Farewell Departure

The time has come for Shinnosuke and Marks to set off on their journey.

They’ve only been told to go pick up the Yatagarasu, which has already been inspected by everyone the day before.

"Then let's go."

"Understood."

It's still the dead of night. The members of the guild and Rina's group are resting in the dormitories by the dock, and no one is there to see them off.

Shin nosuke and Marks gazed at the silent dock, then looked up at Fubuki and Holybell.

"Back then, we two stood here together, staring at a ship, lost in thought."

"Yes, we did."

"Starting with just one Kerberos, losing that Kerberos, then acquiring Fubuki, Tsukikage, and Yatagarasu. Losing Tsukikage, and now we have Holybell. Though it was a short time, it was enjoyable, and we did our best in our own way."

"That's right, wasn't that quite impressive for us?"

"Yeah... Everyone's gonna get angry, though."

"Of course they will."

Since it's a military secret, Shinosuke and Marks haven't informed anyone about their assignment to military duties.

But if they leave without telling anyone, it could lead to misunderstandings, and the Coast Guard might file a missing persons report, fearing an accident.

Therefore, after the Yatagarasu departs, a notification explaining the circumstances will be sent exclusively to relevant personnel via the Space Force.

"Well, worrying about what comes later won't do any good."

"That's right. When the time comes, we'll just adapt flexibly."

"Absolutely."

Shin nosuke nodded, then stepped out of the dock with Marks.

The daytime lighting hasn't activated yet, casting the surroundings in faint darkness, but it's only about a thirty-minute walk to Saikōji Industry.

With plenty of time before departure, they decide to stroll leisurely.

A shadow stands ahead of Shin Nosuke and Marks on a nearly deserted path.

"Where are you two headed?"

It's Millena.

Her red eyes on her forehead glow brightly.

"…Well, this is trouble."

Millena strides forward toward Shin Nosuke, who shrugs helplessly.

Her expression was sharper and more sorrowful than anything he had ever seen.

"Where are you going, Shin Nosuke-sama?!"

Millena stood before Shin Nosuke.

"No, I'm heading to Psychojī Industry to pick up the Yatagarasu. Didn’t I tell you?"

"That may be true, but what about afterward?!"

Millena’s eyes on her forehead seemed to see right through him.

"Millena… you can’t deceive me, can you?"

"My abilities are foresight and mind-reading. I've told you this before, haven't I? Foresight is simply the accumulation of knowledge and experience. Mind-reading is the same. It's about the experience, bond, and feelings shared with the person whose mind you're reading—merely synthesizing all of that to predict their thoughts....Shin nosuke-sama. You've made your decision not to return, haven't you?"

Shin nosuke shook his head.

"Not quite. It's military business, so I can't go into detail, but it's not a decision to never return—it's more like a resolve to face certain death."

"Military... Are you planning to return to the army?"

"Well, temporarily, at least."

"Will you take us with you?"

As expected.

If Milina or Celia found out, they'd definitely follow.

But the arrangements are already in place—and it's too late now.

"It's impossible. Mark and I are soldiers; we're going there for a military operation. We can't take civilians with us."

It was a clever tactic, but resistance was futile.

Tears welled up in Milina's eyes as she heard Shinnosuke's words.

It was clever, in its own way.

Yet Milina would not let tears fall.

She clenched her jaw and stared straight at Shinnosuke.

"Will you come back?"

"I have no intention of dying, even with a resolve to sacrifice myself. I'll use every possible means to come back alive."

Milina took a deep breath, stepped forward, and moved until she was right in front of Shinnosuke. She slightly stretched up.

Then she gently pressed her lips against Shinnosuke's cheek.

"...Well, this would normally be called a kiss, but I'll stop short of anything more reckless. The rest can wait until you return. Shinno-suke-sama, there are three of us waiting for you. Be prepared when you come back."

Milena with a faint smile.

Shinnosuke nods, then walks past Milena without looking back.

"Then I'm off... going. Leave the rest to you."

Shinnosuke doesn't turn around.

Milena watches the retreating backs of Shinnosuke and Marks as they depart.

"Not 'I'm going'... but simply 'going'... You really can't lie, can you?"

Milena continues to watch until their figures disappear from sight.

She could no longer hold back her tears.

Upon arriving at Psychoj Industries, Shinnosuke and Marks change into uniforms prepared in advance.

Not the kind worn by escort vessel crew, but uniforms of the Aknelia Federal Space Force.

Marks puts on his combat uniform.

Major Cruze, who has come to oversee the final confirmation before the operation begins, hands Lieutenant Shinno to Shinno, and Sergeant Major Marks the rank insignia of a Special Sergeant.

"Confirmed at 0415 hours: Lieutenant Shinno Kasimura and Sergeant Major Marks are hereby appointed. At that time, both shall be assigned to the Special Vessel under the Second Fleet."

The major reads aloud the operational order and issues the command.

"Understood."

Shin nosuke and Marks stood at attention, saluting and reporting back.

At this point, a notice was sent via the Space Fleet to the Free Merchant Guild, temporarily revoking Shin nosuke and Marks' status as independent traders.

"Upon Lieutenant Kasimura's appointment and Chief Staff Sergeant Marks' promotion, the escort vessel Yatagarasu will be temporarily removed from the registry and reactivated as an electronic warfare-specialized cruiser, designated as Nightmare."

Since the Yatagarasu couldn't remain in the escort vessel registry while participating in operations, like Shinosuke's group, it was temporarily removed from the registry and reclassified as a space fleet vessel, its name changed to Nightmare.

Previously equipped like a destroyer, the new Yatagarasu has undergone a radome replacement, an upgrade to its electronic warfare systems, and enhanced armament.

Specifically, the main gun's output has been enhanced, and additional laser Gatling cannons and missile launchers have been installed.

"Then, let's set sail right away."

"Understood."

Shin nosuke and Marks salute Commander Cruise.

"Special Operations Vessel Nightmare, commencing operational mission."

"Understood. I wish you both success and a safe return."

Accompanied by salutes from Lieutenant Commander Cruise and the members of Psycho-Industries, including Hankins, Shin nosuke and Marks boarded the Nightmare.

The moment of departure had finally arrived.