"Fifth Ark"

In the boundless, chaotic darkness, the soul projections of Helena, Rune, Banster, and Frem had gathered together.

The four popes had completed all communication before the meeting, yet they had not dispersed—for the guidance ultimately delivered by "divine will" still left them uneasy and confused.

Just moments ago, while choosing a meeting place, the four gods had simultaneously sent down powerful signals, a rare occurrence. Though those "signals" remained mixed with immense, chaotic noise, all four Pilgrimage Arks had been explicitly ruled out by the gods.

According to the guidance "They" had sent down, Helena, Rune, and the others were to proceed to the "Fifth Ark."

Helena lowered her head. Within this dark space formed through psychic resonance, a flame burned illusorily before her eyes. She watched it for a long while before cautiously speaking. "...The Fifth Ark... What does that make you think of?"

"What else could it be?" Rune shook his head. "The answer is obvious. Other than the four Church Arks, there is only one ship here that could possibly be called the 'Fifth Ark.'"

"...To be honest, for the first time in my life, I have some doubts about the result of an oracle," Banster said after hesitating for several seconds, finally raising his head to address the other three. "We did agree to invite that captain, but to hold this crucial meeting aboard 'that ship'? That was never part of the plan. And the will our Lords have sent down this time feels somewhat... strange, don't you think? It has been many years since we last heard voices so clear and powerful..."

"They are urging us, Banster," Frem said in a deep, calm voice. "We all know there is little time left—and of course They know that too."

Helena tilted her head slightly and glanced