First Encounter
I was on my way to meet my newest Journey member and begin the [Journey] when...
Huh?
All of a sudden, a shooting star streaked across the clear sky.
Even in broad daylight, the starlight was so vivid that I looked up without thinking.
Is that...
Coming this way?!
Instead of vanishing into the clouds, the shooting star rapidly drew closer.
I instinctively dropped flat as a wave of heat brushed past my head.
Thick smoke was billowing from where the shooting star had landed.
Th-that was close...
I'd heard stories about Voidborns slipping through cracks in the Divine Barrier and falling from the sky every now and then.
Staying on guard, I cautiously moved closer...
Ugh...
What had fallen from the skies wasn't a meteor... but a person.
What happened...? Did something collide with the ship?
...Huh?
I just met her, and she's already pointing a gun at me!
Wait! Hold on!
We can talk this out!
Shut it. Unless you want a hole in your head, stay still.
First off, what are you?
A Corrupted Object? Or a human?
I'm just a passing adventurer.
Adventurer? Not even a merc?
Yes, ma'am.
Can we put the guns down and talk?
No. You answer my questions. That's it.
Where is this place? It's not the Counterside, is it?
Would it help if I said that we're near NOA?
...Never heard that name before.
Then how about Lavistar?
Where even is that supposed to be?
Looks like resolving this sudden hostage situation won't be easy...
Well, I know someone who can clear this up.
Want me to take you to her?
Fine. But don't get any ideas.
One weird move, and I pull the trigger.
That's harsh!
You really don't trust people, huh...
Nope. I've been stabbed in the back by a coworker before.
That happened to you...?
What did they do?
...They set me up just to boost their own performance.
Almost got me killed.
Just asking, but...
Did you have a habit of pointing a gun at people like this back then?
You asking to get shot?
Stop! My bad!
I said I'd guide you, didn't I?
Then lead the way already.
Damn it... Can't believe this happened on my way home...
With the grumbling hostage-taker in tow, I headed for NOA.
Oh! Captain! You're here!
Did you manage to meet up with your Journey mem—
Somebody help!
Q-quiet! You're making it sound way worse than it is!
A hostage situation in the middle of the city? Is that lady out of her mind?
Someone call the Town Guard, quick!
Captain?! How'd you end up being taken hostage?!
I dodged a meteor, and one thing led to another!
What kind of explanation is that?!
We received a report about a hostage situation!
You there! Release the hostage!
I'm being framed as a criminal right now, aren't I?
Lay down your weapon and surrender!
You unhinged kidnapper!
Shut up!!
And so, it seemed as if justice had prevailed against the ill-tempered, unidentified hostage-taker...
...I heard what happened.
It seems this [Journey] won't be smooth sailing.
More importantly...
What's she doing here?
What am I doing here? I'd like to know that myself.
First I get called a hostage-taker, then thrown in a cell...
And now I'm dragged off to some weird place like this.
I understand how confusing this must be.
To get straight to the point, Mina, you must take part in the [Journey].
The Journey...?
Hang on!
She's my new Journey member?
Yes.
I'm calling it quits.
I understand how you feel, but you know it's too late for that.
Hold on.
Cut the inside talk and explain.
What even is this [Journey]? Why do I have to do it?
Simply put, it's the only way for you to return to where you belong.
Where I belong...?
This is Lavistar. It's different from the world you came from.
Something caused you to drift into this world.
Something... caused this?
Lena did warned me about a dimensional storm...
And the ship was shaking like crazy...
So if I do this [Journey] thing, I can go back. That's what you're saying, right?
Yes. The [Journey] is a ritual to inherit the power of the [Star Savior], who once protected this world.
The [Journey] is a large-scale ritual that spans an entire year.
With that power, we can send you back to your original world.
A whole year?!
Wait, then what about work tomorrow? And my sister's hospital bills?!
Please stay calm. Time flows differently between worlds.
I give you my word.
Once the [Journey] is complete, you will return to the moment you came from.
So you're saying there's no other option but the Journey.
Regrettably, yes.
Lavistar's civilization is still one of the youngest among the stars.
We have yet to reach even the nearest star, let alone cross time and space.
*Sigh...* I wonder if the Vice President will count this as overtime...
...I don't like it, but I guess I don't have a choice.
I'll finish this Journey and go home. No matter what.
It won't be easy. You'll face many trials.
But you won't be alone. The [Journey Captain] will be with you.
The [Journey Captain]? So where's this Captain?
That would be...
The person right beside you.
Call me Captain from now on.
...You expect me to travel with someone this shady?
You're the shady one here!
Think whatever you want. I don't care.
Ahem. For now, you two should begin by learning to accept one another.
A Captain and his Journey member pulling in different directions will never reach the end.
...In that case, I look forward to working with you, Captain.
Uuuugh...
Saviors come in all kinds, but it's unusual for things to begin this poorly.
If a [Visitor] like Mina remains here, the rift cannot be restored.
It's as if she's an anchor tying Lavistar to another world.
For everyone's sake, it would be best for her to return to her world as soon as possible.
Got it.
As Captain, I'll take responsibility.
...Yes. Thank you.
Then may the blessings of the stars be with you all.
As I stepped out of the Astro Sanctum, I saw Mina waiting just ahead.
Let's do our best together.
If we give it our all, we can finish the Journey.
No. You don't have to worry about me.
Mm?
I got a rough explanation from those Observers.
Sounds like the Journey's basically just about fighting and winning.
If that's all it is, I can handle it on my own.
On your own?
It won't be easy.
Hey, I may be a Grade C Counter, but I've got plenty of real combat experience.
So you just do your thing.
Mina waved and walked off...
...Then came back.
Hey... Is there anywhere I can stay for free?
And so, my Journey with Mina began! ...Even if I wasn't thrilled about it.