Sky Striker Ace, But Symphogear

[Phew, don't overthink it. Once I get down these stairs to the shore and sneak a little farther, I'll be there.]

Shaking her head, Raye looked around at the pitch-black surroundings. Only the direction of the stairs was barely visible as she stepped forward.

One step, two steps, one flight, two flights. Descending was always so easy and pleasant. Following the spiral staircase, the staggering girl slowly pushed open the door.

[This is the place.]

A cool breeze blew against her face through the opened door. Indeed, there was often such a chilly wind by the shore.

She continued forward. Before her lay a level stretch of ground at the edge of a cliff, so dark that only starlight could be seen.

[Ha, I remember there being a rope here on the cliff. I can climb down the rope, dive into the seawater, and enter Hercules Base.]

Having made it this far, Raye could finally relax. Having escaped here, there was no way anyone could catch up to her now.

Relieved, she walked to the cliff's edge and looked down.

The sea was calm and still, as quietly dark as ever, reflecting the stars filling the sky and the bright moon.

Without time to admire the view, Raye slowly swept her gaze around, searching for the rope she had ordered to be hung here beforehand.

Yet strangely, in the darkness, she could not find the rope.

[What happened? Did the seawater wash it away? Never mind. It's more dangerous, but I can still climb down the cliff.]

The plan had gone wrong, but it could still continue. Thinking this, Raye placed her hand on the cliff's edge.

[Doesn't this cliff feel a little too smooth?]

The sensation traveled from her fingertips, and doubt arose in her heart. Raye did not