Глава 15

I won't abandon you.

I've located a path into the Abyss, Dr. {@nickname}.

It's time we put an end to this.

The interference is strong here. We're very close to the Abyss.

But there is no path. The Abyss has completely concealed itself—

I can pinpoint its precise location at this range.

Standing before the wall in the deepest reaches, Kal'tsit takes a deep breath.

She has never been this far in—

(Anxious growl)

Don't worry, Mon3tr.;I'm with her.

You walk to Kal'tsit's side.

I'm with you too, Dr. Kal'tsit.

Rhodes Island faces threats unitedly.

Maybe... things will be different this time.

I have retained certain permissions by way of the Sarcophagus. I'll open a path.

Kal'tsit touches the wall that separates you and the Abyss.

Warning: Anomalous power fluctuations detected.

Warning: Insufficient backup power.

Warning: Insufficient engine power. Engines shutting down.

Warning: Mobility layer is offline.

Warning: Top deck is offline.

Warning: Communications are offline.

Warning: Irreparable core component damage.

Sorry, C—Closure—

'Zeroth Order Oil Tank'... thank you.

The ship has stopped.

Protect the Doctor, Mon3tr.

From this point on, act according to your own discretion based on the Doctor's condition. You must protect the Doctor from unknown threats...

...And protect the Doctor from the Doctor, if it comes to that.

(Growl of trust)

Keep a close eye on the condition of Dr. {@nickname}, Amiya.

The rules we think we know about reality do not necessarily apply inside the Abyss.

Danger is everywhere, but your safety and that of the Doctor are the highest priority at all times. You are the only ones who can face the ultimate threat.

Yes... I'll be careful.

Anything else I need to know?

Trust your heart.

I never thought this would come so soon, Dr. {@nickname}.

But our experiences in the Assimilated Universe and in Trimounts have made me rethink. You have shown me a different possibility.

Whatever happens from this point on is a complete unknown, to you, to me, and to everyone else on Rhodes Island.

I need to hear it from you, Dr.{@nickname}—

Will you still hesitate in the face of possible danger?

Yes.;No.

But it's not the danger in front of me that I'm worried about.

You're still trying to hide your own anxiety and uncertainty, Kal'tsit.

You don't need to carry everything on your shoulders.

(Pokes Kal'tsit in agreement)

This time, Rhodes Island and I stand with you.

I am not worried about the danger before me, for I am with you. All of you.

It's you I'm worried about.

You have been on edge ever since we entered this area.

(Uneasy growl)

Kal'tsit...

Rhodes Island and I are with you. Trust us.

Tell me what I need to do.

I've awakened the program that opens up the Abyss. The energy required to open up the compartment is ready.

But I do not have full permission to access the Abyss.

Huh?

Should we smash our way in, then? Maybe Misery can think of a way.

(Shakes head)

There might not be another place more concealed, more secured than the Abyss in all of Terra. Only one person has the permission to access it.

You feel Kal'tsit's gaze upon you.

...Doctor?

If I'm needed...;I will not be afraid.

Most of Rhodes Island's structure was badly damaged when I finally found it, seventeen years ago.

Only the Abyss and its surrounding areas remain completely intact.

The unknown energy within the Abyss continued to power PRTS, becoming the framework of the command system that we came to rely on.

But no one had accessed the Abyss... not in over ten thousand years.

Three years ago, when Amnannam fully descended, I began to realize that the crisis was progressing faster than I had expected.

Many of us witnessed the chaos firsthand. We still feel sorrow and regret vividly.

Ascalon raises her blade silently, on guard against any sudden threats.

Sensing Ascalon's tension, Raidian calms her and everyone else present with her Originium Arts.

For three years, we have strengthened Rhodes Island's defenses, simulating threats that attempt to destroy Rhodes Island from within.

It was through the joint effort of all our operators that we managed to quickly identify the source of the crisis when it occurred.

But we are now at the edge of the fog. Take one step further, and we step into the unknown.

Once, I hesitated. But the Doctor is right. We will overcome this crisis, as we have done so many times.

For we are together.

Logos's bone pen draws through the air, the words coming out of his mouth, and the blessings soon after.

It's been a long time since we worked together so in sync, Logos. How are you feeling?

Focused.

Based on available information, there are more than just the core parts of PRTS in the Abyss.

An entity by the name of 'Priestess' may be sleeping in a Sarcophagus within.

If Priestess wakes up, she must be neutralized ASAP with the full force of all present.

It is the best way to prevent any mishap, Dr. {@nickname}.

The moment of her awakening will be her weakest... it will take time for her to adapt to her surroundings.

Doctor...?

You touch the wall in front of you. The strange sensation causes your heart to race.

You have the feeling that this place was waiting for you... that you are the reason for its existence to begin with.

The wall trembles. You seem to hear blaring sirens that threaten to burst your eardrums.

For an instant, you fall into a trance. Does the cacophony come from the present, or the past?

The Abyss is changing!

The wall begins to move irregularly, creating a rift.

Air gushes out from the rift.

'Veil.'

The Banshee's incantation forms an invisible barrier that stops the gushing jet.

Step back, Doctor.

Everyone, on guard.

(High-pitched howl)

...Dr.{@nickname}...

...I never thought I would be the one who didn't want to let go.

<color=#888888>Kal'tsit</color>