“Clause 1: You conducted operations on the surface without reporting to headquarters. Clause 2: You deployed five Nikke and caused significant power losses within The Ark. Clause 3: However, your intent was to contribute to humanity’s peace.”
Enik spoke without hesitation, precisely outlining every infraction.
“Based on the above, we reviewed past cases. There are two instances with 100% identical circumstances, and both received the same verdict. The ruling is as follows.”
The moment of judgment for Ethan, Counters, and Wordless had finally arrived.
“Ethan: suspension of operations for two days. That is all. Next, the verdict for the accompanying Nikke. Clause 1: You violated the absolute primacy of protecting your Commander. Clause 2: You knowingly disregarded the chain of command by participating in the operation. Clause 3: You recklessly risked The Ark’s valuable assets. Based on these, we found 24 similar cases with an 87% match, all of which resulted in the same verdict. Additionally, to prevent recurrence, the primary participants—Wordless and Counters—and the squad leaders, Nikke Rapi and Mihara, will undergo memory erasure. That is all.”
Enik’s cold voice echoed through the room.
“You fucking bastard!!”
“Hey, watch your mouth.”
“What are you going to do? I said, what are you going to do?!!”
“….”
Anis, furious, raised her voice at Shuen. But Shuen remained unfazed by Anis’s rage.
“Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you admit you gave the order? You’re the CEO! You can handle this easily!”
“There were reasons.”
“What possible reason justifies swapping our memories—when we’ve done nothing wrong?!”
“Then why did you use a direct line and escalate it?”
Instead of apologizing, Shuen responded defiantly to Anis.
Anis ground her teeth at Shuen’s shameless attitude and pressed on.
“We nearly died…! We almost died because of that damn Tokertive asshole!”
“You didn’t mention it, did you? That you met with Tokertive.”
“You…! That’s not the point right now!”
With a dismissive snort, Shuen stared directly at Anis.
“Ha, honestly. What’s the big deal about erasing a Nikke’s memory?”
“…What did you say?”
“They’re weapons. Arms that fight in our place. What use do they have for memories or emotions? Oh, you say you’re close to them? Then you’ll just make new friends. A blank slate is even better. You can shape them however you like.”
“You…!”
Dubeok!
As Anis fumed at Shuen’s unbearable words, Rapi grabbed Ethan’s wrist with all her strength.
Quietly watching Ethan, Rapi shook her head. If she hadn’t held Ethan back, she might have struck Shuen without considering the consequences.
“It’s all right. Thank you.”
“Graaagh!! Dammit!!”
“Haha. Quite the performance, humans playing at emotions. Well then, see you next time. Oh, and clean this up properly. What a mess.”
With a casual wave, Shuen turned and strode toward the command center entrance.
“Chairman Shuen.”
“Hmm?”
At the unexpected call from Ethan, Shuen turned her head slightly.
Kugugugugugu…!
An overwhelming chill filled the air, a terrifying presence pressing down on every person in the room.
“I will never forget this. You will pay for what you did. Just as you made my comrades lose their memories, I will repay you in kind.”
“Eek…!”
Shuen recoiled in terror, collapsed to the floor, tears welling in her eyes.
“C-Commander…!”
Rapi, panic-stricken, grasped Ethan’s hands. Anis and Neon writhed as if their breath had been stolen.
“….”
Before their condition worsened, Ethan released the oppressive aura. The weight in the room immediately lifted.
“I’m sorry. You got dragged into this.”
“C-Commander… th-that was…?”
As Anis prepared to ask what had just happened, Shuen, free from the aura, managed to stand and snapped back.
“W-were you threatening me? You think I’d be scared by that puny intimidation?!”
“…Get out. And don’t test my patience again.”
“Who… Who do you think you are ordering me around?! Fine, I was already leaving!”
After a feeble retort, Shuen hurried away from Ethan’s sight.
Anyone could see she was fleeing in fear, though she seemed oblivious to it herself.
“Rapi.”
“Neon. Take care of things here.”
“…Yes.”
“…I’ll step out for some air.”
Rapi looked troubled as she stepped outside, and Ethan followed her.
Outside, after a few steps, Ethan caught sight of Rapi’s back. He took a steadying breath and approached her cautiously.
“Rapi.”
“Ah, Commander. I’m sorry. I caused you worry.”
“Not at all. Are you all right?”
Ethan asked directly, though he knew the answer would likely be no.
“…I’m a little shaken. It feels unjust. But Enik’s ruling cannot be overturned. It’s the foundation that keeps The Ark running. Thankfully, the squad will remain. We’re not separated forever.”
“…Memory erasure, you said? Does that literally wipe their memories?”
“Yes. They’ll revert to their post-production state. All memories after that are gone. I hear battle data often remains, but everything else is erased. Neon won’t remember, nor will Anis or you.”
“…I see.”
Ethan exhaled, a heavy sigh laden with concern.
“This might sound strange, but… are you sure you’re human?”
“…Huh?”
Rapi’s sudden question left Ethan bewildered. He never expected her to ask that now.
“I unintentionally saw it. How you cornered Tokertive.”
“…Oh.”
It didn’t take long for Ethan to understand. He had anticipated someone might glimpse his power.
“I thought something was off from the start. You’re not an ordinary human.”
“From the start? You mean even before we encountered Tokertive?”
“Yes. Everything about you raised questions. Not just your command ability as a newcomer, but your experience, instincts, and tactical judgment—all beyond what a rookie should have.”
Ethan met Rapi’s analysis. He thought he’d masked his abilities well, but her keen perception saw through him.
“I didn’t realize I was on your mind so much.”
“Considering what you’ve shown so far, it’s strange I wouldn’t be curious.”
“What I did was nothing special. You all just followed orders well.”
He brushed off her praise casually.
He’d given appropriate direction, but it was really Counters who executed it well.
He hadn’t done anything grand. Standing out needlessly would only complicate things for him.
“There are limits. That display of power, too—Commander, what exactly are you?”
“…A man suspiciously capable and with many secrets. But one who doesn’t abuse them. Isn’t that enough for now?”
Ethan summed up his identity succinctly. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Rapi. He’d be erased soon anyway, but if Central Government heard he was a new human, things would go badly.
He thought the conversation, though odd, would pass since nothing was confirmed.
“…Understood. You’ll confess to no one since memory erasure awaits. I won’t ask further.”
“I appreciate that.”
Knowing Ethan’s wish, Rapi didn’t press further. It would be rude to force him to speak of what he didn’t want to.
“Thank you for everything, Commander. Please take care of the me who remains.”
“…Of course. I’ll look after her so she won’t feel abandoned.”
Rapi’s words were essentially farewell, and Ethan’s expression turned complicated.
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