The Beginning of the Long Night

Hurried footsteps shattered the calm within the sanctuary. A middle-aged priest in a deep blue robe embroidered with golden patterns swept through the long corridor like the wind. Beneath the silent gazes of the many sages depicted in murals on either side, he reached the door to the prayer room—but before he could knock, a gentle female voice came from within. "Come in."

The middle-aged priest pushed open the door and saw the figure standing before the Goddess of Storms' sacred statue—Helena wore a simple priestly robe, a string of sea-blue crystals wrapped around her wrist. She seemed to have been praying devoutly until just moments ago. Hearing the door open behind her, she did not turn around, but continued gazing quietly at the Goddess's sacred statue veiled in gauze as she softly asked, "How is the situation outside now?"

"Twilight is still continuing. The sun remains in its original position, maintaining its 'normal' brightness and form," the middle-aged priest immediately reported with his head lowered. "Order in the city-state remains stable. Since the situation is still unclear, most citizens have returned home to await further instructions. There have been no abnormalities aboard the Ark ships either. Squad Four Technical Priests are standing by near the steam boilers."

Helena nodded gently, seeming to contemplate something in silence. Only after a moment did she suddenly ask, "What about the other Arks?"

"We made contact a few minutes ago. Everything aboard the Arks is normal. Academy Ark said that their observation equipment received a series of repeating signals from the direction of the sun. The content differs from the previous signals. Once converted into sound, they become sharp, brief noises..."

Helena gave a quiet "Mm" and said nothing more, merely continuing to gaze at the Goddess's sacred statue. For a time, she