To Brightest Light

[Dusk]

Omicron-Alpha —> Omicron-Psi
11.01.836 AS

---

---

She'd never seen anything like it before. She couldn't even imagine anything like it.

This place, radiating the brightest light, was filled with... Them. Every pebble here bore the trace of alien creatures, every glimmer of light carried their presence. It was quiet, but she knew it was only a temporary lull. They'd already known the group was here, the very second they'd entered the system.

The girl could barely contain herself. Inner One scraped its claws against the walls of Emilia's mind, like a furious, cornered beast. It was a mixture of terror and rage, and although Crimson Veil's upgraded suit somewhat eased the impact of this place... She realized that every second spent here was pushing her further and further away from her own mind.

The group couldn't help but notice. Especially CS, Falke, and Chevalier. The latter suggested heading to the desired object alone, much to Crimson Veil's horror. However, she understood that in this state, she would become more of a burden. Reluctantly agreeing, she asked Civil Servant to accompany Chevalier. Ultimately, however, the group decided to proceed to the object together, leaving Crimson Veil to wait for them.

And though she had never truly been alone... The absence of any voices around her made the incessant ringing of the light of this place louder than her consciousness could bear. Without realizing it, the albino piloted her fighter toward the nearest star in the system, muttering to herself words about her final destination.

She wasn't deterred by the voice that came over the comms, announcing that they had managed to retrieve the cargo lost here. However, when Crimson Veil didn't respond, the group hurried back. Crimson Veil's whispers of destination was interrupted by a Civil Servant's exclamation, like an electric shock jolting her out of her trance.

Hardly regaining her bearings, she sensed... the approach of those who wanted to drown them all in their light.

And they came. In boundless, blazing fury. While the larger ships of the group drew enemy fire, they advanced toward the exit, trying to cover each other. This was especially true for the Chevalier, which seemed determined to fend off the enemy until Emilia left the system.

Crimson Veil couldn't leave without making sure her fiancée was safe. After all, it was Emilia who had brought her here. So she resorted to a dangerous ruse: instead of entering the jump hole, Crimson Veil activated her cloaking device.

When Chevalier leaped out of the system... Emilia found herself alone with the colossal creatures for a few seconds. They couldn't see her, but they sensed her. Just as she sensed them. With the last of her strength, Crimson Veil pulled herself out of this paralysis and rushed toward the transition point to Omicron-Alpha.

She managed, albeit barely.

---

---