Black Fog

The berth where the Sea Song had once departed still stood empty—only that ship which had returned during the wrong time window of 1675 could never possibly come back to this place.

"I remember this place too..."

The sailor muttered as he looked toward the pier, illuminated by powerful lights. The wharves extending from around the mobile port were like the outstretched limbs of some colossal beast, each one pointing toward the boundless night beyond. In this place far removed from civilization's lights, it felt as though anyone leaving those illuminated piers would dissolve forever into the darkness outside—setting out from here toward that wall of dense fog took no small amount of courage.

"We have arranged three escort ships—they will also serve as guides," Helena said. "Once preparations are complete, they will enter the Veil with you and lead you to the 'lighthouse' from which the Sea Song last transmitted a signal. You will continue from there and cross the Six Nautical Mile Threshold Line. The three warships serving as guides will remain near the lighthouse and wait for your return."

Duncan said nothing, merely nodding lightly. Beside him, Lucretia asked curiously, "How long will you wait here?"

"Forever," Helena said flatly. "There will be no more new border patrol missions. The Eternal Veil is gradually collapsing, and more and more ships have encountered unimaginable dangerous anomalies. Most patrol routes are no longer navigable, so aside from essential fixed monitoring stations, all patrol fleets are gradually withdrawing into the Boundless Sea. This mobile port will remain here, and my incarnation will remain here until you return. Or..."

She did not finish the rest. She merely let out a long breath, then looked up at Duncan. "May you return safely."

"We will return safely," Duncan said, folding his arms as