Train Under Siege
W-who are these guys?! How are they so tough?!
No way... Could they be NOA's Saviors?
You said all Saviors were gone from Aganon! What are you gonna do now, huh?!
Why do you ask me?!
Anyway, just hold out a little longer!
Reinforcements from the rear should be here any—huh?
*Gasp*
KABOOM!!
A volley of yellow charms whipped through the bandits who were frantically trying to call for help.
Unlike Luna's bootleg version, these charms subdued the bandits in a flash.
And behind them approached a woman who clearly seemed to be the owner of the charms.
You are...?
Greetings, NOA's new [Journey Captain].
You know who I am?
Yes. I saw your name in a directive from Polaris.
The woman in black spoke no further and just stood there staring at me.
...Um.
Yes?
Is... that it?
Ah, my apologies. I forgot to introduce myself.
I belong to the field division under Polaris Observation Council.
My name is [Lugh], Deputy Leader of the Orbital Search Team 3.
Thank you for assisting with the suppression of the train bandits.
Likewise. But let's deal with the rest of the bandits first.
No need to worry. Their reinforcements from the rear have already been neutralized.
All that remains is to apprehend their leader and the situation will be resolved.
And where is their leader now?
I arrived in a hurry, so I haven't confirmed yet.
He was last seen fleeing the scene—
Kyaaah!
B-back off! Back off now!
One more step and the girl gets it!
Y-you heard him! Everyone get back! Farther! Hurry!
...There he is.
But... isn't that your liaison officer he's holding hostage?
...Looks like it.
Odd.
According to protocol, a liaison must remain by your side to record the situation.
Why was she there alone and how did she end up a hostage?
That's... a long story.
Lisa bragged earlier that liaison officers get first-class tickets on official trips.
Maybe I'll save the truth for another time.
All right! We're getting out of here!
You're coming with! If you resist...
Okay, okay I get it so please be gentle and move slow!
This handbag is a brand-new [Edna Boutique] model I waited six months for!
I can't even imagine what I would do if it gets scratched!
Yeah? Why should I care?
It's getting in my way, so toss it aside!
The bandit leader snatched Lisa's bag and hurled it to the floor.
Needless to say, it rolled across the dirt and grime and was completely soiled.
Making demands as a hostage? Blow me... huh?
...Hey.
Uh... what?
Hey.
I thought I made myself clear about not touching my bag.
What? You little— *Gurgle*
Lisa unslung the telescope from around her back and bashed the leader's head.
The force behind it was so strong that even Asherah would've had trouble taking the blow.
The bandit leader fell unconscious before he could even scream.
Lisa then soccer-kicked the bandit's head... Then rushing to scoop up her bag while weeping.
I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, sweetheart! That must've hurt so much!
I'll send you in for a full boutique cleaning as soon as we're back—just hang in there until then!
Huh...? That would be too expensive on my account, you say?
You're fine staying like this...? You want me to love your siblings instead?
No... I love all of my children.
And don't worry about me. Two months of oatmeal and I'll recover the expense easily!
Hmm...
So, umm, allow me to explain—
Impressive.
Eh?
As a liaison, she didn't settle for pure documentation but formed an independent strike unit and targeted enemy weak points.
I understand her capabilities perfectly.
Many NOA Observers these days focus too heavily on administrative work.
But your liaison seems highly skilled on the battlefield as well.
I've learned much from her example.
I'll report to Ms. Roberta and submit a commendation request to headquarters.
Huh? Oh... Y-yeah, thanks.
In any case, the situation in this region grows more dire by the day.
What do you mean?
These men were originally private mercenaries operating out of Aganon.
But as the city's economy stalled, mass layoffs began.
Many of the unemployed have turned to banditry ever since.
This is the first time they've attacked a train, however...
And the longer the ruins stay closed, the worse things will get.
Let's move, Captain.
My team leader will brief the rest when we arrive in Aganon.