Rescue Operation
Heavens! Thank you for rescuing me!
I am Lisa, an Observer for NOA.
I honestly thought it was the end when Voidborns began falling out of the sky.
I still haven't gotten the new bag I ordered from the Apocalypse shop last month...
You understand how despairing that must be, right?
...I guess shopaholics also exist in this world.
Wait, you two handled the Rift Lord that easily...?
You must both be renowned Saviors!
No, you two must be in a Savior Party!
By any chance... does your Savior Party need a capable liaison officer?
For a Savior Party to grow, having a liaison officer to handle administrative support from NOA is essential.
And you can receive preferential treatment in every aspect, if that liaison officer has an Observer background.
Conveniently, I'm actually on standby... Oh, I mean, I happen to have some free time.
If you'd like, I think I could be of help...
I'm not trying to brag, but I was able to get my Observer license after just two attempts at the special recruitment.
Oh, that's amazing!
It is?
Yes, NOA's Grade 1 Observer examination is infamous for its difficulty.
Passing it in just two attempts is something to be proud of.
Come to think of it, a Grade 1 Observer is also a member of NOA's highest administrative body, the [Observation Council], right?
I see... You're actually someone very important. So that's why this rescue mission was so urgent...
Actually...
Hmm?
I'm not exactly a Grade 1...
Oh, then a Grade 2 Observer?
Grade 2 is nothing to scoff at. They're veterans in charge of NOA's administrative tasks.
With enough experience, you can be promoted to Grade 1.
No...
I'm a... Grade 3... Observer...
Oh... Grade 3.
You just said [oh...] in a disappointed tone! You said [oh... Grade 3]!
That [oh...] didn't need to be there! Why'd it have to be there?!
Oh, no. Grade 3 is plenty amazing...
Don't pity me! I can see the disappointment all over your face!
Hey now, come on, why would I be disappointed over something like that?
I'm not even a fully fledged Savior either. Just an aspiring one.
...What?
An aspiring Savior?
Yeah. I just arrived at NOA and tried to register as an official Savior...
But there's been some... issues... I haven't finished my registration.
Oh... I see...
I thought this was my chance to get scouted as a liaison officer for a proper Savior Party..!
I suppose I'll be stuck on standby running errands for a while...
*Sigh* And I only get paid 70% of my salary during standby...
After paying rent and credit card bills... I'll be in the red again next month...
I'm... sorry to disappoint you.
No, when I saw the two of you fighting, I really thought you were skilled Saviors...
Right?! We have the skills!
But I'm tied down by some bureaucratic nonsense!
Mmm. I'll have to bring this matter up whether it's with NOA or the Observation Council later...!
Whew. Anyways, let's get moving. It's dangerous for us to stay here any longer.
Who knows when more Voidborns will drop in.
Uh... Umm...
What's wrong? Did you forget something?
No, it's just...
Haha, truth is... I'm actually in charge of a very important mission.
And that's why I'm here.
An important mission?
Yes, a very important mission.
Lady Alicia gave me this mission! Directly. To. Me!
Huh, so Alicia is even related to this matter...!
...But didn't you say you were on standby? If it's a mission that Alicia would issue herself...
You don't have to keep bringing up that standby thing! It makes me look like a loser!
And even if it's just to overturn my current situation...!
This is an important errand for me!
Oh, right. Sorry...
In any case...
I-it seems the Voidborns still haven't been completely dealt with...
In that case, would you be able to assist with my mission?
It would be hardly an inconvenience for people of your calibers.
That's...
This wasn't something I could give an answer to. I looked back at Asherah.
I only came along to help, and since the original goal of rescuing the Observer is achieved.
...I'm sorry, but I don't think we can help you.
What? But this is a very important mission!
I'm only an aspiring Savior.
We came here to rescue you at Candle Square's temporary request for cooperation...
But if I continued to get involved with NOA's missions on my own...
I could be officially denied from registering as a Savior due to a violation of regulations...
Asherah's voice had lost all confidence.
Earlier, we could have ignored the Void Rift and left it to someone else, but she didn't do that.
Even now, she probably wants to help Lisa with her mission.
If there is someone in need of help, she will answer the call.
I've only known her for a short while, but that is the impression I have of Asherah.
That's probably why she sounds so regretful. Even though it's not her responsibility. The moment that thought crossed my mind...
I saw Asherah's eyes suddenly light up.
That look...
She had that look when she was holding the marriage papers earlier...!
However...
However...?
However!
There are... always exceptions in this world!
As far as I'm aware, NOA's Observers can initiate the Savior registration process on-site if necessary.
Excuse me? I mean... Yes, such a regulation does exist...
Then right now, you can register me...
No, if you register both of us as official Saviors right now, it will resolve all administrative issues!
We get registered as Saviors, and you get to complete the mission. It's a win-win.
Isn't it the perfect solution?
Even me?!
Hold on, I don't even know what a Savior is yet!
But... if a grunt like me were to do something like that...
I'd definitely get in trouble for abuse of NOA's authority and have to write a formal apology statement...
Oh, is that so? Then there goes that.
I guess you'll just have to give up on your mission and go back to a safe zone.
*Sigh* I'm pretty sure Grade 3 Observers don't even have job security under NOA's administrative regulations...
But failing a mission from Lady Alicia...
That will lead to dire consequences...
...
O-okay.
Hmm?
Okay! Okay! I'll do it!
For real? No backsies?
Alright! A deal is a deal!
Hold on...
*Sigh* But you have to get the job clearly done. Understand?
Yep, yep! Of course.
Then follow me. I'll lead the way.
Wait a second...
There might be quite a few Voidborns on the way...
But you can leave it to the newly minted [Savior], Asherah!
Oh, congratulations on becoming a Savior too, Captain! You better remember who made this happen!
Let's go!
With those words, Asherah grabbed Lisa's hand and started running.
A kind heart that can't refuse someone asking for help.
...And a terrifying drive and determination that surpasses even that.
Feeling like I learned a little more about Asherah, I followed closely behind her.