Away Mission Test Arc

The Away Mission Test Arc a.k.a the Expedition Selection Exam Arc is the sixth arc of the World Trigger series.

An Alliance with Galopoula
On the day that Tamakoma Second has yakiniku with Ninomiya Squad, Ratarykov and Reghindetz infiltrate Mikado City in their real bodies to figure out a way to hamper Border. They are quickly found by Yōtarō on Raijinmaru, subsequently being introduced to Director Rindō and Jin. Though they initially assume that they are being arrested, Rindō expresses his conditions bluntly: Galopoula will not interfere with Border's operations or attack Mikado City, and Border will launch its expedition in 50 days. Rata remains skeptical of Border's motives, given that they are soliciting so little, so Rindō also asks for information on Aftokrator's vassal states and a Tamakoma-Galopoula alliance. He also reveals the rationale behind the deal is that the expedition would deprive Border of its strongest agents, so they want to avoid conflict where possible. Though Rata understands the reasoning, he states he would need to obtain his captain's approval for the alliance. He also asks Rindō how Border obtained its mother trigger. Rindō informs them that Tamakoma was connected with three Neighborhood nations: Dexia, Meson, and Aristera. A few years ago, Aristera had fallen and Border had given refuge to its prince, Yōtarō, and its princess Ruka Shinoda, and the mother trigger was maintained by the latter.

Rindō further clarifies that Ruka is not a god, but rather, Border had a crown trigger: Raijinmaru, Yōtarō's guardian. Rata wonders what Border would have to gain from an alliance with Aftokrator-controlled Galopoula, but Rindō reveals his knowledge of the seizure of Galopoula by Aftokator. He also reveals that Jin's side effect allowed him to see into the future, which encouraged an alliance with Galopoula. Orkan returns to the ship, and Gatlin, while somewhat skeptical about the possibility of a clairvoyant in Border, gives Rata the authority to forge this alliance.

On the day of the second meeting with the Galopoulan envoys, Jin brings Yūma and Osamu to Tamakoma Branch, claiming that there is someone for them to meet. There, they meet Ruka Shinoda. Though they are somewhat put off by her arrogance, Jin reveals that she is not in fact whom he wants them to meet. He takes them to Rata and Reghindetz. After confirming Jin's ability to see into the future, Rata gifts them a bracelet which allows for tracking and contact with Galopoula. Jin hands the bracelet to Osamu, stating that he would not be going on the expedition as he has to defend Mikado City with his side effect. At the same time, he is not fully confident that Osamu will pass the away mission test. After the meeting with the Galopoulan agents, Yūma reveals that Rata was lying about only one thing: his name. It is revealed that Ratarykov's real name is Orkan Marduk, who is the fugitive fourth prince of Galopoula.

Away Mission Test Orientation and Temporary Squads
Most B-rank squads and select A-rank agents gather to hear an orientation regarding the upcoming Away Mission Tests, which Kido explains will serve as both an aptitude and a recruitment evaluation. Shinoda elaborates by outlining Phases 1 and 2 of the tests (a sealed environment and 36-hour battle simulation, respectively).

In order to have agents work with others outside of their usual Squads, akin to those of the away teams, Border chooses 11 agents to lead 11 new temporary squads. Each captain is assigned an operator by Border. The 11 captains then draft one agent from 3 rounds of drafting, selecting a total of 3 agents. At the beginning of each round, they each draw a random number, designating their draft position. These temporary squad captains are only allowed to select agents neither they nor their operator have worked with as teammates.

Shortly thereafter, Urushima raises a concern about test completion benefits and asks for an A-rank wage. In response, Kido promises a daily stipend of at least 5,000 yen for those who partake in the test, with an extra 5,000 yen for those who choose to depart, in the time frame of the expedition.

As the orientation nears its end, Shinoda confirms Osamu's question about A-rank participation: Phase 2 will have their direct involvement, while Phase 1 will have them serving as judges.

A-Rank Squad Evaluation
Before agents leave, Shinoda reminds them of honoring the rule to not communicate between original teammates. Provisional captain interviews will be held three days later.

The rest of A-rank is gathered into separate booths corresponding to their squad before listening to a debrief from Netsuki detailing their objective during Phase 1. Their current assignment is to rank provisional squads by predicted performance through discussion, all of which will be evaluated as well.

Squads begin by recognizing difficulties which may arise in a closed environment, including, but not limited to: anxiety around the other gender, clashing personalities, hiding Neighbor identity, lack of leadership skill, and so forth. Advantageous squads are noted for their intelligence and cooperative nature. Azuma is presumed to take a backseat during the tests, while evenly distributed mobility among team members is highlighted. Ninomiya, Utagawa, and Kitazoe squads are expected to perform well during Phase 2. Miwa Squad acknowledges Kodera squad's low trion, but excellent mobility. Suwa and Wakamura squads are viewed with hopeful lens combat-wise.

The executives review the discussion period results: Ninomiya and Utagawa squads were most favored for Phase 2, whereas Kodera, Murakami, Mizukami, and Kuruma squads were highly favored for Phase 1. Karasawa emphasizes the existence of three captains on Suwa's squad, before expressing excitement for the coming week. After three days of preparation, Phase 1 commences.

Away Mission Test (Phase 1)
Upon arrival to the test site, squads are instructed by a staff member to store their belongings, change clothes, and obtain specialized triggers. They are directed to their living quarters before Sawamura explains via intercom the in's and outs of the extensively trion-powered facility. She closes by instructing the captains to explain why they chose their team members. Most describe going with whom they thought was best at the time, with some prioritizing trion efficiency, squad formations, and competent thinkers; Suwa, however, proposes that the lottery was rigged. Squads begin examining their resources. Mizukami garners attention from the judges for deleting material related to the upcoming Battle Simulation exercises.

Suwa's team explores their surroundings, finding everything they would need to survive the week. The test rules include the completion of two assignment types, as well as participation in a series of online match-up's against other squads. Work and sleeping arrangements are also outlined. Soon after, squads receive their first special assignment requiring a written response for why the squads might have been shuffled. Encouraged to discuss as a group, squads emphasize the need to adapt to new people (and themselves) in the event of an actual away mission/change in leadership. Suwa's team debates why Wakamura was chosen as a captain before a blackout occurs.