Through the Backstreets

"Somewhere out there, perhaps there's a bookshop, or a tavern... that's yours, and yours alone."

"'Somewhere out there', three little words that pack in dreams, longing, and surprise."

"Somewhere out there, the person you miss most might be waiting... hoping you'll show up at their door one day."

"Somewhere out there is all unknowns... and it won't feel anything like here."

"In fact, it isn't as far away as it sounds. Sometimes, it's only a ticket away!"

"So why not travel in comfort? Choose the Empire Railway's newest special service, the Aurora Express! Rebuilt from an armoured train, she's tough, steady, and safe... and the cannons she carries are more than enough to deal with any threat."

"Clean, bright, and wonderfully grand... step aboard, and let 'somewhere out there' become somewhere you can reach!"

"Clean, bright, and wonderfully grand!" Yeah! That must be the best way to travel!

So this "train" thing... is it really as awesome as the radio makes it sound?

If you can afford a first-class ticket, it probably is. But first class is ridiculously expensive. I doubt many people in the outer city could ever manage it.

As for standard class... it'll likely be just as loud as The Asphodel on a busy night.

Perfect! It's not like I want to spend my days rubbing shoulders with some posh nobles. If it's like our tavern... then I'll fit right in!

Still... you're not heading to the station for a holiday, are you?

Of course I'm not! That's why I've been listening to the radio and reading up to gather intel. I've got to help my Little Minion bring back the person who matters most to her!

Rhythm's already given us plenty to go on...

One month from now, the 13th Legion will be relocating a high-value prisoner by train from Icelake to Dismania, the imperial capital. The 6th Legion's been ordered to assist with the transport.

The prisoner's identity is classified as top secret. All I know is that she's currently receiving treatment in the inner city under maximum security. But someone caught a glimpse of her back, a young woman in her early twenties, dressed in black.

That matches what you've told me about Berenica. If it really is her, then the train departing in a month might be your only chance.

Wait... we still have five days before the train comes, don't we? Why are we moving so early, Little Minion?

Because you don't walk into a job like this cold. You go early and get the lay of the place. Case the joint, get it?

Case the joint? Come on. I'm trying to save my family, not pull a heist. Snow, don't listen to him. Nobody's "casing" anything. We're just doing a preliminary investigation.

...We even got yanked into Huaxu by a fluke, but thank goodness we made it back in time. We've still got some breathing room... Let's hope everything goes to plan.

Everything's going to be fine! And when we get Berry out... my Little Minion told me cooking isn't exactly Berry's strong suit. So, Camilla, you'll have to lay out a proper celebratory spread and show her what good food is supposed to taste like!

Ah... I'm glad you can stay upbeat. So, how's the plan shaping up? Snow's part is going... perhaps a little too well. She's practically planned the celebratory dinner already.

N, Not just that! I've done tons of other stuff too, listening to the radio, reading, gathering intel, all of it! As for the fighting part... well, those two can handle that.

You didn't take in a word Vita just said, did you? I'll say it again: this operation isn't about fighting. It's about reconnaissance. I've told you the rules so many times I could tattoo them on your forehead, and you'd still forget.

Nuh-uh! I didn't forget anything! It's just... with my Little Minion, things have a habit of turning into a full-blown brawl. Anyway... ahem! Here it goes:

Rule #1: try your best to lay low! Blend in, so plain you could practically melt into the background. That's how we gather as much information as possible.

Rule #2: ask for what matters. Don't just chat for the sake of it. Otherwise the best "intel" we'll bring back is which little kiosks in the concourse have a sale on.

...You actually remembered it word for word. You must really care about your Little Minion, putting in this much effort.

So. Two priorities when we get there. First: find out who this "high-value prisoner" really is. Second: get a clear read on the station, entrances, exits, sightlines, choke points.

Once we've got enough, we'll put together a solid rescue plan. No rattling cages. If they get even a whiff, they'll move the prisoner early.

Best case, we find a station worker who's willing to help. Hm. I could walk you through the station's layout with a map now... but honestly, seeing it with our own eyes will tell us more.

And don't start calling me a nag. This is what keeps you alive. Years as a Phoxhunter taught me that.

Hey! Don't you go sticking confusing labels on me!

...It's not like we just met. What's with the compliments all of a sudden? Cut it out... It's embarrassing...

Exactly. We've left ourselves enough of a buffer.

That's everything from me. Now we're waiting on you, Captain of the Noctoyagers. Say the word, and we move.

Since I knew you'd be heading to the station for intel, I've been keeping an ear out whenever my regulars bring it up, especially the boys who work down there. They always come in for a drink late at night.

You'll hear all sorts, some good, some bad. But there's one thing they all share: the moment they mention the stationmaster, Eisenbahn Wagner, their faces change. They call him a capable man. Someone who keeps the whole place running like clockwork.

So if you can, avoid crossing paths with him. If he takes an interest in you, it won't be good... no matter how friendly he seems.

One more thing: the workers there aren't paid much. They always order the cheapest beer. If your investigation isn't getting anywhere, try making friends with them. A small gesture might help.

Thank you, Ms Camilla. We'll be careful. All right... let's move.

Hooray! Operation: Get Back the Person Who Matters Most to My Little Minion, officially under way!

Berry, I...

Ssh...

Are you all right?

Yeah.

Get some more sleep. I won't leave, I'll be right here when you wake up.

It's okay. We should get down the mountain and head to the village.

You wanna go back? There've been roars coming from there for days...

I was thinking, if we could make it home and grab our weapons...

And with your strength, you'll find a way out.

No one's going to save us no matter how long we stay here anyway.

...Let's go then.

Take it easy.

Watch your step.

You're not fully recovered. Are you sure you can do this?

I'm okay. It's just a few scratches.

Don't push yourself too hard. We still have to save some strength for those Filthoids.

Take that sword with you. It might be helpful one day.

Keep yourself safe. I'll take care of these Filthoids.

Is this place... a temple?

...Yes.

Someone once left that flying ship here.

And... a "key."

Listen, thrust your sword right in there.

Like this?

Is this your idea of "accurate intel," Randy? You gave me your word.

The soldiers did their best with the Filthoids. These are indeed unforeseen circumstances. But we did find something valuable on this island today...

Alchemical tools she has used and an airship with a Legion serial number on it.

You realise we're looking for "No. 0," not this useless junk, right?

We've been searching for over a decade... But our maritime unit intercepted several of the villagers' vessels. They might be able to dig up some...

Were those gunshots?

Randy.

Yes, ma'am!

...That's how it happened.

The Filthoids attacked you "for no reason" after you came here, and you managed to open the hidden path "by chance"... Is that really your story?

We're telling the truth! Let her go!

...!

Chief Sibylle, we've checked her spinal structure and confirmed that...

She's the "No. 0" we've been looking for.

...!

Fortune has finally smiled upon me.

Take her back.

As for her...

Remember... Vita, you must remember...

Your power... the power of Resonance...

If you wish to save all this...

Hang in there! I got you...

Berry!

Give it up, No. 0. Even the toughest blade has its breaking point.

Come back with me, and you'll live, so will this kid you care so much about.

Otherwise, she will...

...Give me your word.

Hmm?

I'll go back with you, but you have to promise to let her go.

Give me your word! Or, you can take two corpses back!

Perhaps I wasn't clear, This is not a negotiation, it's an order.

...Berry.

...?! You...!

Get out of here, and live.

No...!!

Quick question, Vita. The "three quick blinks" means...

I've got this, Berry. Three quick blinks means...

"Even if left all alone, you should be brave and live on."

"Until the day we meet again."

Run!

You can't get away!

Quest failed. Try again

Quest failed. Try again

This is my first time in the Cocytus Province. Is this how the people here show their hospitality?

I don't want to bother you, I just want to... strike a small "bargain."

I'll pay you whatever you want, and all you have to do, well, it will be a piece of cake.

The ship is at the mountaintop. After a short break, we'll push on.

...Can't believe we'll be saying goodbye to Purgatorio Island soon.

...You creatures just can't give us a break, can you?

But up until now, there has been no answer. Only endless flowing quicksand covering my vision, and...

him.

No...

Don't... take her...

No chance we're leaving by sea. Guess we'll have to count on that thing...

Listen, there's actually another "ship" on this island, up in the mountain ruins.

A ship... on the mountain?

Yes, a "ship" that flies. Now follow me.

Remem▇▇... ▇▇, you must ▇▇▇...

Your ▇▇... the power of ▇▇...

▇▇▇ wish to ▇ all this...

Wait, I can't hear you...

This is my first time in Cocytus Province. Is this how the people here show their hospitality?

I don't want to bother you, I just want to... strike a small "bargain."

I'll pay you whatever you want, and all you have to do, well, it will be a piece of cake.

Hello! Lunotoot at your service! Snow and I go way back. When we first met, I was just a hopeless train enthusiast. And now? I'm Bloomfield Station's guide, publicity ambassador, and volunteer attendant, all rolled into one!

Trains have been around for ages, but in the early days they were built to move weapons and military supplies. Proper iron beasts.

Some services are civilian now, of course, but every train still carries defensive armaments. If you've got a moment before you head off, go right to the front and have a look at the train cannon. It's really badass.

A lot of train fans go on about the engineering, or the industrial beauty of it all, and don't get me wrong, they're right! But what I love most about trains is something else: fairness.

Whether you usually walk, ride in carriages, drive motorcars, or travel by fancy airship, once you're on the train, everyone arrives together.

That's why I want more people to see trains for what they are. Even if you're a Charon, you can sit by the window, watch the mountains roll past, feel the cool air drifting through the carriage... and hear that whistle, toot-toot!

So I started helping out here. Purely as a volunteer at first. After a while, the stationmaster was kind enough to notice I was genuinely useful, and that's how I ended up officially on staff!

Hehe, well, "official" makes it sound as though I'm here for pay. I don't take a penny. I'd probably do this even if they tried to stop me! Toot-toot!

Toot-toot!

Yes, Stationmaster Eisenbahn. He saw me introducing trains to the Charon and said it was good for the Empire's image and all that... so he told me to keep at it.

That doesn't sound like most Imperial officials.

Mm... I wouldn't know. I haven't met many. But he runs a tight ship. If anything happens in the station, he makes sure he hears about it.

(Camilla mentioned him too... Sounds like he won't be easy to deal with.)

Ah... no. I'm only here as a volunteer helper. But I help out on the trains sometimes, so I get to ride often enough anyway!

Honestly that's tempting. If I were a train enthusiast, I'd want to work here too.

Not every position works that way. Only staff assigned to onboard duties ride for free. The ironworks hands still have to save up like everyone else.

Right, I've been talking your ears off. Where are you headed? The Imperial Capital? Or somewhere farther south... like Scarletriver?

Ah... well... we're hoping to go to the Capital, but we haven't settled on a date yet. I'm from a remote island. I've never seen anything like trains before... so we thought we'd come and look around first.

Oh! Then you'll only need a platform ticket. Just a few silver coins and you can sit here and watch trains all day, absolute bargain!

Come on, this way!