The Away Mission Test (chapter)

Short Summary
The expedition selection exam begins.

Long Summary
Yūma masters the art of bicycle riding; Hyuse struggles in his first attempt. At Tamakoma Branch, Usami announces that the schedule for the expedition selection exam is up. The breakdown is orientation on March 13, main orientation on March 16, phase 1 on March 17, and phase 2 on March 24. Before orientation, Tamakoma Second must answer a survey of three questions:
 * 1) Do you wish to join the expedition?
 * 2) Other than teammates, with whom would you prefer to work on the expedition?
 * 3) With whom would you prefer not to work?

Osamu and Usami notice that most of Arashiyama Unit, except for Kitora are on the list. Osamu chooses Kitora, Kikuchihara, Izumi, Azuma, and Ninomiya to be on his list. Yūma chooses Midorikawa, Kageura, Kitazoe, Murakami, and Tōma. Hyuse chooses Azuma, Murakami, Inukai, and Mizukami. Usami chooses Hitomi and Kon.

On March 13, Tamakoma Second goes to the orientation session headed by Kido and Shinoda, where they find everyone from the B-rank mid-tier and above, including A-rank people. Osamu recalls Kido informing them that only A-rank units and the top two B-rank units would be present. Hyuse reminds Osamu that there could be individual B-rank agents chosen from other units.

Kido introduces himself and explains that the primary purpose of the exam was to test the agents' aptitude and determine the strongest Border agents. Even if agents who qualify for the expedition choose to opt out, their achievements in the exam will be duly noted. Shinoda introduces the two phases: the first is one week in a sealed environment, simulating the lengthy period in the expedition ship. Agents will learn how to operate the ship and be tested on their abilities in long-distance voyages. The second phase would be a long-term combat simulation lasting up to one and a half days. Shinoda then announces that units would be shuffled, and prepares to name the 11 captains of the provisional units.