As Zodiac, Himitsu, Gram, and Daru successfully complete their trials, Kono, filled with enthusiasm, decides to form a crew. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure clad in a black hoodie navigates through the city and enters a bar where his team awaits him at a table.
???: There you are! Where have you been, Sung?
???: Yeah, Sung, we were about to leave without you.
Sung: I had to stop by the Order to attend to a few matters.
???: Really? That was all?
Sung: Well, there was a group undergoing their trials.
???: Ooooo, did you see anyone impressive?
Sung: Most were average, if not worse. But there were two boys who demonstrated considerable skill.
???: I suppose that's not too bad…
Sung: So, are you all prepared for this mission?
One of Sung's crew members stands up.
???: Let's go put on a show, shall we? (Smiling)
The scene shifts back to Kono and the others as one of the assistants guides them into an armory.
Himitsu: Man, I can't wait to get my new gear!
Gram: Same here! I'm going to look so cool!
Kono: I'm glad you guys are as excited as I am. This is where the big stuff happens.
Daru: I could care less about gear. My focus is solely on my training.
Zodiac: (Talking to self) Yeah, no kidding.
As they proceed, the assistant approaches a set of large doors.
Assistant: Alright, we've arrived. Now, prepare yourselves!
The assistant places her hand on a scanner. As it activates, the two large doors open, revealing a dark room.
Assistant: Oh! Let me turn on the lights for you!
She claps her hands twice, illuminating the room filled with gear—weapons, uniforms, tech equipment, and more. Everyone is taken aback.
Gram: (Excited) Wow, look at all this equipment!
Himitsu: (Excited) This is amazing!
Assistant: (Chuckling) You are all welcome to select anything you like.
At that moment, he starts running toward the clothing, grabbing several items as the assistant looks on in surprise.
Assistant: Oh, he's excited.
Himitsu: Yes, just like me!
Himitsu continues to gather various pieces of clothing while Gram and Himitsu rush into the changing rooms.
Zodiac: Oh, here we go again.
Daru: Hmm… I don't really care for clothes, and why is everything white?
Kono: Oh yes, those are the colors of the Order.
Zodiac: To be honest… I kinda like it.
Zodiac approaches the uniform rack to select an outfit. As he browses, he discovers a cloak he finds appealing and takes it.
Zodiac: Hmm… this will suffice.
He then chooses a long-sleeve shirt, a pair of pants, and a black headband before heading to the changing room. Daru approaches the racks to examine the clothing.
Daru: There's nothing here.
Helper: Really? We have over 10,000 pieces of clothing.
Daru continues searching and finds a collared t-shirt.
Daru: Ehh, this is okay, but I don't like the collar.
Helper: Well, I could—
Before the helper can finish, Daru tears off the collar and sleeves of the t-shirt.
Helper: Or you could just do that.
Daru removes his shirt, revealing various scars on his muscular physique.
Helper: Oh my gosh, you're ripped!
Daru glances at the helper, confused.
Helper: Uhh… (looks away, nervous) I-I-I mean, I believe that would suit you well.
Daru spots a pair of pants, picks them up, and heads to the changing room to try them on. Himitsu then emerges from the changing room, wearing a standard short-sleeve uniform. Kono sees Himitsu and approaches him.
Kono: Wow, Himitsu, you look so cool!
Himitsu: I know, right? With this on, the girls will be all over me! (cheeky smile)
Kono: (laughs) Uhhhhhh…
Gram walks out of the changing room with his chest puffed out, wearing three shirts, five types of pants, and two hats. Kono and Himitsu look at Gram with disapproval.
Gram: I know, I know, it looks great on me; no need to make those faces.
Kono: No, I was going to ask, what are you wearing?
Himitsu: Yeah, ugh, Gram, why are you wearing so many clothes?
Gram: Umm… Well, I like all these outfits and couldn't decide which one to choose, so I'm wearing them all.
As Gram finishes speaking, Kono and Himitsu exchange bewildered glances at his outfit. Just then, Daru walks out of the changing room and notices Gram.
Daru: Gram…
Gram turns to face Daru.
Gram: DAMNNN!! Daru, you look sick!
Kono: Yes! That suits you perfectly!
Gram: We're one sick-looking team.
Daru: And you look like a clown.
Gram: What! No, this is fashion at its finest.
Daru: Gram, you look like a clown from a children's birthday party.
Gram: Ugh! You guys just don't understand good drip, that's all.
Daru: Gram, I'm going to say this once: GO CHANGE!
Startled by Daru's outburst, Gram quickly returned to the changing room as Zodiac entered. Kono and Himitsu turned their attention to Zodiac.
Himitsu: YOU LOOK SO COOL!
Kono: You're looking great too, Zodiac! I love the cloak!
Zodiac: It simply caught my eye, so I decided to wear it.
Finally, Gram emerged wearing a full bodysuit with a long jacket.
Daru: That's much better.
Kono: Yes, it looks good!
Himitsu: Now you look like a Gram.
Gram: What? That doesn't make sense.
Himitsu: It makes sense to me.
Zodiac: It's fine, I guess.
Helper: Now that everyone has chosen their outfits, let's proceed to the weapon rack.
They followed the helper to the weapon rack, which was stocked with a variety of options, including swords, firearms, and other unique weapons.
Himitsu: Wow, look at all those swords, Zodiac!
Zodiac: It's alright, I suppose.
Daru: With those impressive dual blades on your back, you don't need anything else.
Gram: I was just about to say the same.
Zodiac: Even so, it's wise to have a secondary weapon. I prefer not to use my blades unless absolutely necessary.
Zodiac approached the sword rack, selecting a black and gold katana and securing it at his side.
Kono: Oooo, excellent choice!
Himitsu: That katana looks incredible!
Himitsu then glanced at the broken longsword that Zodiac had previously given him.
Himitsu: Looks like I won't need this anymore.
Himitsu dropped the longsword and picked up an ornate orange-gray spear with a decorative blade, then showed it to Zodiac.
Himitsu: What do you think of this?
Zodiac: A spear? When was the last time you used one?
Himitsu: Well, never, I guess. But I've always wanted to try!
Zodiac: Whatever. You better hope you know how to wield it in battle.
Gram then approached the helper.
Gram: Excuse me?
Helper: Yes, Gram.
Gram: Uhh... (to himself) She said my name! SHE LIKES ME!
Helper: Are you alright?
Gram: Oh, uh, yes… I wanted to ask if you have anything for a healer.
Helper: (thinking) Actually, yes, we do!
Gram: Fantastic!
The helper went to retrieve an item for Gram while Daru shook his head.
Gram: What's wrong?
Daru: You need to learn how to fight with your hands.
Gram: I'm a healer. I don't get my hands dirty; that's for you guys.
Daru: Idiot.
Helper: Where is it?
The Helper searches the room filled with books, eventually retrieving a peculiar volume adorned with a strange symbol on its cover.
Helper: Ah! Here it is!
The Helper returns to Gram and presents him with the book.
Gram: What is this?
Helper: This is a very rare healer's book. Just read the spells, and you'll see.
Gram: Wow! Thank you very much.
Gram begins to examine the book.
Gram: Hmm… That's a weird-looking symbol on the front.
The Helper glances at Daru, who is empty-handed.
Helper: Are you going to retrieve something?
Daru: No, I don't use weapons.
Helper: Try this.
Daru looks at her as she produces a watch.
Daru: A watch? I already know how to tell time.
Helper: (laughs) I am sure you do, but this watch monitors your blood pressure.
Daru: Fine.
Daru accepts the watch from her and puts it on. The Helper notices that it reads 120.
Helper: Oh my! Your blood pressure is quite elevated.
Daru: Huh… Is 120 considered high?
Helper: Yes, indeed.
Zodiac: (to himself) I wonder how high it can actually go if it starts at 120.
Daru: Cool.
Himitsu: So, Kono, are you going to select anything?
Kono: Huh? Oh no, I prefer to create my own.
Himitsu: Really? You make your own?
Kono: Yes, like the vacuum gun and the fireball gun I constructed.
Himitsu: You continue to amaze me, Kono.
Kono laughs. As Daru, Himitsu, Gram, and Zodiac select their gear, the Helper has one final item to present.
Helper: Alright, since you have chosen your gear and weapons, there is one more item for you. Please follow me.
The Helper leads them to a table displaying five watches.
Gram: Watches? What purpose do these serve?
Himitsu: I believe they are to tell time.
Daru: Shut up, Himitsu.
Himitsu: What?
Helper: These are no ordinary watches; they are known as "Jump Watches."
Zodiac: Jump Watches? What do they do?
Helper: These watches offer various capabilities, including receiving alerts from Sampostis, communicating across dimensions, scanning to identify nearly anything, calling for an SOS or backup from crew members, and, of course, telling time!
Himitsu: See, I told you, Daru!
Daru: Yep, whatever you say.
Himitsu: You're just mad that I'm right.
Zodiac: Himitsu!
Himitsu: Huh?
Zodiac: Be quiet.
Himitsu: (sadly) Okay…
Helper: However, Daru, you won't require one since yours can perform the same functions.
Daru: That sounds good.
Kono: That's so cool!
Helper: Now, for the rest of you, please take your watches.
Kono, Zodiac, Gram, and Himitsu each retrieve their watches and put them on. The watches then project a display of all their functions.
Kono: Wow, this watch will certainly be useful!
Himitsu: I can't wait for our first mission! This is so exciting!
Helper: I'm delighted that you have all joined the Order! I look forward to seeing what you will achieve.
Kono: We're going to accomplish so much; I can sense it.
Himitsu: I feel the same way!
Gram: I'm going to become the best healer ever.
Zodiac and Daru remain silent as everyone completes their preparations. They then return to the main floor, where others begin to take notice of them.
Person 1: Wow, look at them!
Person 2: Is that Kono? WAIT! SHE HAS A CREW NOW!
Person 3: It seems they are the real deal after all.
Gram: Look at all these people staring at us. I'm already feeling like a celebrity!
Gram steps forward, chest out, waving.
Gram: Hello! Hello! I'm Gram, but the ladies can call me The Handsome GRAM THE GREAT!
Everyone starts to walk away, visibly annoyed.
Zodiac: Great job, genius.
Daru: Yeah, real subtle.
Himitsu: I think he did quite well.
Kono: Alright! Are you all ready for our first mission?
Himitsu: Yeahhhh! Let's do thisss!
Daru: Finally! Something to do!
Zodiac: Yeah, it was getting really boring.
Gram: (making a silly face) You all are such downers.
Kono walks back to the front desk, followed by the others, joining a crowd of crews. The assistant notices Kono and the team in their uniforms and gear.
Assistant: (to self) I can't believe this is actually happening! Well, I've lived a good life…
Kono: Hello! The Maivelance crew is prepared for our first mission!
Assistant: Oh, a mission, you say? Certainly! Please select any of the rated missions on the screen behind me. However, I must first explain the rank system and how it works.
Daru: Come on! I just want to do something already!
Assistant: As you are aware, you currently hold the lowest rank, rookie. The Order of Triumph consists of six ranks: rookie (first rank), novice jumper (second rank), advanced jumper (third rank), eternal jumper (fourth rank), diamond jumper (fifth rank), and catalyst jumper (final rank). Advancement occurs by selecting from a set of missions displayed on the screen. Each mission has a star rating; the higher the rating, the more challenging the mission, but also the greater the rewards.
Gram: Why is there so much?!
Kono: He has to explain everything.
Zodiac: Just shut up and listen.
Assistant: The star rating ranges from 1 to 5 stars. Occasionally, a question mark mission will appear, but these are extremely hazardous. Successfully completing one will earn you a bonus reward. To advance in rank, each mission you complete counts as one toward your total.
Daru: Can you just get to the point?
Assistant: Alright, you all need to complete 50 missions to rank up. You can utilize your Jumper Watch to monitor your progress. Once you complete all 50 missions, you will be eligible for a rank-up, which involves a Rift mission. The primary distinction between a standard mission and a Rift mission is that Rift missions typically require more time to complete, as they are critical. Failing a Rift mission necessitates starting over and completing an additional 50 normal missions. However, if you succeed, your crew will be promoted to the next rank, receiving a substantial reward and unlocking a district in the city. That concludes the information you need regarding ranking and missions.
As the Assistant finished speaking, Gram had fallen asleep.
Himitsu: Gram, he's finished; you can wake up now.
Gram wakes up.
Gram: (Yawning) Finally!
Zodiac: Can we choose our mission now?
Assistant: Please proceed.
As the Maivelance crew examined the large screen displaying all available missions, Daru pointed at one.
Daru: That one.
The Assistant glanced at Daru's selection and realized it was the question mark mission.
Assistant: Huh!? You want the question mark mission!?
Everyone in the room stared at the Maivelance crew in disbelief.
Person 1: Whoa, are you serious?
Gram: Yes, are you serious? We could get killed.
Daru: That's the point; I want to see what we're up against.
Zodiac: Even though you're an idiot, I agree; let's do that one.
Himitsu: If Zodiac is going, I'm joining too.
Kono: I'm in. I have confidence in our abilities.
All the other crews began to murmur, expressing their disbelief that their first mission was a question-marked mission.
Daru: It's settled; we will accept the question-marked mission.
Assistant: Alright, here is the crystal. Are you familiar with its use?
Kono: Yes. If it is broken, it teleports you and anyone nearby to another dimension.
Assistant: Correct! Here you go.
Kono takes the purple crystal, which emits a strong aura, and surveys her crew.
Kono: Okay, let's go outside.
Zodiac: Why? Can't you simply break it here?
Gram: Yes, why not?
Kono: It's advisable not to do it here, as anyone nearby could be teleported with us, and there are numerous people around.
Himitsu: She has a point.
Kono: Alright, let's go.
Person 2: Good luck; don't get killed! (Laughs)
Laughter fills the building, as everyone is convinced they won't return.
Person 3: YOU GUYS ARE GONERS!!
Daru: We'll see about that.
Daru and the others follow Kono outside, where she is about to break the crystal.
Kono: Are you all ready?
Gram & Himitsu: Yes!
Daru & Zodiac: Just break it already!
Kono breaks the crystal, and a purple portal opens.
Kono: Let's go!!
Kono leaps into the portal.
Gram: Holy cow, she just jumped in.
Daru: MOVE!!
Daru jumps into the portal as well. Gram begins to feel anxious.
Gram: Umm… I forgot something in the building. I need to go get it.
Himitsu: What? Don't take too long.
Himitsu jumps into the portal.
Gram attempts to sneak away, but when he turns around, Zodiac stands before him, pointing his katana at Gram's neck.
Gram: Ahh! Zodiac, I thought you jumped in.
Zodiac: Get in the portal before I kill you.
Gram: Damnit, okay, okay.
Gram reluctantly approaches the portal, still hesitant to jump in. Zodiac uses his sudoshi technique to grab Gram and jumps into the portal.
Gram: AHHHHHHH!!! ZODIAC!!!!!!!!!!!
Gram ceases screaming as he and Zodiac land in a place filled with enormous green trees that obscure the sky.
Gram: Wow! What is this place?
Kono: This is where the Maivelance Crew will undertake their first mission!