This is Deputy Commander Andersen’s office within the Central Government. Andersen and Ingrid are discussing the recent incident.
"She's gone too far. Misiris Industry’s CEO – issuing a unilateral order that completely disregarded the chain of command... She’s becoming a wrecking ball by the day."
"It's not illegal."
"All the more reason it’s dangerous. We're giving the Big Three too many concessions."
"I shouldn’t complain, considering I benefit from them, but I agree. Still, we’ll have to hold off for now. Shuen is still needed in the Ark."
At Ingrid’s words, a worried sigh escaped Andersen’s lips.
He fully understood what she meant, and yet his displeasure was clear.
Given Shuen’s tendency to put her own interests first, it was only a matter of time before she did something even more outrageous.
And even if it was wrong, she wouldn’t care in the slightest.
That said, moving to sanction her right away would be ideal, but that was easier said than done. It was a hopelessly tangled situation.
"...Alright. So, what exactly did Shuen gain from going this far?"
"She’s not telling me."
"Why does it feel like we’re both playing cards we don’t want to show?"
Andersen stared at Ingrid as though he already knew the answer. With no choice, Ingrid explained what she’d been briefed on.
"Neon reported that she encountered Tokertive."
"Hmm... Did she go looking for it, or did it seek her out?"
Andersen’s question carried heavy implications. Ingrid frowned in confusion before answering.
"She went to it."
"I see."
"...And apparently she also met Pilgrim."
At Ingrid’s next words, Andersen’s face turned grave in an instant.
"Who else did she meet?"
"I don’t know. It was too far away to tell clearly."
"...Shifty."
Without hesitation, Andersen manipulated the console on his desk and summoned Shifty. A few seconds later, Shifty’s voice crackled through the speakers.
[Yes?]
"Could you bring in the new Commander, please?"
[Uh... right now?]
"Yes, right now."
Andersen’s order via Shifty rang out, and about ten minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. He let in one of the key figures involved.
"Long time no see. Sorry about the invitation under such circumstances, with a broken leg and all."
"It’s fine. Though I’m curious why you called me."
"I’ve heard you had quite the ordeal. You’ve been treating your Nikke unusually well. Erasing memories is hardly a pleasant experience. Tell me—how do you feel about it?"
Andersen’s attempt to gauge his emotional state made Ethan’s expression twitch ever so slightly.
Given Ethan’s spat with Shuen at the forward base, he wasn’t in the best mood, so he responded bluntly.
"...Do I really have to say?"
Despite its curt tone, Andersen seemed to understand what Ethan was implying, and he spoke with a weighty voice.
"Is that so? You once asked me about Marian’s erosion, whether I knew anything. You do know, don’t you? If you promise to keep it secret, I’ll tell you."
"I promise."
"...Your answer lacks enthusiasm, but since you promised, I’ll tell you. There are people in the Ark who are imposing erosion on Nikke, sending them to the Surface and sabotaging our operations. Though, I’m not entirely certain—it could be an individual or an organization."
Andersen paused briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing.
"Regardless, we’ve concluded they’re colluding with the Rapture."
"Colluding with them? With the Rapture?"
"Yes. I would’ve dismissed it outright in the past, but you met with it—code name Tokertive. A Rapture capable of reason and speech. You should understand now."
"Indeed. I finally encountered an intelligent Rapture."
As Ethan spoke, he recalled his first encounter with Tokertive.
Its strength far surpassed that of a typical Rapture, and its intelligence was razor-sharp. It was reminiscent of those monstrous beasts I once faced in my past life.
"The so-called erosion—implanting a code into a Nikke’s brain to manipulate their will at will—is technology beyond human capability. It’s a Rapture’s unique skill. And it’s being used inside the Ark to send corrupted Nikke to the Surface."
"So there are traitors within?"
"Exactly. Regular citizens couldn’t pull this off. They’d need authority to manipulate the protective barrier, and a private line so no one discovers it. They must be quite influential within the Ark."
"...What do you want me to do?"
Sensing that Andersen had a request, Ethan asked directly. Andersen continued as if he’d been waiting for the question.
"Sharp as ever. I want to catch them—whoever 'they' are. I believe you share that goal. The traitor is connected to Tokertive, that much is certain. So focus on tracking Tokertive. Step by step, you’ll uncover the truth."
"Understood."
"Then I’ll leave you. I have a meeting in five minutes."
With a brief farewell, Ethan walked toward the door, stopped, and turned back.
"Deputy Commander... may I ask why you’re helping me?"
Ethan posed the question that had been on his mind. Frankly, he felt uneasy.
In such a cruel world, there’s no kindness without a reason. Especially in a place like the Ark.
'The Central Government is no different from those at the top of the Great Federation. Even if someone shows me kindness, I can’t trust easily.'
Lost in thought, Ethan awaited Andersen’s reply, and after a moment of silence, Andersen answered unexpectedly.
"Think of it as an offering to those girls—our Nikke. They have senses and memories but have never been masters of them."
"...You speak of difficult things so casually. Very well. Thank you. I’ll take my leave."
Though the answer caught him off guard, Ethan was relieved to find no ill intent. He left the Deputy Commander’s office.
Ethan’s Perspective
It’s already been two days since Rapi and Mihara received the memory-wipe verdict.
Today is the day the erasure is supposed to take effect. By now, they should be returning to the forward base.
But to be honest, I still can’t accept it.
'Sigh... What a messed-up situation.'
The memories of comrades I shared time with are about to vanish. And knowing that, I can’t do anything. No matter how much I want to deny it, reality doesn’t change. It’s painfully ironic.
"Anis."
"What?"
"Even after Rapi arrives, will you just stand there?"
I glanced at Anis and Neon. They were talking, but Anis’s expression was strained. She’s not one to outwardly show emotion, but now it was obvious.
'True. Anis has known Rapi for a long time. I can understand why she’s like this.'
Rapi and Anis were more than just colleagues. But because of this, Anis was losing a friend she’d shared so much with.
Given how long they’d been together, Anis’s sense of loss must be unfathomable. It wasn’t just an operational loss; it was losing a friend of many years.
While I was thinking that, Anis finally spoke.
"...I’m going to use this chance to try out a cool-character vibe."
"Really? Then how about we go for 'intimidating senior' instead?"
"Oh, that’s a good idea."
Suddenly, Anis and Neon decided to pick personas: senior soldier vibes. I sighed and cut in.
"You two. Just act like yourselves. Don’t force it."
"Come on, Commander. I’m terrifying when I’m strict!"
"Right! First impressions count, especially now!"
As Anis and Neon babbled nonsense, a hum broke the awkward moment.
Zzzing~
The command center door opened, revealing a familiar silhouette.
With her long apricot hair, red eyes, and beret, it was our leader, Rapi.
Expressionless as always, Rapi approached silently. Suddenly, she was close enough to speak to.
Yet facing Rapi, I had no idea what to say. Anis and Neon were equally silent, just staring.
After a moment of uncomfortable quiet, Anis spoke first.
"Hey, rookie. If you’re here, say hello already!"
"Could you clean my glasses first?"
As Anis and Neon cracked jokes, I studied Rapi. Her expression, posture, center of gravity—nothing had changed. I doubted she’d really lost her memory.
"…Commander."
"Ignore that, Rapi. Anyway, welcome back..."
"My memory wasn’t erased."
"…What?"
"…Excuse me?"
"…Huh?"
I couldn’t believe my ears.
At first, I thought I misheard. I replayed her words. She said her memory hadn’t been erased.
"Rapi, did you just say your memory wasn’t erased?"
"Yes. Nothing was wiped."
The air in the command center turned heavy. It was nonsensical. If the memory-wipe had gone through, her memories should be gone.
Yet Rapi insisted none of it was gone. I had no idea how this could be.
"What’s my name?"
"Anis."
"I’m Bukefalos."
"I’ll remember that. Neon."
"You’re my subordinate."
"You owe me two million credits."
"…No need to waste time. I remember everything."
They tested her like this, and as it turned out, Rapi’s memory was intact.
"Rapi, two days ago, what did I say to you last?"
"You said you’d take good care of me so I wouldn’t feel neglected."
"…Really, the wipe didn’t work?"
None of this was what I expected. Could memory-wipe ever fail? Did we even have a precedent?
"You did get the wipe, right?"
"Yes. I remember that too."
"…You hid it, didn’t you?"
Rapi fell silent at Anis’s words. Her unwavering gaze and calm demeanor suggested yes.
"Wow. So the wipe doesn’t always work. What happens if they find out?"
"They’ll try again, I guess. And if it fails again..."
"They’ll dispose of me. I’d be an irregular."
"Right, no exceptions. It’s the Ark’s policy."
Anis spoke gravely. Rapi was probably the first case of a failed memory-wipe.
Irregular.
Under Ark doctrine, it can’t be tolerated. No exceptions allowed, and if one occurs, it must be eliminated.
Rapi’s immunity meant she’d fallen outside those rules.
And the Ark never lets such variables slide.
"Commander, I’ll leave it to you whether to report this."
Rapi spoke evenly—too evenly, as if she’d expected this from the start.
"This is a headache. The only person I’ve had much contact with is Deputy Commander Andersen."
"That man... Can he really be trusted? Who knows what he’s after."
Truth be told, I couldn’t dismiss Anis’s doubts. Andersen had cooperated, but was he wholly trustworthy?
"So we just leave it?"
"What’s the problem? We keep quiet and move on. Rebuilding rapport with someone whose memory was wiped is harder than you’d think."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
Neon nodded, but this problem was far from simple.
"If we ever have to undergo a brain scan, this could come to light."
"Easy fix. If they catch me, burn out my brain. Everyone’s happy, right?"
"No idea how that’s happy."
Neon looked horrified at her own suggestion. Anis’s eyes locked onto me.
"...If that happens, we’d have to turn you in, Commander."
"That’s a bit random, Anis."
"I’m telling you our stance. Ultimately, it’s your call. Nikke absolutely obey their Commander’s orders. We kept this secret because you told us to. That’s the end of it."
So the decision was mine to make.
Nikke obey their Commander absolutely. That means I bear full responsibility for any choice.
"Uh...and if we’re found out, what happens to you?"
"I’d be dismissed, or at worst sent to the Outer Rim. But that’s the point of being a leader. Free to decide, but you must bear the consequences. In that sense, it’s true freedom."
Responsibility. A weighty word that comes with freedom. A team leader doesn’t just give orders. They take on every decision’s outcome.
Having once led a forward team in my past life, I understood exactly why Anis said that.
"Anis... are you mad at me?"
"Yes, I am."
"Why?"
"Clearly. If you wanted secrecy, you should have kept it entirely secret—or revealed it sooner. Dragging this out has put everyone in an awkward spot."
Her calm voice belied the emotion beneath. Rapi looked ashamed, saying nothing.
To be clear, this wasn’t just relief or happiness. Simply knowing this fact put us all in danger.
We had to hide it and be careful not to be discovered. With that burden on everyone, Anis’s reaction was understandable.
"Anyway, we’re in trouble. Well, you are, Commander."
"It’s not that I don’t like Rapi’s return."
"Of course not. I’m thrilled. Look at her personality—how long did it take for us to get close? She’s finally a friend I can trust, and she’s back—of course I’m happy."
Her words rang true. If you asked why, I couldn’t say. I could only claim I saw into her heart.
"But that’s one thing; this is another. Coming back, saying 'My memory’s intact,' and leaving the aftermath to us—that rubs me the wrong way."
"...I’m sorry. I didn’t think that far ahead."
Rapi fell silent before admitting her mistake.
"No need to apologize. Just don’t do it again. And I doubt there will be another case like this. So what will you do, Commander?"
All of Counters turned their gaze to me, hoping I’d decide quickly.
'They’re my first comrades after reincarnation. I don’t know how long it’ll take, but until I return...'
After gathering my thoughts, I met their stares.
"Before I decide, one thing. Anis."
"Yeah? Why?"
"I have no intention of being dismissed or exiled. I have my own reasons."
"Reasons? What reasons?"
"Ah, those."
"Commander, now you’re sketchy."
I waved off Anis and Neon’s glances. My reasons were revenge against the Great Federation and the Dreadnought.
If I grow strong enough and find a way back to my world, I’ll return. I have enemies who killed me and my squad.
"You probably have a lot of questions about me, right?"
"...Yeah."
"Of course. Sorry, but I can’t tell you yet."
No sooner had I said that, Counters shot me daggers. I looked away, feeling the sting. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust them; I simply wasn’t ready.
There’s plenty of time to explain once I’m stronger.
"Ahem... anyway, keep Rapi’s memory intact a secret."
"Roger."
"...If that’s what you want, Commander. Okay."
"Yo! By the way, if I’m a spy, I shouldn’t say so, right?"
"Hmm, probably not."
"Wow! A double agent!"
"Cool, right?"
Just like that, I had one more secret to hide from the Central Government.
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