Predator of Nightmares

Inside the Chaos, Swamp of Judgment

...The abnormal Chaos Blooms are likely Sir Judas's doing.

We need to find a way to get out of here...!

SS Nightmare, do we have a way out of here?

We're calculating the probabilities. Please hold on!

All right, as fast as you can... Uh, Captain, what are you doing?

I had been examining the Chaos's core.

It had been completely hollowed out after its energy had been siphoned off by the Chaos relic.

Seeing as it no longer poses a threat, it may even be of use.

Maybe, I can find something out about it.

Holding the pocket watch hanging from my neck, I place my hand on the Chaos Core.

Sir Judas...

Are you really... going to go?

Into that calamity-grade Chaos...

There's no one other than Sir Christian and I who can do this.

Please do not worry, Lady Azelante.

I swear to you that I will bring Sir Christian back safely.

...

Lady Azelante, you mustn't let your tears show so easily.

Especially for someone who may soon become our Holy Monarch.

I... I don't know.

I just don't want you or Father to get hurt.

I just want... all of us to be happy together.

...

That is exactly why you must become our Holy Monarch...

And before I forget, Lady Azelante. I've prepared a present for you.

A present...?

I was told that they represent eternal devotion. Though I'm not too familiar with such sentimental interpretations.

This shall be proof of my promise to you.

My pledge of unwavering devotion. I will never betray you.

...

So please... do not weep, and wait for me.

I will.

I'll treasure it and keep it close.

So please come back to me.

Have you said your farewells?

Yes, Sir Christian.

Are you certain you do not wish to do the same?

I fear I may begin thinking twice about leaving if I did.

...Every time I look upon that daughter of mine, I can't help but feel my heart ache.

Especially since you and I are in a field of work where our lives are constantly at stake.

You and her may not be kin by blood, but do you not cherish Azelante as you would your own daughter?

I cannot deny your claims, Sir Christian.

That daughter of mine... has a fragile side to her.

She may be kindhearted in nature and is always willing to help those in need...

Yet, I cannot help but worry if this Haven can truly become a proper home for that child.

That is exactly why you and I must return to her side.

To protect Haven, and to protect Lady Azelante... *cough*

...Are you receiving your treatments properly?

Such measures hold no meaning for what ails me.

But neither is this illness something that will send me on my way anytime soon. I am okay.

Well, maybe my due time isn't that far off...

Are you planning to keep this from Azelante?

Yes. Lady Azelante does not, and will not need to know of such things.

...I will keep my promise.

*coughing*

Sir Judas... where's the Protos...?

...Dead.

...So, we've lost another good comrade...

Sir Christian. Please hold on a little longer. The rescue unit should be arriving shortly.

Kgh, I think I know my condition... better than anyone else...

Sir Judas, please... tell Azelante...

That her father... loves her...

You will be telling her yourself, Sir Christian.

I promised the Lady that I will be bringing you back.

Please don't make her hate me.

Heh, hehe...

It hurts, to laugh... Ah, you scoundrel... *cough* Way to douse my blaze of glory...

You say that as if you were intending those words to be your last.

What happened to the grumpy old man who'd always berate me for my foolishness?

You must hold on, Sir Christian. Think about Lady Azelante...!

...There will be times when things simply cannot be, Judas...

It's too late for me...

...

But you must live on...

For Haven... For Azelante... They need you...

She is the one... who will create a bright new future for everyone...

Keep... your promise...

You must... For her, you must...

No, Sir Christian...! No, no!!!

Sir Judas, you mustn't!

I understand what you are trying to do, but if you go through with this, you'll—!

Deputy Olyv. You're already keenly aware of the state of my body.

I no longer have much time left.

Whether it's from this disease or from the taint of this Chaos, death will soon come for me.

However, for Her Holiness... she has much time left ahead of her.

This is the final thing I can do for her. My final resolve.

Haven's command is already rotten to its core.

I shall root it all out with my own hands and carve it anew.

I will plant new soil, so that Her Holiness may finally bring Haven her light.

...And for that, I shall become the venom that will banish all the poison that has settled in Haven.

But sire, you will be branded an apostate.

A heretic of Haven, a fallen one.

Trivial.

I made a promise with Sir Christian. That I will always devote myself to Her Holiness.

If I can do anything for her, even the smallest thing, one last time...

I shall gladly pay that price.

With those words, my consciousness began to give way.

As if it was telling me that it had shown me all that I needed to see, the scenery gradually faded.

However, in between those moments, I heard a voice that sounded familiar.

<#888888>You alone have been chosen.

Time fast forwards once again.

From the past to the present, then from the present as if into the future.

As I regain my senses, what lay before my eyes was a nightmarish tableau.

Haven, in flames. Civilians, all but corpses.

And then... Sir Judas, no longer what one could call human, having been consumed by Chaos. And Azelante, a single girl consumed by despair, unable to look away from Judas.

<#888888>Let thy prayer be as the wind.

<#888888>To bring back all despair to Zero(0).

I could feel the breath whisper into my ears.

As if compelling me to change this future.

Then, it felt as if my mind was yanked out of my own head.

Captain! Captain!!

Please, open your eyes...!

Renoa pulled me in close and wrapped her arms around me.

As her shuddered breaths gradually calmed, she pulled me away.

What were you thinking!?

You suddenly grab the Chaos core—A CHAOS CORE! And, and, and then, you just collapse!?

Do you... Do you even know how much I worried...!

But, on another note, the black veil surrounding us vanished when the Captain touched the core...

Maybe he did something for that?

As much as I want to ease Renoa in her panic, we don't have the leisure.

...!

Even if our enemy this time is a monster who can control Chaos, we must stop what's about to happen.

If there is a future where this can all be stopped, I'll yearn all you want. I'll pray all you want.

An act born of such noble conviction must not end in such a nightmare.

A nightmare... should always end as nothing more than a bad dream.

*panting* Captain, I've been looking everywhere for you...!

Where do I even start...? Well...

Actually, it'd be faster to just show you.

Come on. We're heading to Isolation.

A few days ago, Zero System experienced its first..."bug," you might call it.

Captain, you haven't forgotten that Zero isn't just any machine, right?

Phew... At first, I thought it was just an error.

Missing data, distorted parameters, null calculations...those are all common enough, after all.

But this time, the phenomena were so tangled that it almost looked simple... The warped physics, the enemies with bizarre strength...

I thought it was just chaotic data manifesting in strange ways.

But Captain, there was a repeating pattern.

It looked meaningless, but it was happening at regular intervals. Almost like it had intent, just with a shifting form...

That's when I realized it isn't a bug... It's a signal from the Chaos.

The inherent uncertainty of Chaos, what we call "discord"...revealed itself.

The concept of Chaos we've believed in was all just a contradiction, a kind of "standardized" discord.

I thought we were close to the truth of the universe...but now the premise itself has to be rewritten.

Most of the traits of Chaos support my theory, Captain.

For example, the space-time distortions inside the Chaos. You've experienced them too, right?

Well, there's no existing theory that can explain them rationally...

That's because they're proof of the discord embedded in Chaos.

Its irregular blooming cycles, the way the Chaos energy breaks sentient minds...it all points to the same thing!

How did I miss something so simple?

Discord isn't just a phenomenon inside the Chaos... It's a law tied to the very formation of Chaos!

I might have to start over completely! If we keep studying the "bugs" the Zero System spits out, the Chaos Zero Project might finally...

...!

Sigh... That's embarrassing. Looks like I got a little carried away, Captain.

Anyway, what I wanted to say is, we're facing a new kind of order. One we don't have a name for.

It's still just a hypothesis, so I wasn't sure if I should tell you, Captain... But I decided to trust my instincts.

This is where the truth I've been searching for is, so we have to dig deeper.

I've started compiling and analyzing the bug reports from the Zero System, and after several sleepless nights, I finally have a lead.

I don't fully understand it yet, but I've figured out how to artificially, temporarily stabilize that space.

If the same phenomenon happens again, we'll be able to explore it using the Zero System.

Not a bug, remember? Think of it as an infinite array of Chaos types derived from a bug.

It might even be a form of Chaos that exists somewhere in the universe. Of course, the danger it presents is completely unpredictable.

For example, if we convert this random output into a "codex," it looks like this...

Captain, are you...afraid?

Of course, I know the expedition will be a dangerous one.

Absolutely, yes. No one's ever set foot inside it before.

But...

If my theory is correct, this could be humanity's...or maybe, the universe's...first true discovery.

At a historic moment like that, I...want you there with me, Captain.

You'll help me, won't you?

The Foretold Ruin is still a relatively small-scale Chaos.

However, the Sacred See has determined that unusual signs inconsistent with its scale have been observed, indicating an urgent need for action.

Two individuals known as the Golden Generation, along with a promising newcomer Protos, have joined forces and entered the Chaos...

Judas! We've got an emergency! Get over here!

Christian!

...! What's the matter, Sir Christian?

L-Look at this...!

This is a picture of Azelante when she was one year old. Isn't she adorable?

...

Christian! I told you not to bother Judas with things like that.

...Sir Christian. I have seen this photo over a hundred times already.

Is that right? Haha, well, I guess it can't be helped then.

This is a picture of her at two years old. She looked like she did when she was one, but now she looks just like me and Daphne.

Ah, yeah...

I will scout ahead for monsters.

Hmm? Wait, where are you going?

Judas! Shouldn't we stick together, especially as part of the Golden Generation!?

...

An illusion does not shatter just because of a frivolous moment.

Sir Christian and Lady Daphne...

If you were to name the most famous people in the current Holy Crusaders, those two names would come to mind first.

They have made remarkable contributions in solving the issues faced by the Holy Crusaders from their respective positions...

The union of two heroes has once again drawn the world's focus.

Though I am referred to as part of the same Golden Generation for being seen as a promising young man... I feel undeserving.

What are you thinking about, Judas?

Ah, Lady Daphne...

I was just taking a moment to reflect.

I feel I fall short of being called part of the Golden Generation.

What? You?

You're Judas, the Hero of Haven, the Fist of God. How could you fall short?

Well... I can accept being the Hero of Haven, but the Fist of God is a bit much...

I'm not kidding.

Whether it was during exploration of the Chaos or when you spent time with Azelante in Haven...

Watching you from the sidelines shows just how strong and principled you really are.

Haha...

Azelante truly loves playing the Holy Monarch.

Having the chance to meet Her Holiness often while following the two of you, has naturally made me admire her.

That is a good thing.

I already worry about how much Christian will go around boasting if Azelante gets elected as Holy Monarch...

Well, with the Fist of God by her side, it's not impossible. Hehe.

L-Lady Daphne...!

Is it not true that Sir Christian or Lady Daphne would be chosen before Azelante? No matter how much I try to help...

Hehe, it was just a joke. You're an innocent young man.

Don't lose that innocence and don't forget that we'll always be with you.

...Thank you, Lady Daphne.

By the way...

Hmm?

I don't see the Protos around.

Oh my, is that right?

We should join them before the storm hits. Let's go, Lady Daphne.

I still feel that I am far from deserving of being called part of the Golden Generation.

Yet at the same time, whenever I am joined with great individuals under the banner of the Golden Generation, a determined will suddenly rises within me.

If I fulfill my responsibilities with them, the flame of will I have kindled from innocence will never be extinguished...

I held on to such futile beliefs, unaware of what might happen.

Sir Judas...

This is only the beginning.

I shall carry this sin to my grave.

Deputy Olyv. Leave this ship and return to Haven.

Evacuate the innocents. Leave behind only those who deserve death.

Go and denounce the heretic Judas.

Then, at least you shall avoid the judgment of sin. As this was all my own doing.

Sir Judas, it's not too late...

Would you not reconsider?

A man like you should not be remembered in Haven's annals as a heretic.

...Old man.

Thanks for everything you've done for me up until now.

Mind promising me that you'll live the rest of your day happily?

...

It...

To have served by your side... has been the greatest honor of my life.

I shall come find you again in our next life. Sir Judas.

I know what you are, Diallos.

And I know about the rest of you residing beyond the veil.

And your machinations.

...And yet, I shall pray to you once more in this final moment.

O, Diallos.

I receive Your flesh.

I receive Your spirit.

Place me among the Exalted...

And grant me eternity.

Your Excellency, here are the tithes for this quarter.

Tch... Is this it?

Those lowborn wretches must earn pitiful wages. What a worthless amount.

The faithful have grown uneasy due to the increase in Chaos-related incidents...

What does that have anything to do with them?

Seeing as they have the leisure to complain, they must have plenty of energy left.

Increase the taxes starting next month. Once they learn what suffering is like at death's door, they'll stop voicing complaints.

But Your Excellency, Her Holiness—

My jurisdiction is mine to govern. Even the Holy Monarch knows better than to interfere.

Worry not, I do not plan to see them dead. How would the Crusade operate without the devotion of its people.

...Of course, Your Excellency.

Y-Your Excellency...!

What?

I think you should have a look outside!

...Wait, what is that?

Diallos's radiance...?

O-operator!! E-evasive maneuv—!!

(...)

...

...Agh...

(Not yet...)

...

Even though the SS Nightmare returned at its fastest speed, Haven had already become chaotic.

It seemed Haven and its people were already well aware of the impending catastrophe.

Everywhere, streams of evacuees filled the streets in search of safety.

Kgh...!

Dame Luche?!

Where is Her Holiness!

S-she's at the grand cathedral holding a strategy meeting!

A meeting? With who?

With the Crux Cardinalis.

Those heathens again...!

I must get to Her Holiness.

Let's go!

Within the grand cathedral, rows of clergy clad in ornate garments stood in orderly rows.

And in the middle was Azelante, with a furious expression as she confronted the Crux Cardinalis.

Everyone...

Are you really suggesting we ignore the people just to save ourselves?

Riots against the high clergy have already begun in several of Haven's districts.

I've also been informed that some of the priests have died.

Haven is no longer safe.

Your Holiness. You must begin looking at the bigger picture.

Who else will there be to lead our followers if not us?

You must also evacuate, Your Holiness.

You must take care of yourself before anyone else.

Enough with this nonsense...!

Each one of you has the power to protect our followers!

Especially with Sir Judas yet to rejoin us, you each must become their guardian!

Are you truly suggesting we shun our duties and prioritize our livelihoods?!

Your Holiness. This council has already made its decision.

Please lead us forward.

Cowards...!

If we leave, then what about those left behind...!

I will stay aboard Haven. I will not run away!

You should not squander your life for those ignorant masses.

May Diallos watch over them.

Ah, so the captain of the SS Nightmare joins us, too.

I would ask you to assist us in evacuating Her Holiness.

Especially since it would be in the Empire's best interests to continue this congenial cooperation with the Holy Crusaders.

I can't help but let out an internal groan at the Crux Cardinalis's demand.

I have to wonder if this was why Sir Judas wanted me to stay aboard the Haven.

So that there would be a veritable witness, not from within Haven but from an Empire representative.

Then, I guess it's time I play my part.

What nonsense is this now, Captain?

All of the recent Chaos that bloomed are each closing in on Haven.

If we do not suppress their encroachment now, they could end up merging as one and cause an even bigger problem.

Think back on the events that took Earth from us.

An event like this left alone could end up evolving into something much greater than a planetary-level disaster.

To ignore it and run away now, we'd likely be prosecuted for complicity by Empire law.

But... if we all align our alibis, we could avoid any further complications, couldn't we?

Going up against something like that is a death wish.

In the face of this calamity we call Chaos, the Nightmare shall never retreat.

The Crux Cardinalis who understood what those words meant expressed their frustration.

You're mad...! Are you trying to drag us all into your suicide mission...!

Haven has received no official word of this! If you intend to go through with this, you're on your own!

...Not a dreamer, but a fighter...

Just then, Orlea, who had been mumbling to herself off to the side, raised her hand.

The Sisterhood of Respite shall stand in support of the Captain of the SS Nightmare.

Sister Orlea! Have you gone mad as well...!!

Is the Sisterhood intending to start a feud with the entirety of the Holy Crusaders?!

*yawn* Hh-I guess so, we can go with that...

Enough of this! Even if you're an Empire representative, matters involving Haven's residents are our matters alone!

It is not for outsiders to meddle in!

And that is up to us to decide! Know your place!

Ignoring the Crux Cardinalis's outrage, I walk past them.

I halt my advance in front of Bailey, who had been donning an inscrutable smile while watching the events.

...

Putting on a more relaxed smile, Bailey locks her eyes with mine.

...I still can't tell what she's thinking.

Going by my deduction, she is the only one who would have done so.

A person who could have set free a man who was convicted by both the Holy Monarch and the Commander of the Silver Knights. And a person who has the authority to take command of the Crusaders now that a felon was set free.

From what I know, there is only one individual capable of all that within all of Haven.

I won't be able to find out what she's planning given the current circumstances. However, if she continues to interfere, then the Empire would have an excuse to act.

This was a silent protest.

Blasphemy, Captain! Do not overstep your station!

Crux Cardinalis Bailey has nothing to do with these affairs!

However, Bailey herself let out a sigh with a satisfied smile.

I will not be able to provide you much support, Captain.

So, this is her response. Acknowledgement.

However, despite her words, Bailey's attitude portrayed her contentment.

Crux Cardinalis Heindt. Please provide the SS Nightmare with navigational equipment.

Your Excellency...?!

This man is about to embark on a noble crusade. The least we can do is see him off properly.

But Your Excellency...!

Bailey turned her head toward the Crux Cardinalis who seemed to have something to say.

Without even a flicker in her expression, she held onto that inscrutable smile.

...

M-my apologies. I pray for your forgiveness...

As the Crux Cardinalis deeply bowed their head, Bailey turned her head back toward me, as if she didn't care for the their actions.

Captain, if I may make a request.

Please, come back alive.

It's been such a long time since I've met someone who interests me.

Truly... yes, truly. You are worth all of that, and so much more, Captain.

Hehe... May Diallos bless your way forward.

Leaving behind her prayer, Bailey turned and made her way to the exit, while I walked past her and approached Azelante, who had been watching the events unfold from her seat of honor.

...?

It may not seem like much, but I'm sure it's something that someone holds very dear.

Uh... Luke, you seem a little out of it today.

This is the first time I've seen you dozing off during the morning briefing...

...The Commander and my brother got into it again.

What? Why?

They were up all night fighting over a chocolate bar.

I had to sit through the whole thing.

...Honestly, Luke, don't you enjoy it to some extent?

No way...

...

Well, still.

It's a blessing to be able to get caught up in something so trivial.

If we hadn't made it out of the Chaos in Elvera, none of this would even be possible.

That's true. We owe the captain of the SS Nightmare a great deal.

I only wish we could return the favor...

Now you're talking, Maribell!

We are Wolf Platoon. Our code says we repay every kindness twofold, and every grudge twentyfold!

Well, I still haven't been able to repay that financial debt yet...

...But that's something we can worry about later!

A real adult takes care of what matters first!

Aren't real adults supposed to worry about realistic stuff?

Ugh, you're definitely Lucas's brother, picking a fight over everything!

To see the Commander's dignity fall so low...is truly a lamentable state of affairs...!

...Did you actually stay up all night, Luke? The Commander doesn't seem tired at all.

Idiots are always healthy. They don't worry about anything.

Anyway! That's what today's meeting is about!

How do we repay Captain?

...W-What kind of help can we even offer?

What?

The SS Nightmare is the most advanced ship in the fleet, with the full backing of the Empire.

Someone commanding a ship like that couldn't possibly need our help...

...

Very grown-up of you, Daisy.

That's right. She's got a good head for realistic stuff.

Come on! Let's all put our heads together and think of something!

Ugh, we can't just sit here after everything Captain has done for us!

Well, we are fairly seasoned agents.

Helping with Chaos infiltration is something we could do anytime.

Not that kind of thing...! Something more... Something that would move Captain to tears, because it was so meaningful...!

...Now you're just being difficult.

Commander, realistically speaking, something like that doesn't...

Hmm? Wait, what's this...?

An incoming transmission...?

Commander, Comm-ander!

...What is it, Lucas?

Someone you'd never expect just reached out!

I think you need to take this one yourself, Commander!

They said they want to help the SS Nightmare and asked if we could introduce them!

...What? Who is it?

See for yourself!

Commander, congratulations.

I have absolutely no idea how someone like this ended up reaching out to us.

...I can't say whether it'll move Captain to tears, but it'll definitely be enough of a surprise.

I hate to admit it...

But the equipment we received from that vixen of a woman... it's actually quite useful.

We're moving insanely fast. Something of this caliber is probably some of the highest-grade equipment we have in all of the Holy Crusaders' arsenal...

Captain, why does that woman fancy you so much?

Did something happen between the two of you when no one was around?

...

A nearly reactionary response when I saw Renoa's expression turn.

Anyway, Captain.

Even as we speak, the Chaos that has bloomed around Haven is gradually expanding.

And in the area where we suspect Sir Judas is, multiple Chaos storms are running rampant and have overlapped one another.

Even if it's the SS Nightmare, I doubt we'll be able to get through that.

Do you have a plan?

I do have a few plans, but each one of them comes with its own risks.

Just then, an unexpected call comes in.

Captain, incoming comms from the SS Green Dragon.

Captain! How've you been doing!

There's someone I wanted to introduce you to!

...?

Odd, there's a good feeling about this.

Captain... I wonder if he's doing okay...

The Captain will be fine, Miss Rei. We shouldn't need to worry about him.

He is the captain of the great SS Nightmare.

I know, but look at that thing!

I-- I've never seen a Chaos that big before!

I get what you mean. Even if we could force open a rift in its exterior, it's not going to be easy getting close.

Maybe the main cannon could do it, but we need to save the charge for the Chaos's core...

Still, I'm sure the Captain has a plan—

Huh? L-look over there!

There's a fleet of ships headed our way...!

What...?

Is there another fleet that could provide assistance in these circumstances...?

Those... They're not Empire ships!

They're pirate ships...!

Whaaaat!?

Those are real pirate ships!

Why would those troublemakers come here all of a sudden...!

We need to go ask the Captain what's happening!

Captain! Captain! Pirate ships!

Should we prepare for battle?!

Though... one of them called themselves the king of the pirates...

On the other side of the screen, a woman with crossed arms haughtily looked down on us... quite literally.

Such imprudence. Introduce me properly, Captain.

You are in the presence of one of the Seven Kings—shepherds, conquerors, and sovereigns of all outlaws and wanderers.

A free soul, a WISE soul! A harbinger of ruin and a wayfarer of Chaos, and the illustrious, peerless merchant king.

I am the epitome of all pirates who sail this sea of stars.

And thus, I am Elia, 'the One Who Devours Gold.'

Best you remember that.

...

Someone who was standing next to Elia fervently waved their hand at Rei.

Huh?

Eh, eheh, ehhhhhh-!?

Miss Rei? What's the matter?

That person...! The one I saved...!

Right, so you must be the one who rescued my nephew.

You have my praise, girl. The next time you pass through my territory, come visit me.

I shall receive you with the finest hospitality.

...Uh... Uh-hehe...

You seem rather awestruck at the privilege of speaking in my presence.

Understandable. An ordinary maiden could only ever hope to withstand the sheer gravity of my aura.

...

She's got quite an amusing personality, doesn't she.

But... being amusing and being competent are two entirely different things.

Miss Elia. Are you sure you can help us?

Again, insolence. However, I shall forgive you for I am merciful.

It looks like you need some firepower to get into that Chaos. Allow me.

Consider it recompense for my nephew.

...Huh? There's a weapon that's even better than anything the Empire's flagship vessel has?

Hmpf. Watch closely and witness my words made real.

Operator. Prepare the main cannon.

Ma'am!

W-wait! If you're going to provide assistance, at least wait for the SS Nightmare to get ready as well...!

...Heh, assistance?

You misunderstand something fundamental.

I did not come here to work alongside you. I am here to grant you my aid.

The cannon equipped to Elia's ship repositioned, aiming directly at the exterior area of the Chaos.

Standing from her seat, Elia extended the golden cane in her hand forward.

Now that you understand, be a good girl and accept our help quietly.

The sudden rush of energy was so powerful that even the communications relay began to glitch.

Elia's entire ship erupted in blinding flashes, as though its systems were overloading.

R-reporting energy levels!

It's an aether barrage!

Elia's ship rained its ordnance directly at the Chaos storm in front of it.

Supernova-bright flames swept across the void of space, and a blinding radiance blanketed the area in all directions.

The released energy was so powerful that even the SS Nightmare shook from the shockwaves even though it was situated a distance away.

Hmm, not bad for a rushed attempt.

If I had a little more time to prepare, I could have shown you something even greater.

...What was that just now?

That amount of firepower looks like it could match even the SS Nightmare.

The Seven Kings... I've heard the rumors about them, but I didn't expect this much.

Next time we meet, I expect you to have memorized my full title.

As this is our first meeting, I shall permit the abbreviated form.

That shall be all, Captain. I trust I've repaid the debt my family owes.

Next time, you and I will stand on equal footing.

And with that, Elia ended the call.

The pirate ships are leaving!

The Chaos storm has died down.

We can calculate the infiltration coordinates.

Rei, good work. We were able to significantly reduce the time we needed for this Chaos infiltration operation.

Huh? Uhm, well, I, uh...

If it wasn't for the Captain back then, this would have never even happened.

All I did was provide a little help.

If we hadn't saved the pirates on Elvera back then, we likely wouldn't have received their assistance like this.

Huh...?

I remember her asking me back at the Swamp of Judgment.

How someone who couldn't take care of themselves could become the captain of the SS Nightmare.

The people that I had helped all came together to shape public sentiment and built a foundation of influence for me.

If it had been only one or two of them, nothing would have come from it, but when two become three and continue to grow...

It becomes a weapon that can change results.

I've met a lot of people in my life...

But it's the first time I've seen someone call kindness a weapon.

Every fighter needs their own weapon.

What's the status of the evacuation?

Your Holiness, if I may...!

We cannot evacuate everyone here. Someone will have to stay behind!

...

There's still room on the flagship, isn't there?

...!

Your Holiness, that space is reserved for you...!

Discard all unnecessary equipment and furniture.

But those are artifacts that hold the history of the Holy Crusaders!

To discard them would damage the prestige of the Holy Crusaders...!

We cannot trade objects for human lives.

I will take full responsibility. Make every effort to save as many people as possible!

...

As you command.

Everyone move! On orders from Her Holiness!

...

(This feels ominous...)

Sir Judas...

...Is that you?

I'll hold out hope, Sir Judas.

Even if you have already crossed the point of no return.

Please...

Please, do not fall into the abyss.

...!

Your Holiness, a message from the SS Nightmare! They say they're about to enter the Chaos!

...Captain.

(I'm counting on you, Captain.)

(...Please save Sir Judas.)

Keep reporting the status of the evacuation! I'll personally go wherever support is needed most!

The moment I thought everything had ended, a sinister presence crept over me.

From somewhere beyond, I could hear the sound of massive gears churning.

From within the disintegrating body of Sir Judas, a figure emerged.

A gigantic metal colossus, shimmering with an ivory radiance.

As soon as the giant made its presence known, time around me came to a complete halt.

And within that still silence, the titan reached out with its hand.

A primal warning consumed my thoughts, shrieking that this entity should never be allowed to reach me.

And just moments before those hands reached me...

Very softly, I feel a gentle touch on my shoulder as someone pulls me away.

A stifled chuckle accompanied it.

<#888888>Nope.

<#888888>I'm never going to let you.

Then, the giant's body instantly liquefies into a bubbling froth.

The pale woman is looking down upon me.

<#888888>I love you.

<#888888>Captain, I love you.

Those words transform into an immense pressure that pushes me down.

The sensation of my brain being pulverized, my flesh putrefying, and my veins filling with something thick and sticky spreads throughout my entire body.

<#888888>So, remember me.

<#888888>No matter what journey you take, never forget about me.

<#888888>I—

<#888888>I am 'Zero.'

<#888888>Promise, that you'll come for me.

<#888888>I'll be waiting for you there, always.

Captain?!

Captain, wake up...!

And though I try to grasp onto my senses, Renoa's voice was the last thing I could hear before my consciousness faded away.

I place the combined set of brooches into Azelante's hands.

...

Azelante silently lowers her head.

...I think, I knew this would be how things would turn out.

Sir Judas... hadn't been in good health for quite some time.

But still.

Even still...

I wanted to see him... one last time...

The young monarch dropped her head completely. Along with a light shudder, tears began dripping from the edges of her collar.

I do not intend to console her or tell her to stop crying. Not all tears are bad tears.

...Captain.

I-- I'm going to fight.

So that Sir Judas would never be ashamed of me.

For the people of the Haven...!

As Azelante made her declaration while clutching the brooch tightly, I nodded.

People may pass on, but their resolutions remain.

This ship—its appetite rivals its immense size.

A vessel whose main diet is despair and nightmares.

No matter when it may be, the SS Nightmare will always be ready to respond to distress calls.

...

I imagine they are always unsettling to look at. The god you serve.

The light is so blinding...

...

If you're here to interrupt my prayers, I suggest you leave.

I have no intention of speaking with someone as foul as you.

Ha, wasn't it you who so eagerly took the information we offered and ran off to test it yourself?

So, what did you think of that captain?

...

I'll admit. They were...an interesting subject.

Even the great Diallos is keeping a close eye on them.

Still, you would do well to wait your turn.

The one I serve has taken an interest as well.

I'm sure you will want to test for yourself...whether they are fit to be devoured.

...Do whatever you want.

The flow of all things is destined to return to the majestic adjudicator, after all.

Well, people are entitled to their own opinions.

Then I will see you again soon.

The door swings open, and with a rush of cold metal-scented air, a familiar sight reveals itself.

Welcome, Captain.

An AI-powered Chaos Analyzer, "Zero."

A machine radiating an inhuman presence stands before me.

The Zero System, tasked with Chaos Simulation, silently draws in its current.

The moment that name crosses my mind, a chill runs down my spine again.

From the pocket watch hanging at my neck, I catch the faint breath of the woman I saw before.

Could it be a coincidence that they share the same name?

I turn the pocket watch over in my fingers as I remember what she told me.

She said she would be waiting where everything began.

What connection could she have to Chaos?

Elaine developed the Zero System as a means to eliminate all Chaos.

That a creation built for such a purpose shares its name with the mysterious presence that now circles around me...

...Feels less like coincidence and more like the foretelling of an inevitable future.

You.

And you alone have been chosen.

Turning those whispered words over in my mind, I gaze at the Zero System before me.

Standing before the machine built to "conquer" the Chaos, I turn over what Zero told me. That I, and I alone, had been chosen.

As if...

What she said itself, was a prophecy.