The hallway to the Simulation Room felt long, each step echoing softly off the polished floor. Rapi and Anis walked beside me, and though their presence was comforting, the weight of everything that had happened lingered. My mind kept shifting between past events and the unknown ahead.
"Thanks again for letting me borrow your phone, Anis." I handed it back to her, feeling like I owed her something more than just words. I need to do something nice for her in the future.
Anis gave me a playful grin. "No problem, Commander. It's always a pleasure to educate the technologically impaired."
I laughed softly. "So, are we going to do a combat test?"
"I doubt it, Commander. They usually handle combat tests before a mission, not after." Rapi replied, always practical.
"Sam. Please just call me Sam, Rapi. Or Commander Sam if you want to be more formal. Anis already does, and you don't see me getting annoyed by it, right?"
"Well! I'm sorry about that, okay?" Anis exclaimed, glancing away. "It was very stressful when you asked Chief Andersen about Marian! I thought he was going to silence us!"
I gave her a somber smile. "Don't worry, Anis. Thanks to you both, I managed to survive and give Marian a proper rest. I swear, I'll repay you all someday."
The conversation paused as we reached the entrance. With a soft hiss, the door slid open, revealing the Simulation Room.
The space was vast, the white walls glowing faintly with soft light. The air felt almost peaceful, like the calm before a storm. Sensors lined the ceiling, ready to monitor every move, while holographic projectors stood poised to simulate the battlefield. This was where commanders like me were tested—where Nikkes trained to face the Raptures.
Rapi and Anis followed me inside, and I took a deep breath. For now, the room was just a blank, sterile space. But we weren't alone. Two people have been waiting for our arrival.
One of them is a green-haired girl with a short twin-tail cut tied with a black and green bow, dressed in a black dress with white stockings. A green halo floated above her head, and she was seated on a floating giant green hula hoop. According to the website I just read, she is Einkk, an Artificial Intelligence designed to oversee the Simulation Room.
The other is a woman taller than me, exuding a commanding presence. She wore a crisp white military uniform with a red tie and a long white trench coat lined with red. Her white combat boots had metal tips that caught the light, and various straps adorned her uniform, featuring the logo of four rhombuses arranged into a larger diamond shape.
"I am Ingrid, your instructor for today. Welcome to the Simulation Room," she said, her voice strict and firm.
"And I am Einkk, the overseer of the Simulation Room. Pleased to meet you, Commander." said the AI, her voice bright and melodic.
"Nice to meet you both," I replied with a smile, shaking off my skepticism. Just when I thought I had erased my doubts about Elysion's involvement, then this happened. Admittedly, I may be a bit paranoid.
"Isn't that the CEO of Elysion? What is she doing here?" Anis asked Rapi, clearly flabbergasted at suddenly encountering a CEO in what felt like a training setup.
"...This is her hobby," Rapi reluctantly admitted, her tone suggesting that this was not the first time she had to confirm it.
Ingrid stepped closer, her keen eyes studying me intently. "In this room, we'll evaluate your leadership and strategic abilities as you guide your squad through various scenarios. Do not treat this as just a simulation. Treat it like a real battle, because you will fight against virtual Raptures controlled by Einkk. Complete the objective tactically, that is all."
Rapi raised her hand. "I have a question."
"No questions allowed." Ingrid immediately cut her off, which made Rapi swallow her words, her expression a mix of surprise and disappointment.
I couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the sudden shift in the atmosphere. Ingrid's intensity was palpable, and it was clear she meant business. Yet there was something about her that made me feel she also cared about our development, even if her methods seemed a bit abrupt.
"Alright, let's get started then," Ingrid said, her tone brisk but carrying a touch of authority as if trying to restore a sense of normalcy. "Counters Squad, get ready!"
Einkk's halo glowed brightly, and the room began to shift around us, a new landscape unfolding before our eyes. As the urban city took shape, a thrill of anticipation mingled with a teaspoon of worry in my stomach.
Suddenly, the sharp ringing of a hammer hitting an anvil echoed in my mind, followed by the sound of dice clattering like pebbles on the pavement. Instinctively, I slipped into a Strategy Trance, my mind ablaze with knowledge from the Celestial Forge. It was as if I had absorbed several lifetime's worth of study in an instant.
Formal Science, Natural Science, Social Science—I learned and practiced it all. Each area unfurled like layers of a complex tapestry. But among the rush of information, one idea crystallized: all this knowledge aimed toward one audacious goal.
Mad Science. The art of bestowing sentience upon animals, crafting invincible vehicles, constructing gigantic super-robot armor, and harnessing extraordinary powers from the blood of other supers.
All of that is currently out of my reach, right now. However, I have enough understanding to reach it by learning and researching further. Because the perk also has a secondary effect of making me at least a novice even in the most complicated and esoteric science. Of course, it can go further the less complex and exocentric it is.
This was what it meant to do SCIENCE! To chase the impossible by first mastering what is possible. The thrill of discovery ignited a spark within me, fueling a passion I hadn't felt in ages. I could envision the potential to unlock a realm of possibilities; I just needed the right opportunity to seize it.
As the simulated city continued to form around us, I felt ready to dive into whatever challenges lay ahead. With Rapi and Anis by my side, we could face anything that came our way.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Interlude: Anis
Anis had always been good at spotting the masks people wore—the little lies, the facades they put on to keep others at arm's length. She'd seen it too many times to count. When Commander Sam first arrived, uncertain and rough around the edges, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than he let on. He seemed like someone who wasn't showing his full hand.
And now, after the combat simulation... her instincts screamed that something wasn't right.
Sam stood there, looking oddly satisfied with himself, while Rapi stood nearby, her usual calm composure hiding what Anis could tell was a mind hard at work processing the events that just unfolded. Einkk, however, was another story. The AI was staring dazedly at the holo screens, her mouth moving as she muttered under her breath. "Statistically improbable... how does he do that?"
But Einkk wasn't what bothered Anis. No, it was Sam—the way he handled that simulation, his impossibly accurate predictions, the flawless execution. It was so different from the mess that had been their mission earlier. The frustration bubbled up inside her, raw and painful, as Marian's name lingered in the back of her mind.
She clenched her fists, stepping forward. "Commander," she called, her voice sharper than she intended, catching his attention. His expression softened slightly, but that only made her angrier. "What was that in there?"
Sam raised an eyebrow, his face a picture of confusion. "What do you mean?"
"That!" she gestured toward where they had finished the last scenario, her frustration bubbling over. "Those tactics, those calls. You knew exactly what to do in there, but earlier today—during the mission—you were a mess! Why didn't you use those skills when we were out there? Were you holding back? Were you playing with our lives?"
Rapi, ever the calm one, immediately moved beside her, her hand gently gripping Anis' arm, a subtle warning in her eyes. "Anis, calm down—"
But she couldn't calm down. Not when everything was crashing in on her. Today had been a disaster—Marian was gone, and now it felt like Sam could've done something to prevent it. Like he hadn't even tried. Her chest tightened with the thought.
"You can't just mess with us like this, Commander!" Anis snapped, ignoring Rapi's silent plea to stop. "If you had those skills all along, why didn't you use them when it mattered? What, were you waiting for the right time to show off?"
Rapi's grip on her arm tightened, trying to reign her in, but it was too late. "Anis, don't—"
But the damage was done. Sam's calm exterior cracked, his expression darkening with something raw—something deeper than just frustration. Anger, yes, but also hurt. The intensity in his eyes caught Anis off guard.
"You really think I was playing with you?" Sam's voice was low, but it carried a dangerous edge Anis had never heard before. "You think I'd ever gamble with your lives like that?"
For a moment, the heat in Anis' chest cooled, her heart skipping a beat at the rawness in his tone.
"I've never played with your lives," Sam continued, his voice still tight but steady. "I care about all of you. Do you really think I'd risk losing any of you for some stupid show of skill?"
Rapi's voice cut in, softer but no less firm. "Anis, he's telling the truth. You know that."
But the frustration wouldn't leave her. His betrayal by inaction hurts her heart, twisting the guilt and grief into something ugly. She had to let it out. "Then why didn't you do anything to save her? Why did Marian have to—"
"Enough!" Sam's voice rose sharply, cutting her off. The sudden force in his tone startled both Anis and Rapi. His eyes were locked onto hers, fierce and filled with anger, but underneath that—pain. A pain that surpassed her own.
"You think I didn't try?" His voice shook with emotion. "You think I wasn't doing everything I could out there?"
Anis felt her throat tighten, the weight of his words slamming into her harder than she expected. She had never seen him like this—so intense, so open, and yet so vulnerable.
"If I could've traded my life for hers, I would've done it in a heartbeat," Sam said, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke. "I'd give anything to go back and fix what happened to Marian. But I can't. I was doing my best, Anis. I'm still doing my best."
Anis stood there, chest heaving, her frustration dissolving into something closer to guilt. All this time, she'd thought Sam was just another commander who didn't really care—someone who saw them as tools, just like so many others. But now, hearing the weight in his voice, seeing how much he was hurting... she realized just how wrong she had been.
She glanced over at Rapi, who had been watching quietly, her gaze steady and understanding. Rapi nodded slightly, her expression soft, though there was tension in her posture, revealing just how much this moment weighed on her too.
"I..." Anis began, her voice faltering. She didn't know what to say. She'd lashed out in her grief and frustration, hurt someone who was just trying his best, just like the rest of them.
Rapi stepped forward, placing a firm but reassuring hand on Anis' shoulder. "We've all been through a lot today," she said gently. "Let's not turn on each other now."
Anis nodded weakly, feeling the weight of her own guilt pressing down on her. She looked at Sam again, and for the first time, she truly saw him—not as a commander or a strategist, but just a person, like her, trying to navigate a world that gave no easy answers.
"I'm sorry," Anis whispered, the words barely audible, but sincere. "I didn't mean to... I just—"
Sam's expression softened, though the pain hadn't fully left his eyes. "It's okay," he said quietly. "We've all lost people today."
Anis swallowed hard, the guilt settling heavily in her gut. She had been wrong about him. He wasn't wearing a mask—he had been honest with them since the start.
Rapi gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before turning to Sam. "We'll move forward together," she said with quiet determination. "We can't change what happened, but we can make sure it doesn't happen again."
Sam nodded, though the weight of the day's events still hung heavy between them. The silence stretched for a moment, the tension slowly beginning to ease.
Just as the tension seemed to fully ebb away, Einkk floated in, her digital eyes wide with curiosity, completely oblivious to the emotional wreckage she was interrupting.
"Commander," she said, her voice cutting through the heavy silence. "How did you manage to predict the Raptures' movements so accurately in the simulation?"
Anis, still trying to process everything that had just happened, glanced at Einkk, then back at Sam. Einkk's innocent, data-driven question felt almost surreal after the emotional storm they'd all just weathered. Anis had been torn open emotionally, and now this? She had to hand it to Einkk—her timing was impeccable. Completely out of sync, but impeccable.
Sam, clearly caught off guard by the shift, let out a tired sigh. He rubbed the back of his neck, the earlier tension still lingering in his posture. "It's not really that complicated," he began, but Anis could hear the hesitance in his voice. After everything she'd seen in that simulation, the way he had commanded them, how he had anticipated everything the Raptures were going to do, there was no way it wasn't complicated. Not complicated? Anis thought, skeptical but intrigued.
"You see," Sam continued, trying to explain himself, "Raptures usually move at their 'effective movement speed'—a rhythm they follow. If you pay attention to how they move, you can predict their next actions."
Anis raised an eyebrow. Sure, she knew Raptures followed some kind of pattern, but the way Sam was talking made it seem like he could see the rhythm before it even existed. He had called out every attack, every move with almost unnatural precision in the simulation. She wasn't sure if it was just him being modest or if there was something more to it.
"The key is timing," Sam went on as if this were some basic field manual anyone could understand. "Raptures, especially the bigger ones like the Master- or Tyrant-class, need time to charge their attacks. If you can hit them at the right moment—just before their shields activate, for instance—you can cause an explosion that cancels out the shield completely."
Anis found herself nodding slightly, recalling how Rapi had been pinpointing every shot exactly when Sam had called it out. She was no stranger to shielded Raptures, but Sam had made it look so easy. He had known exactly when to tell Rapi to shoot, and those shields had exploded like clockwork. It had been too perfect, almost like Sam had practiced it a thousand times.
"I also watch your pacing," Sam said, glancing between her and Rapi. "Rapi, you're faster on the draw, so I give you more immediate commands. Anis, you're about 2.2 seconds slower—" he said this with a sheepish grin, as if worried she might take offense, "—but you make up for it by dealing with Husk-class Raptures before they can swarm us."
Anis almost laughed at that. 2.2 seconds slower, he said it like he had it all calculated in his head. But he was right—she didn't need to be as quick as Rapi. Her grenade launcher took care of the Husks in a way that didn't require her to be on the same rapid-response level as Rapi. She had her own strengths, and somehow, Sam had tuned into that, timing his commands to fit her rhythm.
"When I can't interrupt their attacks in time," Sam continued, "I watch where the Raptures are targeting. It's usually enough to ask one of you to duck or move a second before they fire. Honestly, it's easier than it sounds."
Easier than it sounds? Anis had to fight back the urge to roll her eyes. It was almost frustrating how casually he made it all seem like he hadn't just pulled off an impossible feat in the simulation room. She knew better. She'd been there, followed his orders. There was no way it was that simple.
Rapi, always so composed, nodded in agreement. "Your timing was perfect, Commander. Most would struggle to pull that off."
"Well, it's just a matter of staying calm and paying attention," Sam replied, brushing it off with a shrug.
But Einkk wasn't having it. "That doesn't explain everything, Commander," she pressed, her floating form leaning in slightly as if the answer was just beyond her grasp. "Your ability to maintain that level of awareness, to process all that information so quickly… it's statistically improbable. Almost impossible, in fact."
Anis had to give it to Einkk—she wasn't letting Sam off the hook that easily. And honestly, neither was she. After what had happened today, after seeing Sam pull off those insane maneuvers, she wasn't sure what to believe anymore.
Sam, looking uncomfortable under Einkk's scrutiny, tried to downplay his own abilities. "It's just staying focused," he insisted. "I don't know, maybe I'm just good at keeping calm under pressure."
Einkk's digital eyes narrowed, clearly not convinced. "Calm under pressure or not, no ordinary Commander can predict Rapture movements with such precision. Coordinating a squad as seamlessly as you did—while maintaining focus on both the enemy and your team's pacing—is highly anomalous. Most veteran Commanders can't even achieve that."
Anis took a breath, watching Sam closely. Highly anomalous was a good way to put it. She knew Sam was hiding something. His sudden improvement wasn't normal, and now Einkk had given voice to the nagging thought that had been scratching at the back of her mind.
"Commander," she said softly, stepping closer. Her voice was no longer accusatory, just… understanding. "I get it if you've got something you need to keep secret. But your improvement—it's been too sudden, too drastic. I've seen it, and so has Rapi."
Sam met her gaze, and for a moment, his mask seemed to slip. He looked tired—tired of holding something back, tired of whatever weight he was carrying. "I promise," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity, "I'll explain when I can."
Anis nodded, accepting the answer for now. She understood. He wasn't ready to share everything, and maybe that was okay. At least now she knew he wasn't just hiding behind a mask—there was something real beneath it, something that mattered.
But Einkk, still floating there, seemed less willing to let it go. "Improbabilities... anomalies..." she mumbled to herself, still deep in thought. Without another word, she floated away, clearly still trying to process the enigma that was Commander Sam.
Just when Anis thought that was the end of it, Einkk floated back into the room, looking as if she'd forgotten something crucial. "Oh! I almost forgot," she said, blinking rapidly. "You're all dismissed until further notice."
Anis stifled a laugh at the absurdity of it all. After everything that had happened—the shouting, the emotions, and now Einkk's strange interrogation—they were just dismissed. Just like that.
She exchanged a glance with Rapi and Sam, feeling a strange sense of relief. The worst of it was over, the anger and guilt had eased, and while there were still unanswered questions, at least they were moving forward.
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Interlude: Ingrid and Andersen
The door to Andersen's office slid open as Ingrid walked in. Her metal tipped boots immediately drew Andersen away from his work, so he wisely closed it. They both stared at each other like prey to be hunted. Then Andersen's unreadable face shifted to what he would like to proclaim his best grin. Not that Ingrid can deny it.
"Ingrid," Andersen greeted. "Have you completed your assessment?"
"Yes. However...," Ingrid replied, stepping forward. Her sharp expression conveyed little emotion, but Andersen can feel an underlying hint of worry. "...the results were unexpected."
Andersen raised an eyebrow. "Unexpected how, exactly?"
Ingrid took a deep breath, relaying her observation to Andersen. "Commander Sam's performance was exactly what we anticipated, amateurish. His strategies were nonexistent. His orders were vague, like 'Rapi, go handle that Rapture,' or 'Anis, dodge the attack,' which is not informative at all. If this had been a real battle, he and the Counters would have been dead four times in a row already."
Andersen's lips curled into a frown. "That is exactly what the Central Government intended. By turning the Military Academy's training programs into a brainwashing facility, they ensured that it would produce strategically incompetent commanders. None of them were meant to be a threat, so commander Sam should be no different."
Ingrid nodded. "That's what we thought, but then something changed. As the simulation scenarios continued, Sam's behavior shifted. Despite his unusual orders, he began predicting the Raptures' attacks. Not just once or twice, but consistently. He knew when and where the Raptures would strike, and his squad avoided damage almost entirely. He wasn't reacting to the Raptures—he was anticipating them."
Andersen's frown deepened. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing at Ingrid skeptically. "Are you implying that he is predicting their movements?"
"Yes," Ingrid continued, pacing as she spoke. "It was almost like he could see what was going to happen before it did. He sometimes froze for a few seconds between attacks, but after that, his strategies improved. His orders became more precise. Einkk increased the difficulty—more Raptures, making the Raptures more unpredictable by playing with their configuration, and many other subtle things—but Sam kept up with her. Every adjustment Einkk made, he countered from an unexpected angle. It was as if he was learning and reacting faster than Einkk, an advanced AI specifically made to handle simulated battle, could adapt."
Andersen leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the desk. "So are you saying that he went from a total amateur to that in the span of a few simulations?"
Ingrid nodded again, her expression serious. "That is what I have been telling you. By the end of the last simulation, Einkk cannot beat him with available scenarios. Something is clearly unusual about him."
Andersen sat in silence, his mind turning over the implications and coming up with. "The Central Government won't like this," he said finally, his voice cold and deliberate. "They've spent years ensuring no commander could become another 'New Hope.'"
Ingrid knew what he meant. "New Hope" was the infamous commander and celebrity whose brilliance had nearly united the Ark's population against the Central Government, threatening their hold on power. The Central Government had no intention of letting history repeat itself.
"That's why they sabotaged the Military Academy in the first place," Andersen continued, his tone getting grimmer as he recalled the number of novice commanders that died each year.. "They made sure every commander was just capable enough to handle small skirmishes. But never competent enough to challenge their control. And now, we have Sam—someone who's showing signs of strategic brilliance, despite the sabotage."
Ingrid crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "If the Central Government finds out about this, they'll see him as another 'New Hope.' A threat. They'll want to eliminate him before he becomes a symbol."
Andersen's expression hardened, his mind already searching for a solution. "We can't let that happen. Our goal has always been the same. That is to protect the Ark from annihilation, to take back the surface from the Raptures, and to give humanity a future—one where they can live without fear. But for that, we need Sam alive and out of the Central Government's reach."
Ingrid listened, understanding the gravity of the situation. Both she and Andersen shared the same vision. They were not loyal to the corrupt leadership of the Central Government. Their loyalty only lies in Humanity's future. The Ark's leaders had always been greedy, more concerned with maintaining their power than fighting for survival. Andersen and Ingrid, however, had their eyes set on a greater goal—reclaiming the surface and giving humanity a chance to rebuild.
But that wouldn't happen if Sam was destroyed before he could reach his full potential. The Central Government would see him as a threat the moment they recognized his abilities, and they would move swiftly to neutralize him, just like they had done in the past with any potential 'New Hope.'
"We need to find a way to discredit him," Andersen said finally, his voice sharp with conviction. "We give Sam and Counters squad an impossible mission, something so difficult that no commander, not even him, could succeed. It needs to be designed in such a way that failure is inevitable. That way, when he fails, the Central Government loses interest in him."
Ingrid frowned slightly, considering the plan. "What about the aftermath?"
"We exile him to the Outpost," Andersen replied, his tone turning calculating. "It's far enough from the Central Government's influence. Once he's out there, he'll be out of sight, out of mind. The Outpost is a dead-end for most commanders, but for Sam, it's where he can develop quietly, away from prying eyes."
Ingrid raised an eyebrow. "And if he somehow succeeds in this 'impossible mission'?"
"He won't," Andersen said, his confidence absolute. "We'll ensure that the mission is so heavily stacked against him that success is impossible. Even the most brilliant strategist wouldn't stand a chance."
She nodded slowly, understanding the necessity of the plan. "I'll make the arrangements. The mission will look achievable on the surface, but in practice, it will be a death sentence to anyone else but him. No one will blame him for failing, but it'll be enough to discredit him."
Andersen turned back to the window, gazing out at the distant horizon. "Sam might have the potential to change the tide of this war, but not if the Central Government gets to him first. We have to protect him, even if that means pushing him out of our reach."
Ingrid stood silently for a moment, reflecting on the weight of their decisions. They needed to keep Sam safe from the very people who were supposed to protect him. If that meant sabotaging him in the eyes of the Central Government, then so be it.
As she left the room, Ingrid's thoughts were already focused on the mission they would design—a mission Sam could not win, but one that would, in the long run, preserve his potential and keep him away from the reach of the Central Government. They were playing a dangerous game, but it was a necessary one.
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Sitting on the examination table, I looked around the room, attempting to take in and process everything. I was meeting Dr. Mary and Nurse Pepper for the first time. They struck me as good people.
Mary is a tall woman, her jet-black hair falling straight to her shoulders. She wore a blue turtleneck sweater dress underneath a short white jacket that gave her a sharp, professional look. Her demeanor was calm and composed, every movement straightforward like she'd done this a thousand times before. There was something about her that felt reassuring—like someone who wouldn't miss a thing and would handle any situation with a cool head.
Pepper, on the other hand, is her complete opposite. She had vibrant pink hair tied in a playful side ponytail, with a white sleeveless turtleneck sweater dress and a matching short sleeveless jacket. A headset rested on her head as if she was ready to jump into action at any moment. Her energy was infectious—constantly in motion, always smiling, and practically bouncing on her feet as she stood next to Mary. It was almost hard to believe they worked together, their personalities were so different. But somehow, the contrast worked.
Mary had been reviewing my scans for a few minutes, her face serious but not unreadable. Even without the Strategy Trance kicking in, I could already grasp what she was going to tell me—my brain had soaked up the basics of medical science thanks to SCIENCE! perk.
"Physically, Commander, you're in perfect shape," she said, turning toward me. "The scanner did not detect any damage nor trauma to your brain. However, the test result shows that you are indeed suffering from Amnesia."
I nodded, already predicting her conclusion. "So, it's entirely psychological."
Mary offered a small nod of agreement. "Yes, likely triggered by the crash. It's a defense mechanism—your mind protecting itself from whatever happened. There's no clear treatment right now, but with time, there's a chance your memories could return."
I appreciated her straightforwardness, though it was hard not to feel frustrated. I could understand the science of it all, but knowing why didn't make it easier to accept.
Before I could respond, Pepper hopped over, her pink ponytails bouncing with every step. She flashed a bright, upbeat smile at me, but there was no missing the slight frown of concern on it. "But Commander Sam, even if you're physically fine, that doesn't mean you can neglect yourself!"
Her voice was chipper, but I could sense the nagging coming from far away.
"Your hydration levels are low, and even though you just got your amnesia today, you still need to be careful about stress," she said, waving a finger at me. "And don't forget! You've got to stay on top of things like sleep and eating right!"
I raised an eyebrow. "I've been amnesiac for what—half a day? Not sure you can pin my sleep habits on me just yet, Nurse Pepper."
She pouted at me, her expression almost too cute to take seriously. "Mou, haven't I told you to just call me Pepper?" Her protests are indeed too cute. "And don't think you can distract me! No excuses moving forward. We'll be keeping an eye on you now, so don't think you can get away with bad habits."
Mary, who had been watching with a hint of amusement, nodded as she handed me a datapad. "Pepper's right about one thing—stress is a major factor. You may be physically fine, but psychological issues are just as important to address. Take care of yourself, Commander Sam. Your mind is going through a lot right now."
I glanced at the datapad, already absorbing what I could from its contents. It wasn't just a list of recommendations—it was a warning. Ignore my health, and things could get worse. Celestial Forge could probably give me a perk to heal myself, but prevention was always smarter than scrambling to fix things later.
"I understand," I said, standing up from the table. "Thanks, Mary. And thanks to you too, Pepper."
Pepper flashed a smile, clearly pleased. "No problem! But remember—hydration, proper meals, and stress management! You've got a lot on your plate, so don't forget to take care of yourself, okay?"
"I won't," I assured her with a slight chuckle. "I'll stay hydrated. And I'll sleep when I can."
Just as I was about to leave the examination room, my newly issued phone buzzed in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw a message from Shifty. A mission? Today?
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. Of course, no rest for the amnesiac. Sheepish, I turned to Mary and Pepper. "Looks like I won't be getting that rest after all. I've just been assigned a mission."
Mary nodded, her expression calm and understanding. "I figured it might happen. You're the Novice Commander who manages to take down Black Smith, after all. Just remember what we talked about—don't push yourself too hard, Commander Sam."
But before I could reply, Pepper's face lit up with frustration, her cheerful demeanor fading for a moment. "Are you serious? They're sending you out on another mission already? You just had a check-up! You're still recovering—what is wrong with these higher-ups?"
She crossed her arms, clearly upset, and I could tell she wasn't going to let this go easily. "You just got cleared by Mary, and they can't even give you a day to recover? It's ridiculous!"
I held up a hand, trying to calm her down. "I know, Pepper. Trust me, I'd rather rest, but apparently, it's part of the job. I'll be careful."
Pepper wasn't convinced. "You better be! If you come back here looking worse, I'll—"
Mary chuckled softly, cutting Pepper off. "He'll be fine. He knows what to do. Just make sure you hydrate and eat, like Pepper said. Take care of yourself during the mission, and check in with us when you return."
I smiled at them both, appreciating their concern. "I will. Thanks, Mary. Thanks, Pepper. I'll see you both when I get back."
As I left the room, I could still hear Pepper muttering under her breath about "reckless higher-ups" and "overworking commanders." It almost made me chuckle. Even in a world I barely remembered, it felt good to have people looking out for me.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After my health checkup, I made my way toward the elevator to the Surface, where Rapi and Anis were waiting. Seeing them standing there made everything feel right again. Like some invisible weight had been lifted.
I couldn't help but smile. "It seems that the team is back together!" I said, glancing at both of them.
Anis, though, looked... worried. Not exactly what I was expecting. "Commander Sam, did you perhaps also get a mission to investigate a power station in the coastal city?" Her tone had that hint of concern that made me pause.
I blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Of course, yeah. Did you not read the mission details from Shifty?"
Anis scratched the back of her neck, a sheepish grin forming. "Actually, I haven't. I was about to clean myself when I received this message, so I just had to take a quick shower and rush here."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. It was so like Anis to get caught off guard, but it only added to her charm.
Rapi, ever the serious one, stepped in. "Full disclosure, Commander Sam, but this situation is most unusual. Normally, they never assign the same commander to a Nikke squad multiple times in a row, because it tends to get... messy."
"Yeah," Anis chimed in, her grin growing wider as she started joking again. "It usually ends with one side wiping out the other." She glanced at Rapi, who gave her a subtle nod in agreement. "But we already know what kind of commander you are." Her voice softened, and her grin turned sincere. "So please take care of us."
That took me by surprise. I wasn't used to Anis being so open, so... serious. I looked between them, and something stirred inside me. It wasn't just the usual camaraderie anymore; there was a deeper trust, a bond that had solidified over everything we'd been through.
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of responsibility settle in. "I promise to be your rock, your shield, and your guiding light, my Goddess of Victory. " I said, my voice firm but with a hint of somberness. I knew the weight of those words—what they meant for me and for them.
Rapi, who always had her emotions on lockdown, suddenly looked flustered. A faint blush crept onto her face, and she turned her head slightly, trying to hide it.
Anis, though, was more verbal about it. "H-hey, don't you feel embarrassed saying that out loud?" she stammered, looking genuinely touched but trying to brush it off.
I grinned widely, letting out a laugh. "Never!" I replied without hesitation.
Suddenly, Shifty's voice crackled over the comms. "That is so cheesy, Commander Sam."
Anis nearly jumped out of her skin, startled by the sudden interruption. "Gah! You scared me! When did you start listening?"
I could practically hear Shifty grinning on the other end. "Since Rapi spoke."
Anis turned bright red, doubling down on her embarrassment. "Kill me now," she muttered, hiding her face in her hands as Rapi gave a small, amused smile.
I laughed again, the earlier tension finally dissipating. Naturally, that was the exact moment the Celestial Forge decided to interrupt.
The now familiar sharp ringing—like a hammer striking an anvil—echoed in my mind. I slipped into a Strategy Trance, as I always did when the Celestial Forge gave me something new. And, oh boy, did I need some serious time to process this one.
So, apparently, God is real. And Satan too. Oh, and I can summon the latter with an evil ritual, should I ever feel like, you know, doing something completely insane.
There's a difference between reading about the divine in books and having that knowledge imprinted on your soul. Because Alchemy—true Alchemy—isn't just turning lead into gold. It's the study of God's principles of creation. Literally, the art of replicating the divine act of creation itself.
Through Alchemy, I now can craft powerful items—potions, charms, and even weapons capable of driving back demons and dark forces. Normally, that would be incredible on its own. But thanks to a previous perk called SCIENCE!, I not only grasp the basics of how this all works but can research and improve upon it.
Of course, there's a darker side to Alchemy—the kind where you summon Satan and his underlings. Honestly, that's not a door I ever plan on opening. Thankfully, understanding how evil rituals work means I also know how to counter it. And by "evil," I'm talking about things like sacrificing hundreds of souls to create an item that turns you into a blood-sucking monster.
Yeah, no thanks.
As I came out of my Strategy Trance, the world around me slowly came back into focus, the distant ringing of the Celestial Forge fading like the memory of a dream. My vision cleared, revealing Anis and Rapi watching me with concern.
Anis tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Commander Sam, is that something that happens often?"
I sighed internally, already resigned to the fact that no one was ever going to just call me "Sam." "You mean when I zone out with my eyes glazed over?" I asked, scratching the back of my head. "Yeah… it's something that's been happening recently. Instinctively, I guess."
Rapi immediately took a step closer, her expression shifting to one of worry. "Commander Sam, what about your head? Will your memories return?"
I could see the anxiety in her eyes, so I tried to reassure her, offering a calm smile. "Doc Mary said there's no damage to my brain, none at all. She thinks it's a psychological issue. So, it looks like my memories won't be coming back for a while." I tried to keep the tone light, but Rapi's face still looked troubled.
"That's…" she started, but was cut off by the sound of approaching footsteps. Her body tensed, her combat instincts kicking in. "Wait, someone's coming."
Turning toward the sound, I saw a new figure approaching—a Nikke with bright eyes and an air of enthusiasm that was hard to miss. She walked up to us, flashing a grin. "Hello, my name is Neon."
Rapi narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly thrown off by this new arrival. "...A Nikke from Elysion?"
Neon beamed, her tone as vigorous as her introduction. "I was sent here to take part in this investigation. Nice to meet you!"
Rapi glanced at me, then quickly tapped into her comms. "Shifty, did you know about this?"
There was a brief pause before Shifty's voice crackled in our earpieces. "Wait..." A bell-like notification pinged in the background. "I just got a personal transfer notice. Right now."
Rapi's eyes met mine, silently asking if I had any clue what was going on. I held my hands up defensively. "No, I didn't know either."
Anis folded her arms, clearly skeptical of the sudden addition to the squad. "Why would they suddenly add another member?" She glanced at Neon, scrutinizing her. "Something's not right. What type of Nikke are you?"
Neon blinked, looking adorably lost for a second before raising her hand and poking at her cheek as if searching her memory. "Eh... Umm… Ah yes! I believe I'm a spy."
Anis' expression went from skeptical to utterly bewildered in a matter of seconds. "Huh?!"
Neon puffed out her chest, looking confident. "My boss Ingrid instructed me to assist you all, and then report back to her. This is what a spy does, no?" she added cheerfully.
Anis blinked, clearly not sure how to process the entire exchange. "I… I guess so?"
Neon's grin widened as she offered her hand to the group. "I've always wanted to be a spy! I'm looking forward to working with you all. I'll do my best to be the best spy I can!"
Unable to suppress my amusement at how surreal the situation had become, I took her hand and shook it, matching her enthusiasm. "Yeah! Me too!"
Anis shot me a side-eye, her expression somewhere between exasperation and disbelief. "…You sure this isn't going to be a problem in the future?"
Shifty chimed in over the comms, her tone indicating she was just as unsure. "Well…"
Rapi, for her part, stood in silence, clearly as speechless as I was amused by the whole ordeal. I couldn't help but laugh softly to myself. This was definitely going to be interesting.
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Priority Order
Perilous Siege Squad, as the CEO of Elysion I, Ingrid, hereby grant you a special assignment. Shadows Counters Squad when they leave the Ark proper. In case Commander Sam is about to face certain death, evacuate him and his squad immediately. Observe and document his actions for the purpose of building his profile. Stay alert and ready to intervene. Failure is not an option.
Ingrid
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Perk chosen in this chapter.
First rolls
171 -SCIENCE! (Megamind) (100CP) (Knowledge Domain)
•You can do science! Mad science is your bread and butter, but that sort of thing can't be done if you don't have the basics first. This perk provides you an extensive, vast knowledge in every branch of science that exists in the world, from maths to biology to astrophysics to everything in between!
•No matter what it may be, if it can be called a science, you have skills and knowledge equivalent to a lifetime's worth of study and research in it. This carries over to future worlds, but the extent of your knowledge and skills reduces the more complicated and esoteric the science in question gets. You'll always have a novice's level of skill, anyway.
•Basic science: Live long professor. The more esoteric the science, the lower your starting skill.
•Three major branch of Science: Natural Science, Social Science, and formal Science.
•Basically, Formal Science>natural Science>Social Science. As this is knowledge, then that's what he get. It only provides knowledge, but he still has to search what is relevant to the situation.
Second rolls
16. -Alchemy (Castlevania) (300CP) (Skill Domain)
• Through careful experimentation and research, you've gained understanding of the true nature of God's creation of the world. You may now utilize a lesser form of this art to create items of power, ranging from potions and charms to powerful weapons to drive back the forces of evil. You also understand the basics of a darker form of this art, enabling you to understand and counter evil rituals.