jesica

Phew... haah.

...The wind on the barrens.

In a corner of the empty outdoor training ground, Jessica closes her eyes and forcefully inhales the air that reeks with the scent of Originium gunpowder.

She silently spent countless hours of her leisure time here in order to pass the examination that fails out nearly 80% of new recruits.

(Have I experienced all of this vast, boundless land?)

(Not quite, right?)

(Outside of a few small skirmishes, I've stayed back at the base most of the time, training and testing.)

Two years ago, for the first time, she mustered up the courage to talk to her father about the steps she was about to take.

Her family had already selected a school and specialization for her advanced studies. She even had her job after graduation planned out for her, but she wanted to submit her resume to Blacksteel Worldwide.

She told her father that she still didn't know what she was capable of, so she wanted to further refine herself.

Besides, her father always said that the land was vast and boundless, holding infinite possibilities in life.

So she wanted to experience more in life, and find her own possibilities.

(But, I've already finished packing my bags.)

(And I think... I'm done saying my goodbyes.)

Sorry... I couldn't accomplish anything in the end...

Eek––!

What's the matter with you?

Oh, um...

I'm really sorry! I, I was just...

Wait, don't run off–

I'm from the BPRS Division, codename 'Liskarm.' You're Jessica, right?

Yes! H-Hello, Liskarm, ma'am...!

I was just looking for you.

The colleagues in your department said you went to the training grounds, but the staff there said they hadn't seen you. Luckily I was passing by the outdoor training area and decided to take a look, and lo and behold.

I'm sorry...

I was hoping to talk to you personally.

I've had a change of station and I'm now in need of a deputy. After sifting through Blacksteel's HR files, I thought you'd be the best fit for the position.

O-Okay... Wait, huh?

You mean... You want me to as your deputy? Me?

Yes. I'm looking for a capable all-rounder.

But, I don't think I'm...

I don't know much about your specific abilities other than the exam data in the files. But, I sat down and had a chat with Joseph, and he thought you'd be a good fit.

Joseph... Instructor Eyland? But, he said he didn't have much of an impression of me...

Huh? No, we happened to have time to chat over dinner a couple days ago, and he thought you'd make an excellent deputy, and a good fit for my personal style.

He told me how you thought it'd be impossible to pass the selection examination, but you still spent every day in the training grounds.

Are you alright? You look like you're having a hard time.

I, I'm sorry...!

I was actually about to leave Blacksteel...

Are you having second thoughts?

Huh?

You seem pretty attached to these training grounds. Why are you leaving?

Because I haven't done a good job.

Did you already return your gun?

N-Not yet...

Then draw it out and show me what you've got. Treat this as a practical.

R-Right here? But, there's no protective gear...

Don't worry, I've got my shield. Plus, didn't you launch an attack on Joseph during a live combat training session that even he wasn't able to neutralize?

Th-That was just an accident!

Not bad. You're a pretty nice shot. Acceptable accuracy.

But your bullets... don't have enough of a bite.

Ugh...

Calm down.

Don't look away. Keep your eyes on your opponent––

Good reactions. You've got the conditioned reflexes. That's a product of your training.

But live combat situations are always trickier than training.

Waah!

S-Sorry... I wasn't able to dodge...

You've already passed. You don't know my Arts.

Alright, on your feet.

Did I... really pass?

Yes. I have to say I don't agree that you 'haven't done a good job.' You just aren't experienced or practiced enough, but that's true for all fresh recruits.

Not experienced enough...

Liskarm, ma'am, may I ask you a question?

Hm? Even though I'll be asking you to train, I'm not much of an instructor myself... Well, whatever, what is it?

When... did you realize you were cut out to be a mercenary?

Cut out to be a mercenary? Still don't know if I am, and haven't thought much about it. All I know is it's what I want to do.

But—

What if you're not a good fit for the job? Aren't you afraid you'll end up having to take detours?

––Or, maybe, people's lives shouldn't have to roll down a single, predetermined track. Pick a road and follow it through, wherever it might lead.

Thank you. Thank you for acknowledging me.

I think...

She clenches her fist, just as she had done that day when she stood in front of her father's office.

This is what 'Jessica,' Blacksteel mercenary, decided for herself.

...I would like to take this opportunity.

Good, very good.

But just so we're clear, I'm warning you in advance that my BPRS is a very unique division... It's fringe work, and always extremely dangerous.

We deal with Infected organisms and acute Originium contamination incidents, to give you an idea of the risks involved.

I, I understand...

When facing a normal operation, most injuries you might suffer can be fully healed. But when you're out with BPRS, more serious wounds might mean that you contract Oripathy.

I've seen enough of your files to know that you sustained minor injuries on your last mission.

Of course, BPRS is equipped with comprehensive protective measures, and Director Janet has been working hard to improve the division's emergency responses, to reduce the risk of infection.

Also, if you become my deputy, I'll have higher expectations for your training. I will not deploy you on dangerous missions until you've fully met those expectations.

So that's the situation. I came to you before starting an inter-department transfer application, just so you can decide what you want to do.

Thank you... But I've already made up my mind!

I'll continue to broaden my experiences, and get more rigorous training... Then, I'll find my own answers.

N-Not just answers to my own questions, but also those about life and how to live it... In the course of my missions, I've seen things that I'm still confused about, even now.

Is that so? I apologize, but I might not be able to give you the answers you're looking for.

But I'm glad that my deputy thinks about these same issues.

Your deputy...

That's right.

Were you going to HR to finish your resignation? I'll go with you, make it easier to withdraw the application.

Ah, yes, alright... Thank you very much!

But, what should I say to Mr. Raymond and Father...

Is something wrong, Madam Jessica?

Um... What are you doing here?

I can't exactly wander around inside Blacksteel, so I went outside.

If I heard correctly, you said you were withdrawing your resignation application?

Liskarm...

No, it's fine. I'm sorry, Mr. Raymond, but I don't plan on going home.

Please... tell my father, that 'Jessica' wants to stay with BSW no matter what. As a mercenary working for a security firm, protecting people, solving problems.