Anomaly

Several weeks had passed since Shinnosuke and the others returned from their vacation.

Today, accompanied by Seira, they're at the guild searching for work.

"Still, there are plenty of jobs from the Damura Constellation Kingdom, aren't there?"

While browsing through new job listings on his terminal, Shinnosuke agrees with Seira—the majority of cargo transport requests are coming from the Damura Constellation Kingdom.

"Yeah, but the nature of these requests is completely different from before."

"Huh?"

Shin nosuke noticed the unusual nature of the requests.

"Most of the clients are from the space military. Mostly transporting supplies to frontline units."

"You're right. But it's strange—don't military units have their own supply troops? Why would they turn to the guild?"

Shin nosuke nodded in agreement with Seira's words.

That was a valid question.

"Of course, the military has dedicated supply units, and transport teams deliver supplies to the front lines. But it's not particularly unusual for the military to subcontract物资 transportation to civilian companies."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, the military is a pretty bureaucratic organization. Sometimes it's faster to outsource supplies to civilians depending on the situation."

"Is that so?"

"But the sheer volume of these requests is abnormal. Moreover, the majority of the supplies are food and medicine—basic logistical necessities that cannot be allowed to run out. Unless there's an extreme situation, the military typically doesn't outsource such essentials. An organization as large as the Acneria Galactic Federation Space Force wouldn't possibly allow its supply lines to break down. If securing and transporting these supplies has been entrusted to the guild, it might suggest something suspicious is happening either at the front lines or within the military itself."

Something feels off, but delivering necessary supplies to those who need them is fundamental to being a free merchant. This kind of work offers good pay, and since the client is the space military, there's no risk of payment being withheld.

Of course, it's dangerous, but because it's still a profitable job, skilled free merchants eagerly take it on.

From among these opportunities, Shinosuke chose a particular request.

Transport mission to a unit stationed along the Akneria side of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth territory, responsible for border surveillance.

The request involves transporting 400 tons of food and medical supplies—within the capacity of a single Tsukikage vessel.

While the Tsukikage alone could handle the mission, given the transport's nature—delivering supplies to a combat zone, even if slightly removed from the front lines—it would be wise to include escort support from either Fubuki or Yatagarasu.

Shin nosuke and Seira proceed with the job assignment procedure using Rina's counter.

"Yes, transportation of supplies to the 2nd Cruiser Fleet of the 18th Fleet, currently deployed in the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth. This time, two ships—Yatagarasu and Tsukikage—will depart in five days... Yes, the procedure is complete. Please be careful on your journey."

For this mission, Shin nosuke chose Yatagarasu.

To get Seira and Milina accustomed to the Yatagarasu's systems.

Shin nosuke and Seira walking toward the dock after completing the procedures.

Seira looks up at Shin nosuke as she walks beside him and speaks.

"Um, Shin nosuke-san... I have a small request to ask you."

"Hmm? What is it?"

I'd like to obtain a new qualification. Right now, I only have the Fourth-Class Crew Qualification, plus the specialized qualifications for navigation control, radar control, and communication control. I'd also like to get other specialized qualifications, like weapons control. I thought that way, I could be more helpful to Shinnosuke-san...

Obtaining the senior manager qualification that Celia mentioned isn't particularly difficult.

Since Celia is a sailor with actual sea experience, obtaining qualifications through hands-on training and passing the exams isn't difficult. With multiple assistant qualifications and accumulated service experience over a certain period, she could even be promoted to third-class crew member.

This would be beneficial for Celia as a sailor.

"Getting weapon control certification means that, in an emergency, Celia might end up pulling the trigger?"

Obtaining weapon control certification means actively choosing, with your own will and hands, to attack a target vessel—effectively taking on the possibility of killing someone and bearing the full responsibility for the consequences.

"Yes, I’m prepared for that mindset, and I don’t intend to run from that responsibility."

Celia’s eyes were serious, her gaze locked directly onto Shinnosuke.

"Then it shouldn't be a problem. If you get the fire control certification, you'll be able to work as a full-scale operator. Also, since Yatagarasu is capable in electronic warfare, it'd be better to obtain the special electronic equipment control certification too. Celia, would studying for both certifications at the same time be too much of a burden?"

"No, it's fine. I'll do my best."

"Then, let's start your practical training right away, beginning with this assignment."

"Yes, sir."

Thus, Seira's advancement plan began under these circumstances.

Five days later, Shinnosuke, Marks, Milina, and Seira boarded the Yatagarasu, departed from the Saikouji Industry dock, rendezvoused with the cargo vessel Tsukikage, which had been loaded with supplies, and set off toward the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth.

Since Yatagarasu's crew had only completed two missions under Shinosuke's command, this time they decided to let Shinosuke handle the piloting overall, while Milena and Seira focused on mastering other systems.

"Still, this mission's perfect for familiarization training. We're transporting supplies to a unit far from the front lines—nothing major should happen..."

"「「Ah...」」"

"...but we should still stay alert—there's always a chance something unexpected might occur."

Shinosuke, who had narrowly avoided a slip-up thanks to the pressure from the three others (or so he thought), felt their gazes grow icy.

"Yes, I received your master's violation of military regulations."

Marks' voice was colder than usual.

"No, that was safe. It doesn't contradict the informal military rules!"

Shinosuke tried to defend himself.

"I'm judging— I'm out."

Seyra and Milena exchanged glances at Marks' words.

Um, I think I'm safe...

No way, it's completely out!

The decision was 2 to 1.

Seyla let out a sigh and sent a message to Tsukikage.

From Yatagarasu to Tsukikage, Shin nosuke just raised a flag. This request also demands maximum vigilance.

Hey, Sera, wait a second...

Understood, Tsukikage. We'll maintain maximum alert status, prepared for any scenario.

Even Andy...

There's no way this will end peacefully.

The two ships entered the territory of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth.