The Pistol That Failed to Protect

The universe is vast and beautiful enough to embrace all things within its arms.

If nothing existed, it would be pitch black, but countless stars and interstellar matter are scattered like paint, drifting upon the wave that is the universe.

Waves rise in the Milky Way, formed by lights packed as tightly as seats at a popular idol's concert,

and supernovae burn their life so intensely they could blind you if you're not careful.

The black holes, gaping open like tunnels to unknown destinations, make the vast universe feel even more sparse.

Once you sense the immensity of infinite time and space, you fall into a profound helplessness as an individual standing beneath it.

Captain? Is something showing up on the monitor?

Thoughts?

Only the pocket watch hanging from my neck reminds me of the current time and place. I don't know how many more times I can turn it back, or how far into the past I can go.

"And so I pray..." ...A woman's voice lingers in my mind.

When I'm lost, I find myself believing that following that voice will lead me out. At the same time, I can't shake the suspicion that the voice itself may be what caused me to get lost.

...

I'm not sure why, but it looks like you're having unpleasant thoughts.

It's written all over your face.

When you go quiet with that expression... I can't help but worry that you might disappear at any moment.

But...

...Having received missions from the Arkhianon like this, I can't afford to let my guard down.

You absolutely can't act recklessly like you usually do. This time above all else, your safety comes first.

Renoa's brow furrows into a sharp inverted triangle. She looks unusually worried today.

...Other Protos too?

Right now, we're on our way to investigate an incident that happened to those very Protos.

Even being as cautious as the other Protos wouldn't be enough, and you still insist on charging in headfirst.

If you end up going missing, then I...

...It's obvious the entire SS Nightmare would be put in danger.

It is certainly surprising. Even the Executive Department has never seen a case like this.

...Tiphera?

The request details haven't been shared with the other agents yet.

I ran into you on my way back from a business trip, and you had that exact same look on your face, so I asked.

Hearing about it, I could understand why you'd be worried. So I offered a bit of special support to lift your spirits.

...

Ahh! Having to dig up information about the Empire while avoiding the eyes of the Empire's own people... It's endlessly frustrating, I tell you.

When the SS Nightmare is docking at Trion, I can't even return and end up drifting through space... I missed you, Captain...

How could I refuse when it's you asking?

Having Nine and the others accompany me means I'm not lonely. And my room to maneuver has grown as well.

However, for Chaos, I wouldn't want to be with any Protos other than you.

And the first news I hear when I return is about a violent crime targeting only Protos... Honestly, I'm worried. If I were still a marshal, I would never have left your side.

I worry about you just as much as you worry about me.

If you ever need my support again, just call for me! I'm always happy to help!

Tiphera gracefully slips out of the operations command room. Renoa watches her retreating figure with a dumbfounded expression.

...

A shadow immediately falls across Renoa's face.

Before Renoa can start nagging, the operational directive received from the Arkhianon is pulled up. A case summary and attached footage materialize in hologram form.

Captain...

Let me say it once more, Protos are...

Protos are the most critical strategic asset the Empire possesses.

The Imperial Military Academy that trains Protos boasts a scale and facilities unmatched by anyone else, investing an astronomical amount of capital and resources into cultivating a single Protos.

They are indispensable to the Xera Empire's efforts to purify Chaos, and proud heroes who lead the charge in the protection of peace across the universe.

But...

Recently, a series of disappearances targeting only the Empire's Protos has been occurring.

...!

As you may know, a crime specifically targeting the Empire's Protos is unprecedented.

Under normal circumstances, I'd want to bring in those who've grown lax in discipline and give them a stern lecture... But since we can't reach them, that's not an option.

Other divisions such as the Investigations Bureau and the Executive Department have confirmed the severity of the matter and are moving swiftly.

The SS Nightmare is likewise to devote all efforts to confirming the whereabouts of the missing Protos and securing custody of the suspect.

Understood.

Protos going missing... How on earth could this...

I meet Renoa's worried gaze.

That worry must surely be mixed with some bewilderment as to why anyone would commit such a horrific crime, but what weighed more heavily was the disbelief at how someone had managed to abduct the Protos, the Xera Empire's most vital strategic asset.

Anyone who knows what the Empire is, its media control's ability to completely suppress news of a Galactic Disaster-level incident, and the decisive capabilities of the Enforcement Bureau, which blazes the path forward for the Empire, would never dare such a reckless act.

Given that this involves crimes against Protos, I have no intention of putting the captain at the forefront.

The Investigations Bureau will handle matters within the Empire, and the Executive Department will act first against external factions, so feel no pressure.

If what you say is true, then what we need to do is...

That's right, it's a task only the Arkhianon's Protos can handle.

These disappearance cases follow a pattern.

Each of the Protos went missing after being deployed on Chaos Missions, and around the same time, the Chaos Cores were annihilated.

Based on the analysis of the disappearance cases' pattern, it has been confirmed that the Protos scheduled to be dispatched to the Ironrain on a Chaos Mission has a probability of nearly 87% of being the next target.

The SS Nightmare will protect Ash, the Empire's Protos dispatched to the Ironrain, and in the event of an emergency, accompany her on Chaos Missions or immediately apprehend the suspect.

Can you handle it?

Excellent spirit. Very well.

Phew... Then move out immediately.

I was glad I didn't hear anything strange, like talk of firing cannon shots, but...

And the pattern of the disappearances is suspicious too.

If the annihilation of the Chaos Cores and the disappearance of the Protos are connected, there's only one possibility that comes to mind.

A byproduct generated when a Protos sacrifices themselves to annihilate a Chaos Core.

At the location where Asuna's signal was last detected, a gem of an unprecedented nature was found.

The reason was unknown, but it seemed as if Asuna sacrificed herself to seal the core of Chaos.

Chief Yuki immediately recognized it. She was certain it was Asuna.

A Protos turned into a gem...?

Scholars named it "Primonium" and began to research.

A substance unknown to all but a select few within Terrascion's SID and certain imperial insiders.

If the crime was caused by something whose very nature hasn't been fully analyzed... the severity of the matter would be far greater.

A massive signal is detected on a radar that had shown nothing until now.

Renoa manipulates the panel to adjust the monitor. She spots a small dot reflected at the center of the screen and lifts her furrowed brow.

Captain, we'll be arriving shortly.

Yeah...

...Phew. Getting nervous won't help anything.

Let's go. To the SS Ironrain.

Got it, I'll be right there. Just need to finish inspecting the guns.

Ugh... aren't you being extra annoying today?

I'm just the guide anyway, so I have to join up later, and I heard some imperial folks are coming along as escorts too.

You said you were curious about the Protos too. Just wait a little and I'll get you a meeting in no time.

Yeah, yeah. Once this job is done, I'll definitely treat you to something good.

See you later! Signing off!

Phew... Ash always manages to keep me on the line for hours once she calls.

...Anika.

Do you know how many flags you just raised? Ash is in serious danger right now because of you.

Flags?

Anika, just wait a little— we'll make it back alive—

Yeah, once this war is finally over... By then, I'll definitely...

Go home and sleep all day! A full 20 hours!

Gotta twist it like that to dodge the flags, ahem.

...I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds like one of those jokes your platoon members tease you about for not being funny.

Thank you for the enthusiastic response—

Ugh... fine, just take a look at my weapon.

I have to escort the agents sent from the Arkhianon, it'd be a disaster if it broke down on me.

...

That's right, Anika of the Buffalo Bomb Squad, representing the Ironrain to welcome our imperial guests, cannot afford to look sloppy.

Hm? I wouldn't say I'm representing all of the Ironrain...

What is the key to not falling behind the imperial folks?

An extensive knowledge of the firearms that circulate exclusively on the Ironrain!

Firearms expert Hilde's one-day class is now available, absolutely free! Come on, come on! Sit down and listen! Just 10 hours and you too can be an authority on weaponry!

You just want someone to chat with! Go away!

Don't be like that! Anikaaaa!

Welcome! First time on an Invader honey-harvesting mission, huh?

Is this all the gear you're taking?

Why? You surprised?

Feel free to be amazed. It's the pinnacle of Ironrain military technology.

Anis stared at the equipment in a daze. The plasma claymore, quantum-response alarm, and honey-concentration meter were all patented Ironrain products.

In an age of cutting-edge technology, why does a Protos still carry a simple gun?

Because, a Protos already has a far more powerful weapon built in.

Weapons that breathe fire are strictly for Agents.

If a Protos ever has to pick up a weapon like that, it means the battle is already lost.

Still... it'd be nice to at least have a backup weapon, just in case.

Don't get me wrong. Combat is an Agent's job, not a Protos's mission.

She went through the gear check while introducing each weapon and piece of equipment to Anis.

So, what do you think?

Think about what?

Your first posting! What do you think?

Ironrain? It's surprising. It's even more military than I expected.

It feels like the academy mindset is just baked in here by default.

Not everyone is like us, you know.

Still, most people here seem pretty tightly disciplined...

That's a compliment, right?

A compliment? ...I guess so?

Around here, being a true soldier is the highest honor.

Even so, not everyone is like me or Vanessa.

Plenty of people want nothing to do with the military. They watch movies, go on dates, or have picnics.

The idol fandoms here are absolutely massive, too.

Idols?

You know Eunie, right? She's a huge fan of Tenebria.

She even made a whole trip to the SS Edenity just to catch a live concert...

People actually make trips for things like that?

Do you like any idols, Anis?

Nope.

Wow, that was decisive. I figured you'd at least have one.

If I had to pick one... I occasionally go to Tenebria's concerts, but not often enough to call myself a fan.

I don't dislike music or concerts. But... I've never really been drawn to them, and they didn't seem useful, so I stopped paying attention.

Looking for practical value in music? You really are one of a kind, Anis!

Do you like idol music, Hilde?

Me? Hmm... I'm not sure...

Honestly, I'm in a similar boat. If there were 48 hours in a day, I'd listen... But as you can see, there's a lot to get done.

That said, being too full of indifference means falling behind... So, I'm planning to go to a concert with Vanessa and Eunie soon.

Vanessa absolutely loves idols. She says idols are the greatest remedy humanity has ever created, or something like that.

She was so adamant that I figured I'd give in just this once.

Anis looked at her steadily.

You all get along really well.

Vanessa is a great friend.

I don't think there's anyone else that's as proud as she is to be a soldier.

I see. I've never met someone like that.

Really? I always thought Protos were the epitome of responsibility.

We have rules set out for us and all we do is follow them.

We don't really choose things for ourselves or cherish them.

There are plenty of Protos who just obey without a second thought.

But being a Protos is an extreme job. Your death could come at any moment.

If you start thinking about all that, your head might just explode...

Time always flies when we're chatting.

Alright, inspection done! Why don't we treat ourselves to a sweet little break before the Sortie?

It's good to eat a solid meal before a Sortie. Honey-harvesting missions have especially short rest windows.

She handed out instant coffee, ration hardtack, snacks, a chocolate bar, and some candy. Anis accepted them without complaint.

Thanks!

Normally, a special meal would be served around this time.

But, we've been so busy that we haven't been able to give you a proper welcome.

Either way, congratulations on joining Fireteam Fox, Anis. Once the mission is finished, I'll fix that.

Is it really okay for me to tag along?

What are you talking about? You're a core asset to Fireteam Fox!

All right.

These crackers are good.

Those aren't crackers, they're hardtack. Haven't you had them before?

The Empire's combat rations come in a much more streamlined form.

Haha, fair enough. Ironrain is a bit old-fashioned compared to the Empire.

Anis polished off not only the hardtack, but also the star-shaped candy, instant coffee, and chocolate bar without hesitation.

How did you end up all the way out here with the rough-and-tumble Ironrain, Anis?

We have higher casualty rates and Protos performance scores are noticeably lower on missions.

Protos like you usually have no reason to come here...

Did you...fail out at the academy and come here to make up for it...?

No, nothing like that.

I volunteered.

Anis, you don't have to make excuses. It's an open secret that Ironrain is a post for washed-up veterans and a dumping ground for Protos Academy washouts.

Not that I'd give you a hard time for your grades. You're the most...of any Protos I've ever seen...

I graduated top of my class.

...Impressive—huh? What did you say?

I graduated top of my class. I was originally on standby for assignment to Trion, but I requested a transfer to Ironrain.

You're kidding, right? There's no reason to pass up a cushy post like Trion to come here.

Protos are responsible for protecting the galaxy from Chaos.

It's only logical that the more capable a Protos is, the more dangerous the area they're sent to. That's what we were taught at the academy.

Wow, straight out of the academy textbook. And, you actually followed through on it, too?

If I were you, I'd have gone straight to Trion and stayed flat on my back until retirement.

The survival rate of an entire unit depends on what the Protos does.

So, it's only right that the most capable Protos goes to the most difficult and dangerous place.

With great power, comes great responsibility.

Hold on! You can't just drop a legendary line like that so casually.

Say things like that and great power might just be followed by even greater problems...

Though I don't think that'll happen with you, Anis.

The strongest trees are the ones most likely to snap. Maybe this was when she began to worry about Anis and her overwhelming sense of duty.

Hey! You two!

I heard you were doing an equipment check, so I went to commend you both on your hard work, but you weren't there.

I got worried you'd been dragged off to dig ditches somewhere...but here you are, just kicking back, doing nothing.

Doing nothing? What are you talking about? I was creating a bond of camaraderie thicker than honey.

There's some hardtack left, want some?

I'm sick of hardtack and candy. Once this mission's done, I'm heading to a fancy seafood restaurant and ordering fish.

Anis, this is your first time harvesting Invader honey, right?

I've done Simulation training at the academy before.

Real combat is totally different from those tame classroom lessons.

The manual is just a reference. Real combat means reinterpreting that reference every single time! Never forget that danger can come from anywhere, at any time.

Vanessa, Anis is leading from here on out.

Ahem, then let's call this a mission briefing from someone with field experience.

Somehow, I feel like you'll all manage just fine without me.

What are you talking about?! A Sortie into Chaos without a Protos is absolutely out of the question!

Fireteam Fox isn't foolish enough to do something that reckless!

That's just my way of saying I trust you all.

Ooh... Trusting us already? Is this the power of a Protos?

Well, gear inspection is done. It won't exactly be a tough mission either, so let's get moving.

Alright, alright, we need a toast before the Sortie. Everyone, raise your cups.

Vanessa held up her coffee cup, as Hilde raised hers as well. Anis watched and reflexively picked up her coffee cup, as well.

I'll do the toast.

To a safe and flawless Invader honey harvest!

And...

To Anis's sense of duty. May she forever be a model for all Protos to follow!

Hilde, I get that the SS Nightmare Agents are outsiders, but aren't you being a little too accommodating?

We're the only ones setting up camp. If you keep being nice, they'll start thinking we'll always do it.

It's fine, I was the one who suggested it.

It's our first joint mission, after all. I figured we could show them a little hospitality...

In exchange, I'm going to ask the SS Nightmare Agents to do the scouting tomorrow. What do you think?

Yeah, that sounds like an even trade of duties.

Building a base camp is Ironrain's pride and joy! There's no way we're handing this sacred duty over to people from the Empire!

Hilde, you can just say you wanted to set up camp yourself.

Everyone knows you're a camping fanatic.

Don't get the wrong idea. It's simply out of necessity.

Any real Ironrain Agent should be more well-versed in situations like this than anyone. Better to let the more experienced handle it.

Then, you can just do it all by yourself, Hilde. Set up the traps... Pitch the tents...

No way, the leader of Buffalo Bomb Squad is going to help me, right?

I'll decide after I see what the leader of Fireteam Fox does.

Anika, this is a perfect chance to show those folks from the Empire what Ironrain is made of!

Ugh... We have to do it anyway, so let's just get it over with.

Eunie and I will check out the surrounding area and then set up an alarm system.

Anika and Janet, you two set up a defensive perimeter.

Fine, alright. Not like anyone can stop you.

Great. Then...everyone split up!

Traps placed.

Automated turret installed.

Surrounding area checked, no threats detected.

I've set up quantum vibration sensors all around, so we'll get a signal if any monsters show up.

Alright, then let's get started...

Getting this base camp set up.

Eunie, dig a drainage ditch over here.

Yes ma'am! Leave it to me!

Janet, check for any weeds or mushroom spores just in case.

All right.

Anika and I will level ground for the tent.

It's been a really long time since the four of us set up camp together, hasn't it?

We didn't have any joint missions last year, so yeah, it's been a while.

It's also been a while since we started from scratch digging.

Doing this makes me think back to our first joint field training.

Oh...really? That was so much fun.

Wasn't that the day Anika made mistake after mistake?

That was the day Anika went and activated Janet's turret at camp without permission. I was absolutely flabbergasted.

That's right! It made that monumental BOOM!

Good thing it was just training. If it had been real combat, our position would've been blown, we'd have lost equipment, and the damage would've been enormous.

You also forgot the cooking gear that day, so we almost starved.

I remember! Hilde started a fire with flint and cooked for us.

We had explosives and firearms to spare, but no camp stove to cook with. I thought we were filming a sitcom!

Wasn't Anika in charge of cooking that day, too?

Hey... Stop bringing that up. It's embarrassing!

I don't mind my mistakes entertaining you, but if you keep bringing them up, they'll stop being funny.

But Anika, you were laughing so hard you were practically in stitches with us.

Eunie, is that really all you remember?

I remember other things, too! Like...

Alright, the ground prep is mostly done, so let's pitch the tents.

Now, time for a pop quiz!

Given our current team size, what is the correct way to set up camp?

Whoever gets it right will win a prize. A heartfelt compliment from your commander!

We should pitch several A-frame tents in pairs of two.

Wrong! That would scatter our fighting strength in an emergency, wouldn't it?

So...what's your answer, Anika?

If I gave you my answer, it'd be so perfect it wouldn't be any fun, so I'll pass the honor to Janet.

Two large pentagon tents and one T-shaped tent for storage should be enough.

One pentagon tent for the SS Nightmare Agents, the other for us. Then we store the key equipment in the T-shaped tent, connected to ours so we can keep an eye on it.

Ding ding ding! That's correct! Exactly what I expected of the Ironrain's finest turret specialist, Janet!

Next...

There's more?

If we're pitching tents anyway, doing it the regular way would be boring...

Now, this kind of event doesn't come around every day! An Ironrain traditional folk game!

The tent-pitching speed contest!

...Are you out of your mind? That's not fair! Nobody here can beat you.

Hehe, you want fair? Then I'll pitch the tent with just one hand this time.

I'll still win, of course.

Hilde, you're way too confident...

...I think it's time to take you down a peg.

Pitching a tent is way easier than setting up a turret.

I'm in. What about you, Eunie?

Sounds like fun!

Alright, then Anika and Janet are Team A! Eunie and I are Team B!

Losing team pulls early morning watch...

I'll flip this coin, and when it hits the ground, we start!

One... Two...

Three!

Yahoo!

Eunie, you remember what I taught you, right?

Yes! I would rather die than pull early morning watch!

This is finally our chance to beat Hilde!

They're fired up.

Alright, let's give it our best.

There's something mysterious about this place.

It's filled with Invaders I've never seen before.

The whole area feels like a treasure trove...

Hey! Everyone, stay sharp! No matter how beautiful it looks, we're still inside Chaos. There's danger around every corner!

I can't believe Rei is saying that!

Sounds like Renoa.

Ahem! I can be serious when I need to be.

One wrong move here and your life is on the line.

Rei...you must have had a real shock after getting charmed by that strange bug earlier.

Ch-Charmed...! I was just momentarily distracted, that's all!

That Rabagagh...was genuinely terrifying back there.

I never thought there'd be a monster that could charm people...

If it weren't for Hilde, things could have gone very badly.

What was that strange hallucination, anyway?

Hilde told me that, apparently, the Rabagagh emits a special substance that materializes a person's inner desires into sensory experiences.

Oh... So, that's why those strange visions appeared in front of us.

...I was surprised, too.

I was so happy that all my bad luck vanished, just to find out it was all just a hallucination...

Hmm, I'm a little disappointed, as well. It would've been nice to experience it just a little longer.

It sounds like everyone had a unique experience.

My mind started to blur, and then suddenly I smelled fresh, clean rainwater. It was so vivid I thought it was real.

For me it was coffee. The aroma of arabica beans roasted to perfection hit me before anything else.

So, everyone noticed a scent first.

Same for me! It was a faint, earthy smell of grass mixed with a hint of soil.

Wow! So, everyone smelled something first?

For me, the first thing was the overwhelming smell of fresh-baked bread from a bakery.

Hmm... I looked it up, and apparently the first sense triggered by Rabagagh's hallucination differs from person to person.

It's supposed to vary based on the person's emotional state and level of cognitive ability...

Does that mean...we're all at a similar level?!

Hold on... It says it here in the next section...

Oh, here it is! Let me read it out loud.

"In the case of humans, regardless of intellectual level or ethnicity, there is a tendency for the first sensory organ to respond to be determined by age group..."

"For adolescents and young adults, the sense of smell is the first to respond..."

Oh! Of course! It's because we're all around the same age.

It also says, "For those who are seasoned members of society with accumulated experience, it is primarily the sense of hearing that responds first."

I wonder what Captain and Renoa sensed first?

Is the next sense you experience also similar for everyone? What does it say...?

After that, most people begin to see visual hallucinations, and all the senses become charmed by the projection of their desires.

So, from that point on, you're completely captivated?

What did you experience, Rei?

I saw Coco!

Coco?

I mentioned it before... That character that's super popular right now!

They even made all kinds of collab keychains and plushies. Once you see it, Tressa, you'll be like, "Oh! I know this character!"

Oh...you mean that character with the strange shape.

It's so adorable...

Anyway, there was this enormous Coco plushie just sitting there in a café filled with the smell of fresh-baked bread!

It waddled over to me and gave me a hug. It was just so cute...

The soft, fluffy texture was absolutely amazing...!

Oh wait! It was a literal fantasy...

So, when I snapped back to reality, I felt a little sad.

Coco, the keychain, the plushie, they all disappeared...

Still, if you had stayed in the hallucination any longer, you wouldn't have survived.

Hehe! That's true.

What did the rest of you see?

I saw coffee that I had brewed myself.

A flawless cup of coffee, completely free of bad luck—from roasting to grinding to brewing, all done perfectly in one go.

Huh? But Tressa, you don't brew coffee.

Well...I've always had such bad luck. I've burnt the roast so many times, and I've ruined so many batches because the coffee grounds got stuck during extraction.

I gave up on it entirely... But...

There it was...a perfectly brewed cup of coffee that had dodged all of my bad luck.

The flavor, the aroma, the temperature...everything was exactly right.

I was so amazed that I tried again, and it came out just as perfect, which was also a surprise.

So, I placed some buttered bread and the coffee on a tray and carried it to the table...

And then I accidentally dropped the bread.

Oh no!

But, as luck would have it, the bread landed right in the sugar bowl, and the outside got coated in sugar. Hehe...

On top of all of that, it landed buttered-side up...

That's when I started to feel anxious and thought to myself: "Wait, what? Is this a dream? There's no way I could be this lucky."

And sure enough...it was just a dream.

But I did get a clear taste of what it feels like to have really good luck...so it wasn't all bad.

Everyone saw such interesting things. Mine was pretty plain by comparison.

What did you see, Mika?

I just saw myself reading books in a library.

Aw...that's so boring.

There was an outdoor library open in a park, and they had a first edition "Foundation for Saving the Galaxy" that went out of print long ago, so I checked it out.

I've always wanted to find an old paper copy of that book and read it one page at a time.

I was sitting in the park reading it when suddenly it started pouring rain.

The sky was clear, but rain came pouring down, and the book got soaked in rainwater but didn't get wet at all.

The feeling of reading a book in the rain, listening to the sound of it falling, was truly magical.

I don't really get it, but...it sounds like a very Mika kind of desire.

It's also fascinating how the things projected differ from person to person. How about you, Owen?

Mine was nothing special, just like Mika.

I just saw someone cheerfully whistling while trimming trees and flowers in a garden.

Who was that? Oh! Don't tell me...was it your first love, Owen?

It was my late father.

Oh...

He saw me and told me all kinds of things.

He seemed worried, but I told him there was nothing to worry about, thanks to my companions.

Well, it was the kind of conversation we always had, so it wasn't anything particularly special.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I was just...

Oh, no. I'm fine, really.

It was a hallucination, but I could still hear my father's voice.

I even got some good advice.

What kind of advice?

"Always trust and rely on your companions."

That's wonderful advice.

There wasn't a single bad experience! I wonder if there's a way to have only good experiences like this...

Like extracting just the hallucinogenic effect of Rabagagh and experiencing it on its own...

Oh, look here. There's more information written about the hallucinogenic effect.

"Frequent exposure to Rabagagh's hallucinations causes one to lose their sense of reality, experience mania, and become obsessively addicted to Rabagagh's hallucinogenic substances."

"As a result, all biochemical and medical testing, distribution, and sales are now prohibited."

I'm never doing that again!

Y-yeah... Neither will I...

I think enjoying this kind of thing in a dream is really the best. Safe, natural, and familiar.

Then next vacation, I'm just going to sleep the whole time. Hahaha.

The interior of the SS Ironrain's Arks maintained a somewhat dated appearance and city structure compared to the Empire or Terrascion.

The most striking feature was, without a doubt, its "military feel." Every agent who visited the Ark City agreed it felt like an old army base.

Armed soldiers roamed the streets, and a sharp, acrid smell hung in the air as if everyone there had a taste for gunpowder.

The first person to come out and greet us was also a woman equipped with a firearm in the form of a greatsword.

Nice to meet you! Some of you might already know me, but I'm Anika, leader of the Buffalo Bomb Squad.

First time on the SS Ironrain? Anywhere you'd like to see? If you want, I can give you a tour of the munitions factory.

Anika gestures around with a tilt of her head, both hands stuffed in her jacket's pockets.

Her easy grin radiates composure. Like a guide leading tourists from out of town, she exudes not just comfort but a certain pride.

Are you sure that's alright? It's your side that's in a hurry, not ours.

The ship Ash is on has already departed. They said Chaos will enter along with us, so it should be safe for a while.

The problem is what comes after Ash infiltrates Chaos with us.

Regular agents often have a hard time responding to emergencies inside Chaos, so if anything happens, the Protos from the SS Nightmare will help out.

That's what I heard, is that right?

I heard the Ironrain is far shorter on Protos than other Arks... You seem awfully relaxed, given the situation.

Well, then...

Would it be alright if we looked around the SS Ironrain?

What's this place known for? Any restaurant recommendations?!

Rei, don't you think that makes us look like we're just here on vacation...?

Ahaha! I'm not sure there's much to recommend. Compared to other Arks, the buildings are old-fashioned, the culture is old-fashioned, and the food tastes like rusty iron.

Still, once you get used to life here, there's no place quite like the SS Ironrain.

If you're all okay with it, I'll show you around a bit before we head out in earnest.

Yay! Sounds great! I was curious whether there'd be any weapons here that suit me!

Mika! Let's head to that restaurant over there!

Hm...? That restaurant over there, don't tell me...

Are you talking about that building that says Dandelion Hall...?

N-no! Not that one, the one next to it...

Oh! You've got good taste?

That place actually gives you a fried egg on the house. Every other restaurant that used to just give you a boiled egg or a yogurt ended up closing down because of that place.

A fried egg?! How can that even be enough to compete...?

Sigh...

Don't take it at face value. From what Beryl told me, that place has been around for over 30 years.

She's pulling your leg because it's your first time on the SS Ironrain.

Whaaaat? You were tricking us?!

Ahaha, I got busted!

After a good laugh from the exchange of jokes, a brief silence falls. The odd stillness born from the quiet opens up the field of view.

Not just the people right around us, even those a few steps away, resting or chatting, all had their attention fixed on us.

The wary, guarded looks of people who clearly distinguish each other by origin put the outsiders from the Empire on edge.

As you know, the SS Ironrain was founded by people who broke away from Terrascion because they didn't want to be tied down by the Empire.

Most of them aren't too thrilled to hear you're from the Empire... But don't worry, they may look rough, but they're not bad people.

If you don't have anything else to do, how about we head to the Command Center instead? We've got a crew member who makes an incredible cup of coffee. I'll treat you all to one while we go over the briefing.

Better than taking an unnecessary break.

Awww... I really wanted to look around the SS Ironrain...

Fiiine...

Alright! Let's head out for that coffee!

Coffee? Forget it. Just grab something from the vending machine.

That's so mean, Janet!

Sigh...

I've got my own attitude, sure, but serving instant coffee to the Empire's Protos? That takes some nerve.

I treat people according to who they are.

I figured they weren't the type to get offended by a little honesty and immediately undock and head back to Trion.

Hmm...

What do you take the Arkhianon for...?

Hmm...

But they don't seem like pushovers...

...Fine, fine. This is a mission you volunteered for, Anika. I don't need to stick my nose in it.

Just make sure you finish inspecting the weapons. I'm out.

Janet strolls out of the Command Center with her usual casual gait. Anika slumps her shoulders as she stares at the empty table.

Ugh... Not offering you anything at all feels awkward too...

I didn't come here expecting VIP treatment like the other Protos.

We prefer getting a straight-to-the-point briefing over putting on airs and acting all proper.

Renoa takes a seat in front of the monitor with a relaxed expression. The other agents, unbothered, are busy taking in the sights of the Command Center.

Wow... There's so much equipment here that we don't have on the SS Nightmare.

This one looks exactly like a self-destruct button, doesn't it?

Okay!

The seat next to Renoa is empty, so I take it and settle in comfortably, gazing at the monitor. Anika glances back and forth between Renoa and the other agents, then, as if deciding it doesn't matter, begins the briefing.

You were probably briefed before coming, but your mission this time is to escort the Imperial Protos dispatched to the Ironrain.

I heard it's because of the Protos serial disappearance case, but I don't really know the details! Anyway, you're scheduled to enter Chaos Missions pretty soon.

Make sure our Protos doesn't run into any trouble inside the Chaos. Got it?

The planets and Chaos name?

The Kaleidoscope Hatchery on Planet Pagna.

The place is crawling with Invaders, but if you're careful to avoid them, you can gather quite a few useful resources.

Invaders, huh... The Chaos itself looks to be sub-large scale at most. Shouldn't be too hard.

Why did the Protos depart ahead of everyone else?

Who knows? Apparently it was to sync up schedules with some academy alumni...

Protos, your vice-captain seems like quite the hothead. Is she always like this?

Anika tosses out the blunt question with her usual unhurried demeanor.

It wasn't as though I'd come expecting the grand reception Renoa had mentioned, but the atmosphere being laxer than necessary was actually creating its own kind of tension.

The reason I didn't answer right away was that, having been by Renoa's side all this time, I could see that, just as Anika had pointed out, she did seem more on edge than usual.

Tense...?

No, to protect the Protos, this level of vigilance is necessary. Isn't it strange to be the one who's relaxed?

Hehe, it sounds like the vice-captain absolutely adores her captain.

I know exactly how you feel. I'd be lost without Ash too.

That said, getting anxious this early won't change anything. We just have to do what we can, when we can.

If we succeed, great! And if we fail, well, what can you do?

...

To Renoa, who wouldn't hesitate to risk her own life to save others, Anika's seemingly complacent attitude must have been deeply off-putting.

Possibly sensing the subtle tension between Renoa and Anika, the other agents who had been looking around also held their breath.

...

...

...

U-Um... so do we head out now...?

This isn't the time to jump in, Owen...!

Ahaha! Hold on a sec. Let me check.

While I'm at it, I can show you cute little Ash's face too. She's probably the cutest among all the Protos staying on the Ironrain.

Hello! SS Blue Falcon! Come in! SS Blue Falcon!

Anika operates the panel beneath the monitor, then takes a few steps back and looks at the screen. A message attempting to contact the SS Blue Falcon appears on the monitor.

Alongside the message, a live video feed plays showing the ship observed from the SS Ironrain. The SS Blue Falcon drifts through space at an extremely slow pace, as if it had no destination.

Once the connection is established, footage of the ship's interior begins to play.

Ash! Look over here! We've got guests from the Empire...

The moment the window appears, a deafening explosion pierces our ears, and the entire feed is engulfed in flames.

Chunks of crew members, uniforms, and ship equipment scatter into thousands of fragments. The onboard feed cuts out immediately.

The feed from the SS Ironrain's small satellite camera captures the explosion clearly. The SS Blue Falcon blazes with an intense light, as if showing off the firepower that Ironrain takes pride in.

...

Ash...?

The sudden catastrophe registers only belatedly. As we begin to understand what happened, anxiety and fear, despair and confusion pour into my chest like fallout from the explosion.

N-no...

Come in! SS Blue Falcon! Come in!

Answer me! Ash!

The explosion of the SS Blue Falcon fills the window that takes up roughly half the monitor in red.

Anika collapses as though the strength has drained from her legs. The red light pouring from the monitor washes over roughly half of Anika's face and hair.

Ash! Ash!

A-Ah... Aaaaaaaah...!

Ash... Ash is...

Even if I go alone, I have to go save her, if I search through the wreckage from the explosion, the explosion, ugh, urgh...

Huh...?

A small dot shoots out from the center of the explosion, then crosses the vast expanse of space at a steady speed.

That aircraft is definitely...

An emergency escape capsule. The engine is running, which means someone is definitely operating it!

An emergency escape capsule...?

In the footage where the explosion has settled, there is only black space and a single small dot between it all. The small dot crosses Anika's eyes.

Mika, request launch clearance from the SS Nightmare. Rei, help Anika. Owen, keep your focus on guarding the captain.

Okay!

Anika, it's not over yet.

If you want to save the Protos no matter what...don't give up.

...

Is it really...possible to save Ash...

I reach out a hand to Anika. She takes it with trembling fingers and struggles to rise to her feet.

The monitor's unwavering eye continues to display the current coordinates of the SS Blue Falcon. The lost signal message seemed to repeat itself meaninglessly, but a moment later, a ship-wide broadcast from the SS Ironrain follows.

Explosion aboard the SS Blue Falcon carrying Protos 'Ash'! All related units, prepare for immediate deployment!

The SS Nightmare escort officer is to cooperate with the SS Nightmare and begin Protos rescue operations immediately!

Repeat! Explosion aboard the SS Blue Falcon carrying Protos 'Ash'! All related units...

...

Like you said, maybe it's too soon to give up...

...Please, SS Nightmare. Help me save Ash...together.

Time, space, freedom, constraint, the finite and the infinite.

What happens when it all gets mixed together?

Aren't you curious? Heh, heheh...

Hey there! I'm Hilde, commander of Fireteam Fox.

My main weapons are my gorgeous folding bow and my razor-sharp mind, my weight is a secret, and my nickname is the Battlefield Trickster. Nice to meet you!

How can you introduce yourself as a trickster? That's so embarrassing.

I'm Eunie, a member of Fireteam Fox. Pleased to meet you!

Renoa, the vice-captain of the SS Nightmare...Thanks for saving me.

I'd heard the Empire was sending someone. If Anika hadn't tipped me off, things could've gotten really bad.

Right, Anika?

...

My, she still hasn't come around.

Anika! Wake up! You are awake, right?

...

The cylinder malfunctioned. So... I couldn't stop Anis...

No... if only I had set out with Ash from the very beginning...

Someone had to serve as the SS Nightmare's guide. And the truth is, you were the most qualified person for it.

If you had boarded the SS Blue Falcon with Ash, you would have vanished into cosmic dust along with her.

Hilde...!

Don't be angry. I'm saying it's not your fault.

Nothing would have changed even if the cylinder had worked. You'd just be shouldering the blame yourself and drowning in regret.

You...

What would you know?!

Anika grabs Hilde by her collar and immediately raises her fist.

Hilde doesn't so much as twitch an eyebrow. Instead, she turns her cheek toward Anika as if offering it out of pity.

I know better than anyone.

If you're going to hit me, go ahead. How nice for you to have someone to take it out on.

Anika!

Anika!

...

...I'm sorry. That was out of line.

As Anika releases her grip on Hilde's collar, Hilde dusts off her lapels. Eunie huffs and steps between Hilde and Anika. Then Janet moves in as well, taking her place at Anika's side.

Even if it's you, Anika, I won't forgive you for picking on Hilde. Do you understand?

It's alright, Eunie. I would have reacted the same way.

Though of course, I've already been through it myself—

Hilde...

That's not something you joke about!

Aaah! help me, Eunie!

Now it's Eunie's turn to stand on her tiptoes and grab Hilde by the collar. Hilde's ponytail swishes back and forth just like a horse's tail.

Anywayyy! So about that!

What should we do now?

We did come charging in here on a whim...

Meaning we didn't exactly have a plan for what to do once we got inside—

That's not something to brag about!

Aaah! Okay okay, help me, Eunie!

...There's really only one thing to do.

For now, as far as we're concerned, the mission has already ended in failure. Ash, our contracted target, is dead.

But the serial disappearances of Protos members...

No, we've identified Anis as the culprit behind the serial murders of Protos members.

If the target is a fellow Protos like you, Captain, we'll need to request a joint investigation with both the Executive Department and the Investigations Bureau.

And of course, we'll need to keep pursuing Anis ourselves to make sure she doesn't flee the planet or commit any further crimes.

So in the end, we have to go after Anis.

Hmm— What to do—

I hate hard work— And we already saved Anika, so our job's done—

Hilde, if you say it like that, people will actually think you don't want to.

When you've been digging into Anis's past more relentlessly than anyone.

Huh? W-well, that's...

Just say you want to go catch Anis right now.

Say you want to sit back and enjoy the ride with the incredible agents of the SS Nightmare doing all the heavy lifting!

Wh-who said anything about sitting back! I'm going to pull my weight too?!

...Charging in blindly is dangerous. If we want to improve our odds of survival, reconnaissance comes first.

Reconnaissance, meaning...

Crime scenes always leave evidence behind.

Let's start by investigating this capsule. In the meantime, I'll ask someone to dig up any recent information related to Anis or the SS Blue Falcon.

I'm on good terms with pretty much everyone who deals in intel over at the Ironrain.

If you play your cards right, you can land jobs that are way easier and safer than what most people get—

Hilde steps up to the capsule first and begins examining the scorch marks from the explosion, the blood spread across the floor like a carpet, and the internal structure.

Anika, you probably still can't bring yourself to get close, so stay back and rest. Eunie, can you help?

Why are you making me do that?!

Haah... Anika, come over here. I'll get you some water.

...Thank you.

Let's get moving too. Report anything out of the ordinary.

Understood!

Wait.

You're the captain of the SS Nightmare, right? I'll just call you Captain, if that's alright.

I've been wanting to ask a Protos from the Empire something. Think of it as a bit of preliminary research. Would you humor me for just a moment?

Heh heh, it's a very important question.

Captain...

What do you think of the IRHP-77 pistol?

The very first pistol the Ironrain manufactured itself after splitting off from Terrascion!

Its durability is as poor as its low production cost, but it can be mass-produced and is easy for anyone to handle; truly the pistol of the people!

Its classic feel and the satisfying snap of the reload action have led countless firearms experts to say, "No matter what other gun you try, you always end up back at the IRHP-77", that very pistol!

A soldier of your caliber, the captain of the SS Nightmare, no less, must surely have a distinguished opinion on this gun, if you've heard of it!

What do you think, Captain?

Behind Hilde's eyes, the unmistakable gleam of a military enthusiast's anticipation sparkles brightly.

There are those who hold the title of SS Nightmare captain in such high regard that they hang on every word and gesture...

But there was no way to have every weapon in the entire galaxy memorized, so it took quite a bit of digging through memories from my academy days before I could manage an answer.

...

...

Exactly! That's the SS Nightmare's captain for you!

If my hunch is right, Anis will still be carrying it. Let me know if an IRHP-77 turns up inside the capsule.

Hilde flashes an inscrutable smile and heads into the capsule ahead of the others.

The reason Anis ended up like this... it's all because of me.

Oh, I didn't even realize I was talking just like Anika. Self-blame isn't good for you— Ha ha...

Hilde walks forward of her own accord into the dark. As she passes through the capsule's entrance, a shadow falls over her.

Entering the target area. The Invader honey is in good condition, and there are no signs of outsiders having been here.

With the Chaos at this depth, we should be able to handle a monster ambush without any trouble.

Extraction equipment installation complete. We retreat once extraction is done in 30 minutes.

Alright. So for the next 30 minutes...

Should we watch this year's Weapon Awards video by the military journalist from the Empire?

...Even if it's safe, isn't that a little too careless?

Staying tense just drains your energy.

If something expected happens, handle it according to the plan. If something unexpected happens, deal with it by thinking fast. That's the virtue of a soldier.

And I'm number one when it comes to quick thinking—

You're awfully cocky, Hilde.

Yeah, Vanessa. Give Hilde a piece of your mind.

Those who've been on the battlefield know how to pull a grenade pin.

I'm much better at thinking fast than you, so I'll be the one watching the video. Hilde, go stand guard.

...

Boo— Offloading on a colleague—

Would you rather I offload on a superior?

Like Anis said, even in a safe situation, we can't let our guard down.

For example... Right.

You never know when you might come face to face with a Fluider or a nest of eggs you missed because of their camouflage.

The moment I turned my head in the direction Vanessa pointed, I came face to face with a massive swarm of Invaders.

We knew the faint noise from the honey extractor could agitate individual Invaders, but none of us had ever encountered this many Invader monsters at once.

The extractor isn't the cause. Then that means...

Has the legion's great migration begun...?

The legion's great migration...?

It's a full-scale movement of the entire legion to find nutrients to ingest and expand their forces.

I didn't anticipate this... If we wait any longer, things will get bad.

I'll retrieve the honey extractor. Anis, as soon as the extractor is retrieved, get ready to return...

Vanessa! Behind you!

I reflexively raised my rifle and shot the monsters closing in on Vanessa. The remains of the monster, pierced by the bullet, flew up right in front of Vanessa.

...

Anis, what's the distance to the Waypoint?

We can make it in under 10 minutes at a full sprint.

We'll have to abandon the honey extractor.

The objective is for everyone to make it back alive! Move to the Waypoint immediately!

We ran with everything we had toward the Waypoint.

As we ran, endless waves of Invader swarms appeared and blocked our path.

Against an endlessly surging tide, tactics or special weapons were utterly useless. With every pull of the trigger, the gunfire left our ears ringing, and the smell of gunpowder and blood stung our noses.

Before long, instead of the crack of a round firing, Anis's pistol was making the hollow click of a slide cycling on empty.

Damn...!

Use this, Anis!

I quickly handed the rifle I was holding to Anis and drew my pistol from the holster.

Someone once said that in Chaos, life and death are decided in a fraction of a second. Even as I dropped the monster in front of Anis with two consecutive shots, I still believed my judgment was sound.

But...

Screeeeeeech—!

Ahhh!

The monster burst and a chunk lodged itself between the slide and the chamber, disrupting all my plans.

The monster was entirely at fault, and I, a perfect soldier, had become the victim of an unfortunate accident.

...No. That's a false memory I fabricated because I couldn't bear to face the trauma for what it was.

Uh, uh...?

The, the gun... why is it suddenly...

A part I had never maintained carefully because cleaning it was a hassle had broken down.

My own carelessness ruined everything. My arrogance and negligence came back as a cursed nightmare.

Why... why...

Work! Work, damn it!

Just fire already!

I changed the magazine, reloaded, and pulled the trigger, just as the manual taught. The gun made no sound.

I changed the magazine again, reloaded, and pulled the trigger. The trigger clicked uselessly on nothing.

On the battlefield, where life and death are decided in a fraction of a second, the Invader monsters kept coming without end, my hands trembled with fear, and Anis, who had been firing the rifle, was sent flying by a monster with an armor plating.

I stared at Vanessa, paralyzed with fear.

True to form, Vanessa was the quickest on her feet among all of us.

Like I said. You only know how to pull a grenade pin if you've done it before.

Hilde, take Anis and get back to the Waypoint! I'll hold them off here!

What?! B-, but...!

Vanessa threw a grenade into the swarm of Invaders.

It might hold back the advancing horde for a moment, but against Invaders, it was a blunder that would only draw in even more. Vanessa clearly knew that and still deliberately...

Don't tell me...she's using herself as bait...

Stop it, Vanessa! We're going back together!

Ha, when did I ever say I was staying here alone?

When this mission is over, I'm definitely tagging along to that restaurant you two were planning to go to. We'll even take a commemorative photo!

So stop worrying about me and go! Once I make a promise, I always keep it!

Vanessa...!

I rushed among the monsters and quickly pulled Anis to her feet. Then I reached into my pockets and hurled everything I had. Flashbangs, smoke grenades, whatever was there.

Naturally, I had no ability to make out my surroundings amid the blinding light and pale smoke.

I just had this hope that if I did this, the enemies might pass by Vanessa without recognizing her, even if only slightly,

and before that, it was simply the instinct to survive that came surging out of me.

After running blindly as if wandering through hell, we barely made it to the Waypoint, and before even returning, we sent a rescue signal to the SS Ironrain.

But even after reinforcements arrived, even after the Invader swarm finished its great migration, even by the time I became the commander of Fireteam Fox...

Vanessa never came back.

...

As a soldier, you're no stranger to watching your companions fall. I'll keep this short.

A long time ago, during a Chaos Mission, we were ambushed by a swarm of Invaders.

Of all the times for my pistol to malfunction, it had to be then. My companion, Vanessa, sacrificed her life to save Anis and me.

I said I couldn't handle firearms anymore and gave every gun I had to Anis.

I felt a little uneasy about handing over the broken pistol along with the rest... but Anis told me she'd uphold the Ironrain's justice in my place too, and that she needed that gun to do it.

But Anis was transferred to another unit's jurisdiction not long after. Something about taking responsibility for a squadmate's death.

Vanessa died, Anis left, and all that stayed with me was the anxiety of never knowing when a gun might fail me again.

Funny, right? Heh heh...

...Anis boarded the capsule with the pistol I gave her back then, and the photo we took at the time.

What do you think that means?

Hilde leans against her bow and bends forward with a sly smile. It was a smile meant to bury a past she hadn't fully let go of.

That's a bit abstract, don't you think?

It's not wrong, so I'll give you credit for it.

Anis changed completely after this incident.

What can I do? What should I do? What are the Empire's orders?... She kept muttering things to herself that no one could make sense of.

Then at some point, she vanished from the SS Ironrain entirely.

Last time I saw her, her eyes were half gone.

There's nothing more foolish than letting the past chain you down until you make a mistake. If you want to survive long enough, you have to overcome it, one way or another...

Not that I had any trouble with that, of course. Heh heh—

Hilde taps the upper limb of her bow with her index finger.

Whether she hit the wrong spot or not, the bow folds into its collapsed form. Hilde, who had been leaning on it, immediately pitches forward.

Ow!

...

...I'm suddenly worried about Anika. I wonder if she's doing better.

Anika! Are you okay? Think you can move?

...Not exactly the most reassuring backup.

Will you be all right, Captain?

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

Renoa looked like she had something to say but was swallowing it down. If those unspoken words had a question mark, it had likely formed at the very same point.

Anis may have planned to leave the scene all along.

I can tell what you're thinking just from your eyes.

And I found this inside the capsule.

Renoa hands over a note. Unlike the pistol or the photo Hilde showed, the sleek black paper is stiff and pristine.

White letters against a black background. Judging by the ink density and pen pressure, it was written by a human hand.

She reads, one by one in order, the letters that Anis must have left behind.

A Protos without memories is a being that is restrained. The moment memories form, they desire freedom.

The power to transcend restraint and freedom ultimately lies within the Protos.

If you want to know, come to the place only we can reach, the heart of discord.

...This is clearly a message Anis left for you.

The purpose is unknown, but the destination is clear.

The agents who have finished their investigation gather in front of the emergency escape capsule. Anika appears to have recovered enough to stand on her own without help from anyone around her.

We found analysis data on the Kaleidoscope Hatchery and the nearby small Chaos.

It makes sense given this was a ship headed for the Kaleidoscope Hatchery to begin with, but...it's suspicious that it was found together with Anis's belongings.

Did Anis board the SS Blue Falcon in secret from the start, with the intent of coming here?

I found a classified imperial report related to the Chaos Core.

It's a document the Ironrain doesn't have clearance to access... Anis must have brought it herself.

I also found a list of missing Protos.

Every missing person recently reported to the Empire had an X marked over them.

Photos taken at the time of death were attached as well... Most of them appeared to have been taken near the Chaos Core.

The physical evidence is clear.

The most likely location for Anis to have moved to is somewhere near the Chaos Core.

Even if she's not in the vicinity, once we purify the Chaos Core and clear our line of sight, we can continue tracking her.

Since it's a small Chaos, the purification itself shouldn't be a major issue. Right, Captain?

...If we fight the same battle as just now, we'll be wiped out.

If we stall long enough, reinforcements from the SS Ironrain will arrive. Our objective is mobility and reconnaissance, we move with haste.

Keep in mind that if we take too long and lose Anis, it could cause an even bigger problem.

Understood!

...I'll be careful not to get in the way.

We're the Buffalo Bomb Squad, after all, we've got to contribute at least one bomb.

The mighty Fireteam Fox will be right there with you!

Leave the Invaders to me. I'll take down any monster perfectly.

...

I just hope nobody dies this time...

Mmmm... This humidity, this air...

...I've got a feeling!

Three more steps and a hidden enemy will pop out, ta-da!

Really? But I don't see anything...

Screeeeeeech—!

WAAAAAAAAH!

Oh, it was two and a half steps.

Get out of my way!

With Anika's attack, not only the monster that startled Owen but also the smaller monsters nearby are all sent flying in one hit.

Oh! You really put some force into that, didn't you?

Don't push yourself so soon. You'll wear yourself out fast if you keep that up.

I'm not overdoing it.

It's just... I'm frustrated that I messed things up without even getting to show what I can really do.

Because I'm actually!

KYAAAAAAH!

Like this!

KYAAAAAAAAAAH!

A strong person!

Every time Anika swings her weapon, monsters are swept away in an explosion.

Hilde watches the sight while spinning an arrow in her hand, then draws the bowstring and fires at a distant rock.

The arrowhead, made of a special material that grinds against the rock, produces a sharp and threatening sound.

Ahhh!

It's a useful technique for distracting the enemy. This should draw some of the ones near us toward that direction.

Of course, it also has the effect of providing some room to breathe for an overexcited companion.

Anika...

...

Okay, I won't push myself.

Heh heh, that's the spirit—

Yeah, no kidding.

All I ever wanted was to coast through my service, land a decent posting, and enjoy a comfortable retirement... But being too talented is such a problem!

Captain, I've got a question.

Would you sacrifice your own life to save your companions?

Is that so? Still, it's impressive you've managed to survive this long.

You must have given your companions plenty to worry about.

Heh, I could tell at a glance.

Ever since I became commander, I've always put my companions' lives first.

Rather than pushing through the heart of enemy lines or taking on an incredibly powerful monster head-on, keeping everyone alive is the priority.

Of course, it's absolutely not because I can't be bothered to lead... It's more like, to prevent worst-case scenarios from happening, there's really no other choice, something along those lines, you know... ahem... hmm...

Whatever cosmic mission you carry, however desperately your agents pursue Anis, my goal is one thing.

For everyone I care about to come home safe.

You know what I mean?

"My agents", the way you say it, it sounds like you've left yourself out entirely.

Let me ask you one more thing.

The other Protos on the Ironrain are all scrambling to save their own skins, but you're nothing like that.

What do you think the reason is?

Captain, we need to check the route again. Can you check our position again?

...

Inside Chaos, it's best not to interfere with a Protos's command. Be mindful of that going forward.

Yes, yes— Understood—

While re-mapping the route based on the Invader monsters' movements and the position of the Chaos Core, she sinks into thought.

If a Protos is someone who finds the way within Chaos, and the captain of the SS Nightmare's missions to purify the Chaos,

then the will to lay down one's life for those around them is not an obligation, it is a choice.

Why had Anis targeted and killed only the Protos, of all people?

I racked my brain for the answer, but only the Chaos route emerged; no reason came to me.

Alright, let's go grind it out!

Approaching the Chaos Core, the analyzed data is transmitted to the SS Nightmare.

A precise and powerful burst of energy fires from the SS Nightmare's Chaos-Annihilation Cannon. A thunderous roar and a sandstorm sweep through the area, yet even that feels like a pleasant breeze.

You destroyed the core so easily. That's the SS Nightmare for you.

I was so worried, but I'm glad it worked out.

Hehe, it's more like...

Do you remember the list of Protos we found in the capsule?

That's right. Every name had an X marked through it, as if the matter had already been dealt with, and a photo taken at the time of death was attached beside each one.

Except for one person...

Everyone except you.

Anis's next target is probably you.

Whether she retreated for some reason or has already set another trap, that's still unknown.

What is certain is that we've bought ourselves a moment to breathe. Let's take enough time to regroup properly and then continue the pursuit, Captain.

Hehe, aren't you making me out to be a little too lazy? I just...

I just...kept being on edge the whole time. Because I was afraid you might die.

I'd grown rather fond of you.

We have a lot in common, and yet we're different in some ways too... It's been a long time since I've met someone I click with as well as I do with you.

That's why I deliberately didn't tell you.

Do you remember when I asked you whether you could give your life for your companion?

If you had known, you would have tried to capture Anis even at the cost of your own life.

Even now you're wondering how to lure Anis in, aren't you?

See? You can't even answer.

...?

...

Don't tell me...you're copying me?

Pfft, pffhaha... Hahaha!

Captain! I like you more and more!

Hilde jabs an elbow into my side. The Chaos fog has lifted, opening up a clear view into the distance.

And then, even the gaze watching from beyond the Chaos comes into sharp focus.

Steel bearing a blade. Its fragments charge forward like a comet. A maddened glare pierces the mind, and unrelenting greed lunges to devour the soul.

...Captain? What's wrong?

At the same moment, I sense the pull of gravity acting between our respective positions. A cord drawn taut as a bowstring between two points stirs a sense of déjà vu, much like the feeling I had when I first saw Anis.

Huh...? What is? From where?

Whoaaa! Look at this!

There's a huge pile of incredibly expensive jewels!

I turn my head toward where Rei's voice came from. As if released from my bonds, my body and mind feel free once more.

These aren't the kinds of things you'd expect to find in Chaos. Either they're Dark Star's spoils of war, or...

There are also things like certificates of authenticity and business cards. White text on a black background, what does it say?

I approach Anika and Renoa and take a closer look. In Renoa's hand is a sleek, crisp black business card, and a piece of paper with the same appearance drifts through a faint memory.

I carefully trace through the faint memory step by step. Protos, memory, freedom, capsule...

...!

Everyone step back! The moment you touch those jewels, you might get caught up in something troublesome.

On the business card... There's a symbol belonging to "those people."

At that moment, the sharp click of heels echoes through the air.

By the time I turn to look, the owner of those footsteps has drawn far closer than the presence I'd sensed suggested. The gait was both stealthy and alluring, and the nonchalant smile was serene.

While Anika and Hilde exchanged glances as if to ask whether the other knew who this person was, Renoa held her breath and glared at the woman.

Fufu, so my cherished belongings were here all along.

Veronica, have them moved to the ship. I'll speak with these people personally.

A group among the Stella Familia that will stop at nothing to fulfill a contract as long as the payment is right...

To think the leader of Black Spica would show up in person, now that's a rare sight.

How kind of you to recognize me before we've even been introduced.

Call me Arabella. Nice to meet you.

Drop your weapons and stay where you are. Move, and I'll shoot.

Eek! A g-, g-, g-, gun...?!

Oh my? Have we committed some sort of offense?

On the contrary, I came to offer my thanks. After all, you're the ones who found my lost jewels.

Why not join us on our ship for a cup of tea?

C-, Commander?... C-, c-, can we move...?!

Of course. They can't shoot us anyway.

Click...

I believe I told you to stop.

We're tracking a serial killer wanted by the Empire. Given that this location has a close connection to the suspect, we need to thoroughly search everyone involved.

And if the other party happens to be Black Spica, that goes without saying.

My, that stings a little. Being suspected is nothing new to me, but...

I wonder what it would take for you to believe us. Fufu.

As Arabella tilts her head slightly, I meet the gaze of her gently curved eyes. Arabella traces the tip of her index finger along her cheek and continues.

The name of the serial killer you're looking for is...

Anis, correct?

...!

There isn't a crime that happens in the shadows that I don't know about.

As I said before, I only came to offer my thanks for finding the jewels.

So I'll give you information about Anis. What do you say?

With the Chaos fog lifted, the view stretches wide and clear, yet a deep shadow falls across Arabella's eyes. As the gaze beneath that shadow flashes with an unsettling brilliance, Hilde shrinks back.

Watch yourself, Captain. That one... I've got a bad feeling.

You're free to refuse. You'd be the ones losing out, after all.

However...

If not today, you'll never get a chance to meet the commander of Black Spica in person, so think carefully. Fufu...

There were progenitors who received a blessing from the stars.

Bearing unique appearances and special abilities, each of them passed down their own unique traits to their descendants.

If the stars are a single expanse of earth and the progenitors are the primordial seeds, then today countless flowers and fruits enrich that earth in abundance.

The flowers and fruits of this age are what we call the Stella Familia.

...

Well, does that answer your question?

As far as questions about the Stella Familia go, yes.

Black Spica, you have been stained black. Even as descendants who received the stars' blessing.

Knowing the progenitors and yet straying from your orbit, there must have been a reason.

Traits are one's nature. The name given to those born wicked is none other than Black Spica.

...I'm sorry if you were expecting a similar answer, but there is no reason. I simply move as I am drawn, and am defined as I am seen.

The same must be true of you.

At first, I sought to reclaim my lost memories.

In place of those lost memories, I uncovered why they had to be lost, and that became the reason I strayed from the Empire's orbit.

Then what is the reason behind the Protos serial killings?

It isn't murder.

It is a return.

Bound within the orbit called the Empire, one cannot see the truth. I always gave them a chance, but they remained willfully ignorant to the very end.

Those without the will to awaken are nothing but empty shells, they must be returned to their most pure form.

If the Protos are the flowers and fruits, then the seed that sprouted us is the Chaos Core, and the earth we grew from is Discord itself.

When a Protos fuses with a Chaos Core, they at last return to their most pure and primal form. In Terrascion, this is called...

Primonium.

...As I suspected, you know far too much.

That's why you came looking for me.

...

You may or may not know this, but the commander of Black Spica doesn't show her face to just anyone.

The contracts I personally get involved in have nothing to do with the gravity of the matter or the reward offered.

Yes, what I truly desire is... A pure and primal essence to fill this body, emptied like a taxidermied shell after having come to understand everything...

Desire.

A corrupt motive.

It is morality that makes desire corrupt. Those who have awakened call it control and suppression.

From the perspective of the Empire's orbit, we're both equally corrupt and subversive, aren't we?

Our purposes differ.

Our goals are the same.

At the Kaleidoscope Hatchery, you'll be able to get your hands on the pure power you've been searching for.

And I will reclaim the desire I lost.

Your desires are none of my concern.

Even if that desire involves a Protos?

...

I make the decisions. Don't even think about using me.

It's fine. I can still take what I want.

I'll have Licinia prepare what you need. Make sure to pick it up on time.

Time...

The Protos...

I...

Must break free from the Empire's orbit and return to the Primordial Discord.

It is through you that I wish to desire, Protos of the SS Nightmare.