The Visitor from Oblivion
Wow, everyone, look at that! Those mountains are huge!
What's so impressive about mountains?
Maybe a noble like you wouldn't know, but mountains are everywhere—
W-whoa! They're actually that huge?! What even is that?
The highest point in Lavistar. The Monastir Mountain Range.
Beyond this to the north lies the Kalaid Snowfield, and southward it connects to the Canopus Mountains.
Look at how big that mountain is, Mister!
How much food would Omega have to eat to project something that big?
Considering mass ratios, even consuming all food distributed within NOA would not suffice.
Inside a fast-moving train...
While everyone else was pressed up against the windows, admiring the unfamiliar scenery...
My mind was filled with thoughts about the upcoming [trial] we had to face.
A competition trial?
Yes. While carrying out Savior activities, there may be times when conflicts arise between Saviors.
It could be due to a minor misunderstanding, or a difference in beliefs that cannot be reconciled.
Regardless of the cause, you must know how to protect yourself when such situations occur.
The purpose of this trial is to develop the ability to fight [humans]...
As well as [human-like entities].
Humans may be weaker than Voidborns, but they can be far more dangerous.
I get what you mean.
You're as sharp as ever, Captain.
So, who are our opponents?
Usually it would be the [Western Liberators] stationed in the West...
Or members of the [Monastir Knights] of the Duchy of Monastir. We rotate between the two factions.
This time, the [Monastir Knights] have agreed to be your opponents.
However...
Is there a problem?
Competition trials are usually conducted at NOA...
But this time, the Voyager Savior Party will be visiting Monastir directly.
Really? Doesn't seem that worrying to me.
Well...
We received word from the Western Liberators that [recent Voidborn activity has been unusual, making it difficult for them to leave their posts]...
And on the Monastir side as well, [the monster activity has intensified recently], so they warned us it might be difficult to help with the trial at first.
Fortunately, they understood that the competition trial couldn't be postponed, so arrangements were made for us to visit them directly instead.
That means...
It sounded like something was changing across Lavistar.
...Has the [Cycle] stopped?
I refuse to spend eternity upholding the Cycle.
You will learn in time.
For it is your destiny.
I still didn't know what those people we encountered were after, or what they wanted.
I could only assume they were connected to the increasingly unsettling movements of Voidborns and monsters.
Still, the competition trial is only difficult because you have to face formidable opponents.
It's not life-threatening like the expedition trial from before!
Captain, you don't need to worry about anything else. Just focus on how to beat the Knights!
It'll feel more like a friendly match, so take it easy, enjoy the sights of Monastir, and come back safely!
And don't forget to bring me a souvenir on your way back!
What do you mean? You're not coming with us?
Ah, about that... I am sorry, but I do not think I can accompany you this time.
I received an order to write a detailed report regarding the previous incident.
So I am really, really disappointed as well, but...
This time, you will have to lead the trip, Captain.
Don't worry. I know you'll handle it perfectly!
Things like paperwork and administrative procedures required for entering Monastir...
I'm sure you'll manage just fine even without me!
Wait. You're not trying to dump everything on me, are you?!
Hahaha! I'm just a lowly Grade 3 observer who has to do as she's told!
Well then, I'll be off!
Despite Lisa telling me not to worry, that familiar sense of unease crept up my spine again.
I could only hope I was just worrying over nothing.
Did you hear? People on the Journey from NOA are coming.
Isn't it the Knights that usually go to NOA? Never thought it can also go the other way around.
Well, that did happen occasionally back in the old days. Let's see... how many years ago was that again...?
*...Sip*
Mm. Delicious. Today's roast is excellent as always.
And with a cookie on the side...
Hehe. It's the perfect combination.
I'm glad you enjoy it every time, even though you drink it every day.
Oh, if I detect even the slightest drop in quality, I fully intend to file a complaint.
Haha. Regular customers really are the scariest.
Actually, I sprained my right wrist recently.
Even earlier when I made the coffee, my hand was trembling. I'm glad it didn't affect the taste.
Oh dear. How did that happen? I hope you recover quickly.
You remember telling me you'd develop a new blend, right? I've been looking forward to it.
Haha. If you're that excited about it, I suppose I'd better recover quickly.
Hehehe...
...
...
...
...Hmm?
For your laughter, it's unbearably...
Gentle.
To the level of it being... revolting.
...Gille?
I have a question about something I can't make sense of.
What are you doing right now?
I thought... you had completely vanished.
Does the fact that you're here again mean—
Didn't you hear what I said?
...What?
I'll ask again.
What are you doing right now?
...
*...Sigh*
Can't you see? I'm drinking coffee.
You vanished for ages, so I was wondering what you were up to this whole time...
Did you forget how to use your eyes and end up losing your way?
You know perfectly well that wasn't what I meant.
I'm curious as much as you are.
Where were you, and what were you doing until now?
...
...The deep well inside the NOA's witch house.
[At the bottom of that well lies the Wings of Aldebaran...]
...That was referring to you, wasn't it?
...Hmph.
So how did you crawl your way out of that well?
Because the time has come.
[Lord Aldebaran]... is returning...?
You look like a fool who forgot to go home after spending all that time playing around with humans.
You haven't forgotten [our] duty, have you?
The duty of an [Executor]...
[Acting in place of Lord Aldebaran's will.]
...I remember it very well.
Really? All I see is a pathetic fool who's lost her edge from wallowing in peace alongside humans.
Well... a [meager country] like this...
There's nothing wrong with enjoying myself a little before I tear it down, is there?
Who knows? Maybe I'm just laying low and understanding how the people here operate.
Wouldn't that make it easier to break it apart even better when the time comes?
Couldn't you at least come up with a slightly more convincing lie?
No.
...Haha.
...What's so funny?
Seeing you up close like this makes it clear.
Just how laughable [Tyria the Beheader] has become.
Who defanged you? Was it the Star Savior? Or someone else?
Your strength has clearly weakened compared to before.
Shut up!
So you chose to blend into human society instead of fighting a losing battle? I won't blame you for that choice.
If you... say one more word, I—
...I won't drag this out.
Soon, she will return.
If you intend to stand by her side again... you'd better do something.
Spending all that time lounging around in a cafe won't count as an excuse.
...Sure, whatever you say.
That said... who do you think you are? My superior? Since when?
...Don't bark orders at me.
Consider it advice.
I'd suggest you prove your loyalty by wiping out this [meager country] immediately, but...
To be honest, I doubt you have that kind of strength left now.
Even if you did, I doubt you'd try that hard.
What exactly are you trying to say?
...I heard there's a [Heart of the Star] somewhere in this meager nation.
Even you, weakless as you are now, should be capable of destroying that.
Would you mind adding [please] at the end of that request?
If I decide you're dragging your feet, I'll burn everything without leaving a trace.
Including you.
You really think I'm a joke—
...
Looks like I won't get to try the new blend after all.
The cookies here, too...
I'll miss them.
...
