Nikke, something’s seriously wrong with this evacuation point! Chapter 72 72: Scarlet and Rose

"So this is the place?"

Charon looked at the military base before him. Behind him, the transport truck had just driven away.

Ahead lay the training grounds of a Special Close-Combat Unit. High command had already decided that this squad would soon be deployed to the front lines, making now the best possible ti to get involved.

The reason Charon chose this unit was simple: while several squads would pass near Rose's grave, this one had the earliest departure date.

From now on, he would operate within this squad as an "observer." His primary responsibility was to record any changes in Nikke bodies during combat and report them back to the military. Other than that, he was free to act as he pleased–even the commanding officer here had no authority over him.

There was no helping it. Even with the convenient identity of a commander candidate, he couldn't simply seize command for himself. The current commander clearly had connections and had spent considerable effort securing the position. If Charon suddenly forced his way in through Abe's influence, it would attract attention.

And if Andrew happened to be among those paying attention, things would beco troubleso.

So he accepted the observer role instead.

"So you're the intern VTC shoved in here?"

The mont Charon completed registration and entered the camp, a skeptical voice called out.

"You hit your head or sothing?"

Turning around, Charon saw a sowhat overweight man in his thirties scrutinizing him from head to toe.

"What exactly are you talking about?" Charon's lips twitched slightly. This guy's really saying "shoved in" out loud in public? Even if it's true, you shouldn't say it!

"Oh, right, sorry, sorry… Second Lieutenant Ron, was it?"

The man approached warmly and shook his hand.

"Barnes.Lieutenant."

"A pleasure, Lieutenant."

Charon gave a polite nod, his manners impeccable.

"The Quartermaster Departnt asked to deliver so temporary supplies."

As he spoke, Charon pulled a wooden box from his bag and discreetly opened it.

Inside were two bananas.

A little overripe perhaps–but still fresh fruit.

Barnes's eyes widened instantly. His breathing quickened.

The fake smile on his face imdiately beca much more genuine.

"Heh… then thank the quartermasters for . Right, Lieutenant Ron, co with ."

Patting Charon's shoulder, Barnes hugged the box like treasure and led him deeper into the base.

Fresh fruit in this era was a luxury item. There was no way the quartermasters would casually hand it out. At best they'd distribute freeze-dried banana chips or synthetic food substitutes.

Which ant these bananas were obviously a bribe.

Originally, Barnes had planned to give Charon a hard ti, but since the kid clearly understood how things worked, there was no need anymore. Besides, an "observer" ranked far below an actual commander anyway.

Charon could get as many bananas as he wanted. As long as he scavenged hard enough, gathering ten or so within an hour wasn't difficult. Bananas were honestly among the most ordinary things he found.

Soon, Barnes led him to the training grounds.

Even before entering, Charon could hear the sharp sounds of blades clashing.

So the "Special Close-Combat Unit" really was pure lee combat.

Ever since hearing the squad's na, Charon had been itching with excitent. After experiencing the thrill of smashing a boss's head in with lee attacks, he wanted to improve further. Until now, his swordsmanship had basically been chaotic improvisation without any real technique.

In truth, even Liliweiss fought similarly–but she solved problems through overwhelming power alone.

Charon couldn't do that.

If his technique improved, he might not even have needed Ana to activate the Crystal Shoes to defeat the Conductor before.

While he was thinking, Barnes clapped loudly.

"Everyone, stop! Gather up!"

Though his voice wasn't particularly loud, a commander's orders were absolute.

The Nikkes scattered throughout the grounds–training, sparring, running drills–imdiately stopped and assembled before the two n.

From outside, it had sounded bustling, but there were only ten of them in total.

That surprised Charon.

Their uniforms shared a similar style: black and red combat gear designed for mobility, combined with armor suited for lee combat.

Barnes had ntioned earlier that these Nikkes specialized in close combat. Though they were technically mass-produced models, their combat abilities exceeded normal mass-produced units.

Of course, they still couldn't compare to fairy-tale models.

Naturally not–the materials themselves were on a completely different level.

"Ahem. This here is Second Lieutenant Ron. He'll be departing with us tomorrow, though don't worry–he won't be joining you on the battlefield. Right, introduce yourselves."

"Hello, Lieutenant Ron."

The first to step forward was a smiling woman with waist-length hair and a gentle voice.

She didn't quite match the image of a close-combat soldier.

"I'm Rose, captain of the Special Close-Combat Unit. I look forward to working with you."

"I'm Ron. Likewise."

Charon kept things simple. This clearly wasn't the right mont for deeper conversation.

Then his gaze shifted to the next person.

"Scarlet."

Unlike Rose, this Nikke had her hair tied up for practicality in combat. Her tone was cold and blunt, making her seem difficult to approach.

Wow. So cold.

"My apologies, Lieutenant," Rose said smoothly, stepping slightly in front of Scarlet. "My younger sister devotes all her energy to combat. The battlefield is where she truly shines."

So they were sisters.

Charon quickly understood.

These two were likely the elite mbers of the squad.

Compared to them, the other lee Nikkes looked sowhat directionless–not weak, but uncertain about their futures, simply drifting along day by day.

Rose and Scarlet were different.

Those two had clear determination in their eyes.

After all ten introduced themselves, Barnes dismissed them.

"Well then, make yourself comfortable."

He patted Charon's shoulder once more before hurrying off toward headquarters with the precious box in his arms.

Charon didn't care what Barnes did.

Instead, he walked directly toward Scarlet and Rose, who were standing together on the training grounds.

"Excuse ."

His sudden approach caught both sisters off guard.

"My, what can we do for you, Lieutenant?" Rose asked first.

"Sorry for bothering you so abruptly, Miss Rose, but I actually ca to speak with her."

Charon glanced at Rose before fixing his gaze on Scarlet.

"Miss Scarlet… I know it's an unreasonable request, but would you be willing to teach swordsmanship?"

In an instant, the air across the entire training ground froze solid.