Nikke, something’s seriously wrong with this evacuation point! Chapter 15 15: Mission

A small fry.

Alex was indeed just a small fry. Despite holding the rank of colonel, he had received no authority whatsoever regarding the handling of Nikkes.

When the Nikke Project was first proposed, it was far from smooth sailing. This involved the human governnt and the three major corporations–Tetra, Elysion, and Missilis. At the ti, many within the governnt opposed the idea, arguing that humanity's future shouldn't be entrusted to private companies. Of course, everyone knew they really cared about money and reputation.

Among them, however, was a small group of stubborn hardliners. They believed that since Nikkes were modified humans with imnse individual power, they should not be granted human rights at all. Instead, they should be treated strictly as weapons, shut down and stored when not in use, possibly even stripped of consciousness entirely. Otherwise, if they ever rebelled, the consequences would be unimaginable.

In the end, that faction lost out in influence to the corporations and the opposing side within the governnt, allowing Liliweiss to exist in her current form and walk freely among humans.

What calculations lay behind that decision, no one knew. But Charon understood one thing, Liliweiss, as the prototype of all Nikkes, must possess sothing special.

And Alex was exactly the type who believed Nikkes should be strictly controlled as weapons, a true human supremacist.

"Did I… cause you trouble, Commander?"

Liliweiss asked softly as they walked through the camp. She instinctively wanted to pull her hand away, but fearing she might use too much force, she simply let Charon hold it.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Where's that ace pilot from the reports? You've gotten stronger, but your personality got more timid?"

Charon didn't even turn his head, continuing forward while observing the surroundings.

Along the way, the ordinary soldiers looked at Liliweiss with more curiosity than fear. After all, people judge by appearances. To them, she was a beautiful woman and a forr Air Force legend—not so terrifying weapon. The fact that no one rushed up to her was already sothing.

Liliweiss said nothing more. Her attention was entirely focused on the hand holding hers. The warmth from Charon's palm spread through her body, creating a strange, almost electric sensation.

Was this a side effect of her Nikke body? She didn't know.

But she knew one thing, she didn't dislike it.

By the ti she ca back to her senses, Charon had already let go. They were standing in front of the command center, and his expression had turned unusually serious.

"Co in."

Hmm?

Hearing the voice inside, Charon frowned slightly. Liliweiss, anwhile, found the voice unexpectedly young.

She had assud that soone stationed at headquarters would at least be a general. But reality proved otherwise.

They walked in. The room was empty except for one person sitting behind the desk, looking at them with a rather strange grin.

Charon narrowed his eyes.

"Doesn't look like a friendly welco."

"You're the one who just got here," said Andrew smugly, leaning back with one leg crossed and sunglasses still on. "Yo, I've been waiting for you, bastard."

So he'd already climbed this high on the front lines?

"I think this front is dood," Charon said seriously, glancing at Liliweiss. "Maybe we should run while we still can. If the Raptures show up, this place will collapse instantly."

"Hey, hey, what the hell are you saying?! Slandering your superior, want a court-martial, you idiot?!"

"I'm just stating facts. If you disagree, bring out your strategy exam papers for everyone to see. And besides, we're the sa rank."

"..."

Even Liliweiss could tell these two were very close.

If others were present, they wouldn't be acting like this.

"I was a fool for trusting you…" Andrew wailed, practically in tears. "If I hadn't, I wouldn't have brought beer to the front lines and ended up writing a ten-thousand-word self-criticism!"

"You could've drunk it on the way–I couldn't!"

"TEN THOUSAND WORDS! If you don't help write five thousand, I'm not getting up!"

"Get lost!"

Liliweiss simply smiled. It was her first ti seeing Charon like this, so childish and lively. It felt… refreshing.

After the brief bickering, they finally got to business.

"So why are you the only one here?" Charon asked.

"It was ant to pressure you," Andrew shrugged. "Send a fresh graduate to receive you, basically a power move."

"Figures. I expected sothing like that."

"He probably doesn't know we're acquainted," Andrew sneered. "To him, I'm just so unfinished rookie. Whatever—I'll deal with him later."

He turned to Liliweiss.

"There's also another matter. Researchers from VTC want to conduct a full inspection to check your condition."

VTC was another major organization under the governnt, focused on technological advancent. Charon didn't know much about them, but assud they had a hand in the Nikke Project.

Liliweiss instinctively looked at Charon.

"Can I observe?" he asked.

"If Ms. Liliweiss doesn't mind…" Andrew hesitated, then changed the subject. "But before that, your mission."

"Orbital Elevator. You know what that is, right?"

He was clearly addressing Liliweiss.

"The location where the Raptures first invaded Earth. It's now completely occupied, and its current state is unknown," she answered like a textbook.

"For the past year, the Raptures have withdrawn and shown no signs of a large-scale offensive. So the higher-ups are considering taking advantage of this window to investigate the elevator."

"You don't need to reach it. Just observe from a distance."

"With Liliweiss's capabilities, it shouldn't be difficult."

He paused.

"But you must depart tomorrow. We can't risk the Raptures launching a full-scale attack at any mont."