The following day, preparations for the rift mission commenced at Kono's residence. Himitsu entered the living room to find everyone assembled.
Himitsu: I'm all set!
Daru: Good. Is everyone else ready?
Akira: I've been ready from the start. I just want to finish this so I can find my deadbeat brother.
Daru: (Annoyed) Yeah, we know, Akira. Ohma, you ready?
Ohma: I'm ready, sir—I mean, Daru!
Daru: Zodiac?
Zodiac: Is that even a question?
Daru: Yes, you moron. I need to make sure everyone is good.
Zodiac crossed his arms and turned away.
Gram: (Upset) Mannnn, can we take like another week?
Daru: No. We've wasted too much time already.
Gram: Ahhh, come on!
A few moments later, Kono entered through the front door.
Kono: I'm back!
Zodiac: Took you long enough.
Kono walked into the living room and set a large bag down on the floor.
Himitsu: Holy Kono! What's in that bag?
Kono: Since we're going to an unknown world, I've brought some supplies we'll need—food, utilities, tools, extra clothes, and more.
Gram: But with what money? I thought you used it all for the gifts!
Kono: No, this is a supply pack from the Order. You can order one every day, so I used mine to pick it up.
Daru: Are you sure you didn't have any extra money? You can tell us the truth, Kono.
Kono: (Shaking her hands) No, I'm telling the truth! I would never lie to you guys!
Daru: Alright, just making sure.
Kono: Well, is everyone prepared to go?
Daru: Everyone's good. I asked them before you arrived.
Kono: Good, because once we start the mission, we aren't turning back.
Akira: (Impatient) CAN WE GET GOING!?
Kono: (Covering her ears) Okay, okay, we will! Let's head out, everyone!
Everyone gathered their belongings and exited the house, heading toward the Order Association. As they walked, Himitsu noticed something unusual about Zodiac.
Himitsu: Uhhh, Zodiac?
Zodiac: What do you want?
Himitsu: Where is your katana?
Zodiac: I left it at the house.
Himitsu: Why? Did you forget it?
Zodiac: I didn't forget. I don't see the purpose of using it when I have these blades.
Himitsu: I understand your point.
After a few more minutes, they arrived at the Order Association, where they encountered a long line.
Gram: Why is there such a huge line!?
Kono: It's probably because nobody had a chance to do any missions during the holidays. So it makes sense for it to be busy.
Zodiac: Screw the line. Let's cut right through it.
Kono: Huh!? We can't do that! We have to wait like everyone else.
Zodiac: No.
Zodiac leaves the group and begins pushing through the line.
Daru: (Shaking his head) This guy is always causing trouble.
As Zodiac continues to push through, the other squad members become increasingly frustrated.
Guy 1: Hey!
Girl 2: You can't do that!
After a few moments, Zodiac collides with a large, muscular man.
Muscular Guy: Hey! What do you think you're doing?
Zodiac: Get out of my way. I don't have time for you.
Zodiac attempts to go around him, but the muscular man grips his shoulder.
Muscular Guy: I think we have plenty of time, you little shit. You think you can cut in front of me and get away with it?
In response, Zodiac uses Sudoshi and vanishes.
Muscular Guy: What the!?
Zodiac: I'd be very careful if I were you. One mistake and I can end your life.
The scene shifts to show Zodiac behind the muscular man, holding a blade to his neck. The onlookers are shocked and somewhat frightened.
Muscular Guy: (Nervously) How did you do that!?
Zodiac: (Seriously) So, what's it going to be?
Daru: Let him go, Zodiac.
Zodiac turns around and sees the rest of the group catching up.
Zodiac: And what if I—
Daru: I don't care, just do it before I deal with you!
Zodiac lowers the blade from the man's neck, relieving him.
Kono: You can't do these things, Zodiac! We'll get in trouble!
Zodiac: (Securing his blades back on his back) As if I care.
Akira: At least we're closer to the door now.
Kono shakes her head. Finally, they enter the building and approach the main desk. Akira glances to her side and notices Gram trembling.
Akira: What is wrong with you? Are you scared?
Gram: What?! Me!? Gram the Great is never scared! NEVER!
Akira: (Rolling her eyes) You men are pathetic…
As they approach the desk, a random individual rushes up to them.
Guy 3: Hey! You guys are the—
Daru: (Angrily) NO! WE ARE NOT HELPING ANY MORE PEOPLE, OKAY!? DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?
Guy 3: I-I just wanted to say hello…
Ohma: Oh, well, hi!
The individual gradually walked away from them.
Gram: Way to ruin it, Daru!
Daru: I don't care! We've been distracted long enough. Come on.
Eventually, they arrived at the front counter and spotted Fin.
Kono: Hey, Fin!
Fin: Hey there, guys. It's been a while since we last saw each other.
Kono: Yeah, a lot has happened over the past month.
Fin: I can tell. Every time you guys come in here, you always end up leaving.
Daru: (Irritated) Yeah, I wonder why…
Gram: You know, Daru, one of those times was your fault.
Daru regarded Gram with a serious demeanor, suddenly feeling uneasy.
Gram: (Smiling) Just forget I said anything…
Fin: (Chuckling) Anyway, what can I do for you guys?
Kono: (Enthusiastically) We are finally prepared to undertake our rift mission!
Fin: Ah, the rift mission. I guess today is the big day.
Ohma: I can't wait to see what kind of mission we're about to undertake!
Fin: Rest assured, before you embark on your rift mission, I will review the necessary information. As you may know, a rift mission is a specialized mission that is more critical than standard ones. These missions are vital to complete, as they can pose life-threatening risks to the involved universes. There will be a 30-day time limit to address the situation at hand. Should you fail within this timeframe, a rescue squad will have to intervene, forcing you to abort the mission. Failing will reset your mission count back to zero, meaning you have to start over again.
Himitsu: What happens if you fail too many rift missions?
Fin: Repeated failures in rift missions result in the loss of your position within the Order, and rejoining will not be possible for several years.
Daru: So, this is serious business.
Fin: Precisely. These missions are critical because lives are at stake, which could also affect other worlds. Our objective is to resolve these issues swiftly to promote peace throughout the universe. Do you all understand?
Akira: Yes, we do! Let's go!
Fin: Alright. I'll set up the rift mission for you.
Fin approaches his computer and begins the setup.
Fin: There you go! The details should now be transmitted to your Jump Watches.
Everyone receives a notification on their Jump Watches displaying the mission details.
Kono: Main objective: find and capture the suspect causing damage on the planet. If capturing isn't feasible, eliminate the suspect.
Gram: What? What kind of mission is that? How are we supposed to identify the suspect?
Fin: That's all the information we gathered from that location. Your best option is to engage with locals and collect intelligence. I have also sent the coordinates of the planet.
Kono: That should suffice. Thank you, Fin.
Fin: You're welcome, Kono. Good luck. If you run into trouble, contact us.
Kono: We will. See you when we return!
Everyone exits the building and proceeds to the shipping docks, making their way to Kono's ship. Upon arrival, Kono presses a button to open the hatch.
Kono: Alright, everyone, hop in.
Everyone climbs aboard and takes their seats, preparing for departure.
Gram: (complaining) Man, this sucks! I don't want to do this.
Daru: Nobody forced you to join the Order; that was your choice.
Gram: Shut up!
Kono: (sitting in the driver's seat) Very well. Our destination is outside our solar system, so we will be hyper-traveling through the void. This may take 5 to 10 minutes. Is everyone ready?
Everyone nods except for Gram.
Kono: Alright, Mavielance Squad, let's do this!
Kono starts the engine by pressing various buttons. After entering the coordinates, she lifts off and navigates out of the docks. As the ship accelerates, it breaks down into particles. Moments later, everyone looks out of their windows to see the endless void filled with vibrant colors.
Ohma: (amazed) Whoa. This looks cool.
Zodiac: It's not all that...
Kono: Yeah, I heard that if you get stuck here, you and everything else will be erased from existence.
Daru: That's pretty crazy.
After 5-10 minutes, they arrive at a desolate world enveloped in clouds. Kono identifies a suitable location to park the ship, landing them in a swamp forest.
Gram: Ugh… Look at this place.
Akira: Kono, are you sure you brought us to the right place?
Kono: Yeah, I'm sure. I even have the coordinates Fin gave me if you want to check.
Himitsu: No, it's okay, Kono, we believe you. We just weren't expecting our Rift Mission to look like this.
Kono: Yeah, I thought the same thing.
Ohma: COOL!! THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!
Gram: Ohma, this is not cool. This is disgusting.
Daru: Stop complaining… Kono opens the door.
Kono: Okay!
Kono presses the button on the control panel to open the door.
Zodiac: This place smells terrible.
Akira: You mean shit.
Gram: EWW!!! Look at the ground!! It's so sticky and gross!! Wait, why is it bubbling?
Himitsu: This place looks really dead.
Daru: Alright, let's get moving.
Daru steps into the swamp and begins walking forward.
Gram: Get moving! Are you crazy?
Daru stops and turns to Gram.
Daru: What is it now, Gram?
Gram: What do you mean "What is it now"? Look at what you're stepping on! I'm not walking through that.
Ohma: But why not, Gram? It's not that bad.
Gram glares at Ohma, who is standing in the muck.
Gram: You're standing in that gross stuff too! And I'm not walking through this in these clothes and my SHOES!
Kono: Gram, why would you bring nice shoes on a Rift Mission?
Gram: Well, unlike you, Kono, I care about my clothes! And they care for me.
Zodiac: They care for you?
Gram: Yes… You wouldn't understand.
Zodiac: Right… because I never get the nonsense that comes out of your mouth.
Gram: Hey!
Daru: Omgosh! I can't take this anymore! Gram, either you stay on the ship alone, or you stop acting like a baby and walk, alright?
Daru begins walking, and the others follow deeper into the swamp. Gram makes a disgusted expression as they wade through the muck.
Gram: That's just gross…
Akira: Move out of the way!
Akira bumps into Gram.
Gram: WHOA, WHOA, NO, NO!!
Gram falls face-first into the filthy swamp.
Gram: (Crying) ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! AHHH!
Akira: (Unfazed) Oops…
Gram: DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY I PAID FOR THIS?!
Akira: No, and I DON'T CARE!
Akira spreads her wings and ascends into the air.
Gram: Wh—HEY, THAT'S UNFAIR!!
Akira: Sucks, right?
Gram: Ahh!
Gram slams his fist into the ground, getting mud in his mouth.
Gram: (Crying) Why is it always me?!
Time passes as Gram finally stands up and resumes walking while Kono activates the ship's stealth mode, camouflaging it with a special
lock.
Kono: (Smiling) That should do.
Fifteen to twenty minutes pass as they continue their journey.
Gram: Are we almost there yet?
Kono: We don't know.
Gram: Akira, do you see anything up there?
Akira: Don't you think I would tell you if I saw something?
Gram: I don't know, would you?
Akira rolls her eyes.
Gram: Daru, do you see anything?
Daru: Gram, you can see as far as I can, so if you don't see anything, why would I?
Gram: Because you have those powers, and I don't know if they give you special eyesight.
Zodiac: Just shut up, Gram.
Gram: Wait, Zodiac, can't you use your teleportation ability?
Zodiac: No.
Gram: No? What do you mean, no?
Zodiac: I mean no.
Gram: Have you used too much energy?
Zodiac: No?
Gram: Does it have a cooldown?
Zodiac: No.
Gram: Then I don't understand why you can't ju—
Zodiac: SHUT UP! HOLY SHIT, JUST SHUT UP!
Gram: Man! You guys suck. I'm just trying to help the team, and you won't even listen.
Everyone ignores him and continues walking.
Gram: Just trying to help the team, and they refuse to listen to me.
As Gram spoke, something darted past them in the distance, but only he noticed it.
Gram: (Nervously) What was that?!
He spotted it again, this time on his left.
Gram: What the hell! Uhh, guys!
Akira: What is it now, Gram?
Gram: I think there's something watching us.
Ohma: Watching us?
Gram: Yeah, I just saw something run by us in the distance.
Himitsu: It was probably just a deer or something.
Gram: A deer?
Himitsu: Yeah, we're still in a forest, so there could be deer and other animals around here.
Gram: I'm not sure I believe that.
Kono: I'm sure we'll be alright, Gram.
Gram: I hope so.
As they continued walking, Gram looked up at Akira.
Gram: Hey, Akira!
Akira: What, Gram!
Gram: Do you think you could, um…
Akira: Spit it out!
Gram: Do you think you could carry me?
Akira: No, what the hell?
Gram: Come on! My legs hurt, and you could easily put me on your back.
Akira: No, I don't care, and you smell terrible; I can smell it from up here.
Gram frowned.
Gram: This isn't fair!
Suddenly, something ran past them, startling Gram once more.
Gram: There it is again! Guys, something is following us!
Daru: Gram, would you shut up already?
Gram: I'm serious; I don't like this.
Zodiac: There's nothing fol—
Creature: RAHHHHHHHHHH!
Everyone froze, taking fighting stances and forming a circle back to back.
Daru: Akira, do you see anything?
Akira: No, I don't! I should have noticed whatever it is by now.
Zodiac: Then it's probably been hunting us for a while.
Gram: OH, NOW YOU GUYS LISTEN!
Himitsu: Gram, shut up!
Gram: No, I'm not shutting up because I was right all along. (crack) Huh?
Gram looked down as he stepped on something.
Gram: What the hell? What did I step on?
He lifted his foot to reveal a snail.
Ohma: Looks like you stepped on a snail, Gram.
Gram: Great! I get this nasty swamp crap on me, and now I get snail blood on me!
As Gram spoke, something began to rise from the ground behind him, unnoticed by him but seen by everyone else.
Gram: This is just great, guys! Akira couldn't even give me a lift for five seconds, and you guys are ju—
Kono: Gram…
Gram: Then Zodiac is like, "No, I can't use my teleport thing." I ask why, and he just says no. Like, why ca—
Ohma: Gram…?
Gram: Not now, Ohma! I'll get to you after!
Akira: Hey, you idiot!
Gram: What!?
Himitsu: Gram, we're going to need you to walk slowly towards us.
Gram: Walk to you? No, I'm staying right here! This time I'm not moving like I did last time!
Gram crosses his arms.
Daru: Gram, get over here now!
Gram: No, Dar—
The creature breathes, and Gram feels the air on his back, causing him to panic.
Gram: T-there's something behind me, isn't there?
Ohma: Uh-huh.
Gram slowly turns around and sees a massive snail right behind him.
Zodiac: Don't make any loud—
Gram: AHHHHHH!!!!!
Gram begins screaming and running.
Zodiac: (Sighs) Noisy.
Snail: RAOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
The snail charges after Gram as Daru grabs it by the body.
Daru: AHHH!!! This thing is disgusting!
As Daru holds it, it is so slimy that it slips right through his hands.
Daru: Urgh!
Zodiac: I've got this!
Zodiac pulls out his blades and attempts to slash the body, but his weapons merely slide off the snail's surface.
Zodiac: What!
Akira: It was traveling in the swamp and covered itself in mud to mask It's scent.
Kono: The snail's body is too wet and slippery to inflict damage!
Gram: Someone help me, please!!!
Akira: MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!
Akira breathes fire from her mouth onto the ground, creating a barrier of fire between them and the snail.
Snail: (Frightened by the flames) RAOHHHHHHH!!
Gram halts his movement.
Gram: Thank you, Akira.
Akira: You're an idiot, you know that?
Gram: Hey, no, I'm n—
Himitsu: It's still staring.
Gram: What?
Himitsu: The snail—it's still looking at us.
Gram glances at the snail on the other side of the fire, which is fixated on him.
Daru: It's looking at Gram.
Gram: Me? Why wou—
Gram recalls stepping on the snail.
Gram: THE SNAIL!
Ohma: What?
Gram: I stepped on that snail, and it was probably one of its offspring.
Zodiac: (Chuckles) You're a goner.
Gram: What?!
Kono: He's just joking…
Gram: Oh (laughs), you almost had me there.
Kono: (walking away) I hope…
Gram: Wait, what do you hope?!?
The snail retreats as everyone continues onward.
Akira: Hey… there's something ahead.
Everyone looks forward and sees a village in the distance.
Daru: Good. Now we can get some answers.