First Encounter
Around noon, on my way to the plaza.
Lisa's warning kept echoing in my head the whole walk.
The Journey member you've been assigned to this time already has quite the resume.
The Crimson Silver Lion, the Storm Beyond the Wall, Void Bane, the War God of the West...
She's a symbol of hope for the people of the West.
No need to look so tense. She's not a bad person or anything.
Her personality's not bad, per se, but...
What was that supposed to mean...?
When I reached the plaza, a silver-haired girl stood there with her arms crossed.
...She doesn't look pleased.
You must be the Journey Captain.
I am Ceres, Commander of the Western Liberators.
Nice to meet you.
...I look forward to working with you for the next year.
She said the right words, but her eyes and expression were full of irritation.
One year here in NOA, huh.
Something on your mind?
NOA... really does look like it's drowning in peace.
That blank look. You really don't get it, do you, Captain?
We're at war. It wouldn't be strange if Voidborns rained down from the skies this very second.
The Divine Barrier around Lavistar isn't all-powerful.
But do you feel any of that urgency on this street?
Everyone's just wandering around with lazy, carefree smiles...
Soft!
You're too soft!
I-is that so?
I hope you're not one of those people with no sense of urgency, Captain.
...I'll do my best.
...Hmm.
As of now, I'm formally transferring command to you and changing my post from the Western Liberators to the Voyager Savior Party.
Once again, I'm counting on you.
I guess we should start with the interview...
If possible, I'd like to see the training grounds first. We can talk on the way.
...Why are you hesitating?
Lunch? I haven't eaten. Is that important?
You want to talk over a meal?
There's a nice restaurant nearby.
...
Captain.
Y-yeah?
I believe I just said I hoped you were not one of those people with no sense of urgency...
The Captain of the Journey Savior Party carries a heavy burden.
I handed you command. That's no different than entrusting you with my life and future.
And the first thing you do is... suggest we eat?
Soft! You're too soft!
I just wanted to have lunch together!
Let me guess. Some lavish meal?
An orchestra playing in the corner, waiters bringing ten courses one after another...
A steak drowning in sauce, carved up with a golden knife...
And for dessert, a gold-dusted macaron or some such nonsense!
Who has time for such a meal right now?!
That's a huge misunderstanding!
There's no orchestra! No gold dust either!
...No macarons, either?
...
...Tch! Doesn't matter either way.
I've got no time to waste on NOA's decadent culture.
For a warrior of Raven Wall, things like that are spirit-softening poison.
What's Raven Wall?
...Are you seriously asking that? You've never heard of it?
They said the new Captain came from far away... I guess they weren't joking.
Raven Wall is a massive fortified barrier.
After our homeland in the West was devoured by the Void, it was built to keep the Voidborns at bay.
Raven Wall is the line between civilization and the Void.
It's the final stronghold, built with the blood and lives of the Western people.
Sounds like a harsh place to grow up.
But don't you need a proper meal to fight well?
If it's lunch you want, this'll do.
This is...
...A stick?
It's a Western field ration.
Lightweight and long-lasting.
One of these bars can keep you going for seven hours straight.
There. Lunch is settled, right?
The ration she handed me smelled like dried wood...
Do I have to eat it too?
Is there a problem?
No problem, but...
...!
The second I bit into it, an overwhelming flavor hit me.
It tasted like wax...!
I choked down the ration as I guided Ceres to her destination.
The waves of Voidborns in the West have been in a lull for some time now...
Our true homeland lies beyond Raven Wall.
The ultimate goal of the Western Liberators is to destroy the Void Core outside Raven Wall.
We need to strike, not just defend!
That's why I have high hopes for the power of the Star Savior granted at the end of the Journey.
And as a Savior who has completed the Journey, I will request reinforcements from Lady Alicia.
At least ten high-ranking Saviors would serve as the spearhead alongside our elite unit...
And if we can get forces and supplies to back them up...!
...Captain? Are you listening?
My stomach feels a little heavy...
First time eating it? I suppose it's not easy to adjust.
Western rations are designed with pure function and efficiency in mind.
Their poor flavor is by design as well.
You're only meant to eat exactly as much as needed.
Unlike those little madeleines...
Or shortcakes...
Or gateaux found all over NOA.
Nom.
Wow, you know a lot.
Know a lot about what?
About desserts. Like their names and stuff.
...Huh?
So, are you into that kind of thing?
O-of course not!
Like I said! Those things are poison to a Western warrior!
Enough with the nonsense, you soft-hearted Captain!
But still...
A-ah, this must be Candle Square.
Training can begin right away. I'm not tired at all!
Wait for me!
And just like that, my Journey began with the Western Liberators' strict, stern, and serious Commander.
...At least I won't be spending much on food.