NIKKE: Max Bonded but System Gone

Afternoon.

After completing a patrol mission at the outpost, Rapi returned to the Commander's office. As the nominal leader of the Counters squad, Rapi was always the most composed and level-headed in both combat and daily routines.

But lately, she couldn't shake off a feeling of unease.

"I'm in such a bad mood. Is it because of all the flirting in that Nikke group chat?"

A trace of helpless bitterness flickered in Rapi's eyes.

She had always believed that a clear boundary should exist between Nikkes and their Commander. An officer was an officer; a subordinate was a subordinate. As comrades-in-arms, trust was the deepest bond they needed.

However, recently, the conversations in that group chat had been growing increasingly... suggestive.

Not only had the explicit images shared by group admin Rapunzel become increasingly over the top, but Sugar and Yulha spent their days debating the nuances of comfortable kissing techniques. The twin rabbits from Unit 777 took things further, frequently offering to pay Green a visit for some "dual recharging."

Even someone as composed as Rapi, after repeatedly scrolling through these messages, couldn't help but feel unsettled.

Ignoring it? That only made her imagine the Nikkes endlessly scheming ways to seduce her Commander, leaving her equally frustrated.

Standing outside the Commander's office, Rapi adjusted her beret and brushed away the subtle jealousy in her eyes. With a deep breath, she knocked on the door. "Commander, are you in?"

After a brief silence, Anis's flustered voice called back, "R-Rapi?"

Rapi hummed in acknowledgment. "Anis, don't you have a patrol shift today? What are you doing in the Commander's office?"

"I was... consulting with the Commander! I'll head out for patrol in just a moment!"

Leaning against the doorframe, Rapi listened to the faint sounds of someone hurriedly dressing inside. Her suspicion deepened.

'Anis, you'd better really be consulting.'

Moments later, Anis emerged, greeting Rapi with a cheerful wave. "Good afternoon, Rapi!"

"Good afternoon, Anis. By the way, your tank top is on backward."

"Huh? Really? Must've been a careless mistake. Well, I'm off to patrol! See you later, Rapi!"

Watching the disheveled and blushing Anis dart away, even someone as straightforward as Rapi could piece together what likely transpired in the Commander's office moments earlier.

"So, the Commander prefers her type, huh…"

For the first time in a while, Rapi found herself lost in thought. It wasn't until Green called for her that she snapped back to reality and entered the office.

"Commander, how have you been recently?"

Green nodded, organizing a stack of signed documents. "If you mean my injuries, they're healing well—just about fully recovered." He handed the papers to Rapi. "These are ready to be submitted to Central Government. Please deliver them when you have the chance."

"Understood, Commander."

After reviewing the documents for accuracy, Rapi hesitated before leaving.

Seeing her reluctance, Green asked, "Is there something on your mind, Rapi?"

After a brief pause, she replied, "Commander, forgive me for overstepping, but I believe you should maintain some distance from the Nikkes."

"Are you worried about me, Rapi?"

"Yes, Commander," she admitted.

"Ever since the Judgement Day battle, your reputation has echoed throughout the Ark. Unsurprisingly, you've attracted the interest of many Nikkes. I fear that among them may be some with ill intentions," she continued, her concern evident. "If you're equally kind to everyone, you might end up in the hospital again."

"No need to worry about me, Rapi." Green shook his head. "I know what I'm doing. While I may sometimes be too gentle with everyone, that doesn't mean I'm naive. Besides, I have you by my side, don't I? Even if I make a mistake, I trust you'll be there to set me straight."

A faint smile curved Rapi's lips.

Although Green's words were subtle, she could sense the reliance he placed on her.

'So that's how it is... I'm quite important to the Commander after all.'

He wasn't wrong, either. The outpost could manage without others, but it couldn't function without Rapi.

As the Counters squad leader, she held considerable authority—not just in overseeing the transfer of documents to the Central Government but also in managing the base's logistics and resource allocation, all of which required her final approval.

Without her, the outpost would undoubtedly descend into chaos. Could anyone else handle her responsibilities? No way.

Which meant, in the Commander's eyes, she must hold significant weight.

Rapi closed her eyes, savoring this inexplicable sense of joy bubbling within her. Exhaling deeply, she finally broke her silence. "The holiday still has a week left. Any plans, Commander?"

Green pondered briefly. "Earn more money and prepare for the next mission. By the way, how much do we have now?"

"Two million credits, plus another three million from the last mission pending approval. It should be in your account in two days. But honestly, we probably don't need this much right now."

"You're wrong, Rapi. Money is never 'too much.'"

Green tapped his chin thoughtfully.

The Ark was no place to linger—especially once Marian returned from her brainwashing. Green's outpost would undoubtedly become a prime target for the Ark's factions.

The reason? Marian was simply too special.

As the Ark's first "heretic" Nikke to achieve perfect integration with Rapture technology, Marian had become a lightning rod for interest and conflict. Countless factions coveted her, eager to dissect her completely and weaponize the technology she embodied. This looming battle wasn't just against Rapture—it would inevitably engulf humanity as well.

If the Ark's aristocracy gained access to such technology, it would trigger a complete reshuffling of the Ark's power structure, something Green absolutely did not want to see happen. Thus, even if it meant fleeing to the surface, Green would never bow to the Ark's elites.

For a Commander, if he couldn't protect his subordinates, what purpose would he serve? This was why Green was desperate for power—be it money, resources, or influence. Each of these elements, he knew, had to be amassed in the greatest quantities and heights possible. Yet, beyond these material necessities, Green recognized another crucial factor:

"Public opinion and popular support. Nikkes—I need their loyalty and backing. For that, finding a way to neutralize Nimph is essential."

(Nimph is a black-box device embedded in Nikkes' brains. Its primary functions include erasing memories, suppressing negative emotions, and preventing Nikkes from harming humans. Currently, the only known method of neutralizing Nimph is through an antidote made from the Commander's blood.)

"With the antidote, I can promise Nikkes freedom and equal standing with humanity. When that day comes, no one will ever hold dominion over us again."