CHAPTER 66: NORTAGAWA

As Daru and the others returned to the house, they all went to sleep. The following morning, Kono emerged from her room and noticed Gram, Himitsu, and Ohma seated on the living room floor.

Kono: Uhh, what’s going on? Why do you guys look so messed up? Wait... where’s the couch?

Daru glanced at Kono.

Daru: Kono, not now.

Kono: What’s happening?

Daru: Kono, I said not now.

Seeing the expression on Daru’s face, Kono felt a sense of unease and walked to the kitchen where Zodiac was.

Daru: As I was saying... You guys have crossed the line.

Gram: We haven’t done anything that bad.

Daru: Really? You got a 15-year-old drunk!

Gram: He said he wanted to drink. Right, Himitsu?

Gram looked at Himitsu, who had his arms crossed and appeared displeased.

Gram: Himitsu?

Himitsu: I’m not talking to you.

Gram: What? Why?

Himitsu: Rule Five.

Gram: What? Rule Five?

Himitsu: Rule Five: If we get caught, we get caught together as a team.

Gram: That’s what we did.

Himitsu: Oh yeah!? "Everyone for themselves."

Gram: Oh, I did say that, didn’t I?

Ohma: Yeah, I heard that too.

Kono began speaking with Zodiac.

Kono: Why is Daru so mad at them?

Zodiac: The three idiots went to the club last night without telling us.

Kono: They went to a club! Without me!

Zodiac: Yep.

Daru: Enough!

Himitsu and the others ceased their conversation.

Daru: Listen, I’m not mad at you guys for going to the club. I’m mad because you didn’t tell us where you were going. You could have gotten killed, or something like Minus One could have happened again! And you guys were nowhere to be found.

Ohma: I’m sorry, Daru.

Daru: I know you are, Ohma, and it’s okay. All I’m asking is for you to trust the crew, that’s all.

Gram: Okay, I’m sorry.

Gram turned to Himitsu.

Gram: Himitsu, I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have left you behind because we’re a team, and I wasn’t acting like it, so I’m sorry.

Himitsu maintained his crossed arms.

Himitsu: I guess it’s okay.

Gram: (Extending his hand) Brothers.

Himitsu: (Smiling) Brothers.

Himitsu and Gram shook hands as Ohma joined in.

Ohma: Handshake of trust.

Gram: Wait, Daru, how did you find out it wasn’t us here?

Daru: Since when does Ohma say "sup" or even know what it means?

Himitsu: You made him say "sup"!

Ohma: Is "sup" short for "soup"?

Gram smacks his forehead.

Gram: Yeah, I get it now.

Everyone prepares to head to the Order Association to begin their missions. They complete mission after mission without any issues and finally finish their last mission, bringing their total to 50. They emerge from the portal and enter the Association building to speak with Fin.

Kono: (Excited) I can’t believe we did it, everyone! We finally completed our 50th mission!

Gram: (Exhausted) Thank the gods!

Himitsu: Surprisingly, it didn’t take us that long to reach this milestone.

Daru: Yeah, you can thank me and Zodiac for that.

Himitsu: Huh?

Zodiac: We carried you guys the whole way.

Gram: No!? I did something!

Ohma: What, like running?

Gram: Shut up, Ohma!

Ohma: (Smiling) Okay!

As they approach the front desk, they see Fin looking pleased.

Fin: Congratulations, everyone! You have successfully completed 50 missions!

Kono: Thank you, Fin! That means a great deal!

Zodiac: It was nothing.

Daru shakes his head.

Fin: I imagine it was nothing for you, Zodiac.

Himitsu: So now that we’ve completed 50 missions, do we get to do what I think we do?

Fin: That’s correct! You have qualified for a rift mission.

Daru: (Cracking his knuckles) Now this is what I was waiting for.

Fin: Buuut...

Daru: But!? What do you mean, but!?

Fin: Since you’ve worked hard to protect the city, completed 50 missions, and won the Newbie Event, you’ve earned a vacation.

Upon hearing this, Gram begins to smile, jumping up and down.

Gram: YES YES YES YES YESSSSSSSSSS! LET’S GOOOOOO!

Zodiac: Can you be quiet!?

Kono: A vacation, really?

Himitsu: I’m genuinely surprised!

Ohma: I don’t know what that is, but it sounds fun!

Daru has a blank expression.

Daru: You’re joking, right?

Fin: Nope! This is not a joke. You guys have put in a lot of hard work over the past weeks, so it’s only fair to give you a vacation.

Kono: And what kind of vacation is it?

Fin: It will be at a resort! The resort is called Nortagawa, and it’s located beneath this city on Earth.

Himitsu: Earth? You’re talking about this planet below Sampostis?

Fin: Yes, a place where humans reside, protected by the Order of Triumph.

Zodiac: Hmm.

Ohma: Wow! I completely forgot there was a whole civilization beneath Sampostis.

Meanwhile, Gram was still expressing his excitement vocally and energetically, which irritated Daru.

Daru: Gram! Can you calm down?

Gram: (Stops jumping) O-oh, my bad. I’m just so happy!

Daru: Yeah, I know, so shut up.

Gram: (Smiling) Okay, okay.

Kono: Wait, how far is the resort from here, Fin?

Fin: It’s quite a distance, but if you fly, you should arrive in no time.

Gram: But what about the reservations? Aren’t we going to have to pay?

Fin: You don’t need to worry about that. The fees will be waived due to the special discount for Order personnel. As for the reservations, I can take care of that as well since the owner is familiar with me. By the time you arrive, everything will be prepared.

Himitsu: Wait, we’re heading there now?

Fin: Well, yeah. Unless you don’t want the vacation and would rather jump straight into the rift mission.

Gram: (Quickly shakes his head) No, no, no! We want this! We need this!

Daru: No, we don’t. It’s a waste of time; we need to focus on getting stronger.

Zodiac: I agree.

Gram: What! No! We’re not giving this up! How about you, Himitsu?

Himitsu: I think I’m with Gra—

Zodiac gives Himitsu a stern look.

Himitsu: N-nevermind. I think we need to focus on the rift mission.

Gram: Himitsu, noooo! What about you, Ohma?

Ohma: Uhhh, I’ve never had a vacation before, so I want to try that!

Gram: Yessss, that’s my boy!

Himitsu: Well, Kono is the leader of this crew, so she makes the final decision.

Gram turns to Kono with pleading eyes.

Gram: Please, Kono, pleaseeee!

Kono contemplates as everyone looks to her expectantly.

Kono: You know what? I think a vacation sounds good.

Himitsu, Gram, and Ohma begin to express their excitement, while Zodiac and Daru remain silent in disbelief.

Zodiac: Oh great...

Gram: LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Fin: Then it’s settled! I will make that call for the special reservation. I’ll send you the coordinates, Kono, so you’ll know the location. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy your vacation!

Kono: Thank you, Fin! We will!

Kono smiles at her crew.

Kono: Are you all ready to have some fun?

Gram, Himitsu, and Ohma: Yeah!

Daru: I can’t believe this!

After a few minutes, they proceed to the shipping docks and observe Zodek and Cindy walking together.

Himitsu: Zodek! Cindy!

Cindy: Hey, Himitsu and Zodiac!

Zodek: How have you both been?

Himitsu: We’re good! It’s been a while since we last met.

Ohma: Who are those people?

Kono: Those are Zodiac and Himitsu’s friends! They have known each other for years, just like Mizuda.

Ohma: Oh, I see.

Zodek: What are you all up to today?

Gram: (smiling) We’re going on our vacation!

Cindy: Really? That sounds wonderful!

Kono: It is! We completed 50 missions.

Zodek: I heard a bit about that from Mizuda. You need to complete a certain number of missions to unlock a rift mission, correct?

Himitsu: Yeah, but they gave us a vacation to celebrate.

Zodiac: It’s pointless.

Daru: And foolish.

Zodek: (laughing) At least you guys have something in common. I’m glad to see you all in one piece since the attack on Sampostis. You did a great job.

Kono: Thank you, sir! That means a lot!

Zodek: Don’t mention it. Now go enjoy your vacation. I don’t want to keep you any longer.

Himitsu: We’ll catch up with you later, Zodek and Cindy!

Zodek: Yes, of course.

Cindy: Bye, Himitsu and Zodiac! Bye, everyone else!

Ohma: Have a good one!

They all wave and continue toward the shipping docks.

Zodek: What an interesting crew they’ve got, don’t you think, Cindy?

Cindy: Yeah. I kind of wish we could go with them.

Zodek: Perhaps next time.

A few minutes later, they arrive at the shipping docks and approach their ship. Kono removes the cover and opens the door, encouraging everyone to enter.

Kono: Alright, guys! Everyone grab a seat and buckle up; we’re about to take off!

They look around and notice that only four seats are available.

Gram: Umm, Kono? There are only four seats.

Kono: Oh right! I forgot we have Ohma now. One of you will have to stand and hold on to something.

Gram quickly rushes to a seat, and the others follow suit, leaving Ohma without a seat.

Ohma: Uhhhh, there are no more seats left?

Gram: Sorry, Ohma, but I’m not risking motion sickness.

Ohma: Motion sickness? What’s that?

Himitsu: You’ll find out by the time we’re in the air.

Kono: Alright! We are about to take off!

Kono is seated at the front of the ship, starting the engine and utilizing her Jump Watch to transfer the coordinates. She adjusts various switches and buttons in preparation for departure.

Himitsu: (Glancing at Ohma) You may want to hold on.

Ohma: I should be fine, Himitsu!

Kono: Launch in three, two, one, go!

The ship ascends rapidly into the air and propels forward, causing Ohma to tumble to the back and collide with his head.

Ohma: Ouch!

Zodiac: Stupid.

Kono skillfully pilots the ship out of the dock, soaring over the city as they pass through the barrier. The vessel descends toward Earth, revealing the landscape below.

Gram: (Peering through the window) So this is what it looks like.

Himitsu: The view is incredible!

After a few minutes of flight, they reach their destination, marked by a building labeled "Nortagawa." Kono identifies an empty parking lot in the bustling city and lands the ship.

Kono: We have arrived!

Zodiac: That took long enough.

Daru: I hate this.

Gram: But I don’t see the resort anywhere—just a bunch of buildings filled with people.

Kono: Apparently, we have to go into this building first to make our reservations.

Gram: Oh, come on!

Kono: Do not worry; it should be very close. Let’s go.

Kono opens the ship’s door, and everyone begins to disembark. As they exit, Ohma wipes his mouth.

Kono: Are you alright, Ohma?

Ohma: Y-yeah, I’m fine! I think I finally understand what motion sickness is.

Himitsu: I did warn you.

Daru: Can we just hurry up!

Zodiac: Look who’s in a bad mood now.

Daru: Shut up!

They exit the parking lot and head toward the street, drawing the attention of numerous onlookers.

Gram: Why are they staring at us?

Kono: It’s probably because of our ship and distinctive clothes. Not many from the Order come down here.

Himitsu: I guess that makes sense. What’s the name of this city?

Kono retrieves her Jump Watch and uses the scanner, doing a full scan around the area.

Kono: This city is called "Centra" and has a population of 3.1 million.

Himitsu: That’s a lot of people!

As they stroll down the street, they pass several stop signs and arrive at the building housing Nortagawa.

Kono: Here’s the place!

Kono and the others enter the building, which is elegantly designed, with employees in uniforms. They approach the front desk to speak with the assistant.

Assistant: Good day! How may I assist you today?

Kono: Hello! We represent the Order of Triumph, and we have a reservation for the resort.

Assistant: Ah, you are the guests we were expecting. If you would kindly take a seat over there, your driver will be with you shortly.

Kono: Thank you!

Kono and the others take a seat to wait for their driver.

Gram: Oh man, I’m so excited!

Himitsu: Same here, Gram! This is my first time at a resort. What’s it like?

Kono: I remember Fin telling me it’s a huge place in the ocean with pools, slides, food, and much more.

Gram: And hot girls! You can’t forget the hot girls!

Kono shakes her head.

Ohma: Well, that’s interesting!

After a brief moment, an employee approaches them.

Employee: Your driver has arrived. Please follow me.

Kono: Alright, everyone, let’s go.

They all stand and follow the employee outside to a luxury seven-seater vehicle.

Gram: This looks nice! Just what the Great Gram deserves!

Zodiac: Just kill me now.

Daru: Let me join you.

The employee opens the door for them, and they all enter the vehicle, settling in comfortably. The driver departs and heads onto the main road.

Gram: Hey guys, look what I found!

Gram reveals a bottle of wine with a playful smile.

Daru: If you don’t put that back, I’m going to beat the crap out of you.

Gram: But don’t you want a—

Daru: I said put it back!

Gram: Alright, jeez.

As they continue their conversation in the car, the driver approaches the edge of the city, revealing the ocean. He drives towards a massive bridge spanning the water as they get closer to Nortagawa.

Kono: This view is amazing!

Himitsu: Yeah, we’re so high up!

As the driver reaches the other side of the bridge, he encounters two tunnels marked with a sign that reads "Entering Nortagawa." He proceeds into the left tunnel, while the right lane is filled with a long line of vehicles.

Gram: Why is that other lane so congested?

Driver: That lane is for standard guests who made reservations. We will utilize the VIP section since you are part of the Order.

Just as the driver is about to enter the tunnel, a security guard stops him. The driver rolls down his window and presents the VIP pass.

Security Guard: You may enter Nortagawa now.

The guard opens the gate, allowing the driver to proceed into the tunnel.

Driver: Prepare to have your minds blown!

Everyone gets excited, except for Daru and Zodiac. As they drive out of the tunnel, they finally arrive at Nortagawa, a sprawling resort surrounded by the ocean, featuring tall buildings, water slides, pools, and more.

Ohma: Wow! This place looks amazing!

Gram: Now this is a vacation!

Kono: I never knew it was this big!

The driver parks the car at the front of Nortagawa.

Driver: Here we are. I hope you enjoy your stay at Nortagawa!

They all open the doors and step out, looking around in awe, except for Zodiac and Daru. As they walk toward the entrance, they see a man in a nice suit with assistants beside him.

Owner Conrad: Welcome to the best resort, Nortagawa. My name is Conrad, and I am the owner. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.

Kono: Hello!

Himitsu: Wait, did you plan to meet us here?

Owner Conrad: Yes, indeed. Your friend Fin set this up and contacted me. But enough about introductions; let’s get you settled in, including your belongings. Please follow me.

They follow Conrad and his assistants, taking in the stunning surroundings. As they enter the main lobby, they are greeted by an elegant atmosphere and a crowd of people. The owner leads them to the front desk, where six pieces of luggage await them.

Owner Conrad: We have prepared some essentials for you in the luggage. Each piece is labeled with your name, so please collect yours.

Everyone retrieves their luggage, each finding the piece with their name on it.

Owner Conrad: Excellent! Now, my assistant will guide you to your rooms while you settle in. Do you have any questions for me?

Gram: I have one.

Owner Conrad: Please, go ahead.

Gram: How long is our vacation booked for?

Owner Conrad: I believe your friend Fin has arranged for a month-long stay, as far as I am aware.

Daru: A MONTH!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!

Himitsu: This is going to be fun.

Kono: Wow, a month! I guess we’re really going to relax.

Gram: (Happy) Yesssssssssss!

Daru: Shut up, Gram!

Zodiac: (Talking to himself) A month of doing nothing—great.

Owner Conrad: I have a few matters to attend to now. Please ensure you have an enjoyable time.

As the owner began to leave, the assistant approached.

Nortagawa Assistant: Please follow me.

They followed the assistant to an elevator. The assistant pressed a button, closing the doors and taking them up. After a brief moment, the elevator stopped, the doors opened, and everyone exited, continuing to follow the assistant, who then paused.

Nortagawa Assistant: This is it. You all have your own rooms, which are conveniently located close to one another. Please take your room keys!

Everyone approached the assistant and collected their keys, each marked with a number.

Himitsu: Cool!

Nortagawa Assistant: That concludes our orientation. If you require assistance, you can always reach out to us or use the red button in your rooms. Enjoy your stay at Nortagawa!

The assistant departed, and everyone exchanged glances.

Kono: Well, this is it, guys!

Gram: Finally, a proper vacation! Aren’t you all excited?

Zodiac & Daru: No.

Ohma: Why not?

Daru: We are squandering our time with this nonsense when we could be training or focusing on the rift mission.

Zodiac: It’s ridiculous.

Kono: Come on, guys. We haven’t even started having fun yet.

Zodiac: I have no intention of doing so. If you’ll excuse me.

Zodiac proceeded to his room, using the key to unlock the door. He entered and closed the door, locking it behind him.

Gram: Alright then... What are you going to do, Daru?

Daru walked away with his hands in his pockets.

Gram: Daru! Where are you going?

Daru: Don’t worry about me.

Himitsu: Well, there go Daru and Zodiac. Now it’s just the four of us.

Kono: So, what do you guys want to do first?

Gram glanced at Himitsu.

Gram: You know what I’m thinking?

Himitsu: (smiling) I’m on the same page as you, Gram!

Gram: Then off to the pool it is!

Gram and Himitsu went to their rooms to change into their swimsuits.

Kono: Uhh, okay then. I guess it’s just you and me, Ohma. What do you want to do?

Ohma: I have no idea, but I’m open to anything!

Kono: Well, let’s do some sunbathing!

Everyone engages in their own activities: Zodiac remains in his room, Daru explores the area, Gram and Himitsu spend time by the pool, while Kono and Ohma relax in outdoor chairs. During his exploration, Daru discovers a gym where several individuals are lifting weights.

Daru: What’s this?

He enters the gym and surveys the various exercises being performed. Approaching a set of dumbbells, he effortlessly lifts a 25-pound weight.

Daru: What the heck? This isn’t heavy at all.

He replaces the weight and searches for the heaviest option available. Spotting 150-pound dumbbells, he approaches and lifts one with one hand, displaying remarkable ease. Those working out turn to observe him, astonished by his strength.

Person 1: How is he lifting that with one hand?!

Person 2: He must be on steroids.

Meanwhile, near the pool area, Gram and Himitsu are present, with Himitsu swimming.

Himitsu: (Splashing) Gram! Get in here!

Gram is using binoculars to observe nearby individuals.

Gram: Wow! That one is cute! Oh wait, this one is even cuter!

Himitsu swims to the edge of the pool and pulls Gram into the water.

Gram: HEY!

Himitsu: Come get me if you can!

Gram: You asked for it!

As they play in the pool, Kono and Ohma sit in chairs, enjoying the sun.

Kono: Ah, this is just what I needed.

Ohma: This is definitely relaxing!

Kono: It really is. I needed this break after hearing Zodiac and Daru argue.

Moments later, Kono and Ohma get splashed by Gram.

Kono: HEY!

Gram: (Smiling) You like that!

Kono: You think that’s funny? Okay then!

Kono pulls out her gun and transforms it into a large water gun, startling Gram.

Gram: Oh crap, Himitsu, run!

Himitsu: What the heck!?

Kono begins shooting water at Gram and Himitsu while Ohma laughs.

Ohma: Let me join in!

Subsequently, everyone is shown participating in various activities, dining in the hall, and relaxing outside during the afternoon. As night falls, everyone returns to their rooms to regroup.

Himitsu: Man, I had a blast today!

Gram: Same here, bro! We need to try those slides tomorrow!

Kono: How was the gym you visited, Daru?

Daru: It was disappointing. There was nothing heavy there.

Kono: Sorry to hear that. Maybe you can join us tomorrow.

Daru: Yeah, I’ll see. Where was Zodiac?

Himitsu: He was in his room the whole time.

Daru: I can’t say I blame him.

Kono: Maybe we can get him to join us tomorrow. Until then, have a good night, everyone!

Ohma, Gram, and Himitsu: Good night!

As everyone retires to their rooms, a mysterious portal begins to open outside.