The Master Control Zone was surprisingly calm as Yoru stepped foot into the area. Researchers, despite the fact the Doomsday Beast was just here, were calmly working their stations, as if it were a regular day.
"Here, let's set her down here." March points out a small corner of the zone, guiding Yoru to help her lay Stelle down on a nearby bench.
"Where's Himeko?" Yoru glances around, not able to find out where the red haired lady went.
"Ah, she should be near the balcony over there." March points Yoru towards a balcony a few feet away. "I'll come with~"
Walking with March, the pair reach Himeko. She stares down from above the zone, looking at all the researchers work around, trying to fix problems that had occurred just moments prior.
"Himeko! We're back~" March cheerfully calls out to Himeko, waving her hand above her head as the navigator turns her head to look at the two.
"Ah, March. Yoru," Himeko replies, her gaze settling onto the two. "Did you settle Stelle down safely?"
"Mhm!" March responds with an upbeat smile. "She's all tucked in now!"
"There weren't any blankets we tucked her in with..." Yoru comments.
March turns to Yoru, an expression of disbelief present on her face. "That's what you're focused on?"
A small grin breaks out on Himeko's face. She turns to March, addressing her with a soft tone.
"March, you should stay near Stelle and let her know what transpired when she was unconscious. When you're done, you can head to the Express—I've already sent Dan Heng to keep an eye there."
"Alright," March responds, her feet already moving back to where Stelle was left. "Bye Himeko! Bye Yoru!"
As she leaves, Yoru turns to Himeko.
"Miss Himeko," Yoru starts. "I had a question."
"Hm? What is it?"
Thinking back on everything that's happened, Yoru knows he needs to involve himself in the story in order to gain 'Rolls'. Boarding the Express was something anyone could do, and you could leave it just as easily.
His plan was simple: get enough rolls to survive, then leave to somewhere quiet.
"Could I board the Express?"
Yoru holds his breath as he watches her eyes widen, ever so slightly.
"You can," she responds. The Express is always willing to accept new passengers. But you'd have to check with Lady Asta, first. You're still a researcher here."
Right. He was still a researcher.
"Alright. I'll be back and tell you what happens."
Yoru leaves the balcony, moving towards the center of the Master Control Zone where Asta continues to work.
Approaching from behind, Yoru can see Asta completely immersed in the hologram in front of her.
"Miss Asta?"
Asta, after hearing her name, turn around to face Yoru. Her face turns more gentle than it was prior, as if she was relieved to see him.
"Yoru. You're still alive."
"Haha... I wanted to request something."
Her head tilts, but she nods slowly. "Go ahead. I'm listening."
"I... want to board the Express."
Yoru braces himself for a stern talking, perhaps even some harsh words.
But to his surprise, when he looks up at her face, he saw a smile on her face.
"I never would have thought you would have moved out of your shell."
Shell? What shell? Yoru only got here a few weeks ago in a body that looked like his own. Was 'Yoru' here someone who Asta knew?
"... sorry, Lady Asta, could you repeat that again?" Yoru asks again, needing to reconfirm her words. Some things don't make sense, and he doesn't have nearly enough information to go off of.
"You were always doing your own thing. I'm glad you finally found something to strive for."
Yoru can only nod slowly, keeping the information locked in the back of his head. "I'll figure this out later. There are too many questions. But first..."
"Since I'm leaving, do I get pay for my work?"
Shameless as it may be to ask for money after a heartfelt moment, Yoru needed credits. If he wanted to roll his abilities, he needed rolls—converting credits to rolls was something he desperately needed.
Asta only gives a small nod and a smile. "Yes, you will get paid. I'll see you off when you leave for the Express, and I'll hand it to you then."
"Thank you!"
Time passes, and Yoru moves through the familiar halls of the Space Station, looking around for Himeko. He's just packed his things, a bag on his back holding all his necessary things.
His journey leads him over towards the Express Platform, where the Astral Express was parked. "Himeko was here when the Herta Space Station Arc ended. Surely she's here now."
Looking around, Yoru spots Himeko on the platform, looking over the Express. Hearing his footsteps, Himeko turns around to him.
"Yoru. You're back. What did Lady Asta say?"
"I'm allowed," he responds with a lighter tone than usual. "If you'll accept me, of course."
Himeko gives a small nod. "Of course. I also asked Stelle if she wanted to join. Herta also came back to the station. She's making Stelle test her simulated universe, as she has the Stellaron inside her."
Yoru nods. "Are they going to arrive soon?"
"Perhaps. We'll just have to wait to see if Stelle accepts to join the Express."
Waiting around for a while longer, Yoru could spot Stelle walking towards the Express. He watches from a distance as Himeko and Stelle converse, before they both start walking towards the Express.
Looking towards March, Himeko motions for her to also board Express. As the trio walk, Yoru starts to walk behind them.
Before he could board the Express, a voice calls out.
"Yoru! Wait for a little!"
Looking back, Yoru sees Asta, Herta, and Arlan. It seems as though the trio were here to see the Express off.
Asta in particular was holding a card in her hand, walking up to Yoru and holding it out for him. "Here. These are the credits I promised to give."
"Thank you, again." Yoru thanks Asta with heartfelt words, accept the card she held out.
"Don't mention it," Asta says. "Just stay safe, alright? Don't cause too much trouble."
Nodding slowly, Yoru moves to board the Express. Herta had already turned, starting to walk off, as Asta and Arlan both watch him board the Express.
"I'm actually on the Express." Yoru looks around at the interior, the place looking exactly like the game. "Time to attempt to settle in."
Looking down at the card in his hand, he clenches it tighter. He should be able to check how many credits he has, but more important things are in order.
It was time to officially meet the crew.