Taming SSR And UR RANK Superwomen-Chapter 28 — Internal Alterations, the Altars of the Abyss
The automatic doors slid open silently as the two of them entered the Central Base.
The distant noise of the city faded behind them.
The lobby was spacious, with high ceilings and minimalist black-and-white lines. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly across the polished marble as they walked toward the building’s inner core.
Mary took the lead and descended a wide, curved staircase. Belle walked beside her with the same serenity she had displayed on the battlefield.
After a few seconds of silence, Belle spoke.
"Are the others here?"
Mary shook her head slightly.
"Only three of us are in Ark."
There was no one else in the hallway—just the two of them. Mary’s statement about three being present was accurate.
The other eight heroines of the Ten remained deployed on international missions, containing breaches, escorting expeditions, or eradicating threats beyond the walls.
That was their primary function. However, at least one heroine of the Ten was always required to remain within Ark’s walls.
Mary continued as they descended another flight of stairs.
"The Abyss has been showing internal irregularities."
Belle turned her head slightly.
"That has been happening for a year."
Mary nodded. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
"Yes. At the time, it was theorized to be natural phenomena. But now it’s occurring more frequently. Energy distortions are increasing, routes are shifting, and the monsters... are displaying more complex behavioral patterns."
Belle did not respond immediately. The air seemed to grow heavier.
"Adaptive?" she asked.
"In some cases."
Mary rested a hand on the railing as they descended to the next level.
"A year ago, we believed it was an isolated incident—an anomaly. Now the reports indicate it was the beginning of something larger."
"Angel’s expedition?"
"Yes. The cult she encountered by chance has spread throughout the Abyss. We now know of more than two hundred altars across the depths, and there are likely three times as many beyond the frontier."
Belle kept her gaze forward.
"Has Angel returned?"
Mary glanced at her from the corner of her eye.
"Yes. She returned at dawn from her deep expedition. She thoroughly investigated the Abyss’s anomalies."
Belle’s brow tightened slightly, as though her ice-like, peaceful façade remembered that her emotions were not extinguished.
"That woman..."
Mary showed no surprise at the way she referred to her.
"I understand she’s not easy to deal with."
Belle remained silent. Mary continued professionally.
"But she has offered to collaborate with the Center to analyze what she discovered."
"It would be best not to associate with her."
The response was immediate—calm, yet firm.
Mary stopped for a moment. Turning slightly toward Belle, she said,
"Ark’s safety is above any personal pride," she stated firmly. "None of us trust that woman, and we would prefer to keep her at a distance. But she possesses extremely detailed information, and we are talking about millions of civilian lives at stake. Faced with that level of risk, I would even go to the devil himself to protect them."
Belle did not argue. Mary resumed walking.
"We are waiting for the rest of the heroines to return so we can make a joint decision. This may require direct intervention in the Abyss. However, if the majority votes against Angel, we will not accept her help. That is the rule."
She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh as she spoke, as if that final thought had slipped out louder than intended.
"Although I hope they all understand that we need her assistance."
After a few seconds, Belle asked,
"Where is she now?"
"I don’t know. Before leaving, she mentioned that she wanted to check on a relative."
Belle looked at her with slight surprise.
"That woman has family?"
"I just found out as well."
Mary clasped her hands behind her back.
"As much as we’ve investigated, there is almost no information about her private life. Her history prior to becoming a heroine is practically nonexistent. We don’t even know her last name."
Belle remained thoughtful. Angel had always been an enigma—an unpredictable element.
Before she could dwell further on that idea, a soft vibration from her pocket interrupted the silence. She took out her phone. The sender caused her expression to soften slightly.
"It’s my younger brother."
Mary waited in silence. Belle read the message carefully and then put the device away.
"I need to return home. There are... family matters to attend to."
Mary nodded without objection.
"I’ll call you as soon as the other eight return."
"Understood."
As Belle turned to leave, Mary added,
"Oh, by the way, M2 says to take care of yourself."
Belle formed a barely perceptible smile, softening her features, and replied,
"Thank you. You take care as well."
Mary waved her left hand in farewell, smiling faintly with her eyes closed.
Belle headed toward the upper access point, and seconds later, the sky opened once more for her.
◇◆◇
The wind brushed against her black hair as she moved over the city. From that height, Ark seemed calm again—controlled and secure. Belle slightly reduced her speed.
The battle had been brief, precise, and efficient. Then, almost automatically, she discreetly brought her face closer to her shoulder and sniffed her clothes.
She remained silent for a few seconds.
’Hm.’
Another small inhale.
’Perhaps... I should shower first.’
Her expression did not change. She remained the same unshakable heroine who had crushed a triple SSS in an instant and whom they called the Goddess of Ark. Yet, in the privacy of her thoughts, a simple and quiet conclusion formed:
’It wouldn’t be appropriate to greet my brother smelling like sweat.’
And she continued flying with the same absolute dignity as always. Even goddesses go home to shower.
