Resolution Beyond Fate

From the moment I first opened my eyes,

I already knew there was no such thing as a blessing in this world.

The first thing I ever perceived

was a gaze filled with contempt,

and a face looking down at me with lips pressed so tightly shut it must have hurt.

A wounded face.

A world neither gentle nor warm.

And yet, even in a world like that,

I could tell at a glance.

That the person reflected in my eyes right now

is the one I would devote my entire life to serving.

The one and only person in the world meant for me.

...I...

Whatever.

I am Rossweisse. Apostle of Kyrken.

Rossweisse...

Yes.

Remember it well. From here on, whether it's a hundred years or a thousand, we'll be stuck together.

...Apostle of Kyrken...

...You're the one I'm meant to serve. My sister...

...What?

My name is Sig. Your adorable little sister. And the one who will support you—

I never got to finish my short introduction.

The hand that grabbed and lifted me felt like it could snap my neck at any moment.

Kurgh...!

Say that again. Who did you say you are?

I... I'm... S... Sig...

Who gave you permission to use that name?

I could barely breathe, and my vision was growing blurrier by the second.

I... *gasping*... Rossweisse...

...Not even remotely funny.

*panting*

Only after she let go could I gasp for air.

I'm sorry...

If you're sorry, then stop calling me your sister, and get rid of that unpleasant name right now.

Every time I hear it, it makes me sick.

I didn't want to go against her wishes, but...

...I can't do that.

What?

Because I am Sig.

I finally get a minion, and you're defective?

And then she looked me straight in the eye.

Listen carefully. I'm going to explain your role to you properly, starting now.

I own you.

Just as I am bound to that wretched goddess, you are bound to me.

If I say do it, you do it. If I say don't, you don't. If I say die, you die. Understood?

Yes. Understood.

...What?

Aren't you angry? Does none of this bother you?

My reason for existing is to follow you.

That is the calling I was given. I will do my utmost to help you.

I am a little sister made to support you. I'm simply flowing as providence dictates, fulfilling my role within the cycle.

I explained as best I could, but the more she listened, the more her expression twisted.

Haah... Fine. Then stop with all this "little sister" business and change your name too.

But I am Sig, your little sister—

Are you looking for a fight right now?

...That hurt.

I've never had a sister like you.

It was an ice-cold look.

Even so, I will stay by your side.

Are you not hearing me?

I heard every word.

She just stared at me.

Like someone lost in deep thought.

After gazing at me like that for a long while, she—

...Do whatever you want.

In the end, she allowed my name.

Heh. Thank you.

That's how we met for the first time.

An aggressive way of speaking.

An expression full of displeasure.

In the back turned away from me,

there was not a trace of warmth to be found.

And yet, I wonder why.

Even as she poured out such harsh words,

her eyes,

looked so lonely it was almost heartbreaking.

No response to the recall signal. The return signal isn't being picked up either.

What was the time of the last transmission?

12 minutes and 40 seconds ago. After that, complete silence from the Nebula's outskirts.

*sighs*

Connect to the Imperial line. Don't wait for approval.

Understood.

This is an Imperial Soldier. Connection from the Arkhianon line confirmed.

What is your business?

The SS Nightmare has gone missing. I'm requesting observation logs from around the last known coordinates.

That sector is currently blocked. The data we can disclose is limited.

Blocked... That sounds like there's already been an incident.

...I'll transmit part of the damage report.

That's quite a lot to call it just a 'part.'

Most are about loss of signal.

"Disappeared" is too simple a word for this. Overlay the waveforms from just before the loss.

Cross-referencing now.

The same distortion keeps happening. It's similar to the SS Nightmare's last signal.

Hah... So Chaos hasn't just been swallowing prey at random.

...Chaos chose them deliberately.

Human. If you've confirmed that much, close the line.

That Chaos reacts to being observed.

A command-level line, it seems. How convenient.

I'd like to hear why search operations have been suspended despite knowing the extent of the damage.

An independent response has been detected inside the Chaos.

That means... The search party could also disappear at any moment under the influence of Chaos.

...An independent response?

You should know what that means by now.

It's not Chaos. It is a byproduct left behind by a god — an Avatar.

Ugh...

Backflow detected on the line. Something outside is tracing our response pattern.

Block it, now!

Don't cut it yet!

If you don't cut it now, it'll be dangerous.

There's still a signal from the SS Nightmare! Save it first, quickly!

<#FF5555><shake>Kzzt...</shake>

<#FF5555><shake>Di... al...</shake>

<#FF5555><shake>Kzzzt</shake>

Partial match on the identification code. But the signal is too short.

That's enough! Cut the line, now!

Don't approach rashly. It's likely a trap.

Whether it's a trap or a distress call, I'll be the one to determine that.

Give me the coordinates. Only the areas where the same distortion as the last four seconds was detected.

...I'll send you the restricted coordinates. Anything beyond that requires authorization.

Coordinates received.

Outer edge of the Chaos Interior. It's a large-scale Chaos rating.

...

Prepare for search. Put the rescue craft, observation drones, and all recovery equipment on standby.

Understood.

Tsk...

I thought we'd just gathered a bunch of oddball characters...

But there's something far worse out there...

I hope they're safe...

Is it really okay for us to just keep waiting like this...?

I wish there was something useful we could do...

There's not much we can do until we restore contact with the Empire...

I suppose there's no other choice. All we can do is trust the Captain and the Vice-Captain and wait...

The Captain and Renoa will pull through.

They always have...

Hmm...

Well, nothing we can do about it!

Let's do what we can on our end!

I love how positive you always are, Rei.

I'm not sure what you have in mind, but I'll help!

Hehe, well then... Ta-da!

Let's play this while we take a break!

To make the time go by faster!

...

...

Rei...

W-Why are you looking at me like that?!

Since there's nothing we can do, we might as well stay positive and keep busy!

If we just sit around doing nothing, we'll end up feeling miserable!

That's...true, but...

You're right...

If anything, staying in good spirits right now might actually be more helpful...

...Yeah, I'll play.

Sigh...

I suppose there's no choice. Shall we all play together then?

S-So...unlucky...

No...luck...

...

Didn't we start this to stay in good spirits...?

...S-So unlucky...!

The dice landed on 1 six times in a row...!

...

Sh-She's terrifying...!

She's the one who fought a spaceship with her bare hands not long ago...!

...!

...

...What a waste of time.

...U-Um...

W-Would you like to join us...?

...!

Y-You looked like you wanted to...

...

Rossweisse. If you want to play, just say so.

Stay out of it.

...I'm not interested. Play among yourselves.

...R-Rei...!

You can't just invite someone like that...!

Did you even think about how she might react...!

Hmm, but...

She looked like she wanted to, didn't she?

Maybe she actually wants to make friends but is just too shy to admit it?

Maybe next time she'll say yes!

Eek... S-stop it...

Every day I get to spend with you...

You have no idea how much happiness that brings me.

What are you doing outside the door? Either come in or go away.

I'm coming in, Rossweisse.

I brought your meal. The water is lukewarm, and the soup isn't too hot.

Yeah. Just put it anywhere.

You always say that.

If I don't look after you, you won't eat at all.

...I can't decide if you're oblivious or not.

That was...a compliment, right?

...It wasn't a compliment.

Thank you for the compliment.

...What's this supposed to be?

What I prepared for my sister's healthy eating habits.

I told you.

A warrior needs to eat meat to fight.

And...

You've been monitoring every single thing I eat?

It's not monitoring, it's managing.

Besides, you always pick out the vegetables that come with the meat.

...I don't need to eat them.

Yes, you do. You need to eat a balanced diet to get proper nutrition.

And your picky eating makes me sad.

Why does it make you sad?

Because all my effort goes to waste.

...

So please eat it.

It's all for you.

...Don't keep track of things like that.

I have to remember so I can take care of you.

Haah... You're really such a bother.

Yes. I plan to be a bother to you again today.

That wasn't meant as a good thing.

You... You messed with my equipment too?

I only checked for damage.

The inside of the left glove was worn a little, and I replaced the secondary strap.

Without even asking...

I'm sorry.

But your wrist shouldn't be unstable when you use it tomorrow.

Who said I'm using it tomorrow?

Your eyes did.

Of all the things─

*sighs*

When you're pushing yourself, your eyes are the first to show it.

...

So I'll take care of things ahead of time, like I always do. Meals, equipment, and rest time too.

From one to ten, then.

Yes. From one to ten.

There's no reason to go that far.

There is. Because I want to.

I know I have a strong sister.

But even strong people get worn down.

...You certainly have a way with words. For someone who's so scatterbrained the rest of the time.

That's all for you, too.

Fine, today... I'll rest for half a day.

That's a great idea.

Don't make me say it twice. It's annoying.

Yes! Then I'll tidy the blankets, reheat the tea, and for lunch something easy to digest─

Hold on. I didn't say to do twenty things.

Chores have a way of multiplying once you get started, you know.

...Stop counting them.

Does it...taste alright?

Not bad.

Then I'll keep making more for you!

Tomorrow we move to a different location.

Then you should eat breakfast first.

...You've gotten a little cheeky...

Getting bolder and bolder, aren't you.

I did all of this for you.

...Don't make the tea too sweet.

Okay.

<#FFFF55><shake>O great Diallos, please guide us.</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>At last... Their will shall soon descend upon this universe.</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>...</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>Dogs of the Empire...</shake>

<#FFFF55><$shake>You dare interfere with the sacred ritual?</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>Sileyma...</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>Apostle of the Cycle.</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>Ah... We finally meet again.</shake>

<#FFFF55><shake>...My dear little sister.</shake>

Haah...!

I'm glad you're safe... That was really dangerous this time.

I knew the Captain could handle it.

It would be good to say that directly to the Captain.

...

Oh, you're blushing.

After all this time together, is it still hard to say things like that?

...Some things don't get easier no matter how long it's been.

...

...Um, Dahlia.

How long have you known the Captain?

Hmm! We were classmates back at the academy.

Maybe a little closer than most...?

You know that's not what I'm asking.

...

...What we saw while pushing through that hallucination together.

It felt like it was showing the most horrifying memory of its target. That landscape we saw.

...

For someone who's just a classmate from the academy...it seemed like far too vivid a nightmare.

Someone who's just that kind of person wouldn't be connected to their own deepest fear.

Rossweisse, the Apostle of the goddess, said something like that before.

<#FF5555><shake>That the Captain might die soon.</shake>

...

Being an Apostle of God, it has to mean something.

However...

You weren't there when those words were said.

...Renoa.

If it's not because of that, then what is it that frightens you so much?

Why do you care so much about the Captain-

Let's make a promise.

...What?

I'm on the Captain's side.

No matter what happens, I won't do anything to cause the Captain harm.

Absolutely. No matter what.

I mean it just as much as you do.

...

...Well.

Please never tell the Captain what you saw there.

Will you promise me?

Otherwise something truly terrible will happen.

When you say terrible, what do you mean...?

Right now I can stop it, but if you say anything, it'll be beyond stopping.

...I'd bet anything on being on the Captain's side. If you need proof, I'll do whatever it takes.

...

Anyone can see that you act for the Captain's sake.

...Alright. I won't go out of my way to tell the Captain.

Thank you for trusting me!

I only half trust you.

Eeh? Only half?

How mean...

For the Captain's sake, I have a duty not to fully trust anyone.

Heheh... You really do suit the Captain well.

...Save the flattery.

Renoa!?

If you like something, wouldn't it be better to just say so honestly?

...W-well, you're not forthcoming about everything either.

Hehe, that's true.

Still, I think there's one thing I can say with complete sincerity.

What...?

Take good care of the Captain. From here on out, always.

...

I'm sure the Captain needs that.

The Captain can't help but overdo it, one way or another.

Dahlia...

Hmm, but doesn't it seem like everyone's been gone too long?

Even if there are no threats nearby, leaving just the two of us behind...

Something might have gone wrong.

Then...

Right. We can't just keep waiting like this.

Let's go check it out!

S-So unlucky...

...

Pardon...

How does this keep happening every single time we play?

I'm not sure either...

M-Maybe things will turn out differently with someone new joining!

Let's find someone to play with!

Ah, but right now there aren't any Agents free─

...

I feel like something like this happened before...

...Is that fun?

Huh...?

Rossweisse. Look at the notebook.

The Captain gave it to you for moments like this.

...

...Wait a minute.

...Would it be...alright...if I joined?

...

Of course!

Here, sit down!

R-Rei!

Play with us!

...

...Alright.

...Urgh...

So unlucky...

Th-That's strange...? We even added someone new, so why...?

*sighs*

Hmm...

...

I'm doing terribly too.

Huh...?

Here, look.

It seems like you're not the only one with bad luck.

...

I-I guess so...

Thank you...

...Hmm.

You're doing great. Just keep doing exactly that.

...Hey, Mika.

Don't you think this person might be kind of a buffoon?

I can hear you.

Eek...!

...

The being beyond the Veil, Diallos.

Much about the gods that exist in the Chaos universe remains unknown, but Diallos was at least a deity widely known through The Holy Crusaders.

According to the rumors, Diallos bestows "trials" upon its followers through Chaos.

These trials are said to be a means of enlightening humanity, a mechanism for reaching a higher plane of existence... Or so they say.

...As if.

If Diallos were truly a benevolent god as The Holy Crusaders claim, there's no way it'd be unleashing something like a life-killing machine into the cosmos.

But The Holy Crusaders are actually one of the largest religious factions in the universe.

They exert influence not only over humans, but other races as well, even the Xera Empire.

So...this time, I'd like to ask those people myself.

To find out how exactly Diallos is trying to enlighten us with a situation like this.

Renoa slams the communicator down.

No response appears on the mechanical panel.

It's the distress call she's been sending out repeatedly until now.

It seems like the SS Nightmare is the only ship left in this vicinity.

Renoa's gaze drifted beyond the bridge.

Above a planet frozen white, a massive current of Chaos energy swirled in a vortex.

...

One day since the fleet was swept up in the unidentified calamity.

All communication with every ship that had been deployed with us has been cut off.

The SS Nightmare is now isolated before the Chaos "Celestial Bulwark" it had originally set out to purify.

Let me go over the situation.

Currently, due to the unidentified attack and reckless maneuvering, the SS Nightmare's Aether engine has developed a malfunction.

Fortunately, the life support systems are intact, but long-range navigation or hyperspace jumps via warp are impossible.

To be frank, even short-range movement will be unstable.

I'd recommend shutting down the engine immediately and docking the ship in planetary orbit.

The energy neutralization shield is fine. We can hold out for a while.

The bigger issue is actually the communications equipment.

The Chaos Storm is affecting outer space as well, but that's not the only problem.

We'll need to inspect the equipment to find out the details, but long-range communications have been compromised too.

...

Wouldn't it be better to avoid moving with the engine in such an unstable state?

In other words, in our current state...it's difficult to get out of this situation on our own.

Since communication with the fleet has been cut off, the Empire will likely begin an investigation soon.

Waiting it out might also be an option, Captain.

Renoa looks over with a worried look.

As you're probably aware, the SS Nightmare is a vessel built with an ecological circulation system that allows for a degree of self-sufficiency during long-range voyages.

We'll need resupply at some point, but there's no need to worry about an immediate shortage of supplies.

However... Given that the Aether engine has developed a problem, we should assume the deadline is steadily approaching.

On top of that, that unidentified attack could come again, couldn't it?

If that attack comes again, we'd have a hard time evading it, and is it really alright to just sit here waiting for the Empire's rescue, which may never come?

As Dahlia said,

the best choice here is...

Once long-range communications are back up, it could be a big help when the Empire's investigation team arrives.

Even if that doesn't pan out, we might be able to reach another ship that can help us get out of here.

Yeah, sounds great!

And as luck would have it, someone who can help with that is right nearby.

Dahlia's gaze shifted to one side.

Her eyes met those of Rossweisse, who hadn't joined the meeting and was watching us from a corner of the bridge with a look of indifference.

What?

You know a way out of here, don't you?

...

Rossweisse silently glared at Dahlia.

And what makes you think that?

You protected the captain from that disaster earlier.

With that kind of ability, I figured you'd know how to get us out of here too!

One corner of Rossweisse's mouth curled.

You've got a real talent for spouting nonsense with a straight face.

Wow, isn't that a little harsh?

I just said what it looked like to me.

Really? You sounded pretty sure.

More like you already knew something.

Hey, you.

Could you tone it down a little? Why are you being so uncooperative?

...Seems like you're under some kind of misunderstanding,

I couldn't care less whether all of you live or die.

I just need to keep that one alive and bring them along.

Rossweisse pointed at me with the tip of her finger.

So if you want to do something, figure it out among yourselves.

Would you just...!

At that moment Edelyn spoke and stepped forward.

Dahlia grabbed Edelyn's wrist and shook her head.

Dahlia...?

At the sight of Dahlia stopping Edelyn without a word, Rossweisse's expression soured.

She looked as though she had seen something curious.

My subordinate was out of line. I'm sorry.

You don't have to cooperate, but could you at least share a simple opinion?

I need your input. Whatever it takes, I'll make sure to repay the favor.

Dahlia...!

Edelyn was furious, but Dahlia raised a finger to her lips.

A playful "shh" left Edelyn looking flustered.

...

Pathetic.

There's pirates coiled up somewhere in every corner of space. Dig around and you'll find some nearby too.

Persuade' them well enough, and they'll cough something up.

Wow, thank you so much!

If possible, could you also tell us roughly where to find them?

We've been searching hard this whole time, but we just can't seem to spot anything.

I'm sorry! Please! We'll find a way to make it up to you!

Dahlia winked and held out both hands clasped together.

Rossweisse's expression darkened, and those watching began to tense up.

Given everything she'd done up to this point, Rossweisse was like a bomb that could go off at any moment.

*sighs*

And yet, in response to what had seemed like Dahlia's reckless, headstrong attitude:

No need to go searching. Focus your signals to the northwest.

They'll come to you soon enough from that direction.

A helpful answer came flowing out of this person who had refused all normal conversation.

While everyone else stood bewildered, only Dahlia squealed and threw both thumbs up.

You're the best, the best! You're absolutely the best!

...What a bother. I'm leaving.

Rossweisse muttered curtly, then rose and walked off the bridge.

...Dahlia!

Why did you go that far for someone like that...?

Edelyn?

You almost died just now.

...Pardon?

That was genuinely super dangerous just now.

It's better to avoid provoking her as much as possible. She's like a walking time bomb.

This was strange coming from her, when she'd been chatting casually just before, but...

Leaving Edelyn there opening and closing her mouth, Dahlia immediately came running over to me.

But there's one thing we can say for certain from all this!

Captain, did you see that?

Even someone that rough around the edges still ended up helping us!

Agreed. Whatever her personality, you can't deny her abilities.

Operator. Any identification signals?

Yes. To the northwest...

Energy reading detected! Based on the signal, it's likely an unaffiliated vessel, a pirate ship!

...So it wasn't false information after all.

She may be rough around the edges, but she doesn't seem like a lost cause.

She might not look it on the surface, but... Maybe she actually has some interest in talking with people?

Why not try getting close to her? She seems to give in if you're persistent!

Yeah, I know you can do it, Captain!

Saying that, Dahlia patted me on the shoulder and broke into a wide smile again.

I'm sure it'll be a big help to you too, Captain!

Besides, like it or not, I already owe my life to her, twice.

Getting along with her can't really hurt.

Aaalright!

Then I'll go get ready too!

Let me know when you're all set, Captain!

With that, Dahlia dashed off in a flurry and disappeared.

...Captain.

Speaking of Dahlia, doesn't something feel a little off about her?

Probably everyone watching Dahlia was feeling the same sense of unease.

How can she be so cheerful in a situation like this? You could chalk that up to her personality, but...

No matter what happens, she never panics, and she moves like she already knows what needs to be done.

Saying that, Renoa glanced over in my direction.

...Just like you.

I think that might be coming across the wrong way.

What an honor, Captain. I never thought you'd be the one to request a private audience first.

How can I help you?

Sig was acting as if nothing had happened at all, wearing the same brazen attitude as always.

So I cut straight to the point.

You're quite unusual, Captain.

Most people who've seen my sister's personality just shrug it off with a 'well, that's just how she is.'

It was hard to argue with that.

Still, I had my own thoughts about her.

She's selfish, short-tempered, and quick to resort to violence on a whim—

But she only ever crossed the line with those who crossed it first.

People like that usually have their own set of standards.

...

What an interesting perspective.

Even if she is my sister, I wouldn't have thought it easy to say something like that.

I've heard that you are a person of great character, but being good and having sound judgment are two different things.

May I ask what grounds you have for thinking that?

The grounds were what I had just witnessed.

The way she softened endlessly toward Dahlia, who kept throwing herself at her despite the rough treatment.

A rebel with a grudge against the whole world. A hedgehog bristling at everything around them.

But if you push past that prickly exterior... What's inside is always some kind of defensive mechanism.

They weren't born that way. They're beings who've built up a wall because they don't want to be wounded anymore.

I've had the experience of getting through to a hedgehog like that, making them fold their thorns, and eventually becoming close with them.

But...

I'm sure there was someone like that.

The faint feeling remains, but I can never quite recall who it was.

As if it were a memory something will never let me remember.

...

Sig is staring at me, eyes wide.

I'm sorry. You hit closer to home than I expected.

...

Captain, how much do you know about the beings beyond the Veil?

Beings who each have their own purposes, yet no one can tell what effect those purposes will have on the sentient life living throughout the universe.

Sig slowly closed her eyes upon hearing the answer.

Beings who seek to exert their influence over the Chaos universe.

Until now, the battleground of the gods has been confined to within Chaos, but...

The stronger they grow, the further their reach will extend, even beyond Chaos.

Apostles are those chosen by such gods to project their will beyond Chaos.

To entrust them with such a weighty role, they bestow their blessings on them.

And the blessing Rossweisse received...is me.

Fleetingly, I'm reminded of Olga and Emily, who I met before.

But unlike Emily, Sig appeared to possess a complete sense of self.

What puzzled me was that Sig's expression was dark as she spoke of all this.

As if her very existence were a tragedy.

As you've seen, my sister doesn't particularly like me.

She even dislikes Kyrken, who granted her the blessing.

Because my sister is a very tender soul.

Did you know that Apostles generally live for a very long time?

It's not strange in itself, given that they're chosen by a god, but...

The problem is that a long lifespan isn't simply a blessing.

My sister has met countless people over the course of her life.

Of them, not a single one remained by her side.

Flowing endlessly through years in which hazy futures turn into distant pasts,

watching those she once knew crumble away into dust,

a fate of eternal wandering.

That was the fate of Rossweisse, as Sig described it.

If Rossweisse truly cherished those close to her, as Sig said, then Sig was essentially her eternal companion.

I couldn't understand why she would treat such a being so harshly.

Captain.

Long, long ago...my sister had a family.

She had sisters. They were the most precious people to her.

The sister she was closest to had eyes of a particularly clear and beautiful shade of blue, they say.

As I tilted my head at the sudden change of subject, Sig smiled and pointed to her own eyes.

These are her eyes.

A chill crept to my fingertips.

They're exactly the same as hers when she was alive. Kyrken made me this way.

There was another sister, too.

A comrade-in-arms. Someone she could trust her back to and charge through the battlefield with.

Someone who would clasp her hand and exchange rough farewells.

Sig extended her hand.

These are her hands.

Sig's explanation went on for quite some time after that.

Rossweisse's sisters. The deepest wounds she carried, existing beyond layers upon layers of years so thick that not even records remained.

Those who received a blessing. Those who gave it. Those who live on as memories. Those she failed to protect.

Every human bound to Rossweisse by the most precious of ties.

All of them, gathered together under the name of Sig.

Kyrken personally ordered my sister to collect them herself.

The fragments of those most precious to her, the things that would become my 'materials.'

Woven together into one... The being that resulted is me.

My name, Sig, was taken from the name of the sister who stayed by my older sister's side until the very end.

She is the one who poured the most of her essence into me when Kyrken created me.

Everything I say, everything I think, everything I am, was modeled after the image of Sigrun that my sister remembered from when she was alive.

You could say she was...resurrected.

All the humans that Rossweisse once held dear are bound together within me.

What was revived from those gathered fragments is the family she wanted to protect until the very end.

...Is there a more effective way to desecrate the personality of a single human than this?

In the eyes of Kyrken, the Goddess of the Veil, all life is equal.

Whether a being has just been born or has just drawn its last breath, they are all simply souls cycling within her embrace.

That is why she places little value on the present of any life.

Any life, any death, in her eyes, they are all the same.

She must have wanted to give her Apostle an ideal companion, one in whom all those she had ever cherished were gathered.

And the blessing Rossweisse received...is me.

Just now, Sig said that she herself is the blessing bestowed upon Rossweisse.

However, a blessing steeped in such twisted madness is something no human could ever accept.

My older sister Rossweisse is Kyrken's Apostle. She cannot refuse her commands.

That is not the fate my sister would have wished for.

My sister...has no choice but to follow the laws that bind her.

So I understand if she cannot help but dislike me.

My very existence is an insult to my sister's precious memories.

As I sat there in silence, Sig smiled faintly.

...Even so, I only wish to remain by my sister's side, always.

Why do you devote yourself to Rossweisse to such an extent?

Even if you were made that way by Kyrken, still...

Captain, you mentioned the wall of the heart a moment ago, didn't you?

I won't deny it. My sister is a deeply pitiable person.

Fated to wander forever, following the will of a god she never wished to serve.

Alone, leaving no one behind.

Accompanied by a being who endlessly reminds her of all those she has lost.

In a situation like that, anyone's personality would inevitably become warped.

That's why... Because she is so lonely.

I believe I must be the one to remain by her side.

Even if my very existence is not permitted to stand beside her.

I recall the sight of Rossweisse reacting with intense rage to Sig's affirmation.

I also take in the image of Sig, who genuinely feels sorry for her and chooses to remain by her side.

More than anything in the world.

Saying that, Sig smiled brightly.

Is this also an instinct that Kyrken planted within me?

Perhaps she stripped away my free will and made it so I had no choice but to care for my sister.

But, Captain.

Even so, I love my sister.

I don't know whether this is truly my heart, or a heart that was made to feel this way, but...

Even so, I can't bear how much I pity her.

And with that, Sig rose from her seat and gave a small, earnest bow.

Captain, it may be presumptuous of me to ask this of you, but.

If you ever have the chance... Please listen to my sister's story.

Please ease my sister's pain, even if only for a little while.

Please be my sister's friend.

I couldn't bring myself to─

The truth is, I want more than anyone to be of help to my sister, but...

...I am fated to never even be given that chance.

─I couldn't find any words to answer with.

Sig, something to drink.

Yes. Would you like sparkling water? Or black tea?

Just bring whatever.

Even after what had happened not long ago, nothing between the two of them had changed at all.

Both Rossweisse and Sig were acting just as they always did.

Captain, you look like you have a lot on your mind.

Is something wrong?

It was not my place to get any more involved in what lay between the two of them.

Anyway...

There's good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?

We salvaged quite a bit of usable equipment from the destroyed pirate ship.

Energy shield reinforcement units, Aether generators, intact communications equipment...

This gives us hope that we might be able to attempt contact with the Empire.

The Chaos Storm is still affecting the planet's orbit.

According to Elaine's analysis, in order to attempt communication with the Empire, we need to reduce the effects of this storm.

And the way to do that is...

The Chaos Storm is still affecting the planet's orbit.

According to Elaine's analysis, in order to attempt communication with the Empire, we need to reduce the effects of this storm.

And the way to do that is...

We salvaged quite a bit of usable equipment from the destroyed pirate ship.

Energy shield reinforcement units, Aether generators, intact communications equipment...

This gives us hope that we might be able to attempt contact with the Empire.

To restore communications, we have to venture directly to the place where the unknown attack that annihilated the fleet was launched.

I had suspected as much, but it was still a conclusion that made my head ache.

Still willing to do it?

That's what I figured, so I've already been getting sortie preparations underway.

You never worry about things like risk to begin with.

...A-ahem.

At least let me have my say.

What would you even do without me?

Renoa seems to be in good spirits.

It seems those last words reached her more than the difficult situation right in front of us.

Planet Nivalis.

That's our descent target.

Above the surface of the planet, blanketed in white snow, Chaos energy can be seen whirling.

Even before the Celestial Bulwark's bloom, it had already been swallowed by a massive Chaos event.

As a result, a small Terrascion Ark that had been conducting pioneering operations in the nearby orbit crashed.

After analyzing the trajectory of the attack previously launched against the fleet, the point of origin appears to be near the location where the Ark is estimated to have crashed.

What connection there might be between the two, we cannot say, but...

The good news is that we don't need to get that close.

Right. The goal of this descent is to purify the Chaos on the outskirts of the Celestial Bulwark.

If we succeed in that alone, we expect the Chaos Storm's effects to diminish enough to allow communication.

Maybe it'll go pretty smoothly...

Saying something like that is usually how you jinx it.

...

Rossweisse's sarcasm sharpened Renoa's gaze, but it soon softened with a quiet sigh.

*sighs*...

Still... I have my own doubts about whether it'll truly go without a hitch.

Those scheming gods could be plotting anything, so you should prepare for the worst... Hm?

What are you doing?

Is that...?

The surface of a planet, captured on the monitor.

Through a small gap in the black currents blanketing it.

The ruins of a city, destroyed and radiant, were visible.

An Ark city...?

Must be one of the Arks that got caught in Chaos and crashed.

Not an uncommon sight in space.

Judging by its state, it's been abandoned for quite some time... But it still has the basic structure.

I grip the pocket watch hanging around my neck.

The pocket watch is burning hot.

I miss you.

A voice I once heard rises from somewhere deep in my consciousness, and at the same moment, a searing pain like a burst of sparks drives down from my head.

...Captain?!

Renoa rushes over with a startled expression and steadies me.

What's wrong all of a sudden?

This won't do. Let's get you to the infirmary...!

I manage to reply.

I reached up to touch the watch around my neck once more, but the heat I had felt just moments ago was already gone.

As if Zero is trying to lead me somewhere.

Or perhaps, guiding me toward a certain outcome.

Are you really okay?

And what's your deal?

Rossweisse is standing at a distance, frowning.

Isn't it obvious?

Be careful when you call upon 'that thing' attached to you. Even a small misstep could cause serious trouble.

I wasn't exactly calling upon it or handling it, but I decided to say nothing.

You lot probably can't even perceive what that is...

Do you know something about it?

I don't know exactly either.

Just because I'm an Apostle doesn't mean the gods tell me everything.

...

Then... is the Captain okay?

How would I know? I don't even know exactly what that thing is.

But there is one thing I do know.

Ignorance is bliss. Stay out of it.

Meddling with it in some misguided attempt to help would be far more dangerous.

Be grateful that one person is holding it all together alone.

For others, even becoming aware of it could twist the threads of causality.

I didn't want to spend any more time talking about Zero.

Descent trajectory confirmed.

No anomalies detected at the current landing site.

...

So peeeaceful!

Of course. It's a good thing.

By the way, Captain, do you know what I've come to realize lately?

Dahlia lets out a small laugh.

The world is a real piece of work.

Whenever things seem to be going smoothly...

Something always comes along to throw a wrench in it.

At that very moment, an urgent report came in from the operator.

Nearby Chaos Contamination Level spiking rapidly!

Pattern unidentifiable! This is a phenomenon we've never encountered before!

...Hehe.

As I turned my head, my eyes met Dahlia's, who had been looking our way.

I could see Dahlia give a casual wink.

It was a gesture that seemed to say, "Told you so."

Operator, status report!

A massive energy surge detected above the epicenter of the Celestial Bulwark!

The Chaos energy on the outer perimeter is growing stronger by the moment!

At this rate, the SS Nightmare will get caught in the Chaos Storm.

We either force-ignite the engines and get out of range before that happens...

If we run now, there's no telling whether we'll be able to penetrate the Chaos again.

The engines could malfunction and leave us adrift in space.

Even if the situation has changed, what needs to be done remains the same.

The choice to approach the planet for Chaos purification hasn't changed.

...Understood. I'll get ready for the sortie.

There are no Waypoints on the surface of Planet Nivalis.

The plan was to first select a safe location, launch a Waypoint there, and then attempt the transfer... but...

As always...things never go the way you want them to.

With that, Rossweisse turned and strode out ahead of us.

Are we the only ones heading down?

Rossweisse said she'd go separately.

She's the type to step out into open space without a suit, so what does it matter?

...Are all Apostles like that?

There are worse cases, I'd imagine.

Still, it's reassuring, isn't it? Someone like that is on our side for now.

And she seems to look out for the captain's safety too.

That's true...

But Renoa, isn't that a bit rich coming from you, when you're always out in the field yourself?

The captain and the vice-captain both heading into danger together, anyone would find that strange.

If something happened to both of you, what would become of the SS Nightmare?

There's also Elaine, after all.

She's more than capable enough to handle an emergency without being swept away by it.

Without a Protos, a Chaos expedition can't even begin.

If saving people is the goal, then we simply bear the risks that come with it.

This person has always been this way, so I can let that slide... but...

Shouldn't someone be talking Renoa out of it?

I'd rather she not pick up these reckless habits.

I'm simply supporting the captain's intentions as vice-captain.

Haaaaah...

Really, birds of a feather.

Me?

...

Well... I'm a bit different.

I don't have any grand notion of saving everyone like the captain does.

I'm here to save you.

More than anyone else.

Somehow... the expression on her face as she said it held a tinge of sadness.

I've been meaning to ask for a while.

What's your relationship with the captain?

Oh, the assault ship is departing!

Everyone, get ready!

With a rumble, the scenery around us begins to rush past.

Is this...really going to be okay...?

Ahahahaha-!

It's like a roller coaster, this is so fun-!

...Dahlia seems oddly excited for some reason.

Hey. Can you hear me?

Just then, Rossweisse's voice came through over the communicator.

Yeah. Might already be too late, but watch out.

Something's heading your way.

...What?

What do you mean? Unless Chaos has anti-air cannons or something─

Not sure about cannons, but it does seem to be intercepting you.

Hold on. I'm coming to get you.

Almost the same instant Rossweisse's transmission cut off,

the hull of the assault ship shuddered with a tremendous shock.

...Kgh!!

The shell of the assault ship tears open, revealing the weapon that intercepted it.

A light bearing Diallos's Radiance had taken the shape of a spear and pierced the assault ship.

It meant that someone on the planet's surface had hurled this to intercept the assault ship.

...How is that even possible?

Air began to howl through the gash torn in the hull.

Warning. Warning.

Initiating emergency landing protocol.

Everyone, hold on tight!

Landing easy is off the table!

Rossweisse's favorite foods, clothes, routines, hobbies, and dislikes.

Memories shared together. Recollections. Time...

These were the contents written in Sig's notebook left aboard the SS Nightmare.

Every feeling held for one human was packed densely into this small notebook.

To the owner of this notebook, Rossweisse was the entire world.

I close the notebook in silence.

Because there was a visitor coming into the captain's quarters.

...Captain.

I met with the tech team, including Elaine.

Communicating with the Empire is still out of the question.

We succeeded in purifying one Chaos, but shortly after, other instances of Chaos began to bloom all at once.

Someone deliberately supplied energy to the Chaos.

The one who did something like that must be that angel.

Elaine also recommended that approach.

This is the analysis data on the Herald of Judgment.

I take the documents Renoa holds out and read through them slowly.

There's something that stands out.

I trace my fingers over the pocket watch hanging around my neck.

A likely explanation for why Zero hadn't helped earlier was written here.

If there's a solution, there's no reason not to act on it immediately.

The problem is...

...Is she going to be alright?

The most essential person for taking down the Herald of Judgment is Rossweisse.

But in the days since Sig disappeared, she had been acting like a different person.

I heard she's been staying in her room like a corpse, doing nothing at all.

But even so...

You seem certain of that.

Is there a reason?

Of course there is.

The documents in my hand are proof enough of that.

I rise from my seat, taking the documents Renoa delivered and the notebook with me.

The emotionless eyes of Rossweisse, who has been sitting quietly in her room, turn toward me.

...

I have nothing to say.

...?

As she fixes a look of disbelief on me, I bring over a chair and sit down in front of her.

So.

Who?

I hold out the investigation data on the Herald of Judgment.

A distinctive energy reading from Diallos's Avatar has been detected.

As if she had absorbed Sig, yet Sig's presence still lingered within.

...

Rossweisse's eyes slowly widened.

What slowly filled those eyes was, unmistakably, pain.

Why me?

Those words slipped out through clenched teeth.

As if she were struggling to deny something.

Rossweisse lifted her head.

That thing...is not someone precious to me.

Her voice came out clipped, each word like a spark.

As if that was the one thing she could never bring herself to accept.

I said she isn't...!

I told you before. Don't push my buttons.

A cold gaze turns toward me.

A violent killing intent bore down on every inch of my body. The blade that had cleaved through a warship was now leveled at my throat.

And yet... I met the eyes of death without flinching.

Acting like you're the strongest, the cruelest, the most violent. Acting like you can only survive if everyone around you hates you.

Acting like the only thing in this universe that matters is yourself.

Even if you deceive yourself that way...none of it is what you truly feel.

I think I can faintly understand why Zero didn't turn back time.

It must have been to let Rossweisse realize something through all of this.

What would you know...?

...!

Rossweisse fell silent.

Deliberately treating others with hostility. Turning away every act of kindness that comes your way.

The moment you feel even the slightest stir of emotion, you push the other person even further away.

Because you've already lost everything. Because you don't want to be wounded again.

Because even the smallest bit of warmth makes you realize just how empty the hole in your chest truly is.

Afraid of being left alone again, like before. And afraid that Kyrken might bring you back once more.

...Afraid of becoming a second Sig.

I set Sig's notebook down on the table.

Rossweisse knows, too, that Sig is different from her dead sister.

And so, she must have understood in her mind that the feelings Sig poured on her were not an imitation of someone else, they were sincere.

Even if she was a life form created by a god she despised with every fiber of her being.

She was the one who stood by her side until the very end.

That is a fact that will not change, no matter how much she denies it.

...

After a moment to catch her breath, Rossweisse quietly ran a hand over her face.

The bloodlust that had been about to erupt scattered like smoke.

I really was going to kill you just now. And you still want to help me?

...You're a real piece of work, you know that.

...

Let me ask you one thing.

Why... why go this far for me?

Sig asked me something once.

She asked me to be friends with her sister.

That's part of it, but...

You remember how I've treated you up until now, right?

...Get close? To me?

At that answer, Rossweisse, who had been fumbling for words for a long while, finally forced her mouth open.

I'll outlive you. I'll live a life that follows a completely different arc from yours.

I know.

My personality is terrible.

I know.

I'm not good with people either.

I know that too.

If you get close to me, you might be manipulated at will even after you're dead.

Just like Sig.

But, even so—

...Why...

...Why do you go that far... for me...?

As a companion, as a friend.

...

When I said that to the silent Rossweisse, she let out a breath as if deflated.

...Do whatever you want.

I rose from my seat after hearing her answer.

It was time to prepare for the sortie.

...

The last thing I saw before leaving the room was

Rossweisse, opening Sig's notebook that lay on the table.

Onto the snow-covered clearing, the Herald of Judgment, split in two, fell.

Rossweisse pulled Sig's body from within and held her in her arms, then slowly closed her eyes.

...

Captain.

It's probably too late to apologize to Sig now.

If only I had listened just a little sooner.

Would things have been even a little different?

...

Wait, wait a moment!

Don't go getting so serious all of a sudden!

Dahlia cried out, pressing her hand against Sig's body, split in two.

She's still alive! She's still breathing!

...What?

Captain! Emergency recall, now!

We can save Sig!

...

...Where... is this...?

Oh, you've finally come to...

Maria, maybe now we can get a little rest too...

...

Did I perhaps cause you worry...?

Hmm, no. It's not your fault...

It's just that someone who cares about you has been in quite a dark mood...

Pardon...?

Who...?

The door opened and someone walked into the infirmary.

It was Rossweisse, looking at Sig with her usual dark eyes.

Rossweisse...?

I'm sorry for causing you worry...

Without a word, Rossweisse approached and pulled Sig into a tight embrace.

Sig...

Ro-Rossweisse...?

Ca, Captain...? What's going on here...

The sound of Rossweisse's breathing, trembling with tension and anxiety, lingered in Sig's ears.

Sig slowly raised her hand and stroked Rossweisse's back.

It's alright, Rossweisse.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'm always on your side, Rossweisse.

The moment she says it out of habit, Sig's body goes rigid.

But Rossweisse only paused her breath for a moment and showed no other reaction.

No, she opened her mouth with great effort, as though something far more important needed to be said.

Sig... you know, erm...

...I'm sor... ry.

...

Sig's mouth fell open.

...I'm sorry. For everything up until now.

I'm sorry.

Is, is this... a hallucination?

Or did you eat something strange, Rossweisse? Just what on earth did you eat...?

...

Rossweisse, snap out of it. It's me, Sig, your adorable little sister.

Rossweisse smacked Sig hard on the back.

As Sig hunched her shoulders, Rossweisse glared at her, her face flushing.

I said I'm sorry.

Don't push it.

...Hehe.

Sig rubbed her back and smiled.

Looks like you've been doing quite a lot of thinking, Rossweisse.

...

You're not my little sister.

Yes, that's right.

And that's not going to change.

...Yes. That's right.

So let's be friends.

Yes, of course that's what I... huh?

...Let's start as friends.

Rossweisse turns to look my way.

As if to check whether this is the right thing to do.

When I give a nod, she smiles with satisfaction and turns back to Sig, who is staring up at her in a daze.

Whether you're Kyrken's puppet or the embodiment of my trauma...

Like it or not, I can at least be sure you're someone who'll be by my side.

Thank you for treating me well.

...I'll be counting on you going forward, too.

Sig's lips moved wordlessly.

Tears gathered in her eyes and rolled down, drop by drop.

...Ah, I'm sorry.

...

...Huh, waaah─

Waaaaaaaaaah──

...

Rossweisse─ please hold me─.

No.

Please hold me──

...I said no.

I'll keep crying until you hold me──.

...

Rossweisse ground her teeth and pulled Sig into her arms.

...Shut up.

Rossweisse shot back with that,

but she never rejected the word "friends" to the very end.

Actually, I knew.

From the moment I first opened my eyes,

that blessing had always been by my side.

Even with an awkward expression,

a Rossweisse who smiles at me.

A Rossweisse like a fierce and dazzling light.

Stronger than anyone, and so kind,

so gentle and wonderful,

the one I would devote my whole life to serving,

the one and only in this world,

my proud, beloved Rossweisse.