Blank Ticket

Wow!

Dad, look over there!

It's so pretty!

It certainly is.

Those buildings are quite impressive, and look how beautiful that park is!

It feels nice to get away for a while, doesn't it?

Hehe, yeah!

It feels like we're on a real trip!

Oooh, look at that building over there!

Ah!

...

Oh my, are you all right?

I'm so sorry, my daughter's just really excited...

Hmph!

What's so pretty about those boring old buildings? Why all the fuss?

...!

I-I think they're pretty...

Bah!

What would a little snot-nosed kid like you know?

*Sniffle*...

Next stop, Plaza Station. Plaza Station.

Doors will open on the left.

... Come on, Honey. This is our stop.

Okay...

Hmph. No fun at all.

Nothing ever goes my way.

The train is about to depart.

If you haven't boarded yet, please do so now.

Ahem.

This is the last train service for today.

Please ensure you've collected all your belongings before exiting.

We thank you for traveling with us today and wish you a pleasant journey.

Phew... that's a wrap.

Great work today, Brid.

Thank you.

You and Soline did great too.

Rrrgh,

I'm not done yet!

Oh, right. You're on closing duty this week.

I can switch with you if you're really tired.

Who said anything about being tired?!

I won't hear another word of it!

If you're not tired, could it be that you're scared?

After all, you'll be alone checking the train when no one else is around.

...!

Th-that's ridiculous!

Why in the world would that scare me? I'm not a little kid.

Once we arrive, you two go ahead and clock out. Don't worry about me.

I'll wrap things up and clean up the train before I leave.

Hehe, very well.

We'll leave it in your capable hands, Soline.

We're counting on you.

Mmm!

Phew...

Okay, Car 1.

No trash, no lost items.

All clear.

Lights out in Car 1!

All good here.

Just one car left.

Heh, I knew this wouldn't be a big deal!

I've done this tons of times. No reason to be scared.

I'm not some little kid.

...!

Wh-what was that?!

...

Some trash?

Are the cleaning robots on the fritz?

Eeeeek!

Wh-who's there?!

Identify yourself, or I'll sh-shoot!

Good grief.

What is that infernal racket?

Pipe down, will you?

!!

A human?

What'd you expect? A ghost who died of old age?

No...

But what are you doing here?

What does it look like I'm doing?

I'm sitting.

That's not what I meant!

What are you doing in a train that's out of service?

You listen to me, Whippersnapper.

You better watch your tone.

Whippersnapper?

I'm not a kid!

I'm a crew member of this train!

That makes it even more outrageous!

Is that how a crew member should speak to a passenger?

...

Just get off, will you?

The train's done for the day.

Can't even find it in you to ask politely, can you?

Instead, you just go around screaming your lungs out.

Kids these days have no manners at all, I tell ya.

What if I don't want to leave?

Then... Then you're being a public nuisance!

I'll call the police!

Oh yeah?

Be my guest.

I'll take a nap while we wait.

What?!

Wake me up when they get here.

...

Zzzzzz...

What in the world is going on...

Hello there, Soline.

You've been working hard, I see.

Poli, finally! What took you so long?

Anyway,

please do something about this old lady.

Hmm.

You said she's refusing to get off the train, even though service is over for the day?

That's right!

Are you sure she's not trying to hitch a free ride?

No, I checked. She has a valid ticket.

I see.

All right. Take me to her.

This way.

Zzzzzz...

Is this her?

Yeah.

I tried everything, but I can't get her to wake up.

By the end, she was even hurling insults at me!

And then she just fell asleep like it was nothing!

That's gotta count as a public nuisance

or something, right?!

Yes, it certainly does.

And saying you have no manners... she's the one who needs some manners!

All righty, I'll try waking her up.

Ahem.

Ma'am, could you please wake up?

Mmm?

Wh-who are you...?

I'm Officer Poli, from the A.C.P.U.

I received a report from one of the crew members on this train.

Apparently, she found you sleeping after the train was done for the day.

Oh dear, heavens!

I don't know what's gotten into me!

I must have dozed off...

...?

Have I been keeping you from going home?

Uh... yeah...?

Sorry about that, miss. I'll get off right away.

And Officer, I'm sorry you had to come all this way for nothing...

Now that I'm older, these things happen every so often.

I see.

May I ask where you live?

Where are we, exactly?

Actually, this is the AZX train depot.

We're a bit further in from the end of the line.

Oh dear... that's so far from my place...

Don't worry, I can escort you home.

Oh my... I really hate to trouble you like this.

It's no problem, ma'am.

It's part of my duty as an officer of the law.

Wait a second!

You're acting totally different from before!

You were calling me all sorts of names a while ago, and now you're calling me "Miss"?

And before, I couldn't wake you up no matter what I did!

I... I did?

Soline.

What?

At her age, memories can get a little fuzzy sometimes.

I'm not excusing her behavior,

but I think it might be best to let her go home today.

...!

Well... that could be it...

I guess there's no reason to get so upset.

I'll make sure she gets home safely, so don't you worry about anything.

... Okay. Just keep her out of trouble.

Will do.

Umm...

Ma'am?

Yes, miss?

I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier.

And... thank you for riding with us today.

Of course!

You're a fine crew member, you know that?

I'll see you around, Soline.

Yeah, see you.

Well, well, if it isn't the locomotive lamebrain.

?!

...

Hello again, ma'am.

Hmph! Why are you talking so nicely all of a sudden?

Why don't you mouth off like you did yesterday?

I... didn't realize that you were unwell.

I misspoke yesterday.

Unwell? Me?

Pfft!

You really fell for that innocent old lady act I pulled yesterday?

What...?

Getting caught by the police would be a real pain in the neck.

So, how's my acting? I'm a great thespian, aren't I?

Argh!

What is wrong with this lady?

Ha! You should see your face! Absolutely priceless.

Let me guess. You're not going to leave again, even if I tell you to.

That's right. I'm not going anywhere.

Argh!

Why are you doing this?!

Do you not have anywhere else to go?

...

You could say that.

But you said you were going home yesterday.

I did. I have a place where I can eat and sleep.

Ugh... you're impossible to talk to!

Fine. Do whatever you want!

Huh?

Giving up already?

You said you're not leaving, so what else can I do?

I'll put up with it today, but I'm telling Diesel and Brid tomorrow.

Why not call the cops again?

If you put in another bravura performance like you did yesterday, I'll be the one who ends up looking crazy.

Besides, I'd feel bad calling Poli over again at this hour. She's got enough on her plate.

...

I can hold out for one night, no problem!

Is that so?

So you're planning to stay up all night and keep watch on me?

That's right.

Foolish kid.

Fine. Do your worst.

...

Doo doo doo♪

...

Doo dee dah♪

*Yawn*

Hey, aren't you sleepy?

Don't you think it's about time to pack it up?

I'm too young to call it quits on life just yet.

What the... that's not what I meant!

...

Wait, are you knitting?

Yes.

I'm good at many things,

especially with my hands.

I can do just about anything with these puppies.

Tch, what a show off.

Besides, aren't people who are good at knitting supposed to make sweaters or something?

What's the point of just making a flat square?

Hmph! You really are a clueless little brat.

Now, quit bothering me. I can't concentrate.

Oh yeah? Then I'll just keep talking!

I won't answer then.

Fine by me! I'm happy talking to myself.

Hmph. What a childish brat.

... Line.

Soline.

...

Hmm?

Is it morning already?

Hehe, that it is.

Did you sleep well?

My body's a little stiff, but yeah.

What are you doing sleeping here?

Uh...?

...

Wait a sec.

Where's that old lady?

Old lady?

Yes!

An obstinate, cranky old lady was sitting right here! Didn't you see her?

No...

When we arrived, you were the only one here.

Well, you and this blanket.

Blanket...?

Wait, this is...

Dang it!

She ran off again!!

Oh my...

Calm down, Soline.

What happened?

Please, you've gotta believe me!

So that's what happened...

Sounds like you've been through quite an ordeal.

She might show up again tonight. We'll stay here with you.

That's right.

Er...

It wasn't that big a deal, honestly.

But I suppose it'd be nice to have you guys around.

All right then, when today's service ends...

Can you hear me?

Ms. Ingrid?

Yes, I can hear you clearly.

Infinity Rail.

I need all of you to report to my office immediately.

Right now?

Yes.

But the first train is about to depart.

This is an urgent matter.

Switch to automatic train operation.

How long will this take?

I can't say for sure, but it's going to take a while.

Hmm...

If you're uneasy about leaving the train unattended, just sending two of you over will do.

But this concerns train operations on the surface, so decide fast and get moving.

Out.

...!

Train operations on the surface?

...

What should we do?

It sounds pretty urgent, so we should get going as soon as possible.

...

You two should go.

But...

Diesel is the leader

and Brid's the conductor.

So it makes the most sense for me to stay.

Will you be all right dealing with that passenger you mentioned earlier... the old lady?

Of course!

One more night with her isn't going to change anything.

Besides, it's not like she's doing anything dangerous.

So quit worrying about me.

... All right.

We'll contact the Commander on the way and ask him to provide backup,

just in case.

The Commander?

You don't have to do that. I can handle this on my own.

With us gone, you'll have a lot on your plate.

He'll only be here until we get back.

...

All right, all right.

Be careful out there.

We will.

Take good care of the train!

Ahem!

I'm only going to say this once, so listen up.

See this tablet? It shows which seats are reserved and which are empty.

If someone's sitting in a seat marked as empty, check their ticket.

Got it?

If you encounter any rowdy passengers while walking through, politely tell them to quiet down.

If it gets out of hand, there are security staff at each station to whom we can hand the matter over.

Diesel and Brid are a bunch of worrywarts. I told them I could handle this on my own.

Anyway, just try not to screw anything up.

Yeah.

Phew...

Ah...

I'm going to announce this is the last train.

Usually, yes, but the end-of-day announcement is always delivered live.

... And it's always Diesel who does it.

That's right.

...

...

No! This is my job!

I-I can do it!

Ahem!

Ah... um...

Th-this is the last train service for today.

Please ensure you've c-collected all your belongings before exiting.

We thank you for traveling with us today and wish you a p-pleasant journey.

Phew...

So, how was it?

R-really?

See? I told you I could do it if I tried!

... Diesel and Brid are running pretty late though.

That old lady is probably wandering around here somewhere.

Commander,

I know you've been helping me all day,

so I hate to ask this, but...

could you stick around a little longer?

Once we arrive at the depot, just follow me.

You see? There she is again!

She's been doing this for days now!

Even if I tell her to leave, she refuses to go.

What's up, knucklehead?

I see you brought a handsome young man with you today.

?!

So you two are my watchdogs today?

You really slept like a log yesterday.

Th-that was...

Today's announcement sounds different from usual.

The other girl has such a pretty voice, but you were stuttering and quivering like crazy. It sounded terrible.

Grr...!!

Stop flapping your gums and get lost!

You've been hanging around here for three days straight.

Don't you have any family waiting for you?

Family?

Hmm... who knows.

Maybe things would've been better if I did.

...!

Don't you start with that pitiful act!

I'm not falling for that this time!

I know this may be hard to believe, but I'm still single.

Got any decent guys to introduce me to?

Huh?

Your friend here seems like a good catch, haha!

What are you on about, you crazy old lady?!

Yes!

She doesn't even listen to a single word I say!

My name?

It's Nora.

!!

I didn't say you could tell her my name!

Quite right, and now I learned a name I didn't even care about.

It doesn't change the fact that you're still just a brat.

Arghhh!

Hahaha!

Dunno. It's all a little fuzzy.

Maybe if you treat me to dinner, it'll jog my memory.

See? She's always spouting nonsense like this.

Should we call Poli again?

Hmm...

The way you're calling this young man seems rather strange.

Are you a Nikke?

Yeah.

What of it?

And this young man is your Commander?

I see.

... Tsk.

What? You got something against Nikkes?

I haven't really thought about it,

but now that you mention it...

I guess I'm not too fond of them.

Tch, I knew you were a pain,

but you're way worse than I expected!

So, Commander, do you want me to get off the train too?

I see.

So this is the end of the line.

Hmph!

Fine, then.

Since this strapping young lad asked nicely, I guess I'll go.

Huh?

...

You're actually leaving?

Yes.

It seems this train can't take me where I need to go.

What? What do you mean by that?

Never you mind.

I'm leaving.

Argh!

This lady is driving me insane!

She was stubborn as hell, then she just up and leaves like it's nothing?

Seriously, that old lady's got to be nuts!

Not a chance!

Tomorrow, she'll be sitting there again, acting like nothing ever happened.

...

Oh, right!

I forgot to give this back to her.

Beats me.

She spent all day knitting yesterday.

She must've put it on me while I was sleeping.

Isn't it hideous?

I'll give it back tomorrow.

Anyway, thanks for helping me out, Commander.

Finally beat that old lady for once. Phew!

Mhm!

Sorry, Soline.

Looks like we'll have to visit Boss again today.

Oh boy, guess these talks will take a bit longer than expected.

That's no problem! Go ahead and do what you gotta do.

?

You seem awfully chipper today.

Yeah.

That's because I finally got that old lady to leave yesterday!

But she might be back again today.

Glad to hear you got her to leave.

We'll try to finish things up as quickly as possible.

If the ideas being discussed right now get implemented,

I'm sure you'll be happy about it too.

In the meantime, take care of the train as best you can.

Got it!

You can count on me!

Ahem...

This is the last train service for today.

Please ensure you've collected all your belongings before exiting.

We thank you for traveling with us today and wish you a pleasant journey.

Phew.

That was way better than yesterday!

Yesterday, my voice was stuttering and quivering like nobody's business.

I can't wait to shove this in that old lady's face!

All right, let's get started!

Car 1.

No trash, no lost items.

All clear.

Lights out in Car 1!

No issues here.

Now for the last car.

*Sigh*... This one always takes the longest for the lights to go out.

C'mon, you old lady...

I knew you'd be here again!

Just as I thoug...!

...

... Huh?

Nobody's here.

...

Ah!

I get it!

You're hiding somewhere to scare me, aren't you?

All right, come on out!

...

Is she really not here?

Now that I think about it, where could an adult even hide in this car?

Hmph.

So she really decided not to come?

Phew! I finally shook her off!

What a relief!

...

So...

I can really turn the lights off?

...

Well.

I still need to return that blanket.

Commander! Are you there?

C-Commander,

something's wrong.

She hasn't shown up for days.

The old lady!

The one who stayed on the train the other day and kept saying weird stuff.

I thought she'd come back soon,

but it's been almost a week, and she still hasn't showed up.

...!

O-of course I did!

But...

She left me this blanket,

and I still need to return it to her.

And also...

...

...

Okay, fine! Yes!

I mean, think about it.

That lady was a real spitfire. Even when I called the police, she kept coming back.

Now, for her to suddenly vanish without a word,

and especially considering her age...

I can't help but wonder if something bad happened.

What? Why are you looking at me like that?

!!

R-really?!

Thank you, Commander!

Uh...

Hmm...

Maybe she is, maybe she isn't.

It's not like we can check every single passenger on every train.

Hey, you're right!

I can look it up!

Yeah, she did.

Let's go check right away!

According to this tablet...

It should be...

Found it!

No, it's for privacy reasons.

Full names, ages, and addresses are partially censored by default.

E-even so,

we might be able to find passengers with similar names.

If we cross-check the names that match, it might work.

Wh-what's wrong?

Is it too much to ask...?

...!

All right!

Please refrain from making phone calls inside the train cars.

If necessary, you may use the passageway between cars.

Names that end with Ra...

Seat... C37.

Here!

Wow, what a beautiful view!

Gotta take lots of pictures.

... Nope, not her.

Zzzz...

Ahem.

This is the last train service for today.

Please ensure you've collected all your belongings before exiting.

We thank you for traveling with us today and wish you a pleasant journey.

Thanks. I don't know what's going on,

but Diesel and Brid are still caught up with Boss.

Now that I've done this a few times, I'm not so nervous anymore!

...

I stuttered a whole bunch on the first day, and that old lady made fun of me.

If she heard me now, she'd be shocked, hehe!

Anyway, we'll call it a day

and resume the search tomorrow.

This won't do.

We don't even know if she's still riding the trains or not.

We can't rely on this half-baked information.

Hmm...

Hmm...

Ah!

I know!

We can talk to Poli!

She took the old lady home once.

We can find out where she lives!

Let's go!

I'm afraid I can't help you.

What? Why not?

A police officer can't indiscriminately share a citizen's personal information.

It's against the law.

Well, okay, but...

It's just that...

She left this blanket behind,

so I thought I should return it to her.

I see.

Give it to me.

??

I'll treat it as a lost item.

No, I can't do that.

Someone left this behind on the train, so it's up to me to return it to her.

Hmm...

*Sigh*...

I'm just scared something bad might've happened to her.

She is pretty old, after all.

Hmm.

All right, I understand.

...!

You mean you'll tell me her address?

I'd love to help,

but I don't know her address myself.

What? Really?

That day, I only escorted up to the alley entrance.

She insisted she could walk on her own from there,

so I gave her a life alarm and let her go on her way.

Life alarm?

Oh, you mean those medical devices that can alert the police for you?

Correct.

But we haven't received any signals from it,

so I don't think anything serious has happened to her.

...

I could point you in the direction of that alley,

but that's about all I can do for you.

Really?

Thanks a million, Poli!

Don't mention it.

Commander,

if you sense anything is amiss, contact me right away.

Commander! Let's go, quick!

This is the alley entrance.

I suppose we can't walk around shouting her name, right?

Right.

Let's just wait here.

Maybe she'll pass by.

Is that her?

Hmm... No.

Yes?

Oh, that's...!

Wait, no... that's a guy.

Huh? What do you mean?

...!

It...

It's because...

...

Not really, no.

Do I need a reason?

...

Hmm...

Maybe she took a tumble inside her house

and couldn't physically press the life alarm?

I guess that'd be a relief...

Huh?

Good grief!

I haven't met such a stubborn old lady in a long time.

Eh?

Hey, excuse me!

Hmm?

This woman you just mentioned, was she dressed ostentatiously and had long hair?

Yes, that's right!

Do you know her?

I believe it's the woman that I'm looking for.

Where is she?

Well, this is perfect timing.

Maybe you'll be able to get through to her.

??

Follow me.

Huh?

She's here?

Yeah.

No matter how much I ask her to come down, she won't budge.

I'll wait down here while you try to talk some sense into her.

No. I'm tapping out.

I've already had it up to here with that lady, so it's up to you now.

...

All right, here we go.

Man, this wind is brutal...

Where is she, anyway?

What? Do you see her?

...

H-hey, old lady!

What are you doing?!

Get down from there!

Oh goodness, you scared me!

What are you screaming like a banshee for? I'm just sitting here, enjoying myself.

Huh?

Aren't you that dunderhead train attendant?

What are you doing here?

Never mind that!

Just get down from there, will you?

Geez, Louise!

I finally managed to get that guard off my back, and now you come rolling in.

Why can't people just leave me alone?

What if I refuse to come down? What then?

You going to call the police on me again?

No,

I'm not going to call anyone!

So please, just come down so we can talk, okay?

Huh?

Why do you look so nervous?

Dangerous?

Oh!

Haha. I see.

I can see why people would see this and get the wrong idea.

All right, all right.

I'll come down.

Hup...

Whoopsie-daisy.

My foot slipped.

!!

But that's not a problem.

See? I made it down safe and sound, hehe.

...

Are you crazy?!

You think this is funny?!

I thought... I thought you...

I thought you were about to do something drastic!

*Sniffles*

Huh? What's gotten into you?

Why are you crying all of a sudden?

*Sob*

Oh c'mon, stop crying.

I... I'm not good at dealing with people when they cry...

...

*Sigh*... What a mess.

All right, that's enough crying.

Only then can I make sense of what you're saying.

*Sniff*

You should be the one talking! You owe us an explanation!

What the hell were you thinking, doing something that dangerous here?!

...

Why should I have to explain myself to you?

You're the ones who came after me. I was just minding my own business.

Argh!

...

Dang it. You've got a point,

which only makes it more annoying!

What's with you two coming up here and ganging up on me, anyway?

I... I can't explain it,

but when you stopped coming, I got worried.

I wondered if something had happened to you, or if I had been too rude before...

Oh, and this blanket!

Why did you leave it behind?

I waited for you to come back, but you never did.

I left it because it's yours, you numbskull.

Wha... you mean this is a gift?

Yeah. If you're hellbent on returning it, I won't stop you.

!!

... No. You said it was meant for me, after all.

Hmm.

So let me get this straight.

You got attached to me, and when I didn't show up, you got all worked up, right?

Listen, kiddo, I'm no spring chicken, but I'm not as frail as you seem to think.

Hold on, is it because I look like your late grandma or something?

I certainly hope not. I can't stand that clichéd melodrama crap.

No, that's not it.

Hmm?

After what the Commander said,

I started thinking about why I wanted to find you.

It's just...

Every time I saw you sitting in that empty train, staring out the window with a dejected look in your eyes,

you seemed so... sad.

That's what got to me.

Our train, the AZX, is supposed to be something that brings joy to people.

...

So, can you tell me?

Why is there such sadness behind your eyes?

Why were you up here on this rooftop, sitting on the ledge with that same sorrowful look?

Haha!

I had you pegged for a lunkhead who only knew how to yell at people.

Turns out you've got a brain between those ears after all.

... All right.

Where should I start?

I can't recall how many years it's been since I came to the Ark.

Before all that, I remember vividly the days when I traveled the surface, wild and free.

Back then, traveling the world was everything to me.

But that life came to a complete halt the moment I entered the Ark.

You hit the nail on the head, Young Man.

...

Tell me something.

What?

Have you ever been to the surface?

Yeah, I've been there.

How many times?

??

Well...

I've never really counted.

...

I'm jealous.

Just once would've been enough for me,

but I never got that chance.

That's why I never really liked the Nikkes.

They can easily get something that's forever out of my grasp.

It's not like we're there on vacation! We risk our lives up there!

I was willing to risk my life as well.

In order to reach the surface, I'd gladly put my life on the line.

It's always my dream to take my last breath up there.

Even if that meant being torn apart by a Rapture.

But as the decades passed, I began to realize something.

This insignificant life of mine would end here, trapped inside the Ark.

Did you ever think about becoming a Nikke?

When I was young, I still held onto the hope that this would all be resolved soon.

By the time I realized that wasn't going to be the case,

I was too old to become a Nikke.

Right... the age limit...

There are female Commanders now,

but when I was younger, it was a position reserved solely for men.

I convinced myself that this was my punishment.

So, I tried to resign myself to my fate.

But now that the end's near, I suppose I wanted to still make one last-ditch effort.

I wondered if riding the train might take me wherever I needed to go.

Perhaps,

it would lead me to my destination.

After all, the train is the only real means of transportation here inside the Ark.

...

I quickly realized how much of a fool I was being, so I stopped.

I did a cruel thing to you, kid.

Then...

What were you doing on the rooftop?

Just... looking at the sky.

When you look up at the sky from a high place, you feel a greater sense of freedom.

It reminds me of the old days,

even though the sky here isn't real.

...

Hey, what's with the long faces?

Coming to the Ark was my choice.

It's what's allowed me to live this long.

I've experienced my fair share of joy and happiness throughout my life.

And not only that, I'm still making new friends, even at this age.

...!

You...

You want to be my friend?

Why wouldn't I? What makes someone qualified to be your friend anyway?

?!

I've really never thought about that before.

Uh... having shared experiences you can look back on?

I'd say chatting on an empty train checks that box.

Or making plans together?

All right, let's meet again on the last train, one week from now.

...!

See you then.

Really? You'll come?

Sure.

Thank you for coming to find me, Soline.

!!

You remembered my name.

Of course.

I'm not that far gone just yet.

Hehe...

Thanks for the blanket, by the way.

It's really pretty and well-made.

Wasn't it just a flat square to you before?

Gah! You remember that?

How petty!

Hahaha!

Oh!

You managed to convince her to come down!

She wouldn't budge an inch when I was talking to her.

Shut your trap, will you?

I understand that she may have been uncooperative,

but it's not right to leave someone alone sitting on the ledge like that.

Huh? What are you talking about?

I didn't know she was near the ledge!

...!

Hey, lady! You told me you were just going up to the roof for some fresh air!

That's exactly what I was doing. I wanted to enjoy the breeze for a bit before heading back down.

If something happened to you, I'd be out of a job!

So what? You could find another one.

*Sigh*...

How did you manage to convince this stubborn old lady to come down anyway?

It wasn't easy, but it was a fun challenge.

She actually makes a lot of good points.

What?

Come on, Nora.

Yeah, yeah.

Phew.

*Huff huff*

What is going on?

Why am I so nervous?

What are you talking about?!

I'm just worried,

that's all.

What if she doesn't show up?

I even prepared a gift!

Um...

It's a little embarrassing to show, but... since you're the Commander...

Here.

You think she'll like it?

I thought it would be a nice gesture in return for the blanket.

Hehe, really?

That's a relief.

All right, it's time.

Commander, just a moment.

Ahem.

This is the last train service for today.

Please ensure you've collected all your belongings before exiting.

...

The AZX is a train meant to inspire joy in our passengers.

For those who are already happy,

and for those who may be feeling down,

we hope you will carry that happiness with you when you disembark.

We thank you for traveling with us today and wish you a pleasant journey.

So...

How was it?

Hehe, thanks.

Well, shall we go meet Nora?

Okay, Car 1.

No trash, no lost items.

All clear.

Lights out in Car 1!

Phew...

Last car.

I'm going in.

There you are.

You laid it on a bit thick with that announcement, don't you think?

Nora!

You really came!

Of course I did.

I realize it hasn't exactly been long, but how have you been?

I've been good. And you?

Oh, just the usual.

I see.

Uh...

...

What's with you? Why are you acting like a nervous puppy?

It's just...

Well, I thought it wouldn't feel right not to give you something in return for the blanket,

so I prepared a gift.

Oh, looks like we had the same idea.

I also prepared something.

What?

But that means I'll be getting two gifts from you...

So what? We're friends, aren't we?

And not all gifts have to be material, you know.

Anyway, it was a bit cringy, but all in all, that was a pretty solid announcement.

I take it you did that for me?

!!

N-no!

I made that announcement for all the passengers on our train!

Haha! Okay, if you say so.

Here, take this.

Whoa, what's that? It's huge!

I wonder what's inside...?

...

I told you, I'm pretty good with my hands.

It took a lot of work to get that done in a week.

Wait one moment!

I'll be right back!

A new uniform.

The one she's wearing now is too dull and doesn't suit her at all.

So, I made something a little brighter for her.

Haha, not at all.

In fact, it felt good to really focus on something again.

Back in my traveling days, I would cook my own meals and tailor my own clothes.

I was always good with my hands, so I decided to make a living out of it.

I'm in the process of closing up shop, so I'm glad I got to make this before the curtain call.

*Huff... huff...*

How do I look?

Does it suit me?

Really?

Mhm.

I had to guesstimate the size, but looks like I've still got it.

You look beautiful.

Thank you so much!

I never thought I'd receive a gift like this...

Well, it wouldn't make sense for you to expect it.

...

Hehe.

Phew... Deep breaths now, Soline...

Nora.

Yes?

This might not seem like much compared to the blanket and this outfit,

but I did prepare a gift for you too.

Hm?

What's this?

A train ticket?

Yep!

But the destination is blank.

That's right.

The AZX was built to travel on the surface.

!!

However, that doesn't mean it can take ordinary people up there.

The AZX can only head up to the surface under special circumstances.

But if, and this is a big "if",

the day comes when we can go to the surface again...

Go ahead and write your destination on that ticket.

If you do, I—no, we will take you there.

Promise.

...

You mean...

I can use this ticket to go back?

Yes.

I don't know when it'll happen.

It might take an incredibly long time.

But I promise you,

AZX conductors never break their promises to passengers.

... Heh.

Haha!

That's all right. I've gotten used to waiting.

I've spent decades waiting without a shred of hope.

If there's even the tiniest sliver of a possibility,

I can wait as long as it takes.

...

Thank you, Soline.

You've given me a reason to keep going.

I can't thank you enough.

...!

Are you crying?

Oh jeez, don't do that, or I'll start crying too...

Haha!

Who said I was crying?

It's true, I'm moved. But I'm not crying.

I ran out of tears a long, long time ago.

This is a traditional greeting from the country I used to live.

If you place your forehead against an object, it imbues it with a soul.

If you do the same with a person, it blesses them.

Oh, that's fascinating.

Yeah, it's almost gone now, but this world used to be filled with so many cultures and traditions...

If I ever get the chance, I'd love to share what I've learned in my travels.

Please do! Tell me everything!

Haha! Seeing your eyes sparkle like that reminds me of my younger days.

It's been ages since I felt blood pumping through my veins like this!

I'm ready to face a brand new day with a smile! I hope you feel the same.

Hehe, I certainly do!

Soline, we're finally done talking with Ingrid!

That took forever and a day.

Thanks for taking care of everything while we were gone. It must have been exhausting.

Hehe, it wasn't the easiest thing in the world,

but I had fun.

By the way, whatever happened to that old lady you mentioned before?

Oh, her?

She and I became friends, hehe.

No kidding!

Also, is that a new uniform you're wearing?

Yep!

Nora made it for me.

What do you think?

It's adorable! A big upgrade from your previous uniform

and it seems your professionalism has increased as well.

Huh? What do you mean?

Have you not taken a look at the suggestion box?

No. As you know, passengers don't often leave comments.

I checked it once a week while you both were gone,

but that's it.

Well, take a look at this.

There are plenty more like this.

Are... Are they all about me?

That's right.

Many passengers think highly of you.

You really know what you're doing, Soline.

I'll leave the announcements to you from now on.

...!

I-I...

Hehe... All right, no problem!

If you need help with anything, just let me know anytime!

Hehe, will do.

By the way,

what took so long with those talks?

Didn't they have something to do with train services on the surface?

Ah, yes.

We almost left out the most important news.

Brace yourself for this one, Soline.

Okay.

They found a fully intact railway on the surface.

Further inspection revealed that the tracks stretch on for a significant distance.

Whoa...

This indicates that freight trains must have traveled along those rails in the past.

We concluded that there may be considerable resources and materials waiting to be discovered.

?!

So...

The AZX is heading up to the surface.

...!

Are you serious?!

Yes, it's true.

And that's not all.

After going over the expected railway route,

we've preemptively determined that it's a relatively safe area.

So, we'll be able to bring along a small number of civilians.

What?

Is that really possible?

Are you sure it's not dangerous?

We want to show the public that the surface is becoming safer, thanks to the Central Government's efforts.

Sending the AZX up to the surface is the perfect opportunity to do that.

If this succeeds, public opinion will improve significantly.

It would be a light in the dark for those who have given up hope.

After all, many citizens still wish to return to the surface.

I know that all too well.

How will we decide who gets to go?

We'll be holding a lottery.

Each person can only submit one ticket through the app.

However, to be eligible, they must agree not to hold us accountable in the event of injury or death.

Even if selected, the winners are permitted to withdraw at any point before departure.

I see.

...

Diesel, Brid,

I have a request.

...

My destination.

...

There's no way he's been waiting there this whole time.

He's smarter than that, even if he can be a fool sometimes.

But still...

I just want to make sure.

Finally.

I'm really going back...