Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Orderkeeper used this precious respite to complete every repair it could manage. The damaged sections of its hull were patched up roughly but effectively, its energy circuits were optimized, and the remaining Purification Pool water and nutrient compounds were rationed wisely to restore everyone's injuries and strength. Neji kept the Purifying Source Crystal bound by the Restriction Protocol close to his body; the faint purifying power it emitted helped resist the subtle, ever-present mental corrosion of the void.
Their condition had not returned to its peak, but they at least had the foundation to set out again.
The coordinates of the Lost Lighthouse were clearly marked on the navigation display and calibrated against the data from the Star Gate Ruins. The route had been planned, passing through a vast hazardous region labeled the Energy-Devouring Netherrealm. Records of the area were scarce, containing only vague warnings: energy dissipation, viscous space, and unknown energy-devouring lifeforms.
There was no turning back.
Orderkeeper's rear thrusters spewed steady dark-blue flames as it slowly accelerated, leaving the metallic graveyard of the Star Gate Ruins behind and heading into that unknown darkness.
The initial stretch of the voyage was uneventful. The starry sky remained silent, with only the faint glimmers of distant stars decorating the eternal dark. Orderkeeper followed its planned route at the most economical speed, conserving every scrap of energy.
Gradually, the surroundings began to change.
First, the stars seemed to grow dimmer. They were not obscured; rather, it was as though something invisible were absorbing and weakening their light. Then Orderkeeper's external energy readings began to decline abnormally slowly. Even with all nonessential systems shut down, its natural energy dissipation was far faster than it should have been in normal space.
"We've entered the edge