Holy City Haven

Captain, we're nearing Haven now.

Nothing yet, but...

Something's weird. I thought they'd be a little more... confronting.

No, Renoa's not wrong for thinking that way.

I procure a few earplugs and hand them out to the crew.

Why the earplugs, Captain?

Captain, incoming comms from Contro—

SS Nightmare! JUST WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING!!

Before the operator even had time to patch comms through properly, a shrill shout exploded from the other side of the transmission.

...Did you know this would happen?

You dare come to Haven armed to the teeth and without prior notice! Are you insane!

This is an act of diplomatic aggression! I shall contact Trion immediately and submit an official complaint!

...Who is this person and why are they being so impolite?

Normally, ship-to-ship communications are kept brief depending on the situation, but...

I also agree that the other party is being needlessly rude.

...

Finally realizing their mistake, the voice on the other side of the transmission remained silent.

...This is Olyv, assistant of Haven's Control Center and Deputy Officer to Crux Cardinalis Judas.

It'd do you good to explain yourself, Captain.

...What?

I can see Renoa holding herself back from bursting into laughter.

...Mgh...!

As a Chaos Infiltration vessel affiliated with the Empire, there are a few rights that the SS Nightmare is guaranteed.

For example, all Imperial facilities must at least review any and all requests from the SS Nightmare.

...Captain, you're going to regret this.

As soon as comms cut off with her final words, Renoa snorted out loud.

What a wannabe third-rate villain.

You're fine, Captain. Your villainy suits you sometimes.

...Was that a compliment or an insult?

It has long been proven that technological progress doesn't necessarily come with greater rationality.

Even in this age where humanity has reached the stars and sails the cosmos, we still cling to faith.

In the face of this calamity—this Chaos—people need something to believe in.

...I can never seem to get used to this place.

This hushed and suffocating atmosphere...

Within this city of white, the only sounds that filled the air were the footsteps of its pedestrians.

No wonder... It's a bit stifling.

Hnng... The SS Nightmare is so much more lively...

The city's like this because the Holy Crusaders regard a life of discipline and restraint as a virtue.

But during the season of the Pilgrim's Walk, the mood here does get better.

Miss Mika, you seem to be somewhat familiar with the Crusaders.

Mika put on a bitter smile at Owen's words.

I know it all too well.

As the mood got even heavier, not a single person said another word.

Just before the awkward silence could settle in, we were approached by someone.

Pardon me. Would you be our guests from the SS Nightmare?

I am here on behalf of Haven's Sanctuary.

...The Sanctuary?

But that's where the Holy Monarch resides.

Our business is with Crux Cardinalis Judas.

Her Holiness has invited you personally.

If it would not inconvenience you, would you honor us with your presence?

...Captain, a moment.

Renoa pulls me to the side.

We should confirm if you remember a few things. Do you recall anything about the Holy Monarch?

...And the rest is riddled with holes.

Holy Monarch Azelante is someone who rose to her position at a very young age after being acknowledged for her miracle.

However, that doesn't mean everyone is in support of her. Most of the Crux Cardinalis are in the opposition party.

If it weren't for the Holy Crusader's Fist of God advocating for her—the same Crux Cardinalis Judas that we're in contention with—her position could have been in jeopardy.

So in other words, the Holy Monarch has been able to maintain her position because a single Crux Cardinalis stands against the rest.

I told you, he's a big shot.

It wouldn't be a stretch to say he effectively holds full authority over Haven's military.

...Why does it sound like you're excited?

Anyway, my point is that it's a widely known fact that the Holy Monarch and Sir Judas share a cooperative relationship.

And being invited by Her Holiness knowing that... I can't help but feel skeptical.

What's the plan, Captain?

We knew what we were getting into the moment we stepped aboard. Running would be pointless.

Hmm!

The captain and the vice-captain both went to see the Holy Monarch.

So from now on, it's completely free time! All ours!

...Or so it should have been.

...

Mika, you've seemed down ever since we arrived in Haven, haven't you?

I suppose so...

You've always been quiet, but you've never been this gloomy before...

Should we try to cheer you up?

No, it's fine.

It's just...coming back after so long brings up old memories.

...D-did you hear that?

You may or may not know this, but the Holy Crusaders is an organization that has existed since the time humanity made its escape from Earth.

As humanity ventured into space, they made contact with alien races, awakened the Gifts...

Among them, those who received the power of Diallos and brought forth the 'First Miracle' became the founding pillars of the organization.

Oh, I've heard about that!

It came up in Academy classes too. That person was the first Holy Monarch, right?

Yes. They're also the direct ancestor of Crux Cardinalis Bailey, one of the current Crux Cardinalis.

They say it was a remarkable person.

Someone who showed humanity a new direction and built up such a huge force.

...I heard that back then, everyone held hope for the future.

But now...

How did the Holy Crusaders end up like this...

Mika... You seem to know quite a lot about the Holy Crusaders.

My parents were from Haven.

...I grew up aboard the SS Edenity, though. My parents sent me to study abroad.

Are the two of them...here now?

...

I don't know.

But... I believe they're out there somewhere. That's what I choose to believe.

They'll be watching over me too.

...

That was too much.

Even if everyone is struggling, there are still things worth seeing on Pilgrim's Street.

I'll show you around, so why don't the two of you just enjoy the sights?

W-wow... S-sightseeing sounds great...

M-maybe we can pick up some souvenirs...?

...Pfft.

Don't be like that.

It was all so long ago that it doesn't hurt anymore.

Having the two of you here is actually quite a comfort.

...Hmm!

Just say the word if you need anything!

Beneath the towering white spire, a subtle scent lingers in the air.

A personal invitation from THE Holy Monarch!

Wow, I've never even seen such a distinguished person before!

Isn't our Captain also highly distinguished as well?

...Huh? Oh, r-right?

Our Captain's also really, really, reeeally distinguished! Totally remarkable!

But I guess it's just because we're really close with him...!

That's because the Captain allows you to be comfortable around him. Don't forget that he is one of the most highly respected figures no matter where you are in the Empire.

To be able to say you're close with the Captain is pretty remarkable in its own right...

...Yeah, I agree, too.

Same here.

...?

A woman in elegant formal attire had casually joined our conversation.

Who are you?!

...Crux Cardinalis Bailey.

Is there something you need from us?

Nope. Nothing at all.

Just wanted to say hi as I passed by.

Her gentle mannerisms. The grace in her bearing. In every respect, she gave off an air of sanctity, but...

I could tell just by looking at her. Her amicability was all a guise that hid her true nature.

An apex predator.

She hides the overbearing presence of a ruler, along with her razor-sharp nature for exploiting vulnerabilities.

...You must be the Captain.

As someone who's piqued my interest, I've always wanted to meet you in person.

Bailey came in close and gave me a smile.

May the blessings of Diallos be with you.

Especially you, Captain.

With that, Bailey offered a graceful farewell and walked past us.

Huh...? What's the deal with her...?

That... was the leader of the Crux Cardinalis.

Wasn't the Holy Monarch their leader?

In hierarchy, yes. But most of the Crux Cardinalis back her.

She's not someone who makes appearances lightly...

...Geez, Captain. Why do you always have to stir up problems wherever we go?

First, Sir Judas. Then, the Holy Monarch. Now, even Crux Cardinalis Bailey...

You need to keep a lower profile, Captain.

We've run into too many unexpected circumstances ever since we've arrived here.

And a meeting with the Holy Monarch was bound to be another of those unexpected circumstances.

Welcome, guests from the SS Nightmare.

I am truly grateful to have you aboard the Haven.

You have come from afar, so it was the least I could do.

I hope your journey here was without trouble.

I deeply regret that we must meet under such unfortunate circumstances.

I hope you find some due rest during your stay here.

...We are grateful for your hospitality.

Renoa is noticeably flustered.

She did mention that the Holy Monarch and Sir Judas are on the same team, but Her Holiness's welcome feels genuine.

In front of the assembled attendants lining the area, a dazzling banquet had been prepared.

I received word that you saved many people from a Chaos during your travels here.

Would you perhaps be willing to share a tale of your exploits?

As the meal went on, the conversation never strayed beyond polite small talk. Nothing of real substance was said.

...Except for this.

My eyes pick up on something peculiar in between the dishes that adorned the table.

A hidden message, written in a manner that only I could see.

Acting as if I were reaching for the meat dish, I read the contents.

A time, a place, Her Holiness' signature, and...

...

The Holy Monarch was looking my way with a secretive smile.

Captain? What's wrong?

A new invitation while dining at a table we were invited to.

I guess I'll go have to see what she's up to.

(So this is Haven...)

(I heard things have been unsettled here, but there doesn't seem to be much work to be found.)

Does anyone here know anything about that?

Tch...

You little criminal...

My, my. What kind of language is that to use toward a lady?

I was told you were the ones responsible for keeping the peace in Haven. If you behave like this, aren't you just common ruffians?

You're the one who caused a scene, and yet you have the nerve to...!

You tried to confiscate my sword, so I had no choice.

Attempting to take a swordswoman's sword... Outrageous.

A blade is the only true companion of those who serve no master.

There you go again with that nonsense no one can make heads or tails of...!

I suppose there's no point in explaining any further.

Aah, how dreadfully dull...

A free life isn't so bad, but I'm growing rather tired of drifting alone through this empty universe.

Is there no companion out there to ease this loneliness of mine?

Someone steadfast enough that I could entrust them with both myself and my blade...

...

Hehe.

Perhaps I've wandered too long. I'm starting to say strange things.

Someone like that couldn't possibly appear so easily...

(...A uniform.)

(An Empire representative?)

(The epaulettes... not a low rank.)

(...)

Soldiers are the last thing I want anything to do with.

Especially if they're with the Empire.

...

...Huh.

...H-huh...?

(T-this is strange...)

(It's an Empire representative... a soldier...)

(What is this feeling, exactly...?)

(J-just who...is that person...?)

...Captain, so please, next time be more careful about your safety-

(Captain...)

(Come to think of it, I've heard about this.)

(The SS Nightmare, the Empire's prized Chaos infiltration vessel...)

(Currently Docking in Haven, they said...)

Heh, hehehe...

I'll have to look into this a little...

Perhaps. ...We may be meeting sooner than expected.

A single candle gently brightens the room against a dark backdrop.

...Hello, Captain.

You came alone, as promised.

Along with the content of the message I couldn't ignore.

...Yes, and that is why I wished to discuss with you.

Please excuse my crude methods.

The Crux Cardinalis have eyes and ears everywhere.

That is how it's known to the public.

However... he is much more than that to me.

He's... like family to me.

I trace Her Holiness's eyes to the picture frame on her desk.

Within that frame are four people—an extremely young maiden, two adults who are likely the maiden's parents, and a young Judas, all of whom are laughing.

And next to the frame was a single brooch. It was shaped to form a complete whole when two are brought together.

A second father, so to speak.

Though I'm not sure I can consider him such as of late.

Sir Judas changed.

The Judas that I know protected the weak, upheld justice, and enforced our precepts... A most righteous person.

However, somewhere along the way, I found it more and more difficult to comprehend his conduct.

And before long, we'd grown distant...

Azelante's expression darkens even further.

Captain, allow me to speak plainly.

I believe Sir Judas is plotting something unsettling.

I do not know of any details. Only that it has something to do with Chaos...

That is why I have turned to you, Captain.

There is no one who knows about Chaos more than you.

Not long ago, a new Chaos had bloomed near Haven.

The only lead I've received was that Sir Judas has been devising something involving that Chaos.

Captain, I would ask that you uncover what designs Sir Judas is presently engaged in.

Azelante spoke with a look of grim determination.

I understand that I am asking for a lot. And there won't be much more I can do for you. But...

...Pardon?

I fiddle with the pocket watch hanging around my neck.

And because there's something I need to hear from Sir Judas himself.

Thank you. Then, there is someone I'd like to introduce to you.

I am certain that they will be of great assistance.

...So, you just accepted her request just like that?

Captain, you know better than anyone else that we don't have the time to get involved in someth—

What...?

A reward worth far more than something tangible.

Because the Holy Monarch is now indebted to us.

You've got a knack for dressing up the fact that we're working for free.

I'd also like to introduce you to someone who'll be assisting us.

Commander! Of the Silver Knights!

Really?! Reallyreally!?

Rei's eyes are practically sparkling as she hops up and down, captivated by someone.

A-ahaha...

Commander of the Silver Knights...? Is she someone famous?

Of course she is! Haven's most prominent up-and-coming!

A genius at swordsplay! The frontrunner to become the next Crux Cardinalis!

I, uh, appreciate your welcome, but...

Mind toning it down a little? It's embarrassing.

...Uhm, excuse me? You may be the commander of the Order of Silver Knights, but don't you think you're speaking too casually given we've just met?

I would appreciate it if you showed some respect...

...

Luche stared at Rei, mouth agape.

Rei chastising someone for acting too casual was not on my bingo card this morning...

Anyway...

Nice to meet everyone.

I'm Luche, commander of the Silver Knights.

Hehe, of course she did.

Azel and I— Uh, well, Her Holiness and I are childhood friends.

Who else would she trust if not me?

Luche was holding her chest high and brimming with confidence.

If there's any need to fight, you can leave it to me!

Especially if it's that Chaos near Haven, I'll make sure to escort you through without you needing to lift a finger!

...Hmm, that aside...

When I was told I'd be accompanying the captain of the Empire's state-of-the-art vessel, I imagined you'd be well on in your years...

But you're much younger than I expected.

And to top it off, you're one of those Protos, too.

Impressive, especially for someone so young!

Now that Dame Luche has joined us, give us your orders!

What's our next move?

And speak of the devil—

...

We ran into Sir Judas in the middle of the street.

Quite the coincidence, Captain.

I received word you'd arrived at Haven.

It feels a little too convenient to consider this a coincidence, Sir Judas.

The agents grow tense, placing their hands on their weapons.

Yet, on the other side, Sir Judas was... relaxed.

He's taunting us with his confidence, as if it didn't matter if things got messy right now.

Since we've met like this, would you care for a cup of tea?

Allow me to accommodate you in my office.

What makes you think—

Captain?!

Though Sir Judas was speaking gently, his demeanor is unmistakably threatening.

And there's something I need to hear from him personally.

...

As I walked away, leaving behind a bewildered Renoa, Sir Judas let out a faint chuckle.

I am rather confident when it comes to serving exquisite tea, so I trust it will meet your expectations.

The peppermint tea certainly was exquisite enough to take pride in.

Naturally. It's not as if I was Crux Cardinalis since birth.

My humble upbringing afforded me many opportunities to pick up a variety of skills.

Sir, I don't think such information is of any good for him to know...

It's all right, Olyv.

The Captain and I agreed to a private conversation, so if you wouldn't mind.

...

I advise you refrain from any behavior that would disgrace Sir Judas, Captain.

Please understand, Captain. Olyv and I have known each other since our days as acolytes.

If anything, he's been more like a butler as of late.

You came all this way to Haven because of me, did you not?

Please accept my apologies for any discourtesy I showed previously.

If you seek recompense, I will see it provided. Likewise, I shall take responsibility if need be.

Whatever it may be, I simply hope you enjoy your stay here aboard Haven.

It was hard to believe that this was the same man who ambushed us in space.

However, I had an inkling as to why he was acting this way.

I did.

...

A cold glint flickers in Sir Judas's gaze as he silently watches me.

...You must have already had an audience with Her Holiness.

And yet you still followed me all this way.

Are you not worried that I may act against you?

Ever since our previous engagement, there was something that I had learned about the Holy Crusaders' standard weaponry.

...

A fact that was made certain when I reviewed the maintenance records.

If the SS Nightmare truly was a threat, I highly doubt that the man who stands at the forefront of the Holy Crusaders' military might would have executed such a pitiful attempt.

Then what really was Sir Judas' intention?

...I believe I've stated this before, but your perceptiveness is astounding.

You deduced all that from one confrontation.

Then, allow me to ask you something in response.

Knowing all that, you did not report this to your superiors and came all this way. Why is that?

I once searched the Empire's archives for information regarding Sir Judas.

The idealistic rags-to-riches story of man who started at the bottom yet made it to the top. He has purified countless Chaos, and is regarded as the Hero of Haven who has prevented the loss of many lives.

A pilgrim who refused to accept the sacrifice of the innocent, choosing instead to bear every burden himself.

Such a man had something on Haven that he needed to use the Empire itself to call upon the Nightmare.

Just what is on your mind...

...You're quite the peculiar person, Captain.

Allow me to share an amusing story of my own.

Captain. You've recently come into possession of a strange power, have you not?

The pocket watch around my neck suddenly feels cold.

A quirk of purifying as many Chaos as I have is learning about things that would have best stayed... unlearnt.

Especially about those... beings who reside beyond the veils of space.

Entities who cannot be understood within the boundaries of human cognition.

Captain, you've met with Them, haven't you? There's a particular scent that you're giving off.

Sir Judas... is talking about the 'heretical conduct' that he mentioned before.

We each hold each others' weakness.

I have what he's trying to hide, and likewise—so does he.

As you've been nothing but cordial with me, allow me to offer you some advice.

Though I may not know what you've come into contact with...

It is not something that a human can handle.

It is not something that one can stand against nor reject.

It will be in your best interest to distance yourself from it as much as you can.

The deeper you become involved with Them, the more damning an end you are condemning yourself to.

That much is true.

The entities beyond the veil... are as capricious as They are cruel.

They spare no mercy even for Their own followers.

...And yet, mine told me that They love me.

However, would you be interested if I told you I knew of a way to control it?

It wouldn't be foolproof.

But, at the very least, you may be able to distance yourself from the worst outcome possible.

However, I would appreciate if you made your 'standing' in this place abundantly clear.

So, in other words, a pawn should conduct themselves accordingly.

...It appears I've run out of tea.

It looks about time for you to return to your compatriots, Captain.

The quiet dismissal that followed was no different from a threat that refusal would not be tolerated.

...So you're saying that you're going to reject Sir Judas' offer?

It was an interesting proposal, but I do not intend to comply with his demands so heedlessly.

What's more, going by the Holy Monarch's words, Sir Judas is orchestrating something by using that Chaos.

Who's to say that he's not already being influenced by it.

So that means we're now officially standing against Sir Judas on his homeground.

It'd be like storming the enemy's fully prepared stronghold just to challenge their leader directly.

...Fine, I'll make the necessary preparations.

You're not even phased anymore, Miss Renoa...

He's put us in worse situations in the past.

What's the point if they're empty words...

As Renoa muttered her complaints, a report came in.

Captain, we've picked up on movement from a Crusader ship.

Confirming, it's Crux Cardinalis Judas' flagship. It's moving toward the nearby Chaos!

It's time to find out what Sir Judas is up to.

So then, Olyv.

What do you make of this captain?

...

He's not a man to be trusted.

Seems somewhat clumsy, too.

Was that your impression?

...To me, the captain looked like a hidden blade.

Pardon?

Quick to judge. Sharp eyes too.

Coming here alone to face me shows a lot of nerve as well.

...And yet, rather than coming across as threatening, the captain has a knack for appearing soft and approachable.

Perfectly suited for drawing people in.

...It sounds like you hold them in high regard.

It's been a long time since I've seen you speak so highly of someone.

The Empire is no fool to begin with, Olyv.

Would they really appoint someone with no ability as the captain of a flagship like the SS Nightmare?

A captain, and a Protos...

Holding two completely contradictory titles at the same time... It's only reasonable to assume there's something more to it.

That's actually the part I find most difficult to understand.

That of captain is a high-ranking position that requires managing a large number of personnel, isn't it?

It seems like the last role that would suit a Protos who has to go out into Chaos directly.

I understand there's a Life Core, but that doesn't exactly guarantee immortality, does it?

Well... I would say the Empire's stance is closer to: 'We do not care whether they live or die.'

That sounds like an enormous loss. If that's the case, wouldn't it have been simpler to just not give them the captaincy in the first place...?

Of course the Empire was against it at first. Anyone could see it was inefficient.

...And yet, I've heard the captain's still being deployed in the field alongside the agents?

Because there was no one among the Protos who could replace them.

...Pardon?

Even among the Empire's many Protos, few have achieved results at that level.

I suppose they could not simply ignore that track record and refuse outright.

But Chaos is a place where anything can happen, no matter how skilled you are, isn't it?

That is exactly why the situation is so complicated right now.

Setting aside their abilities, the situation itself is far from normal.

Because of those results, they are being left alone on the surface, but...

...Perhaps they think someone with that level of renown would be better off dead.

...

But they always came back alive.

...I heard they lost their memories. It's a shame we could not meet before that happened.

We might have been able to see them in their 'complete' state.

Well, I suppose they are good enough as they are now.

...Let us prepare to move out, Olyv.

Our destination is the City of Mist.

...

You're...doing this again?

Because there is not much time left.

We have to stay sharp to the very end, no?

Haven is already rotten to the core, Olyv. You know that as well as I do.

Someone has to cleanse it.

And we also need someone to witness that process from the middle of it, relay it, and make it known to the outside world.

If the information only circulates within Haven... There is no telling how that viper of a woman, Bailey, might react.

In that regard, I think I have made the right choice of personnel.

A captain, no less. A very useful asset indeed.

...They do not seem like the type to be easily swayed by anyone.

So this is what space looks like from the SS Nightmare? It's a whole new experience.

I can kind of see why Azelante trusts you all.

After all, it's one of the most powerful battleships on the Arkhianon. It's only natural to be surprised.

Right. The agents do seem to have a lot of rookies among them.

Picking a fight the moment you step onto the ship?

Haha...

To be honest... I'm not all that thrilled about this mission.

Cleansing Chaos is supposed to be the Holy Crusaders' duty by rights...

It feels like Azelante had to bow to the Empire because we weren't enough.

Every member of the Order of the Silver Knights is throwing themselves into Chaos at the risk of their lives,

and yet the people around us take that for granted, on top of making all sorts of demands...!

The Crux Cardinalis council especially, they meddle and obstruct us at every single turn...!

It sounds like you've really been through a lot...

Just to clarify so there's no misunderstanding, Azelante hasn't done anything wrong. Azelante looks out for me more than anyone else.

That's why some individuals blinded by self-interest over truth and justice... resort to all sorts of cunning schemes to benefit themselves...!!

Luche's off-the-record talk continued for about two more hours.

The agents around began to leave one by one as they sensed the mood. Only Renoa stayed, looking at Luche with a bored expression.

*sighs*.. Ha... Huff... Huff...

...Ah. I ended up saying too much.

Forget everything you just heard. Got it? Ahaha!

Luche rises from her seat with an awkward expression.

These aren't the kind of things that are easy to forget unless you pass out inside Chaos... ... But she's gone.

Seems like life's pretty much the same everywhere, whether it's the Holy Crusaders or the Empire.

Azelante... I would do anything to protect you.

No, I have to protect you by all means. I am your sword. Because you believe in me.

...A sword should know when to be silent, but maybe I talked too much. When will I ever kill this hot temper of mine? *sighs*...

Captain?

...What is it? Is there still something you want to ask?

I-I did spill everything myself... But you shouldn't expect me to say more as I have nothing left to say.

...What are you trying to say?

As I just said, I'm a lot stronger than I look. If you think you can underestimate me...

...

You speak as if you can see right through people...

How I treat you will depend on the results of this mission.

Until then, don't think about slacking off. I'll be watching you.

And that wraps up today's policy proposals!

[Captain! Come to the lowest floor, quick.]

What's with the look, Captain? Is something wrong?

Fine by Nono, Captain!

Right, I'll notify you about the next meeting once we've got it scheduled.

Be careful out there, Captain.

Heh, it's "Dr. Elaine" down here, remember?

Welcome, Captain. Been a while since I've had the pleasure of your company down here.

Or rather, is this the first time you can remember?

Captain, do you remember the 'Chaos Zero Project'?

The Empire's grand-scale project to counter Chaos, the sudden cosmic catastrophe that came crashing down on us...

After mobilizing the finest researchers, they ultimately created the means to fight back against Chaos: the Protos.

But mass-producing the Protos came at a cost. Too many lost their minds, were injured, or perished...

It made me sick to my stomach just watching it.

So that's why I poured everything into my research here. I didn't want to become like them.

I wanted to find a new way to solve the Chaos crisis, but without the Protos.

Since I don't know how much you remember, let me explain again.

About 'Zero', the AI-based Chaos Analyzer.

Zero was originally deployed aboard the ship as a system responsible for running training simulations, but...that's changed now.

Operation records left behind by hundreds of Protos, biometric data, even the Chaos analysis data you collected...

And now Zero can virtually recreate Chaos itself.

The dream of simulating true Chaos inside the ship, the 'Zero System' I've longed for... It's finally within reach.

Now we can explore Chaos as much as we want, all without worrying about resource shortages, political interference, or external threats.

Hehe... Sharp as ever.

To be blunt, I want you to lead a team into the Zero System.

We have two goals.

First, to verify the reliability of the Chaos simulation.

Second, to feed new data back into the Zero System...

and uncover secrets of the universe that real life hasn't yet revealed to us.

...Especially those related to the gods.

As a researcher, I believe the answers to the Chaos crisis lie hidden in those infinite mysteries.

Hard to believe, right? That we'd find gods in a man-made simulation... But it's possible.

Zero's Chaos simulations have displayed a flawless precision.

Even traces of gods we've occasionally observed in the real Chaos have appeared identically in the simulation.

So it's one of two things:

Either gods have infiltrated Zero, or Zero has recreated the gods virtually.

And honestly, when real Chaos is already this surreal, it's not so strange that a simulation would adhere so closely to it, is it?

I know...! But even the Arkhianon is paying attention now.

They know this isn't just a simulation, but rather a new approach to the Chaos Zero Project.

They agree with the hypothesis. To understand the root of the Chaos crisis, we have to peer into the abyss within it.

You're not going to back out now, are you? You knew...this was why I came aboard, Captain.

No need to get anxious yet. I still need a bit more time to prep.

Once it's ready, I'll call you again. Until then, get yourself mentally prepared.

Ah. One last thing, Captain...

If you see something unexpected inside the Zero System...don't let it shake you too much.

You'll only be able to judge what it is once you come back alive, data in tow.

Until then, you won't know if it was real, a projection we created, or something Zero generated on its own...

Hehe, anyway...watch your step on the way out, Captain.