Moore, who got off the train, not commonly using the station due to its unfamiliarity, walked while following the signs towards the exit.
Today, having left the outpost base near the surface and descended to the Ark, it was to check the prosthetic arm, repurposed from a body parts originally meant for Nikke, to ensure there were no issues with its functioning.
Normally, he would have gone to a hospital nearby—though even with transportation like a taxi, it would take at least ten minutes. However, there was information that the elevator in that vicinity was malfunctioning, hence the decision to travel by train.
Following the signs, he moved forward, but the station layout of this seldom-used station turned out to be more intricate than he had imagined.
Combining all that—
.
.
"—This is bad. I'm lost."
.
.
He stopped in his tracks and let out a sigh. Moore walked toward the wall and found the illuminated dot representing his current location on the displayed sign. He confirmed where he was, but to reach the desired south exit—
"—Oh? Are you in trouble?"
Just as he realized he had to go up one more floor, a voice spoke to him. Turning around, he saw a blue peaked cap first in his field of vision as he flipped back his left sleeve.
He lowered his gaze slightly and captured the kind eyes of a girl with long black hair that partially covered her slightly droopy eyes.
From her appearance in women's clothing, Moore initially thought she might be a station attendant or a crew member. However, he quickly revised his perception.
He didn't miss the fact that her gaze shifted to the military rank insignia on his uniform and the commander's badge on his chest after looking at his face. A conviction-like intuition flashed through his mind.
It seemed that the woman before him was Nikke.
"I'm sorry. I got a little lost..."
"Oh, I see. Where are you headed?"
"The south exit."
"Then, let me guide you. Please follow me this way."
Moore nodded appreciatively at the gesture of the woman who seemed to be Nikke, her hand shielding the way, and started walking beside her. Unobtrusively, he made her walk along the left side, allowing his only remaining right arm to face the citizens walking inside the station.
"I apologize for bothering you while you're busy. I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Captain Shaw Moore."
"Oh, Thank you. I'm Diesel."
Though it was a bit late, they exchanged introductions and walked side by side, their uniforms in shades of blue and navy blending together. However, as they were meeting for the first time, there was no topic to discuss. Their relationship was just that of a guide and the guided, so perhaps there was no need for conversation. Still, Moore felt a slight discomfort in the silence.
"...Is it okay if I call you Diesel-san?"
"Diesel is fine."
"...Are you by any chance... Nikke?"
"Yes, I was manufactured in Elysion."
Surprisingly, she affirmed it readily. Moore sensed that she wasn't hiding anything.
"Elysion, huh? I have a few Nikkes from Elysion among my subordinates. In fact, most of the base personnel are from Elysion or Tetra."
"...Individual, you say?"
(Tl Notes: Background info. Usually, commanders from ARK refer Nikkes as THINGS, so the proverbs naturally mentioned as... well, things. In this conversation, Moore mentioned his subordinates as..person so Diesel is shocked by it.)
"Huh? Oh, yes, did I count them wrong?"
Diesel, with slightly droopy eyes—a figure that seemed oddly familiar—blinked a few times as she looked up at him, her eyes taking confirming his answer wordlessly. Moore nodded in response.
"How unusual. Counting Nikkes as individuals."
"...If it offends you, I apologize."
In official reports and such, it might be unavoidable, but personally, he seemed reluctant to count them as mere numbers or names based on their types. He preferred to use terms like personnel, staff, or numbers to represent them fundamentally.
Wondering if his preference had bothered her, he asked Diesel, his walking companion to the left. She shook her head a few times.
"Oh no, not at all. The south exit is just a bit farther... Are you headed to the hospital, as expected?"
"Yes. As you can see... I was injured on duty, so I'm going for post-discharge observation and to have my prosthetic arm fitted."
"I see... In that case, you could take the escalator..."
"No, please don't worry. My body will get sluggish if I don't keep moving like this."
Diesel had noticed that Moore lacked his left arm, but since it didn't hinder his walking, she naturally guided him without thinking twice. She suggested using the escalator for disabled individuals, but he gently declined, opting to continue walking.
"Is it inconvenient in various ways?"
"A bit. Especially tying my tie and the bootlaces of my knee-high boots... It's a bit of a struggle. My subordinates had fixed them for me before I left."
Moore replied, his eyes indicating the ivory-colored tie knotted with a semi-Windsor knot and his polished boots.
"Oh dear..."
Moore shrugged, showing a wry smile as he gestured toward his tie and the boots with one hand. He could tie them with one hand, but they didn't look as neat as when he used both hands. Just before he went out, he encountered Rapi, who scolded him and fixed them on the spot.
"...Since she's not a servant, there's no need to be so considerate... My subordinates are too considerate to treat me like this."
"I don't think it's about being considerate. I believe they just want to serve Captain Moore."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Ah, we've arrived. This is the south exit. Once you're outside, just go straight on the road. You should reach the hospital in about 10 minutes."
Having guidance certainly made the arrival quicker. While chatting, they reached their destination. Moore took off his military cap and lower his head to Diesel. She seemed flustered by his gesture.
"Thank you very much."
"No, not at all. Um... please raise your head."
There were civilians around. They didn't recognize her as Nikke, but attracting attention was inevitable. The sight of a tall soldier bowing to a station attendant might seem peculiar.
Following her prompting, Moore straightened his posture and adjusted his cap with his right hand.
"...I've never met anyone who bows to me knowing I'm Nikke."
"...Whether it's Nikke or a human, giving gratitude is natural."
"...And using formal language, too."
"Then, am I your first to do so?"
(Tl Notes: Lewd~~~~LOL.)
It had a slightly dubious tone, but Diesel, looking troubled with a wry smile, took out a strawberry candy. She unwrapped it for him and brought it to his mouth, considering his lack of a left arm.
"Here, ahh... Is it delicious? I always give these to lost people."
"...I'm not a big fan of sweets, but... it's a taste I don't dislike. Thank you once again for everything."
"Take care~"
The sound of heels clicking together echoed as he gave a slight bow and started walking. Diesel, watching his retreating figure, let out a sigh.
"...If my little brother were alive, he might have become such a cool commander."
Feeling somewhat sentimental, Diesel couldn't help but think that. But today had been unusual. She intended to tell her fellow Infinity Rail Unit members about it as she disappeared into the station.
.
.
.
"Ah!?"
"What's wrong, Anis?"
"I have a feeling that Commander-sama is flirting other Nikke!"
(Tl Notes: her Ahoge is legitimately a functioning antenna.)
"Don't say silly things and get back to cleaning!"
.
.
.
A tall woman, her hand resting on her hip, greeted a young man in a military uniform who had just emerged from the hospital's rehabilitation center. She directed her gaze to his left sleeve, where his left arm, which should not have existed just minutes ago, was now firmly attached.
"How is it?"
"There are no issues with the functionality. I appreciate your kindness once again."
"No, it's fine. We can gather valuable data of your activity for Elysion."
It seemed the adjusted prosthetic arm had been accepted by his body. There was no rejection, and Moore could move it as naturally as his original left arm. Unusually, he seemed quite pleased.
—He looks like a young man of his age.
Watching him, Ingrid, the tall woman and CEO of Elysion, let her honest impressions slip in her mind.
(Tl Notes: In people's mind, Moore looks older with his usual gruff face. When I see his illustration, I couldn't help but agree.)
"With this, I can stand on the battlefield again."
"...I see. Oh, I almost forgot. You've been promoted to Captain. Congratulations."
While Ingrid congratulated him, Moore merely nodded his head slightly in return, expressing a perfunctory gratitude. Compared to having his left arm restored, this seemed trivial.
"...Right leg, right eye, and now the left arm. As far as I know, I don't remember any human wishing to return to the battlefield after sustaining such severe injuries. Captain Moore, I don't know whether to be amazed or exasperated by it."
"...I'll take that as a compliment."
"Ah, please do."
Ingrid shrugged and began walking, her white coat billowing behind her, accompanied by her guards. Both of them headed towards the hospital's main entrance.
"Is Rapi performing well? And Neon?"
"Both of them are excellent. They're more than I deserve."
"I see."
Being in the presence of the CEOs of the three major corporations, Moore adhered to a military demeanor. He had made some small talk with Diesel at the station, trying to find some common ground, but he didn't expect Ingrid to engage in such conversations. There was no indication that she was willing to engage in unnecessary discussions.
They weren't particularly close, but walking almost in silence all the way to the main entrance made Ingrid feel a bit uncomfortable. Because of that, she unusually decided to initiate a conversation.
"...Captain Moore."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Andersen told me... You're on vacation, aren't you? Why are you in uniform? I wouldn't have minded if you were in civilian clothes..."
"...I don't have civilian clothes that could be considered suitable for going out."
"...What?"
Ingrid looked at him suspiciously. She recognized Moore's straightforward statement, stating the obvious, and couldn't help but sigh.
Based on Neon's report, which indicated he was more like Nikke than Nikke herself, Ingrid's evaluation of Moore was not just that.
This might be something more than just good work ethic.
"You're a young man despite being a soldier. Why don't you dress up a bit more?"
"...I don't feel the need for that..."
—Ah, this is serious.
Ingrid couldn't help but wonder if recent officer training schools were producing individuals with such attitudes due to an excessive focus on cramming education. She could tell from his appearance that he wasn't the frivolous type, but she also possessed a caring nature, for better or worse. It bothered her.
"Tall and well-built, what a waste."
"...Huh..."
Ingrid glanced at Moore, who seemed not to fully understand her concern, and soon stopped near the main entrance.
"You're the commander Rapi and Neon rely on. As a promotion gift... Elysion may not match Tetra Line, but we do have a few clothing stores along the Royal Road. I'll arrange it, so choose whatever you like."
"...Huh? No, it's not necessary to go to such lengths..."
"In times like these, young people should rely on their elders. That's the trick to living successfully in society."
Ingrid tried to advise him—whether the young man was choosing this on his own or if the store staff was coordinating, she didn't know, but in the end, there was an unmistakable atmosphere of formal attire about him.
Indeed, her imagination was proven right about an hour later.
.
.
---
.
.
Coming out of the store facing the Royal Road, Moore carried a bag with his discarded military uniform and shoes in one hand. He wore a black suit, slacks, a light gray shirt, and a navy blue tie—by no means casual attire, yet it suited him perfectly due to his height, good physique, and stern demeanor.
However, despite the suit's similar structure to military wear, he still felt uneasy wearing it. He had finished his business in Ark and was on his way back to the outpost when this encounter happened, moving away from the Royal Road toward the station.
"...Oh, excu---..."
"...What the hell are you staring at, idiot!?"
"...I'm sorry. Are you hurt?"
Although he apologized after accidentally bumping into her, the woman he bumped into had a bob cut and a slightly childlike face that, at first glance, seemed gentle. However, the moment she spoke, her language is....colorful. Moore was a little taken aback by it.
"...Milk, don't intimidate him."
While Moore was still taken aback, a silver-haired woman behind the bobbed cut one called out to him, attempting to placate the situation. She seemed to be their companion. Suddenly, the silver-haired woman turned her red eyes toward Moore, and he felt the most uncomfortable he had been all day.
"...What is it?"
"...Are you the commander of the Counters?"
"Yes, that's right, but..."
He tried to recall if he knew her, but he couldn't remember her at all.
"...Do you like coffee?"
"Coffee? Well, yes, I do, but... what's the point?"
"Come with me."
The silver-haired woman gestured with her chin, inviting him. Inviting might not be the right word—it felt more like he was about to get involved in something troublesome.
.
.
.
"...I have a feeling Commander is getting into trouble. Should I send a message just in case?"
"...Anis, put your hands to work rather than your mouth."
"...Cleaning never seems to end."
-----
It was as if Anis was a new recruit...
Moore, who got off the train, not commonly using the station due to its unfamiliarity, walked while following the signs towards the exit.
Today, having left the outpost base near the surface and descended to the Ark, it was to check the prosthetic arm, repurposed from a body parts originally meant for Nikke, to ensure there were no issues with its functioning.
Normally, he would have gone to a hospital nearby—though even with transportation like a taxi, it would take at least ten minutes. However, there was information that the elevator in that vicinity was malfunctioning, hence the decision to travel by train.
Following the signs, he moved forward, but the station layout of this seldom-used station turned out to be more intricate than he had imagined.
Combining all that—
.
.
"—This is bad. I'm lost."
.
.
He stopped in his tracks and let out a sigh. Moore walked toward the wall and found the illuminated dot representing his current location on the displayed sign. He confirmed where he was, but to reach the desired south exit—
"—Oh? Are you in trouble?"
Just as he realized he had to go up one more floor, a voice spoke to him. Turning around, he saw a blue peaked cap first in his field of vision as he flipped back his left sleeve.
He lowered his gaze slightly and captured the kind eyes of a girl with long black hair that partially covered her slightly droopy eyes.
From her appearance in women's clothing, Moore initially thought she might be a station attendant or a crew member. However, he quickly revised his perception.
He didn't miss the fact that her gaze shifted to the military rank insignia on his uniform and the commander's badge on his chest after looking at his face. A conviction-like intuition flashed through his mind.
It seemed that the woman before him was Nikke.
"I'm sorry. I got a little lost..."
"Oh, I see. Where are you headed?"
"The south exit."
"Then, let me guide you. Please follow me this way."
Moore nodded appreciatively at the gesture of the woman who seemed to be Nikke, her hand shielding the way, and started walking beside her. Unobtrusively, he made her walk along the left side, allowing his only remaining right arm to face the citizens walking inside the station.
"I apologize for bothering you while you're busy. I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Captain Shaw Moore."
"Oh, Thank you. I'm Diesel."
Though it was a bit late, they exchanged introductions and walked side by side, their uniforms in shades of blue and navy blending together. However, as they were meeting for the first time, there was no topic to discuss. Their relationship was just that of a guide and the guided, so perhaps there was no need for conversation. Still, Moore felt a slight discomfort in the silence.
"...Is it okay if I call you Diesel-san?"
"Diesel is fine."
"...Are you by any chance... Nikke?"
"Yes, I was manufactured in Elysion."
Surprisingly, she affirmed it readily. Moore sensed that she wasn't hiding anything.
"Elysion, huh? I have a few Nikkes from Elysion among my subordinates. In fact, most of the base personnel are from Elysion or Tetra."
"...Individual, you say?"
(Tl Notes: Background info. Usually, commanders from ARK refer Nikkes as THINGS, so the proverbs naturally mentioned as... well, things. In this conversation, Moore mentioned his subordinates as..person so Diesel is shocked by it.)
"Huh? Oh, yes, did I count them wrong?"
Diesel, with slightly droopy eyes—a figure that seemed oddly familiar—blinked a few times as she looked up at him, her eyes taking confirming his answer wordlessly. Moore nodded in response.
"How unusual. Counting Nikkes as individuals."
"...If it offends you, I apologize."
In official reports and such, it might be unavoidable, but personally, he seemed reluctant to count them as mere numbers or names based on their types. He preferred to use terms like personnel, staff, or numbers to represent them fundamentally.
Wondering if his preference had bothered her, he asked Diesel, his walking companion to the left. She shook her head a few times.
"Oh no, not at all. The south exit is just a bit farther... Are you headed to the hospital, as expected?"
"Yes. As you can see... I was injured on duty, so I'm going for post-discharge observation and to have my prosthetic arm fitted."
"I see... In that case, you could take the escalator..."
"No, please don't worry. My body will get sluggish if I don't keep moving like this."
Diesel had noticed that Moore lacked his left arm, but since it didn't hinder his walking, she naturally guided him without thinking twice. She suggested using the escalator for disabled individuals, but he gently declined, opting to continue walking.
"Is it inconvenient in various ways?"
"A bit. Especially tying my tie and the bootlaces of my knee-high boots... It's a bit of a struggle. My subordinates had fixed them for me before I left."
Moore replied, his eyes indicating the ivory-colored tie knotted with a semi-Windsor knot and his polished boots.
"Oh dear..."
Moore shrugged, showing a wry smile as he gestured toward his tie and the boots with one hand. He could tie them with one hand, but they didn't look as neat as when he used both hands. Just before he went out, he encountered Rapi, who scolded him and fixed them on the spot.
"...Since she's not a servant, there's no need to be so considerate... My subordinates are too considerate to treat me like this."
"I don't think it's about being considerate. I believe they just want to serve Captain Moore."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Ah, we've arrived. This is the south exit. Once you're outside, just go straight on the road. You should reach the hospital in about 10 minutes."
Having guidance certainly made the arrival quicker. While chatting, they reached their destination. Moore took off his military cap and lower his head to Diesel. She seemed flustered by his gesture.
"Thank you very much."
"No, not at all. Um... please raise your head."
There were civilians around. They didn't recognize her as Nikke, but attracting attention was inevitable. The sight of a tall soldier bowing to a station attendant might seem peculiar.
Following her prompting, Moore straightened his posture and adjusted his cap with his right hand.
"...I've never met anyone who bows to me knowing I'm Nikke."
"...Whether it's Nikke or a human, giving gratitude is natural."
"...And using formal language, too."
"Then, am I your first to do so?"
(Tl Notes: Lewd~~~~LOL.)
It had a slightly dubious tone, but Diesel, looking troubled with a wry smile, took out a strawberry candy. She unwrapped it for him and brought it to his mouth, considering his lack of a left arm.
"Here, ahh... Is it delicious? I always give these to lost people."
"...I'm not a big fan of sweets, but... it's a taste I don't dislike. Thank you once again for everything."
"Take care~"
The sound of heels clicking together echoed as he gave a slight bow and started walking. Diesel, watching his retreating figure, let out a sigh.
"...If my little brother were alive, he might have become such a cool commander."
Feeling somewhat sentimental, Diesel couldn't help but think that. But today had been unusual. She intended to tell her fellow Infinity Rail Unit members about it as she disappeared into the station.
.
.
.
"Ah!?"
"What's wrong, Anis?"
"I have a feeling that Commander-sama is flirting other Nikke!"
(Tl Notes: her Ahoge is legitimately a functioning antenna.)
"Don't say silly things and get back to cleaning!"
.
.
.
A tall woman, her hand resting on her hip, greeted a young man in a military uniform who had just emerged from the hospital's rehabilitation center. She directed her gaze to his left sleeve, where his left arm, which should not have existed just minutes ago, was now firmly attached.
"How is it?"
"There are no issues with the functionality. I appreciate your kindness once again."
"No, it's fine. We can gather valuable data of your activity for Elysion."
It seemed the adjusted prosthetic arm had been accepted by his body. There was no rejection, and Moore could move it as naturally as his original left arm. Unusually, he seemed quite pleased.
—He looks like a young man of his age.
Watching him, Ingrid, the tall woman and CEO of Elysion, let her honest impressions slip in her mind.
(Tl Notes: In people's mind, Moore looks older with his usual gruff face. When I see his illustration, I couldn't help but agree.)
"With this, I can stand on the battlefield again."
"...I see. Oh, I almost forgot. You've been promoted to Captain. Congratulations."
While Ingrid congratulated him, Moore merely nodded his head slightly in return, expressing a perfunctory gratitude. Compared to having his left arm restored, this seemed trivial.
"...Right leg, right eye, and now the left arm. As far as I know, I don't remember any human wishing to return to the battlefield after sustaining such severe injuries. Captain Moore, I don't know whether to be amazed or exasperated by it."
"...I'll take that as a compliment."
"Ah, please do."
Ingrid shrugged and began walking, her white coat billowing behind her, accompanied by her guards. Both of them headed towards the hospital's main entrance.
"Is Rapi performing well? And Neon?"
"Both of them are excellent. They're more than I deserve."
"I see."
Being in the presence of the CEOs of the three major corporations, Moore adhered to a military demeanor. He had made some small talk with Diesel at the station, trying to find some common ground, but he didn't expect Ingrid to engage in such conversations. There was no indication that she was willing to engage in unnecessary discussions.
They weren't particularly close, but walking almost in silence all the way to the main entrance made Ingrid feel a bit uncomfortable. Because of that, she unusually decided to initiate a conversation.
"...Captain Moore."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Andersen told me... You're on vacation, aren't you? Why are you in uniform? I wouldn't have minded if you were in civilian clothes..."
"...I don't have civilian clothes that could be considered suitable for going out."
"...What?"
Ingrid looked at him suspiciously. She recognized Moore's straightforward statement, stating the obvious, and couldn't help but sigh.
Based on Neon's report, which indicated he was more like Nikke than Nikke herself, Ingrid's evaluation of Moore was not just that.
This might be something more than just good work ethic.
"You're a young man despite being a soldier. Why don't you dress up a bit more?"
"...I don't feel the need for that..."
—Ah, this is serious.
Ingrid couldn't help but wonder if recent officer training schools were producing individuals with such attitudes due to an excessive focus on cramming education. She could tell from his appearance that he wasn't the frivolous type, but she also possessed a caring nature, for better or worse. It bothered her.
"Tall and well-built, what a waste."
"...Huh..."
Ingrid glanced at Moore, who seemed not to fully understand her concern, and soon stopped near the main entrance.
"You're the commander Rapi and Neon rely on. As a promotion gift... Elysion may not match Tetra Line, but we do have a few clothing stores along the Royal Road. I'll arrange it, so choose whatever you like."
"...Huh? No, it's not necessary to go to such lengths..."
"In times like these, young people should rely on their elders. That's the trick to living successfully in society."
Ingrid tried to advise him—whether the young man was choosing this on his own or if the store staff was coordinating, she didn't know, but in the end, there was an unmistakable atmosphere of formal attire about him.
Indeed, her imagination was proven right about an hour later.
.
.
---
.
.
Coming out of the store facing the Royal Road, Moore carried a bag with his discarded military uniform and shoes in one hand. He wore a black suit, slacks, a light gray shirt, and a navy blue tie—by no means casual attire, yet it suited him perfectly due to his height, good physique, and stern demeanor.
However, despite the suit's similar structure to military wear, he still felt uneasy wearing it. He had finished his business in Ark and was on his way back to the outpost when this encounter happened, moving away from the Royal Road toward the station.
"...Oh, excu---..."
"...What the hell are you staring at, idiot!?"
"...I'm sorry. Are you hurt?"
Although he apologized after accidentally bumping into her, the woman he bumped into had a bob cut and a slightly childlike face that, at first glance, seemed gentle. However, the moment she spoke, her language is....colorful. Moore was a little taken aback by it.
"...Milk, don't intimidate him."
While Moore was still taken aback, a silver-haired woman behind the bobbed cut one called out to him, attempting to placate the situation. She seemed to be their companion. Suddenly, the silver-haired woman turned her red eyes toward Moore, and he felt the most uncomfortable he had been all day.
"...What is it?"
"...Are you the commander of the Counters?"
"Yes, that's right, but..."
He tried to recall if he knew her, but he couldn't remember her at all.
"...Do you like coffee?"
"Coffee? Well, yes, I do, but... what's the point?"
"Come with me."
The silver-haired woman gestured with her chin, inviting him. Inviting might not be the right word—it felt more like he was about to get involved in something troublesome.
.
.
.
"...I have a feeling Commander is getting into trouble. Should I send a message just in case?"
"...Anis, put your hands to work rather than your mouth."
"...Cleaning never seems to end."
-----
It was as if Anis was a new recruit...
