given an autograph...

You can just do it any way you want. Um.

Uh, well...

...

A-Alright.

...Sorry.

I've never done this before...

No! This is more than enough!

...U-Uhhh...

Pff, pfft...

I wish I could take a picture of your face and show it to you, pfft...

Look at this!

I got an autograph from Nine of Kladenetz!

...*sigh*, well done.

She seems kind of rough on the outside...

But totally soft and cuddly inside.

Well... you can't judge a person just by their appearance.

Rei, on the left!

Already spotted!

Hya-ap!

I have your back!

Phew... Was that the last one?

Seems like it...

Ah, thank you for the support!

N-no problem!

Everyone really is very skilled...

Hehe, not just anyone can become an agent of the SS Nightmare.

But... Rico, why did you come all the way to Verne with us?

I didn't expect you to leave your homeland to come here...

You said the culprit who stole the egg was in Verne, didn't you?

Since the Deity has disappeared, I must carry on their legacy.

...The Captain's side should be okay, right?

We're blocking the path to the Captain the best we can, but...

...Captain will be fine.

Let's do what we can in our position.

Umm...

By the way, about the trees here...

Somehow it feels like they have some kind of resistance to Chaos contamination...

You can tell that just by looking?

I studied natural history. Along with magic.

More importantly, the plants around here still seem to hold life force.

...Uh, I didn't know you were that incredibly smart...

...I don't know what to do. I get goosebumps whenever I see someone that smart—

I-It's not that impressive.

Anyway, this power...

It seems to originate from the one who protects the planet Verne. Like our Speitz Deity.

If that's the case, then...

...

Ummm...

What's wrong?

...This might be, ummm...

It might be resisting the Chaos that bloomed in Verne...

But for that to be the case, this mysterious environment... Is this the intervention of another power...?

A smart person is having smart worries...!

...When you put it that way, it makes us look really dumb, Owen.

Let's hold this area as best we can.

Perhaps that power will be able to help...

That's...!

Where the Captain is!

...Captain...!

What in the world is going on...?!

Commander, driving, please just focus on driving!

Next time there's a vehicle, I'm not letting you touch the wheel!

Ugh, this is the best I can do! You try it!

Enemies are popping up everywhere—just be grateful we haven't crashed!

Daisy, what's our position?

W-We're moving toward the area with the fewest monsters!

Since the surroundings have changed so drastically, their numbers suddenly exploded...

Everyone, calm down, calm down—

Captain's having a harder time than we are.

I agree with that, but—!

Whoa!

Ahhh?!

Whoa?!

Kyaa!

Whoaahhhhh!

...

...I was going scream too, but seeing the Commander like that actually calmed me down.

...Being around them makes me feel like I'm an idiot, too.

Anyway...

What's going on around here?

We were securing the perimeter so Captain could enter the Burning Life...

What about Wolf Platoon...?

We were carrying out a similar mission!

E-Everyone!

This doesn't seem like the time to be chatting!

Retreating... would be the right call. Under normal circumstances.

You sound like it isn't that kind of situation.

If we fall back, these things will go straight for the Captain.

I've never retreated and left a comrade behind.

We didn't go through all that training to run away.

...Hehe, I knew you'd say that.

Let's buy as much time as we can. We have to help!

Hmm...

Agents of the SS Nightmare.

This isn't the first time we've fought back-to-back, is it?

You haven't gotten rusty, have you?

Let's put that to the test.

All units, prepare for combat!

So this is that Eternal Flame thing.

...It looks funny.

Revolting, you mean?

Nine and Alcea spoke while looking at the plant in a sealed container.

Burning Flame had fused with a plant and was repeating expansion and contraction.

Although it's not what we were looking for, it carries power of a similar source.

I had to return the Egg of the Deity to Rico.

I understand. Since she fought with us too. She's more than qualified to take her pay.

In return, you'll be able to pay Peltion with this.

You can save the people on your planet.

...Huh. Thank you for being generous, hunting dog.

You should return since your job is done, wild dog.

When I complained, both Renoa and Nine chuckled at the same time.

...Good job, Protos.

It was an honor fighting alongside you.

Oh, I'd like to correct you on one thing.

...This probably won't be the end.

...

...

I think I told you to go since your job is done.

Renoa spoke with a threatening look on her face.

Her tone is the opposite of when they smiled and said goodbye. She genuinely looks angry.

Why did you act as you please and return to the SS Nightmare?

You're mercenaries. Shouldn't you be working for your employer?

So, I'm here to see my employer.

...What?

Hmm. At the point where we've paid off the debt, there's no need to maintain a contract with Peltion.

We suffered for so long that we'd like to find a new employer.

Then, there was one person who came to our minds first.

In that sense, the Protos.

I've heard that you're always shorthanded on the SS Nightmare... Would you like to hire some mercenaries?

When Nine spoke with a cool smile, I also chuckled.

What, Captain, why...!

You guys, leave the SS Nightmare quickly.

Did you think I wouldn't notice you putting your moves on the Captain?

Putting our moves on the Captain? We're clearly going to begin as business partners.

What do you mean, "begin as?"

Vice Captain. Are you going to disobey the Captain?

Or is this mutiny?

It's, not that...!

Ugh...

Although I am sorry to the angry Renoa,

the Captain's orders are the Captain's orders.

A human scream rang out.

...How many hours has it been?

No idea. She might not look like it, but she's a tough cookie.

That's enough to break anyone...

A cold voice intervened in the voices of the soldiers' idle talk.

It was a sentence directed at the person being tortured inside the room.

Empire Marshal Tiana.

The Chaos activities on the planet of Verne. Killing the first class protection plants on the planet of Speitz. Communicating with an illegal organization. Embezzlement and malpractice...

Do you admit to all the allegations?

...Don't be ridiculous...!

You're trying to put the blame on me.

You're going to exploit my weaknesses and use me as a puppet again...!

If you disobey, we have no choice but to continue with the interrogation.

Do what you want. I'd rather die than do anything that's not under my own will...!

I'll never do what you want...!

...Turn it back on.

It looks like she's going to go all the way...

Hmm...

We're public officials and doing this to one another. Haven't we gone too far at this point?

Wh-What?

Where did you come from...

With a flash, the soldiers collapsed at once.

...Tiphera? What is an Empire marshal doing here?

How dare you ask such a thing while tormenting someone else's family.

This is treason! You'll pay for this!

Forsaking the duty to save countless people because of personal affairs...!

Personal affairs...?

Tiphera spoke in an icy voice.

I'm not a beast.

If I am to seek justice by abandoning my own family, I will gladly be a villain. Do you understand?

...Agh...!

Ring the alarm! Security...

Ah, you can't do that.

Quantum Seeds flashed, and all the mechanical devices in all directions were disconnected.

...Sis...?

...

I'm sorry, Tiana.

It took a while.

...

I said I'll do anything to find you... if you're having a hard time.

If you run away... with me from here... You'll be in trouble, too...

Yeah- I'm already in trouble.

It's okay, Tiana.

...I know someone who can help in times like these.

Therefore, here are the Empire's capable twin public official sisters! Ta-da!

I feel dizzy.

That's what we've done, so they're probably trying desperately to catch us by now.

I do have connections with the Empire for now, but I can't be officially active.

But they won't be able to outspokenly put us on the wanted list. Or it will implicate them too.

...I know that we're imposing.

But could you help us a little?

We'll do everything you tell us to do.

...

...Uh, Captain. I'm sorry, but.

Don't you think you're giving your consent too easily?

I was so determined on my way here...

We survived a life-or-death crisis together. I can't make you do harsh work now.

No, no. I wasn't doubting you...

...Oh my. How good a person are you?

I approach Tiana and examine her.

...Huh?

Although she seems to think that she has covered it up well, there were still traces of interrogation.

...Approaching someone that has good will, using them as they please.

They tried to abandon them once they were no longer useful. After putting the blame of all their crimes on them.

They tried to do this under the pretext of sacrificing the minority for the majority.

Tiphera told me about the trolley dilemma before.

The story of people tied to the tracks. The discussion on sacrificing less people to save more people.

I think I can answer her now.

I.

Am the one tracking down the lunatic that is kidnapping people and tying them to the tracks as they please.

I cannot forgive those who make such situations in the first place.

Every moment in battle decides life and death.

The decisions made in mere nanoseconds decide the winner and loser.

In that sense, it is a great advantage to see a few seconds in the future.

...Oof!

The Chaos units that were about to burst out from the left fall as Renoa shoots them in consecutive shots.

The enemies that were about to launch an ambush from the opposite side are swept aside by Nine's greatsword.

And the enemies hiding in darkness were all neutralized by Tiphera's quantum seeds.

...This isn't a battle. It's just...

The enemies' positions are revealed as Rita touches the Lumen.

Where they are, how they will attack, everything.

This speed should be alright.

If we keep going up this path, we'll find Verne's World Tree.

The "core" of Burning Life is there.

...I'm also picking up signals of that Tiana person there.

...

We burst through the forests of Verne for some time.

A problem occurred quite a while after that.

...Argh...

Rita had been touching the Lumen all along, when she suddenly staggered and fell.

...

My head hurts...

The moment I took Rita's arm to help her up, I jumped at the boiling fever from her entire body and let go.

What's wrong?

The energy detected from Rita's body suddenly increased!

Well. I wouldn't say it suddenly increased...

Approaching Rita, Tiphera examined her entire body with a serious look in her eyes.

It looks like some sort of energy has been stacking within her as she made contact with the Lumen.

Well, should I say stack?

...She's regaining it? Gathering lost energy?

...

I think I saw something like this before...

If this is the phenomenon I'm thinking of...

There's nothing we can do to help.

...Oh, I'm sorry. It's top secret, so I can't tell you in detail.

I'll just tell you that this girl may be more valuable to the Captain than you think.

We shouldn't keep her here. We should return her to the SS Nightmare...

Tiphera was cut off before she could speak.

...Probably because she found someone hugging Rita from behind.

...Huh? Wait.

Who's this...?

...We didn't hear anything from nearby.

They literally appeared from thin air.

I don't think that... it's an enemy.

But shouldn't we hear who they are?

I'm sorry, but you have to at least tell us who you are-

*Sigh*

...Did you just sigh?

Who do you think you are? Appearing out of nowhere and-

*Sigh*

She just sighed for me to hear, right?

Tiphera had an incredulous look on her face. Meanwhile, the girl who suddenly appeared approached Rita.

Eh, huh...?

And placed her cheek against the struggling Rita's.

There was a faint light, and Rita looked more at peace at once.

Eh, my head doesn't hurt...

...Did you help me?

Thanks.

Ivy.

Huh...?

That's my name. Call me by that name in the future.

You gave it to me.

I gave you a name? Me?

...Yeah.

Although it's not at this point.

Talk sense.

How can you suddenly appear and say mysterious things-

That's... true.

While Nine scratched her cheek, Ivy glued herself behind Rita.

It looked like a cat showing affection to its owner.

...When Rita grabbed her by the back of her neck and raised her in the air, she looked even more like a pet cat.

I like this.

I'm going to take it.

Rita stated firmly, with Ivy on top of her head.

...You really are strong.

...Put me down-

Yeah, she said she's going to work hard helping us.

Oh well, if she says she'll help us.

Although we were in an urgent situation, we had a new comrade.

...It's strange.

The enemies are definitely stronger than the last time we were here.

We're advancing while reading the enemies' movements, but it looks like everyone's getting tired quickly.

At this rate...

Renoa swallowed her words.

...I'm sorry. I almost sounded weak.

I really have to protect the Captain this time.

Alright, come on. Let's not talk about heavy things.

Let's do some sightseeing on the way too.

It's gloomy, yes, but don't you think the planet itself is beautiful?

This is... beautiful...?

Ahaha, it's a tourist attraction considering that it's contaminated by Chaos.

It's one of the few advantages of a plant-type planet.

I don't like the ones that keep regenerating.

Hmm... I suppose, for Nine.

It's the worst for people who have to beat them in person to defeat them-

Yeah. It's annoying because I need to beat them twice instead of once.

...Oh. Was it just an annoyance?

Are you really human...?

Wait, be quiet.

What... are those?

Renoa pointed at plants that were moving like living human beings.

They... don't look like enemies.

They're repeating the same actions.

...It's like they're "playing" a certain action.

It's probably... the combination of the planet's nature to save "memories" and the characteristics of a Sekred Chaos.

They're playing the memories of lives that walked this planet.

Ah. Like some sort of play?

Ivy, who had been half-dozing with her hand in Rita's, pushed up her eyelids.

...

Ivy? What's wrong?

Ivy shook her head once, then looked around her surroundings with drowsy eyes.

Then, she looked in one direction and tilted her head.

...This way.

There's something important here.

Woah!

While following Ivy, Tiphera suddenly screamed.

What's going on? Is it an enemy ambush-

Oh, no. It's not that.

...I saw something familiar.

Said Tiphera, then stared at the "plant doll" in front of her.

Doesn't this look like me?

...And the one next to it looks like Tiana.

There was deep bitterness in Tiphera's voice as she spoke.

...Wait.

Renoa approached the dolls with a frown, as though she found something.

You said this interacts with these Lumen things on this planet, right?

Yes. Alcea said so.

In that case...

Renoa held the floating light particles in her hand.

And made them touch the Tiphera and Tiana dolls.

And soon, the plant dolls began an imitation.

An imitation of someone's memories.

Let me see...

I read... three books for free today...

I should boast about it to my sister!

Sis!

I studied hard-

...Sis?

Why are you wearing that?

Are you going somewhere?

...

Tiana.

Did you read again at the library?

Yeah, I read hard until they caught me and kicked me out!

Reading made me want to write, so I was writing them down on a piece of paper, and then they told me off...

You are so clever.

...Hey. You would have been so much better off if we didn't grow up in an environment like this.

...Don't say that, sis.

You're already working at that age. And people around you acknowledge you.

Compared to you... I'm always receiving from you... I can't do anything without you here...

Hmm? What did you say?

...Uhh, never mind.

Anyway, Tiana.

Do you remember what I said when we were young?

Uh-huh? Why are you suddenly being like that?

...Do you remember it?

Yeah...

Th-That you would never betray me.

Yeah. and?

That you'd do anything for me to be happy.

Right.

I will keep my words, no matter what.

I can't have you stay in the sewers like this forever.

...

Sis, why are you being like that?

I'll promise you one more thing.

If you're really feeling sick. If you're really having a hard time.

I'll do everything I can for you.

I promise.

Sis? A-Are you going somewhere?

I-I'm happiest when I'm with you-

...No, it's nothing.

Anyway, look at what I brought-!

Fruits! From a desert planet-! We're having a party today!

...

Is it this way?

Yes, governor.

Hmm...

S-Sis? Sis, are you back...

...

...I'm sorry. Were you waiting for your family?

...

Wh-What brought you here? Do you know my sister?

Of course... No one would come to see someone like me, who can't do anything.

My sister hasn't been coming home for days-

Well. I'm looking for the person who wrote this at the library.

...Pardon?

You've written something interesting.

How to make a desert planet green...

Although it leans toward idealism, and much discussion is required on the method of implementation... it's innovative.

If we find a suitable energy source, we'll be able to save many people.

You wrote this down because you want to do that too, right?

...You came, to find me? Not my sister?

That's right.

Oh, I've forgotten to introduce myself. I'm the governor of the Empire's Solar Sector B-1224... Ah.

G-G-G-Govern...

Now, calm down. I just deal with lots of documents.

I'm only here because I was curious who made such a fun theory.

H-How...?

Well...

Let's just say I have a bad habit of sponsoring idiots who like to daydream.

S-Sponsor...?

First, shall we talk at my house? If you don't have any plans, that is.

...

...

...I-I'll go.

...This is...

The memories of your sister.

Yes. It looks like it.

...Hehe. Good thing I devoted myself to the Empire back then.

Tiana's supporter was a good man.

Well. I only joined the Empire at the price of "taking care of my sister."

Someone had viewed my abilities in a favorable light.

...

But how did she turn out like this...

when she had such a nice man helping her?

The dolls began to move again, as though replying to her words.

...Looks like they're going to show you now.

Looks like you're about to say something serious.

...Do you find it uncomfortable living here?

It's about time, since a few years have passed since you came here.

...No, governor. Thanks to you, I'm living life to the utmost.

They were days I would stack knowledge, research... and reach for the stars. I thought I could reach my dream of saving people.

However...

...I wanted to ask you why you took me in.

...

...I had the opportunity to access the Empire's network.

I confirmed records of you receiving some sort of order from the higher-ups at the Empire, the day you met me.

Hmm...

Don't get me wrong. I'm nothing if not grateful to you.

...But it did make me think.

That maybe I can only enjoy everything I'm currently enjoying... because someone's watching out for me.

...

...Governor, please be honest with me.

You appeared a few days after my sister disappeared.

This can't all be some simple coincidence.

...In that case,

what will you do if this isn't a coincidence?

I don't know what price my sister paid... but it can't be anything light if it made you act.

...I can't sit by and watch my sister go through trouble for me. I have to make her stop at all costs...!

How?

...!

There are many secrets that must not be revealed in the Empire. Tiphera stepped foot inside that.

The Empire won't let your sister go easily.

And... I should make one thing clear.

I have met your sister.

Tiphera is there because she wanted to. Because she wanted you to be happy.

...But still, my sister...!

...I'll do anything I can.

If the Empire acknowledges the results of my research...!

If my voice ascends to a position where it reaches the higher-ups of the Empire, no one will be able to ignore me.

...Do as you wish.

But... are you resting properly?

I'm sure that you're aware, but the research you're conducting doesn't easily yield results.

I... I'm going to save my sister.

I've been helped all my life...!

...

...No.

As long as Chaos exists, it's impossible to renovate a planet with normal energy sources, despite what I do...

...But if I don't, my sister will...

I-I have to do something...

I'm not incapable...!

I'm not that kid who needs her sister to help her all her life-!

...*pants* ...Ugh...

Why won't it work... I-If I can't do it, no one can help my sister...

...Eek...

I won't give up... I will make it work...!

...Hmm. I heard news of an amazing researcher... but this is beyond my imagination.

Looks like you don't do anything other than research.

Huh, the market is a disaster too... But this is another level.

Is this where the ink-eater lives?

...Hmm...

...Who are... you guys?

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Ti■■■■.

I heard about someone conducting some interesting research.

I don't say this very much... but would she really be useful?

Well, she looks more like a corpse.

Hmm, that's precisely why I came to help her.

...Help?

I just can't. No matter where I look... I can't find an energy source to resist Chaos...

No, there's one place you have yet to look.

This is a planet called Verne. It's where the "Eternal Flame" lays dormant.

...The Eternal Flame?

But that planet... has been contaminated long ago.

No one knows what will happen if you make a mistake...!

But what if, you can save numerous lives in return?

...Pardon...?

You'll be doing something right.

It's like... sacrificing the minority to save the majority.

...

Something right...

I heard you're doing this to get your sister out of the grasps of the superiors at the Empire.

...Don't you need results for your research, if not for your sister?

S-Still... Something like this...

It's something only you can do.

...Even that sister you're proud of can't do something like this.

Even now, numerous people are in pain.

People no one can save, except you.

I don't like it too much myself, but why don't you reconsider on behalf of those people?

...

The dolls kept moving after that.

Even up to the moment Tiana blooms the "Eternal Flame" at the World Tree at the very heart of Verne Forest.

It was the birth of Verne's new Chaos, "Burning Life."

So that jerk Fang was involved all along.

...I think that's why she turned strange.

Watching the movements of the dolls, Rita quietly pointed at the Tiana doll.

This person. Her head is tied to the blazing flame inside that huge tree.

...I suppose she delivered Burning Life, and got devoured in the process herself.

If she was pushed to the edge like that, she wouldn't have been able to resist either.

...Ha. Haha...

Tiphera laughed dejectedly and dragged a hand across her face.

That... idiot...

...I was fine.

I was fine since you were happy.

Why would you do something I didn't even ask for...

...I guess she wasn't happy.

What...?

I'm saying this because it looks like she acted that way because you left without a word.

Ridiculous. Did a huge Chaos form because of these sisters just needed to talk more?

...Heh, I don't want to hear you mocking me in a situation like this.

I'm only saying it because it's true.

So, it's easy to solve it.

Nine swept her hair back and raised her head. Her gaze lingered on the World Tree at the heart of Verne.

Let's go. I'll help you make up with her.

...Nine.

You helped me so far, so I'll help you too.

You're acting cool now?

...I have to take the Egg of the Deity.

Yeah, yeah. Sure.

The more we pressed into the forest, the higher the contamination levels became.

We were almost at our destination.

...Ugh.

Ahead, Renoa staggered. It looked like she had reached her limit.

It was from the continuous battles from Speitz up to here without being able to rest.

Don't be ridiculous.

...You're the one with the worst condition, Captain.

I couldn't deny it. As we approach the heart of Chaos, I could feel myself rapidly deteriorating.

Such that I could feel it in my bones that I would soon "mutate."

There's no time to rest.

In fact, we should try to breakthrough even faster...

But what the Protos says makes sense.

We don't know what is waiting for us inside. Advancing blindly without considering our current condition is practically a suicide mission.

While Nine spoke,

...

Tiphera was staring at Rita.

Doubt swept across Rita's face, at the end of her gaze.

...Why?

Hmm...

No, I'm... definitely sure...

Ivy too...

I can feel "it," no matter how hard I try...

...

...Eh, never mind.

Anyway, Captain. Can you make me a promise?

No matter what happens, please take Rita until the end.

No matter what happens.

Well. I can't tell you for sure, but I think something good will happen if you do.

...I have no idea what you're talking about.

Anyway. We're short on time, so we should advance-

And before she could finish speaking, a ground-splitting vibration rumbled beneath our feet.

...What's this?

Chaos energy reactions ahead!

...Oh my, this is...!

Almost double the figure compared to before!

My heart raced. I could feel some sort of energy writhing through the veins in my entire body.

It felt as though countless insects were crawling inside me.

...I could feel that the "mutation" was close at hand.

The surroundings...!

And its influence revealed itself.

Intense Chaos energy spread throughout the bushes.

Black energy that burst from the Chaos interior descended like a curtain.

Confirmed multiple Chaos reactions nearby!

The figures are immensely high. You should retreat for now...!

...Wait. If we do, the Captain...!

I'm not...!

...Please. Please look after yourself.

Please...

I closed my mouth at Renoa's sobs.

...We can't retreat anyway.

We can't return without the Protos. We'll be defeated one by one, and be annihilated.

...We have no choice but to keep advancing.

Kwaaaaa-!

Flames danced in all directions, and the tongue of a greedy fire surrounded Golden Mane.

With a final cry, it is swept up in Karmic Flames and vanishes.

But Golden Mane wasn't the only one that the flames devoured.

...Urgh, arghhhh...!

Due to a resist in energy, the flames spread to Tiana.

Agh...!

And two people moved as soon as they saw it.

Both Nine and I ran forward to cover Tiana, who was about to be engulfed in flames.

Although fierce pain hit me.

...Looks like she's safe.

Tiana is safe. I sigh in relief after confirming her condition.

Like her humanity had returned as the Chaos energy was exhausted, some reason returns to Tiana's eyes.

...Why...?

Why did you save me?

...Don't cause planterary-level disasters out of emotions between sisters, you fools.

Nine sighed.

...Saving people suffering from their environments.

I empathize with you.

Although it yielded terrible results, I didn't want to deny your intentions. I learned this from a certain idiot.

Nine was glancing at me.

I laugh without realizing it.

...If you're going to make me say something embarrassing, at least help. You damned fool.

While Nine blushed and grumbled.

...Wait, this is...!

Just then, the entire area began to vibrate as though it was about to collapse.

...tain! Captain!

Can you hear us? We confirmed the exhaustion of the Chaos energy!

What's going on?

The whole Chaos area that lost its core energy source is collapsing altogether!

You have to get out of there immediately!

Now, did you all hear that?

There's no time to lose. We have to leave-!

...It's collapsing too fast. We might get swept up!

Pfft, but we have to do everything we can...!

...Captain? What are you doing?

I hear Beryl talking, but I am unable to answer.

Rita's body is slowly "fading."

...Captain...

...Hmm. This feels strange.

Rita laughed an awkward laugh.

I'm not sure, but...

It feels like I shouldn't be here.

It's like I'm being dragged somewhere, like they're telling me to come.

...Awakening powers only permitted for Deities as a human means you have to pay a fitting price.

My master... Can't stay in the material world as a price for handling the power of time and space.

She has to stay in the rift of time and space with me in the future.

...Something flashes through my mind.

Rita, alone in my dream. In that infinite, endless black space.

Not knowing how much time had passed, unable to tell the past from the future... Barely managing to hold on to her sanity.

Don't worry. I can be with my master.

...That's what she says, Captain. You won't have to worry too much.

It's just, hmm...

...The next time we meet, say hi.

I'm sure we'll meet again.

My name. You gave it to me.

I'll never forget it no matter what, until the end.

The next time we meet, you have to call it.

Okay?

...I know.

That I fail to keep this promise.

It's somehow annoying how you don't even know my name.

It's denting my pride. I'm not telling you.

...You promised.

The next time we meet. I do not remember who the child is, let alone Rita's name.

I already know the result.

...

Rita smiled innocently.

Alright, let me see...

Last but not least, I think I can send you all off outside.

Rita's body sparkles brightly.

The thicker she sparkles, the fainter her body becomes.

Captain, so...

Before she faded away... I think I saw tears on Rita's face.

...As though she has an intuition of how we cross paths the next time.

See you next time.

With those words... A flash of light swept through everyone's fields of vision.

...

...Say something, why don't you.

I didn't.

I didn't.

Rita replied sulkily from the other end of the video.

...It was obvious she never imagined that we would meet like this after parting like that.

Next to her, I could see Ivy desperately trying not to burst out into laughter...

...Hey. Just because we're trapped in the temporal fissure, it doesn't mean we aren't able to communicate.

It's possible to radio those in the material world from time to time.

Of course, we can't always connect to the SS Nightmare at the right time...

Cheers to Elaine and the researchers on the SS Nightmare who shoved signals into the rift of time and space.

The product of multiple nights working overtime and an almost infinite supply of caffeine.

Anyway. Hah...

S-Seeing my master get so emotionally serious...

I didn't know before, but Ivy seems to have a nastier habit than I thought.

...Yeah.

There's no need to worry.

I shall never forget my name now.

Though it felt as if someone from beyond the pocket watch snorted.

I hope they all get along.

This child has become an ally now.