Stelle drifted in a dreamlike void, her body weightless, yet strangely immobile. No strength, no sensation—just silence.
Was I blown this far by the Doomsday Beast? she wondered, gazing at the endless Milky Way above. Her thoughts flickered to Ellie. She should be okay, right?
She tried to shake off the worry. If I can still think clearly, I must be fine… right?
Suddenly, a colossal figure loomed overhead.
It radiated like a burning star, its skin metallic and etched with ancient runes. Its eyes glowed with destruction, and its mere presence made Stelle's heart pound.
She watched, frozen, as the being raised its hand and obliterated a planet with ease.
A voice—soft, feminine, and unfamiliar—echoed in her mind:
"You have been watched by Him. To reach the ending, the next path is yours to choose."
A black hole-like pull seized her, and she fell into unconsciousness.
A voice pierced the darkness:
"Wake up! The sun's shining on your butt!"
Stelle's eyes fluttered open. Elysia stood beside her bed, holding her blanket with a mischievous grin.
"Wow, you're finally awake!" Ellie teased.
Stelle blinked, confused.
Ellie pouted. "No reaction? Hmph. I stayed by your side for days, and you don't even laugh at my joke～♪"
It wasn't that Stelle didn't react—she was simply captivated by Ellie's outfit. A pink dress, a bear-shaped hairpiece, and a playful sparkle in her eyes. She looked even more charming than usual.
Ellie caught her staring. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'll get shy～♪"
Stelle met her gaze and said softly, "You're beautiful Ellie. Of course I'll stare."
Ellie's eyes widened, then she giggled. "I'm happy to hear that. But are you okay? You got hurt saving me～♪"
Stelle thumped her chest. "I'm strong… ow." She winced, having hit herself too hard.
Ellie laughed. "Then I can relax～♪ Oh, by the way, Herta wants to see you. She seems… very interested."
Stelle frowned. "Herta? Why?"
Ellie shrugged. "This is the Herta Space Station, after all. Everything here belongs to her～♪"
Seeing Stelle's unease, Ellie gently took her hand. "Don't worry. Herta's super nice. She won't do anything bad～♪"
Stelle nodded, but her eyes lingered on Ellie. Will you come with me?
Ellie smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Stelle. I have to meet Asta for my custom outfit. I won't be joining you～♪"
Stelle watched Ellie's retreating figure, a strange emptiness blooming in her chest.
Just as she swung her legs off the bed, Ellie burst back in.
"Oh! One more thing. Our train's parked in the support cabin. That's the Astral Express. Himeko said she wants to talk to you after you meet Herta. Tho I myself don't know what it's about～♪"
Stelle nodded again.
Ellie waved and left for real this time.
Stelle sat quietly. Why do I feel so… tethered to her?
She shook her head, brushing away the thought, and headed off to meet Herta.