One Cannot Lose One's Way in a Cathedral

Helena felt a wave of dizziness.

This was not getting lost in the Sea of Unconsciousness, but losing her composure after witnessing an even more powerful existence.

It was closer to a contest of wills with the other party—and she had lost.

In the Sea of Unconsciousness, once one lost one's own will, one would be forever lost in the deep sea.

Could she... could she possibly...

Helena was still reeling when shadows silently fell around her. By the time she sensed that something was wrong, she realized that she was far too close to that colossal existence...

Only then did she realize her mistake. With a formidable enemy before her, she had actually let her mind wander.

Damn it. The shock of seeing the Banshees had been too great. Without realizing it, she had drifted from her anchor point, and even her reactions had dulled!

Unfortunately, it seemed she had no chance to make up for her mistake...

Helena felt herself gradually being assimilated by that enormous existence. It did not attack her, and perhaps had not even noticed her, yet simply being near it caused her to slowly lose herself...

In the Sea of Unconsciousness, self-awareness was the foundation of existence. To lose oneself was to lose everything.

WHOOOM!

A tremendous roar rang out, piercing through her soul—perhaps even through this world itself. It was a sound from the real world.

HUM!

Helena's soul, lost in the Sea of Unconsciousness, stared blankly at the enormous existence before her. She only felt as though an invisible pulling force had appeared from nowhere and violently yanked her away.

The incomparably massive being beside her finally moved, as though it had noticed her. An "eye" lowered its gaze and looked toward her.

A gaze brimming with malice.

Helena felt as though