First Encounter
Liberation!
Hmm?
Reporting in. Besta, assault trooper of the Western Liberators.
As of today, I've joined the Journey and been assigned to the Journey Savior Party.
My goal is to pass the Journey! I will give my all and follow orders to the letter!
Now!
Here!
You have my word!
Everyone in the plaza turned to look our way.
Wh-what is she doing...?
Is that a military ceremony? Do they normally do that in public squares...?
Captain? Is something the matter?
L-let's just head to the nearest cafe for now.
I see... I caused a disturbance.
In the Western Disaster Zone, when you're assigned to a unit, you declare your name and mission aloud.
Not knowing the cultural gap between NOA and the West was my dismal failure.
I wouldn't go that far...
...
What is it?
...This wasn't what I expected.
The Journey Captain was personally appointed by Lady Alicia.
So I figured you'd be even stricter than Commander Ceres, not softer.
Is it because it's the first day? If so, you don't need to hold back.
Discipline, punishment, corporal punishment. Whatever it is, I'm ready to accept it.
...That won't be necessary?
So that's not part of the Journey Captain's duties? I see...
Commander Ceres did say NOA was too soft...
So that's how they see NOA in the West.
Generally, yes.
When the Void Star fell in the West, the Void Core formed.
Monsters allured by the Void began swarming the region.
The Western Liberators now hold the line at Raven Wall, our final bastion.
It might sound presumptuous, but I believe the Western Liberators are helping to keep the continent at peace.
But as long as that Void Core exists in the West, reclaiming the region is a distant dream.
For now, it's nothing but a war of attrition.
Therefore...
You joined the Journey.
To become strong enough to reclaim the West.
...Yes.
A year is never a short time.
In the West, it's common to lose comrades overnight.
Captain.
Please guide me.
So I can pass the Journey.
Besta asked me politely, her voice steady and sincere.
Leave it to me.
That's what the Journey Captain is for.
...I see.
We haven't known each other long, but I think I'm starting to understand what kind of person you are.
Now then, regarding our next plans—
What is this!?
...Mm?
Wait, this sword's really expensive! You're really giving this to me?
Yes. You're a proper knight now.
From now on, I'm counting on you to watch my back. Got it?
Sir...!
Thank you! Thank you so much!
Look at you. Full-grown man and you're diving into my arms.
...
Are you okay? You've got a nosebleed.
Huh? Ah, yes.
No need to worry. It's just how my body is.
Anyway, Captain, moving on—
Ouch!
Hmm...?!
Hot...! Who put a kettle here?!
You did...
Hehe! Did I?
Give me your hand.
Wh-what are you doing!? Why are you putting my fingers in your mouth!?
Emergency treatment. Stay still.
Aah...
Hmmm...!
Besta? You're bleeding again!
...Excellent.
She looks like she's on the defensive, but in truth, it's an attack.
To insert part of your body into another's...
All that remains is to ravage the fragile insides.
...What are you even talking about?
...Captain. About that comment of NOA being soft. I take it back.
NOA turns out to be way more dangerous than I thought.
Huh...?
...I didn't quite understand what she meant by NOA being dangerous.
But her goal was to pass the Journey and reclaim the West.
I feel like I've learned a little more about Besta, the assault trooper of the Western Liberators.