First Trial
*Sigh...*
I really hope this is all right. Starting with something like this...
Even if it's part of the [Journey], this doesn't feel like the kind of mission you hand to a brand-new Savior Party.
...No!
Sure, they're still disorganized and all over the place.
But... they're the real deal. I saw them myself.
They will do great. No need to be nervous!
All right, Lisa! Let's do this!
Hello, Voyager Savior Party!
Is everyone here? I'm bringing important news today!
Yep! We've been waiting! Voyager Savior Party, all present!
Hey, Lisa! Our contract says we get a pension once the Journey ends. Is that true?
And we can take it as a lump sum, right?
Question. Does the Savior Party's welfare policy cover equipment damage under insurance?
Omega's hungry! Let's finish up and go eat!
...
Maybe I was wrong...
So what's the important news?
Ah, well...
This morning, a directive arrived from the Observation Council [Polaris].
The recipient is the Voyager Savior Party, currently undertaking the [Journey].
Your first [trial] has been scheduled.
Trial...?!
Did you hear that, Captain? It's a trial!
Our [Journey] is finally beginning in earnest!
After calming Asherah, who went bouncing off the walls in excitement, I asked Lisa a question.
What exactly is a trial?
Mm. Come to think of it, Captain, you might not know yet.
A [trial] is a type of test conducted throughout the Journey.
[Polaris] assigns missions to confirm whether a Captain and their Savior Party are gaining performance as expected.
And what happens if we fail the mission?
...Unfortunately, the [Journey] ends at that point.
Don't worry, Captain!
As long as I'm here, there's no way we're dropping out halfway.
I'll stay with you until the very end of the Journey! I promise!
Such confidence! I'm moved!
Now, how could I stand and watch while my friend takes the first bold step to achieve her dream?
Here! Take this [trial charm]. It's filled with the moon's blessings.
Pshhh. Don't worry about owing me anything.
But once after we pass the trial, let's split your support money fifty-fifty—
Keep it for yourself!
As for me and the Captain, we will cross the finish line without cheating! Isn't that right, Captain?
...And that, right there, is a highborn who clings to the old ways, unwilling to make investments for the future.
Investment for the future is made through sound logic and scientific methodology.
Not through a piece of paper carelessly scribbled with random markings.
Careless?! I worked really hard on that thing!
Oh! Then can Omega have it?
Daddy said you shouldn't throw away everything if you want a healthy world.
Even if something looks useless, there's always a way for recycling if you think hard enough!
I don't know what a charm is, but if you give it to Omega, Omega will find a really cool way to reuse it!
Kid... you're doing that on purpose, aren't you?
...
Who is she?
She blended in so well I didn't even notice. Has she always been with you?
Well... it just sort of happened.
Ah. I see.
I think I get the picture.
Now that I think about it, the [Star Savior] was like that too.
His companions just kept growing in numbers...
You talk like you knew him personally.
Huh? N-no! That's not what I meant!
The Star Savior legend is famous! Heck, even children's storybooks have multiple editions!
What's wrong with storybooks?!
They are the best medium for conveying the pure courage of the [Star Savior]!
Compared to that, all those adult [Star Savior] stories with their so-called postmodern takes and critical reinterpretations where everyone injects their own ridiculous delusions into are what's truly heretical!
Hmm. So you still read storybooks, huh?
W-what?! I didn't say anything like that...!
Funny. When we changed for training yesterday, your underwear looked nothing like something a person who reads storybooks would wear.
Ohhh wait… are you going for that unexpected charm?
A bold strategy for a blue blood. Haha!
M-my underwear is none of your business!
Mister, what kind of underwear is she talking about? Omega wants to know.
...You don't need to know.
Anyway!
Normally we'd start with the [basic trials].
But because of how well you handled yourselves during the Voidborn attack, you'll jump straight to taking the [main ttrials].
The first trial will take place in the ancient city of [Aganon].
Aganon?
Yes. It's a city that houses an ancient site known as [Chicxulub Hall].
The city is also famous for the relics and artifacts unearthed from its ruins.
Recently, numerous ancient constructs have appeared and are causing serious trouble.
The damages from their presence aren't just tied to the local populace—every nearby city that is part of the relic economy is feeling the impact.
Your objective in this trial is to exterminate the ancient constructs infesting the ruins.
Identify the cause, and bring this matter to conclusion.
Question.
If it's Aganon's ruins, I know them well.
Happy Smile Workshop even procures high-grade relics for premium tuning from there.
According to my data, Aganon's militia can handle most ancient constructs.
And even if that isn't the case, hiring a veteran Savior Party would be more efficient, given their budget.
So again, question. Why was this mission passed down to us?
Well...
The city could've contained the situation on its own if the problem was confined to the ancient constructs.
But Chicxulub Hall is currently overrun by a mysterious [curse].
A curse?
Yes. One that is so insidious that the usual combat methods no longer work.
They're still looking into things, so we'll be briefed on the details after we arrive.
What on earth is the Poly... Polo... whatever Observation Council thinking?
If even the veteran Saviors couldn't fix the problem, this isn't the average curse.
And yet, they want a ragtag bunch like us to deal with it?
Hmm... or maybe it's this.
The Council hands out an impossible task, so that any party that isn't cut out for the job gives up on the spot.
That way, the Council gets less work in the future while giving would-be dropouts an easy way out! Everybody wins!
Hey! We're not giving up!
If we were people who would balk at something like this, we wouldn't have taken on the [Journey] to begin with!
A curse? It's nothing in the face of our combined spirit! Huzzah!
Asherah, that's basically the same logic as my charm.
...It's true this trial looks difficult.
Which is why [Polaris] decided to send an assistant to help with the mission.
An assistant?
Yes. In field-type trials, resolving the matter at hand becomes the top priority.
Use of extra personnel is a necessity in order to minimize civilian casualties, as stipulated by the [Journey].
And as it happens, Candle Square has Lavistar's top specialist in curses.
A specialist in curses, meaning...
All right, please come in!
...
H-huh? What's going on here...?
You're not making me introduce myself, are you?
It's that gravestone maniac!
Maniac?! How uncultured can you be?!
Gravestones are the finest works of art that serve as the grand finale to mark the end of one's life!
Anyone incapable of appreciating their beauty probably doesn't even brush their teeth before bed!
What does art appreciation have to do with oral hygiene...
As you know, this is Bell Rhys—the destined successor to carry on the name of House Rhys.
She's currently serving in Candle Square under the [Firstborn's Duty].
She may come across as... eccentric, but her skills should prove her worth. She'll be of great help.
Then let's finish preparations. I'll see you tomorrow at the Central Station.