NIKKE: The Apocalypse Arrives, But the System is 100 Years Late

Mo Chen was well aware of the Counters Squad's strength. They were equipped with the latest weapons and Ganz combat suits, and their combat capabilities had significantly improved in recent times. Taking on Cafe Sweety Squad shouldn't be a problem.

Especially Anis and Neon—after undergoing intimate, thorough, and unrestricted training sessions with Mo Chen, their power had skyrocketed in an inexplicable way. Their physical endurance, reflexes, and even resilience to impact had all improved considerably.

The train doors opened, letting in a gust of wind.

The three Nikke warriors prepared to leap into battle.

Rapi turned back to Mo Chen.

"Commander, if anything happens, contact us immediately."

He nodded and reminded them,

"Don't push yourselves too hard—your primary goal is to stall them. If you encounter a powerful enemy, don't get caught up in a prolonged fight. Contact me at once. If you can't reach me, fall back toward the Outpost."

He wasn't worried about their combat skills—only that they might get too carried away in battle.

"Relax, we're the Counters Squad, and we're the Commander's team." Anis gave him a thumbs-up, lifting her chin proudly—her tail was practically wagging.

But then, she suddenly leaned in close, her voice low and mysterious.

"Commander, while I'm not around, you better stay faithful, okay? Make sure you behave like a good husband. When I come back, I'll give you a special reward… I can even help you… hehehe."

Mo Chen was speechless.

What kind of nonsense was this?

But the gesture she made while holding her soft, fair stomach—a mock hand grip moving up and down—sent a rush of heat through his body. For a moment, he was seriously tempted to deal with this troublemaker right here and now.

Neon, on the other hand, was even more direct. She clenched her fists firmly, like a warrior who refused to surrender, her voice soft yet determined.

"Commander… next time, I won't lose. I'll hold out till the very end!"

Mo Chen felt a massive headache coming on.

Why were these girls so fixated on this?

Maybe it was because he had opened the floodgates, stripping away their initial shyness. Or maybe they had simply gotten a taste and couldn't stop. 

Either way, they had become far more proactive—especially Neon, whose soft 'Master' calls were impossible to resist.

Boom—!

The AZX train's high-energy particle cannon fired, sweeping through the battlefield. More than half of the Raptures were obliterated on the spot.

Taking advantage of the brief gap, the Counters Squad leaped from the train, sprinting toward their target—Cafe Sweety Squad.

The Absolute Squad, targeting Matis Squad, also prepared to jump.

However, just as Eunhwa was about to leave, Mo Chen suddenly called her over.

"If you've got something to say, say it!"

Eunhwa's gaze was as cold and deep as an autumn lake, her entire demeanor radiating aloofness and hostility.

She had watched the exchange between Mo Chen and the other Nikkes, taking it all in. Remembering his previous confession, she now felt like a complete fool—how could she have actually believed his words?

There was no way she was going to give him a friendly look now.

Without saying anything, he retrieved a combat suit from his system inventory and handed it to her.

"I meant to give this to you a while ago."

It was a Ganz combat suit.

Compared to the standard and prototype versions, this was an upgraded model with better attributes, significantly stronger defense, and a major boost to sensory perception—a huge advantage for a sniper.

"I don't want it."

Eunhwa rejected it outright.

She was still angry about Mo Chen's actions.

He had confessed to her, yet the next moment, he completely forgot about it, running off to mess around with Nikkes, acting like she meant nothing to him.

And to think she had actually thought about it for days!

Remembering how she had spent sleepless nights turning it over in her mind, Eunhwa now felt like a complete fool.

"Don't be stubborn."

Mo Chen forced the suit into Eunhwa's arms.

Her eyes widened, the coldness in them replaced by shock.

No one had ever spoken to her like this before—like she was a child being coaxed.

Eunhwa immediately became furious.

What did he think she was? One of those foolish Nikkes who came running whenever he called and vanished when dismissed?!

Or did he seriously believe his charm was so overwhelming that every Nikke would fall for him?

Just as Eunhwa was about to explode, ready to berate him on the spot, he suddenly stepped forward and pulled her into an embrace.

Everyone on the train—including Diesel, Soline, Emma, and Vesti—froze, covering their mouths in shock.

"When I heard the surface counteroffensive was wiped out, I was really worried about you. Seeing you safe now… that's all that matters."

Eunhwa had instinctively struggled when he first hugged her.

But the moment she heard his words, her movements stopped.

She lifted her head, her cold, sharp gaze momentarily blank.

What did he mean? Was he saying he worried about her?

Mo Chen continued, "So no matter what happens, make your safety the priority. Missions can always be completed later. But… there's only one Eunhwa. Don't make me worry."

Eunhwa had been one of the first Nikkes he had met. But every time, he had been the one giving orders, using her as a reliable tool to get things done. 

Even Mo Chen himself felt a bit guilty about it.

If it had been anyone else, they would have long since snapped.

Eunhwa did get angry—but even then, whenever he needed her help, she had never once refused.

For a long moment, she said nothing.

Then, she huffed, turning away with a rigid expression.

"You act like I'm weak. Don't underestimate me. And don't compare me to those third-rate Nikkes."

Though her tone was still icy, anyone could tell that she had softened.

Mo Chen smiled.

"Of course. Eunhwa is a first-rate Nikke."

Eunhwa narrowed her eyes at his teasing.

She turned back to him, pressing her lips together, her cold gaze locked onto his.

"Don't think that a few sweet words are enough to— I'm not like those airheaded idiots you toy around with."

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

Mo Chen sighed helplessly.

She was so stubborn. Never willing to admit defeat.

But at the very least, she had accepted the combat suit—that was enough to ease Mo Chen's mind.

He knew how strong the Matis Squad was. They were Missilis' elite unit, and while the Absolute were also top-tier, their condition after being corrupted was uncertain.

After all—corruption makes you three times stronger, purification makes you three times weaker.

However, just as Mo Chen let go of Eunhwa, she suddenly stepped forward.

Standing on tiptoe, she cupped his face with both hands—

And kissed him.

Everyone on the train was stunned.

Eunhwa… so bold!

Behind Emma, Vesti peeked through her fingers, her cheeks flushed red.

Her wide eyes were filled with admiration.

Commander is amazing! Even someone as terrifying as Eunhwa was his friend!

She had already made up her mind—after this mission, she was definitely going to ask Commander how to make friends!