"Remarkable."
Setsuna examined Train Crew No. 3's world on the star chart.
There were no supernatural oddities, nor anything like Heroes or Demon Kings.
It was merely an ordinary pre-space-age human civilization whose only distinctive feature was its countless idols.
These included, but were not limited to, various small groups such as μ's, A-RISE, and Saint Snow. For the Trailblaze team, their greatest task was not fighting, but gathering everyone together.
"I think their singing is quite pleasant, and their dancing is good too."
Senti played with her hair as she spoke.
"The Starsea Empire doesn't have any idols yet, does it? We could have them perform. Holding a concert whenever there's nothing else to do sounds pretty nice."
"...All right."
Setsuna thought about it. Watching beautiful girls sing and dance during his free time would be enjoyable enough.
"Ugh, I thought I'd be following Grandmaster around to vanquish demons and evil spirits, but all we've done here is watch performances and search for people..."
Sushang hugged her sword with an expression utterly devoid of hope.
"Don't worry. You'll have plenty of opportunities in the future. After conquering one world, you can continue trailblazing into even more distant places."
Setsuna offered them a few words of encouragement, then left the Love Live world entirely in the hands of Train Crew No. 3.
"Reporting to the Supreme One. This is Train Crew No. 4. My deepest apologies, but we temporarily changed our trailblazing direction and have not yet reached the next world."
Albedo inclined her head toward Setsuna, apology written across her face.
"During our previous exploration of a new universe, we encountered a world of excessively high magnitude. After analysis, I determined that continuing to explore it with the train crew's current strength posed too great a risk, so I selected another direction."
"Hm?"
Setsuna examined the star chart. Train Crew No. 4 had not continued along its original route, instead choosing a slightly more distant direction.
"What happened?"
"Supreme One, here."
Albedo marked a location on the star chart.
"As we entered this universe and prepared to investigate, we suddenly detected a change on the scale of the universe's very structure. We speculate that it was caused by some form of power capable of rewriting reality through self-awareness."
"I determined that the train crew currently lacks the ability to oppose such an unknown power. Out of caution, I temporarily changed our trailblazing objective. Please forgive me, Supreme One."
"It is of no concern."
Train Crew No. 4 was a mixed Trailblaze team composed of Overlord and Goblin Slayer members. Retreating temporarily from a world they could not handle was perfectly normal.
If they could not win, they were to leave first or return home for reinforcements. That was one of the principles Setsuna had explained before their departure.
However, Setsuna was more curious about something else.
"Reality alteration on the scale of an entire universe?! There's actually an expert there?!"
"Interesting."
The ability to interfere on a universal scale came very close to the concept of a god. Unfortunately, the train crew had not ventured any deeper into that universe, so the intelligence they had acquired was limited.
He recorded the coordinates on the star chart.
"Understood. I'll personally make a trip there later. For now, head to another world."
"Yes—"
"We will undoubtedly fulfill the Supreme One's command this time."
Albedo, Shalltear, and the Pleiades all saluted together.
"What about you two?"
The projections of Elysia from Train Crew No. 5 and Gudako from Train Crew No. 6 leaned closer.
"Which universes have you explored?"
"Commander, what are you doing? Are you free? Would you like to come save the world with me~?"
Elysia blew Setsuna a kiss through the projection and transmitted her train crew's information.
"There are lots of adorable girls here!"
"What?"
Setsuna lowered his head and looked.
WorldEnd: What Do You Do at the End of the World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us?
"...WorldEnd?!"
For some inexplicable reason, Setsuna felt that this world suited Elysia remarkably well.
"How far have you progressed?"
"We're still learning about this world."
Ely puffed out her cheeks.
"I'm not as strong as you, nor do I understand as much. In a world like this, we have to carefully formulate a plan before we dare take action, all right?"
"Otherwise, it'll be troublesome if something goes wrong."
"Wait, Commander. The world on my side is very strange. I strongly recommend that you come personally."
Gudako cut in.
Setsuna examined the star chart.
Hm, Senren Banka.
One of Yuzusoft's famous erotic games, rather similar in nature to Nekopara.
Heaven only knew why they had stumbled into this universe.
"Didn't you look around a little more? Perhaps there are worlds like Sabbat of the Witch, Bishoujo Mangekyou, or Aiyoku no Eustia?..."
"Huh???"
Gudako stared at him in utter disbelief.
"No matter how you look at it, those worlds are bizarre, aren't they?! And there's no need to dispatch an entire train crew to conquer them, right?!"
She and Elysia both sent Setsuna invitations.
"So, Commander, are you coming over to take a look?"
"Saving the world while personally tricking a few girls into coming home with you?..."
"Hm..."
Setsuna considered it for a moment.
The worlds assigned to Train Crews No. 2 and No. 3 could be handled by the crews themselves, while the high-level world Albedo had encountered required him to personally make time for it.
As for WorldEnd and Senren Banka, he was somewhat interested in those as well.
An erotic game should be conquered personally!
"All right. One at a time. I'll visit Hoori Town first."
...
Several hours later.
Boom—
The Astral Express activated its jump engine. White light flashed as it arrived in another unfamiliar universe.
[Senren Banka (Pre-Space-Age)]
This world possesses a pre-space-age human civilization. Only an extremely small amount of magical power exists, and it has virtually no influence on the development of civilization.
Comparison of Strength:
Military Strength: Like an Ant
Economic Power: Like an Ant
Technological Level: Like an Ant
Strictly speaking, the world of Senren Banka also contained certain forms of magic and legends. However, such powers were far too weak to influence the development of civilization, so it was still classified as pre-space-age.
Looking down, the rest of Earth appeared no different from an ordinary world.
Angeloid forces were patrolling back and forth between cities, rebuilding a new order. Traces of warfare could still be faintly seen in certain regions.
"Ah, a new world."
Shiro, Ariel, and several others gathered beside the viewing window, carefully observing the scenery below.
This was their first true journey across universes.
Hum...
The two Astral Expresses converged.
Train Crew No. 6 was led by Ritsuka Fujimaru and included several Heroic Spirits from Chaldea, the Night Raid team, and the Stellaron girl.
"Commander, we've already conquered most of this world's nations and incorporated them into the Starsea Empire's territory."
"However, we haven't dispatched troops to Hoori Town yet. I thought it would be better for you to handle it personally?"
Gudako stepped forward and reported to Setsuna.
"Mm."
Setsuna reviewed the information. Senren Banka's plot was not particularly complicated. It took place in a small town named Hoori.
The only threat requiring resolution was the mischief caused by a cursed god. After that, all that remained was to pack up every girl and take them away.
—The girls in erotic games were always top quality.
"Let's go say hello to them. Should we start by pulling Murasame out of the stone?"
"...Ciallo~?"
...
A small town lay deep in the mountains of the island nation's eastern region.
Far removed from the civilized world, it seemed almost completely cut off from modern society.
Only after spending several hours traveling by car, then passing through winding mountain roads, could one barely reach it.
The town looked nothing like an ordinary backward mountain village. Its streets were well maintained, while clusters of traditional Japanese buildings were scattered harmoniously throughout the area.
The scenery was beautiful, clean, and orderly.
Occasionally, one could even spot fashionably dressed foreigners.
Many years ago, Hoori Town had become a popular hot-spring resort, attracting numerous visitors. By developing its tourism industry, it had gained a degree of fame throughout the surrounding region.
In one corner of the town stood a classical Japanese shrine.
A blue-eyed, white-haired girl dressed as a shrine maiden was performing a votive dance beneath the shrine.
She wore a white robe with crimson hakama, covered by a pale-red gradient chihaya, while a golden maetenkan rested upon her head.
Her features were sweet and adorable, while her expression remained meticulous and solemn.
Chime, chime, chime—
The crisp ringing of the kagura bells intertwined with her dancing steps. Her flowing sleeves fluttered through the air as her long hair scattered behind her.
Every movement was graceful and perfectly measured, filled with beauty.
"Oh..."
The tourists below seemed completely captivated, staring without blinking.
"As expected of the shrine maiden of Ikuta Shrine!"
A local resident proudly explained her identity to the tourists.
"She is the shrine maiden of the Tomotake family, who have protected the land of Hoori Town for generations, as well as the only daughter of Ikuta Shrine, Lady Yoshino Tomotake."
"The Tomotake family descends from the hero who once defeated a monster with Murasamemaru and protected Hoori Town. In every generation, the princess of the Tomotake family must regularly offer a kagura dance to protect Hoori Town, cleanse impurities, and pray for the town's safety."
"Oh..."
Legends of shrine maidens offering dances to the gods in exchange for peace and favorable weather existed throughout the land. However, another reason Hoori Town was so popular was that it possessed a genuine "historical artifact."
Before the shrine's main hall stood an enormous boulder, with an exquisite long blade embedded within it.
Half of the blade had sunk into the stone, while the exposed portion was kept immaculately clean. Beneath the sunlight, it emitted a faint glow.
Its silvery radiance was dazzling and mesmerizing.
"This is Murasamemaru, the blade that once defeated a demon and contains divine power. According to legend, only the chosen one can draw it."
"Ooooooh—"
Most of the tourists had come specifically for Murasamemaru. Everyone wanted to test whether they possessed extraordinary natural strength or had received the favor of the gods.
Unfortunately, after all these years, no one had ever succeeded in drawing Murasamemaru. Over time, it had become a legend similar to King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone.
"Phew—"
After finishing the dance, Yoshino Tomotake acknowledged the tourists before retreating into the shrine's rear hall.
"Phew—"
She removed the elaborate shrine maiden garments and accessories, changed into ordinary clothes, and breathed a sigh of relief.
For a young girl, performing the intricate kagura dance from beginning to end required considerable stamina. It was a dance offered to the gods, so not the slightest carelessness could be tolerated.
"Thank you for your hard work, Lady Yoshino."
Another girl with black hair and green eyes, dressed in short clothing, poured Yoshino Tomotake a cup of tea and efficiently helped her put away her garments.
Mako Hitachi came from a family of ninjas who had served the Tomotake family for centuries. In the modern era, there was no longer any need for constant protection, so she merely helped with household chores.
"Mm."
Yoshino rested for a while, then began chatting idly with Mako.
"Come to think of it, there have been far fewer tourists in Hoori Town lately."
"Normally, people would already be lining up to visit the hot springs and see Murasamemaru around this time, wouldn't they? Hmm, there don't seem to be many people today."
Although a few guests were still drawing fortunes and touring the shrine's main hall, its former bustle was nowhere to be seen.
The same was true of Hoori Town's other attractions and shops. Only a few sparse clusters of tourists remained.
"Isn't it because so many major events have been happening around the world?"
Mako Hitachi scratched her head.
"Lady Yoshino, haven't you watched the news? Earth is about to be occupied by aliens!"
"Uh, strictly speaking, I suppose we'll be citizens of the Starsea Empire from now on?..."
"Huh?"
News concerning the Starsea Empire was being broadcast repeatedly on television.
The moment they arrived in this world, Sophon and the Angeloids had issued ultimatums to every nation.
After several brief battles in which all resistance was crushed with unquestionable superiority, they began rapidly taking control of the world.
"Welcome to the NHK Evening News. Today, the European Union announced that it has reached a ceasefire agreement with the Starsea Empire and will accept the other party's demands, surrendering all sovereignty..."
"Our nation is currently negotiating with imperial envoys regarding the transfer of all administrative departments. The process will be completed no later than the sixth of this month..."
For the United Nations and the prominent figures of every country, an otherworldly civilization taking control of the planet was an earth-shattering event that heralded the arrival of a new era.
Everyone trembled as they prepared to welcome their new rulers, pondering how they could preserve their positions.
However, for an isolated rural town like Hoori, nothing seemed to have changed apart from the decrease in tourists.
The flames of war had never reached this place. Everything remained as it had always been.
Their understanding of the outside world was limited entirely to television news. They had no real sense that Earth had been placed under the rule of "aliens."
"Aren't they human too? Hmm, and there are angels?"
Yoshino Tomotake watched Sophon and the Angeloids on the news with great curiosity.
They were not monsters resembling E.T. or indescribable tentacled creatures. By human standards of beauty, these "aliens" were far too gorgeous.
"Ah, I suppose they're humans from another world extremely far away from us?"
"Their technology is far more advanced than ours. They can even build spaceships, while we can barely travel by airplane."
Mako thought for a moment. Her understanding of the Starsea Empire was equally limited.
"Hmm... Given the opportunity, I'd actually like to chat with an alien and ask them what's up there in the heavens."
She rested her chin on her hand and gazed out the window.
After spending too long in the countryside, one inevitably developed all sorts of strange ideas.
For example, visiting a large city or traveling somewhere much farther away to experience a broader world.
Unfortunately, most people in Hoori Town would never venture very far throughout their entire lives. Mako herself was also bound by her duty to protect Yoshino Tomotake.
Even something as bizarre as an alien invasion seemed completely unrelated to Hoori Town.
Perhaps the invaders had deliberately spared this place, or perhaps it was simply so remote that even aliens could not be bothered to visit.
"...Mako, forget about that. Have you finished this week's homework?"
Yoshino stopped thinking about the distant affairs of important figures, pulled out her books, and prepared to study.
"Huh? I almost forgot!"
"Quick, quick, quick..."
Not long afterward.
Hum...
A low rumble came from the sky, followed immediately by a commotion outside.
"What's happening?"
The two girls were puzzled.
Yasuharu Tomotake, the head of the Tomotake family, hurriedly called out to them.
"Yoshino, come outside! Someone's here!"
"Ah... A spaceship!! It's the aliens!!"
"What?!"
Boom!—
A small shuttle descended over Hoori Town.
Angeloids formed a perfectly ordered escort formation in the air. A floating gravitational staircase extended all the way to the ground, and Setsuna slowly descended with several attendants.
The people of this small village had never witnessed anything like it. The crowd before the shrine instinctively split into two lines, cautiously and curiously examining the visitors from another world.
Yasuharu Tomotake stepped forward to greet them, while Yoshino and Mako stood a little farther away.
"Greetings. I am the chief priest of Ikuta Shrine. May I ask who you are?..."
He sensed an unprecedented pressure from the man before him, so overwhelming that he could barely raise his head.
Fortunately, humanoid aliens were still easier to accept than hideous monsters.
"This is the Commander of the Starsea Empire and the Empire's supreme ruler. Mind your words and actions."
The Angeloid leading the procession lowered her gaze and coldly warned the crowd.
"Hiss—"
Everyone trembled.
This was someone whose authority surpassed that of any official they had ever heard of, seen, or imagined.
To an ordinary person, the shock was no different from that of a dirt-poor farmer in an ancient village suddenly encountering the emperor during an imperial procession.
"Go."
Setsuna waved his hand, and the Angeloids efficiently dispersed the crowd.
Only a handful of people from the shrine remained.
"Eek—"
"M-May I ask what brings you here?..."
"Would you like me to take you to Hoori Town's mayor?"
Yasuharu Tomotake asked shakily.
Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that a tiny shrine like Ikuta Shrine could attract the personal attention of such an exalted figure.
"No need. I happened to be passing through, so I came to take a look."
Setsuna had no interest whatsoever in miscellaneous government officials. Instead, he examined the people before him with great interest.
"Yoshino Tomotake and Mako Hitachi?"
"Huh? Present!"
Yoshino and Mako, who had merely been watching the commotion, jolted and answered instinctively.
"You... know our names?"
They could not imagine why the ruler of an unfamiliar interstellar empire would take notice of them.
Logically speaking, a shrine maiden from a rural shrine like this was nothing more than an insignificant nobody in his eyes.
"Mm. Your kagura dance was quite good. From now on, you'll come with me to the Starsea Empire."
"And Mako, you're coming too."
Setsuna stepped forward and rubbed Yoshino's head.
"W-W-Whaaat?!"