The scene opens the following day, with everyone gathered outside Kono's house, awaiting her arrival.
Daru: Where is she?
Gram: I don't know.
Himitsu: She's taking a long time.
Ohma: (Excited) I can't believe I'm going on my first mission!
Zodiac: I'm just glad we don't have to deal with annoying people anymore.
Daru: Okay, we get it.
Gram: (Muttering to himself) We can never catch a break…
After a few moments, Kono finally emerges from the house, fully equipped.
Kono: Alright! Are you all ready?
Zodiac: Took you long enough.
Himitsu: What were you doing in there?
Kono: Sorry about that. I was looking for my gear, but I'm good now. I'm just surprised they reopened the mission board today.
Daru: Well then, let's not waste any more time.
As everyone began to walk away, Ohma posed a question to Kono.
Ohma: Kono, I have a question.
Kono: Huh? What is it, Ohma?
Ohma: Since I'm part of your crew now, you must have a ship, right?
Kono: Oh, absolutely! Every crew is required to have a ship.
Gram: (Quietly) Yeah, and a nasty one at that.
Ohma: That's so cool! Can you show me what it looks like?
Kono: Certainly! We can head to the ship dock before we embark on our next mission.
Gram: Wait, are you serious!?
Ohma: (Confused) Hmm? What's the issue?
Himitsu leans toward Gram and whispers in his ear.
Himitsu: I don't think Ohma will be impressed.
Gram: He definitely won't be.
Following their conversation, the group proceeded to the shipping docks.
Himitsu: I also have a question related to Ohma's inquiry, Kono.
Kono: You do?
Himitsu: Yes. Since the ship can travel to different places, can you explain how it works?
Kono: Certainly, but you might want to brace yourselves, as I'll need to explain some additional details.
Zodiac: Oh great, here we go…
Daru: Well, I'm rather curious about it too.
Kono: Okay, listen closely! There are countless universes, planets, and solar systems out there that you can explore. To visit a different world, you require a specialized ship that facilitates your journey.
Gram: What makes a ship special enough to travel to another world?
Kono: The ship's key component is known as the Rift Dimension Jumper, or RDJ for short.
Ohma: Rift Dimension Jumper?
Kono: Precisely. That component generates the portal you will utilize.
Himitsu: And that's what allows the ship to break down and facilitate our travel?
Kono: Yes, that is correct. When the ship breaks down, it enters a portal to a realm called the Voidless End.
Daru: The Voidless End, you say?
Kono: Mhmm. It's a vibrant place filled with colors and free of bonds.
Himitsu: But why didn't we observe that when we traveled to Sampostis for the first time?
Kono: Oh, that's quite simple. Nasmeric and Sampostis are located within the same solar system.
Himitsu: What?
Zodiac: That doesn't make any sense.
Kono: No, it does. The reason you do not perceive the Voidless End is that those planets exist in the same solar system. A ship equipped with the RDJ can travel at the speed of light, if not faster. When traveling to a destination within the same solar system, the journey is instantaneous, as opposed to traveling to a different universe. The farther away you venture, the longer the journey will take, contingent upon your ship's upgrades.
Daru: So, if we were to go to a different universe right now, we would see the Voidless End?
Kono: Yes, pretty much, but the duration will again depend on your upgrades.
Daru: Hmm.
Gram: Very well, then explain how you can travel to a different planet without knowing its location.
Kono: Each planet possesses a unique wavelength or signal within the universe. To navigate, you will require another component that can connect to these wavelengths, which will subsequently open a portal.
Himitsu: Wow, I never knew you were so smart, Kono!
Kono: (Laughing) Thank you! I attended a special school in Sampostis that taught about universes and ships.
After a few more minutes, they arrive at the ship dock and observe other vessels.
Ohma: (Looking around) There are so many ships!
Kono: You bet there are! Some crews have really big and powerful ships. But just wait until you see mine.
Zodiac shakes his head.
Zodiac: This is going to be stupid.
As Kono approaches her dock, her ship is covered by a large blanket.
Kono: Here it is! Are you ready to see it, Ohma?
Ohma: Yes, yes! Let me see!
Kono: Very well, here we go!
Kono walks over to a control panel and presses a button to remove the cover. As the blanket falls away, they finally behold the ship.
Kono: Here it is!
Gram and Himitsu share a smile, attempting to suppress their laughter as they turn slightly and cover their mouths.
Daru: (Looking at Gram and Himitsu) Really, guys?
Ohma: What a cool-looking ship!
Kono: Thank you! We wouldn't be a crew without one. Come on, I'll show you the interior.
Kono opens the ship door, and they step inside. Ohma notices the cramped quarters.
Ohma: (Sniffing) What is that smell?
Gram: (Holding his nose) It smells bad, right, Ohma?!
Ohma: Yes, it certainly does.
Kono: Huh? I don't smell anything.
Zodiac: Well, of course you don't.
Kono walks to the front of the ship.
Kono: This is where all the magic occurs! As you can see, this is the pilot area with the dashboard. I'll demonstrate how to travel between dimensions. Step 1: turn on the power.
Kono flips the power switch, causing the engine to rumble and the lights to flicker on.
Kono: Step 2: reset all configurations. Step 3: connect to the wavelengths of your intended destination.
Kono starts tuning the controls, which display wavelength signals along with corresponding numbers.
Daru: What's the purpose of all the numbers?
Kono: When you modify the wavelengths, the numbers adjust accordingly. They assist us in remembering which planet we're heading to, as we encode them numerically. (Pointing) Do you see the last few digits of the column? That's what we rely on.
Gram: (Holding his nose) But wouldn't it be annoying to recode everything?
Kono: Oh, you don't have to worry about that. The ship has a history log of your last travels, so you can simply click it, and it will automatically set everything up for you.
Himitsu: Well, that's useful.
Kono: And the final step—once everything is ready—is to press this large button, which initiates the traveling process and creates the portal. That's the gist of it.
Ohma: (Astonished) That is incredible!
Daru: Well, there you go. Can we hurry up and start our mission now?
Himitsu: Wait! I have one more question.
Daru: (Annoyed) And what is it now?!
Himitsu: You know how we have advanced crystals that can create a portal to another location?
Daru: Yes, what about it?
Himitsu: Not to be rude, but wouldn't it be more convenient and quicker to utilize the crystals instead of the ship?
Kono: That's an excellent question, Himitsu! Many people find this topic confusing, so allow me to clarify. The distinction between an advanced crystal and a dimension ship is that an advanced crystal can only facilitate travel within its solar system, whereas a dimension ship can traverse different worlds, universes, and solar systems.
Gram: So if you break a crystal, it can only transport you to locations within our solar system?
Zodiac: That's literally what she just said. Are you slow or something?
Gram: Hey! No, I am not!
Kono: Yes, Gram. The crystal has a limited range. Anything outside the solar system won't work. Plus, it's more expensive to buy crystals than to use a ship.
Himitsu: Well, that makes more sense.
Kono: Yep! That should cover everything you need to know about dimension traveling. I hope I explained it clearly.
Ohma: No, you did a great job explaining it, Kono! Thanks for showing me your ship!
Kono: No worries, Ohma. And you don't have to say "her ship"; it's our ship!
Zodiac: Okay, there you go. Now can we get going already?
Daru: I was going to say the same thing.
Kono: Yes. Let's continue with our missions!
Kono and her crew finally arrive at the Order of Triumph Association. As they enter, they observe numerous crews in line waiting for missions.
Ohma: Wow! There are a lot of people here!
Kono: Yeah, it was closed for so long. Now that it's open, everyone is trying to get back to doing missions again.
Gram: (whining) This is going to take forever!
Himitsu: Gram, it's okay; we'll get to the board.
Gram: Yeah, in like three hours!
Daru: Why do you complain so much?
Gram: I don't! I just don't like standing in line for so long.
Zodiac: That sounds like complaining to me.
Gram: You guys suck!
While they wait in line, Lith and her crew enter through the doors. Kono and Lith make eye contact.
Kono: Oh guys, look, it's Lith!
Lith approaches Kono.
Lith: Kono.
Kono: Hey! Lith!
Sai looks at Zodiac.
Sai: Zodiac.
Zodiac: Your face looks better.
Sai: Ugh! Shut up!
Reiji: Hey everyone! How are you all?
Mako and Yoshi both tap Reiji on the head.
Reiji: OUCH! I was just asking how they were.
Yoshi: We don't talk to low ranks.
Daru: Says the one who needed help from low ranks.
Yoshi: What was that?
Daru: You're acting like you could have beaten Minus One without us.
Souta: (to herself) Oh my gosh! Daru is so hot when he's confident.
Junko gazes at Souta, her expression dreamy.
Junko: (sighs) I still can't believe she has feelings for Daru.
Mako: Uhh… Hey, Ohma, how's it going?
Ohma: Oh, hi, Mako! I'm doing well. How about you?
Mako: I'm doing alright.
Ohma: That's wonderful to hear!
Lith: So you're here to do missions too.
Kono: Yeah, we want to get back on the grind, and Ohma really wants to do a mission with us.
Lith: Hmm… Interesting. Hey, Kono.
Kono: Yes, Lith?
Lith: I meant what I said earlier. Just because we worked together doesn't mean I see you as a friend; you're just a rival.
Kono is taken aback, and the rest of Lith's crew shares the same reaction.
Kono: Uhh…
Junko: What did she just say?
Sai: Uh…
Lith turns around, noticing the shocked and confused expressions on her crew's faces.
Lith: Why is everyone making that face?
Junko: Lith, I'm not sure if you heard what you just said.
Lith: What did I say?
Kono: Y-you called me your rival.
Lith's expression shifts to one of nervousness.
Lith: Uhh, I—well—whatever! We're leaving; let's go, Scarlet Crew.
Lith walks away, followed by her crew. Kono turns to his group.
Kono: Guys, did you catch that?
Zodiac: No, it's not like we were standing here the whole time.
Himitsu: He means yes, we heard.
Daru: She sees you as a rival.
Kono: I've never had a rival; this is scary.
Gram: Scary?
Kono: Yeah… well, sort of… I'm new to this. I've never had a rival.
Gram: Really? You've never had one before?
Kono: No. I've always been in Hemdel and never had a crew.
Gram: I guess that makes sense.
Kono: Have you ever had a rival?
Gram: Yeah! Of course, I did.
Daru: (chuckles) You… had a rival.
Gram: Yeah, what's so funny?
Zodiac: It's because you're weak…
Gram: Well… you idiots, it's not always about punching and sword fighting. My rival was very smart—like, really smart. It was scary; he could make anyone do what he wanted.
Daru: Hmm… Sounds stupid, like you.
Gram: Uhh! He wasn't, and I'm not!
Himitsu: Did you two not get along?
Gram: Huh? No, it was never like that. He used to get bullied, and I was his only friend. We played this board game, and he beat me every time. I just wanted to win once. That day, I made him my rival.
Kono & Ohma: Wow…
Zodiac: So you're not good at board games.
Gram: What! Yes, I am!
Daru: No, you're not good at board games.
Gram: Ahh!
Eventually, they arrive at the front desk, where Kono spots Fin.
Kono: Fin!
Fin: Kono!
Kono: It's been so long! How's everything?
Fin: Yes, it has been too long. Everything is going well; I'm just still tidying up at home, but other than that, things are good.
Kono: Yeah, Minus One really caused a lot of damage in Hemdel and Seroin.
Fin: You can say that again. So, how are you guys feeling about the missions being back up and running?
Ohma takes a deep breath while Daru covers his mouth.
Daru: Yeah… no.
Ohma: (Mumbling) AHHHHHHHHh!!!
Fin: What the? What was that?
Daru releases Ohma and approaches the front desk.
Ohma: I'm so excited!
Fin: Oh, it's you! Ohma, right?
Ohma: Yes, sir! It's my first mission today.
Fin: That's exciting! Since it's your first mission, why don't you choose?
Ohma looks at his crew.
Ohma: Can I really pick?
Zodiac: Yeah, go ahead.
Daru: Just don't choose a one-star mission, please.
Gram: (Talking to himself) Don't pick five or a question mark, don't pick five or a question mark!
Himitsu: Are you alright, Gram?
Kono: Go ahead, Ohma, choose any mission you prefer.
Ohma: Yes, ma'am!
Kono adopts a blank expression. Ohma examines the screen, attempts to make a selection, and finally points.
Ohma: That one!
Fin looks at where Ohma pointed and realizes it was a question mark mission.
Fin: Ahh, the question mark?
Gram: (Crying) NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOO!
Himitsu: Aww, Gram, it's okay.
Gram hugs Himitsu and begins to cry on his shoulder.
Daru: Good choice.
Zodiac: Let's move forward then.
Fin: Alright! Ohma, here you go.
Fin hands Ohma a bright red crystal, which Ohma takes eagerly.
Ohma: Woah!! This is beautiful! How do I use it?
Fin: Simply throw it on the ground, and it opens a portal to another dimension.
Ohma: Cool…
Ohma prepares to throw it, but Kono grabs his hand.
Kono: WOAH!! OHMA!
Ohma: Huh? What's wrong?
Kono: Outside. You need to throw it outside.
Ohma: Ohhh… that makes sense.
Kono: (Walking away) Thanks, Fin, we'll see you later.
Fin: Okay, be careful! It's a question mark mission; it could be dangerous!
Kono: Don't worry, everything will be fine!
Everyone heads outside while Ohma remains with the crystal.
Gram: (Crying) I don't want to do this!
Zodiac: Shut up before I slit your throat.
Gram: (Crying) Just do it; I'm going to die anyway.
Kono: Alright, Ohma, throw it on the ground.
Ohma: Here it goes.
Ohma throws the crystal down, opening a portal.
Ohma: That's so cool!!
Daru: Alright, let's go.
Daru steps through the portal, followed by Zodiac.
Ohma: I'm next!
Ohma runs into the portal.
Kono: Let's see how this unfolds.
Kono walks through the portal.
Himitsu: Come on, Gram.
Gram: (Crying) I don't want to.
Himitsu: (Sighs) Gram.
Himitsu picks up Gram.
Himitsu: I've got you, buddy.
Carrying Gram, Himitsu walks through the portal. They emerge in front of a haunted-looking house, with skeletons scattered on the ground. Gram stops crying upon seeing a skull and begins to feel frightened.
Gram: AHHHHHH!!! IT'S A SKULL!!
Himitsu: Gram, calm down. It's just a skull.
Gram: Just a skull? It's someone's head!!
As they stand there, the front door creaks open, revealing darkness.
Gram: (Scared) IT OPENED BY ITSELF!!
Himitsu: I believe we should go in.
Gram: ARE YOU CRAZY? NO!! HAVE YOU NOT WATCHED HORROR MOVIES?
Himitsu: But the others aren't here, so they must be inside.
Gram: And what if they're not? HUH!?
Himitsu: Then we come back out.
Gram: What if we get trapped inside?
Himitsu: You worry too much, Gram.
Gram: I just don't want to die, okay!
Himitsu: We are going inside.
Gram: (Scared) Fine!!
Himitsu sets Gram down, and they both enter the eerie house, the door closing behind them.
Gram: (Whispers) Himitsu.
When Gram calls out, Himitsu doesn't respond, and he sees only darkness.
Gram: (Scared, whispering) Himitsu!
Still, there's no answer.
Gram: (Whispers) This is why I don't do this!
He moves forward as he hears fast footsteps approaching from behind.
Gram: What is that?
He turns around and sees red glowing eyes racing toward him.
Gram: (Screaming) AHHHH!!! WHAT IS THAT!!
Gram starts running faster away from the red eyes.
Gram: HELP!! SOMEONE HELP ME!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!
As he runs, he spots a white door ahead.
Gram: A DOOR!!
He glances back as the red eyes draw closer. Rushing to the door, he jumps and slams his shoulder into it, breaking it down and collapsing onto the ground.
Gram: Ahh…
Gram groans as he looks up and sees people walking around with shopping bags. Daru and the others stare at him from the floor.
Gram: (Confused) What?
Himitsu: There you are, Gram.
Himitsu helps him to his feet.
Gram: What… I don't get it. I was running, and something was chasing me.
Zodiac: It was an illusion.
Gram: No! That was not an illusion, because th—
Gram turns to look at the door he broke open, but there is no door.
Gram: Huh?
Ohma: Yeah, it happened to all of you.
Zodiac: There's someone here who can make you see illusions.
Gram: So what I saw was all fake?
Himitsu: Yep! Just illusions.
Gram: Ahh, my head hurts.
Daru: But it's over now, Kono. What are the mission details?
Kono: Um… "Stop the person causing the illusions."
Himitsu: There are so many people shopping, though. Where do we even look?
Gram: T-this is a mall? How are we supposed to find that person?
Ohma: I don't know, but this is my first mission!
Daru: Alright, let's split up and find this idiot.