The chapter ends with the protagonist waking up in the pilgrim dormitory — — but with a faint scar on their hand bearing the word BEST .
Subtitle: -0.2 Alpha- Section: Messman Tag: BEST I. Chapter Summary Chapter 2, -0.2 Alpha- , introduces the Messman — a low-ranking, deeply unsettling support crew member aboard a pilgrimage vessel. The chapter explores the protagonist’s first direct interaction with the Messman, who is responsible for waste, recycling, and “soul-triage” of biological and digital remnants from failed pilgrims. The Pilgrimage-Chapter 2- -0.2 Alpha- -Messman- -BEST