In search of freedom, toward the Akunelia Galactic Federation

It's dawn, though in space there is neither night nor morning.

One can only judge by the current time.

Current time: 6:00. In addition to Shinnosuke, Marks, and Seira, Milena and Marcelus are on the bridge of the Cerberus.

Although they're technically allowed to move freely within the ship, having everyone gather on the bridge—where ship navigation, control, and flight operations are managed—is clearly disruptive and could interfere with navigation.

In fact, the Cerberus bridge only has the captain-pilot seat, general operator seat, and communications operator seat used by ShinnoSuke and the others; there are no other seats in use besides the co-pilot seat and backup operator seat.

When re-examining the layout of the Cerberus bridge, ShinnoSuke's pilot seat is positioned slightly to the starboard side of the center, Mark's integrated operator seat is located one step lower and directly ahead of the pilot's seat, and Seira's communications operator seat is situated to the front-right of the pilot's seat. Mark's and Seira's seats are placed so that they are always visible from ShinnoSuke's pilot seat.

To the left and slightly rear of the pilot's seat, viewed from the cockpit, is the co-pilot's seat. Ahead and to the left of the co-pilot's seat is the backup operator's seat, but neither of these seats is currently occupied.

Milena is seated in the co-pilot's seat, and Marcelus is in the backup operator's seat. Since this is the bridge's maximum capacity, Rise and An and Mei are each waiting in their respective quarters.

Regardless, the seats occupied by Milliena and Marcelus are isolated from the ship's systems, ensuring they cannot interfere with Kerberos's operation—no matter how much they try to turn the steering wheel or manipulate the terminal.

Even so, Milliena gazed intently at the stars displayed on the monitor and watched the ship-handling maneuvers of Shinonosuke and the others, her eyes shining with excitement.

"We'll soon exit the 6325 zone. For now, we've been avoiding detection by straying off the usual route and deliberately navigating through the Rimlia-side space, but we can't keep deceiving them forever. It's highly likely we'll be ambushed somewhere ahead."

Shinonosuke explained while displaying the ship's current position and upcoming route on the monitor.

If we continue as planned, there will be a spatial jump point just after exiting the 6325 Coalition's space zone. Reaching that point shouldn't be an issue.

The problem lies beyond that.

If choosing the shortest route to the Acneria Galactic Federation, the spatial jump departure point will be dead center in international space, from which the journey toward the Acneria Galactic Federation begins. Though the universe is vast, navigable space is limited, and the risk of detection remains significant.

Moreover, right in the middle of international space, even if a distress call is made, both coast guard and space fleet units would take too long to arrive, and they wouldn't likely come all the way to an area that only adds unnecessary tension, especially considering they're already supporting the fugitive Kerberos.

In that case, an alternative route is possible.

Use spatial jump to reach the vicinity of the Damura Star Cluster Kingdom, then proceed toward the Acneria Galactic Federation from there.

This route will take longer, but it shortens the distance through exclusive economic space and international space, reducing the risk of attack.

"Although the route closer to the Damura Star Cluster Kingdom also has lower risk, it's not risk-free. Either way, there are pros and cons."

"Master, which route do you intend to take?"

Sinnosuke paused briefly, considering Mark's question.

I considered taking a detour... but the shortest route is best. The Rimlaria Galactic Empire likely has forces deployed all over, but their numbers must be limited. Miss Millina declared her renunciation of the imperial succession immediately upon escaping the empire, and she's following internationally recognized procedures for asylum. Given that, the empire has pride to uphold, so they won't mobilize their full fleet. Neither Akneria nor 6325 are openly moving, but it would be embarrassing for the empire alone to deploy its entire fleet just for one refugee, especially with two galactic nations involved. Therefore, the most plausible option is either a small special forces unit or using minor pirates. In that case, it's better for us to take a route through international space—where our position and course will be harder to pinpoint.

Understood. I'll set the course along the shortest route.

Um, I don't fully grasp it, but I'll do my best to monitor the surrounding space.

Marks and Seyla have agreed.

At that moment, Milena speaks up.

"I agree with that idea! Let us boldly take the more difficult path."

Since Shinnosuke's group operates the Cerberus, it's also their responsibility to decide the course.

She understood that the final decision would ultimately rest with Shinnosuke, yet she couldn't stay silent.

Mireina, with her straightforward personality, simply wasn't fond of detours or unnecessary complications.

Shinnosuke gave a wry smile in response to Mireina's words.

"It's not about deliberately choosing the harder path—rather, it's about making choices that avoid difficulty."

"Even so, if you don't mind, I'd be happy to assist with my abilities! I could be of help in avoiding danger."

Shin nosuke shook his head as Milena suddenly stood up and puffed out her chest from the co-pilot's seat.

"I don't need it. I'm not doubting your abilities, Milena, but I don't want to add uncertain factors to my own judgment."

"That's... right."

Milena lowered her shoulders, but then noticed Marcelus looking at her with concern.

"I understand. I'll stay quiet and simply watch as you all demonstrate your skills. So please, take me to the Akneria Galactic Federation."

"Understood. I have experience and proven results in ship operations from my days in the space fleet. By combining that with Marks' analytical and processing capabilities, I'll choose what I believe to be the best course of action. Leave this to us."

Milena nodded in response to Shinnosuke's words.

Although Milena has a straightforward and forceful side, she is also someone who knows how to express herself appropriately.

Same as my ability, I see...

Mireena murmured to herself and sat back down in the co-pilot's seat.

There was a hint of loneliness in her expression, yet also a touch of happiness—but Shinosuke in the pilot's seat didn't notice.

We are finally approaching the spatial jump point.

The navigation so far has been smooth.

Approaching the spatial jump point. Coordinate calculation complete. Jump destination coordinates locked in.

Understood. Accelerating to jump insertion speed.

Shinosuke pushes the throttle lever forward.

As the ship accelerates sharply, Millyna's heartbeat quickens.

Reached jump insertion speed. Approaching jump point. Countdown initiated. Five, four, three, two, one...

Alright! Waaah—!

Here we go!!

With Millyna's cry echoing, the Cerberus performed a spatial jump.

The Acnelia Galactic Federation, where freedom awaits, still lay far beyond the cosmos.