Nikke, something’s seriously wrong with this evacuation point! Chapter 153 153: New Operation Orders

Aboard the Wings of Victory, bridge.

Wings of Victory

Dorothy sat quietly on a small stool.

In the past, she would never have chosen a seat like this even if she died, but today… she was too tired.

People often believed that Nikkes did not need rest.

In truth, of course Nikkes could beco exhausted. It was just that their recovery efficiency far surpassed that of humans, and their endurance was enhanced by their Nikke cores, creating the illusion that they never fatigued.

But if a Nikke spent five entire days rushing nonstop across the battlefield, engaging in over a hundred battles of varying scale along the way, while also carrying two fully ard teammates back to safety after they had fallen–

Liliweiss.

Red Hood.

Red Hood's condition was terrible. She was nearly incapable of moving. All four limbs had suffered catastrophic damage; only her head remained intact. The symptoms of corruption had already beco extrely obvious. After speaking briefly with Dorothy, she had fallen unconscious.

As for Liliweiss, she had no obvious external injuries, but the others had seen similar situations before. She had probably forced herself to fight beyond her limits again. Yet even Tyrant-class Raptures should not have been enough to push her this far.

In any case, after she fell asleep, she never woke up again.

At present, they could only confirm that she was still alive.

Carrying two fully equipped Nikkes back through a hail of bullets–even for Fairy Tale Model No. 2, currently second only to Liliweiss among all combatants–had been too much.

Dorothy's pure white dress, once her pride, was now covered in dust. Fresh crimson bloodstains could even be seen upon it.

Those were the final traces left behind by the humans she had failed to save.

The other mbers of the Goddess Squad were not doing much better.

Snow White had not participated directly on the front lines, but as the Nikke responsible for weapon maintenance, repairs, and protecting the civilians retreating in the rear, she too had gone four days without sleep. She was now barely holding herself together through sheer willpower.

Rapunzel remained in the infirmary, simultaneously trying to treat two people at once. The treatnt process was still ongoing, but Rapunzel herself was already utterly exhausted.

She was the one who needed rest the most.

Dorothy lowered her head and sat quietly upon the bridge, waiting even during her resting hours for any possible new battle reports.

Suddenly, she looked up.

Snow White slowly walked over. Behind her ca a man dressed in military uniform.

After bringing him over, Snow White left without saying a word.

"Colonel Andersen… what are you doing here?"

Dorothy asked softly.

"Have you co to hold us accountable?"

Andersen

This operation should never have suffered such a disastrous setback. But the number of Raptures had been several tis greater than predicted, and the proportion of high-grade Raptures far exceeded previous estimates. Even the Goddess Squad could not do more under those circumstances.

"No, Dorothy."

Andersen's tone was heavy.

"The higher-ups have no intention of pursuing responsibility for this operation's failure. Nobody expected the Raptures to suddenly change their attack tempo."

"They only have one question–"

"Can Liliweiss still fight?"

"Heh…"

A mocking smile curled across Dorothy's lips.

"And what if you know the answer? Planning to forcibly strip the Goddess Squad of command?"

Anderson stared calmly at Dorothy.

"I've always wondered. The Dorothy who once treated governnt orders as absolute truth suddenly disappeared."

"Who exactly changed you?"

"Perhaps…"

Dorothy sneered.

"…my perspective simply changed, allowing to see things certain people never wanted to see."

"You don't need to direct so much hostility at , Dorothy. You know I'm not your enemy."

As if he finally could not endure it anymore, Andersen raised both hands in surrender.

"This ti, I'm rely here to deliver a ssage. Just like always."

"I know."

Dorothy waved her hand dismissively.

"So send back exactly what I just said, word for word."

She straightened her dress, burying the exhaustion in her eyes deep beneath the surface.

"So then, what matter required you to personally co all this way? Surely you didn't co rely to confirm Liliweiss's condition."

"It's a new operation order."

Andersen sighed.

"You've got to be kidding !"

The mont Dorothy heard this, rage nearly overwheld her. Yet she still restrained herself, gritting her teeth to preserve what little elegance she could still maintain.

"The Goddess Squad needs ti to recover!"

"I know."

"That's why this is only advance notice."

"A matter that could've been settled with a single email required you to personally co here? Do you think I'd believe that?"

"I'll report back that Liliweiss is alive and well."

"You'd better."

Dorothy glared at Andersen.

"What exactly is the operation?"

"Due to the severe losses suffered in this operation, the governnt has concluded there is no longer any reason to continue holding out."

"In two months, the Ark Sealing Plan will begin in full."

"There will be five waves of personnel and resource transfers into the Ark."

"And the Goddess Squad's mission will be to defend the Ark entrance until the sealing process is fully completed."

"This operation is called Ark Guardian."

"It will be led entirely by the Goddess Squad."

Goddess Squad

"I have a question," Dorothy said.

"When do we enter?"

"During the final phase of the fifth sealing operation. You will enter together with the mass-produced Nikke units."

"However, the Wings of Victory must be relocated into the Ark during the third sealing phase."

"…"

Dorothy's expression instantly darkened.

Andersen said nothing further.

The atmosphere between them abruptly beca tense and dangerous.

"Any other questions?" Andersen asked.

"No."

Dorothy waved her hand casually.

"I'll relay the information to Liliweiss later. You may leave now."

"…Co on already, Dorothy. I'm basically just a talking machine reading a script here. Why are you targeting ?!"

Andersen finally cracked.

"At least buy a drink considering how many tis I've helped you people! You know the best food available these days is all aboard the Wings of Victory!"

"I'm telling you to go wait in the guest quarters instead of standing here being an eyesore."

Only then did Dorothy finally smile.

"Once Liliweiss wakes up, we still need to determine whether to take her back for further treatnt."

Andersen wiped the sweat from his forehead.

To be honest, this Dorothy was far harder to deal with than before.

She had clearly realized the governnt's intentions, yet she deliberately chose not to say them aloud.

As the sole interdiary, Andersen himself had no ability to interfere with high-level decisions, but this order alone already revealed many things.

Though Liliweiss had effectively gained autonomy, she still remained a being who fought for humanity.

As long as the objective was protection, she would never refuse.

"All right then, I'll just–"

Just as Andersen prepared to leave, hurried footsteps and a shout echoed down the corridor.

"Dorothy!"

"Scarlet, I've told you many tis. Even if elegance is impossible for you, at least maintain a little composure."

Scarlet

"I request an imdiate change to the Wings of Victory's course!"

Scarlet completely ignored Dorothy's "greeting," and even disregarded Andersen beside her, getting straight to the point.

"What do you an?" Dorothy frowned.

"It seems we may have found a way to save Liliweiss!"

The two people present froze.

Then Dorothy's eyes suddenly lit up.