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

Mo Chen paused for a moment.

Since he never lacked credits and rarely had a need for them, he had little concept of their value.

Looking back, the flower-selling Nikke was already gone, leaving behind a fallen basket with flowers scattered all over the ground.

"Unbelievable! Using others' sympathy to scam them—this is just disgusting!" Anis fumed, stomping her feet. She grabbed Mo Chen's hand, ready to chase after the Nikke. "I have to track down this con artist!"

"Forget it, no need," Mo Chen said quickly, stopping Anis. Despite everything, he felt a bit touched by her reaction.

Anis huffed and stamped her foot again, her face filled with righteous anger. "Even fools shouldn't be taken advantage of like that!"

Mo Chen: "…"

A few days later.

After delegating the affairs of the outpost to Papillon, Mo Chen departed for the Ark with the Counters Squad and Marian in tow.

Handing over command to Papillon was a decision he had made after careful consideration.

First, Papillon possessed sufficient administrative ability and experience. Managing the outpost wasn't just within her capacity—it was something she handled with ease.

Second, Papillon had been infected with the Punishing Virus. If she harbored any rebellious intentions, he could easily eliminate her.

Lastly, with her in charge, Mo Chen didn't worry about any major upheaval. If she tried to betray him, Rose would be the first to take her head.

Meanwhile, in the outpost, Papillon sat in Mo Chen's former office, savoring the newfound power. The respect and even nervous deference shown by the other Nikkes filled her with immense satisfaction.

This was the taste of authority!

At the outpost, all matters fell under her jurisdiction. It was a privilege she had never enjoyed before.

Even back in the Ark, as the assistant to the Deputy Chief, her position wasn't low, but no one took her seriously. To them, she was just a messenger Nikke—a glorified intermediary.

The difference between a hollow title and a real position of power was stark.

Now, she found herself falling in love with this outpost in the wasteland.

While Papillon reveled in her newfound authority, Mo Chen had already arrived at the Ark.

This time however, the atmosphere felt distinctly off.

The streets were nearly deserted. At the elevator checkpoints, heavily armed Nikke units conducted thorough identity checks on everyone—humans and Nikkes alike—entering or leaving. The Ark was on high alert against corrupted Nikkes and refugees from the outer rim seeking safety.

Compared to the Ark's interior, the outer rim had suffered even more severe casualties.

That area lacked heavy defensive weaponry, walls, or significant protection, making it the first target for Rapture attacks.

Under the guidance of staff, Mo Chen arrived at Andersen's office.

"If it weren't an extremely urgent matter, I wouldn't have sought you out, Commander," Andersen said bluntly, as usual. He wasted no time and got straight to the point. "We've discovered something significant."

As he spoke, he gestured for Mo Chen to sit.

"Please, take a seat."

Mo Chen didn't hesitate and sank into the sofa.

"What you're referring to—is it that the Ark is on the verge of collapse?"

Andersen seemed momentarily surprised by Mo Chen's directness. With a slight smile, he replied, "It seems you've picked up on quite a bit. But that's not entirely accurate. The Ark can hold out for now."

"Oh?"

Mo Chen was taken aback.

He'd heard that the Ark was teetering on the brink of destruction. How had things suddenly improved?

"This improvement is thanks to new technology developed by Missilis," Andersen explained as he personally poured a cup of tea and set it before Mo Chen. "The most challenging aspect of dealing with Material H has been its highly aggressive corrosive and infectious capabilities. Once a Nikke is infected, there's almost no chance of recovery."

"That's also why there were such heavy casualties in the early stages."

"Fortunately, Missilis's CEO, Syuen, has developed a new interference device. It allows Nikkes to resist the Rapture virus, significantly reducing the rate of casualties."

"An immunity device?"

He was surprised.

Syuen had invented something like this? That wasn't in the original storyline.

If she'd had something like that in the original, she wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to acquire cleansing agents.

"Yes, that's right," Andersen said, taking a sip of his tea and exhaling slowly. "Apparently, Syuen discovered a new material with exceptionally high resistance to the Rapture virus. It not only repels the virus but can even devour it."

"Devour the Rapture virus?"

Mo Chen's shock deepened.

The Rapture virus, while primarily targeting mechanical entities, was still a formidable threat.

After all, it had nearly driven humanity to extinction.

"Indeed." Andersen, noticing Mo Chen's astonishment, smiled faintly. "Although Missilis's CEO can be reckless and domineering in many ways, her contributions to humanity are undeniable. This time, we owe her our thanks."

Mo Chen nodded slightly.

Syuen had finally done something worthwhile.

Wait. Devour the Rapture virus?

A thought suddenly flashed through Mo Chen's mind, accompanied by an unsettling premonition. He immediately asked Andersen:

"What does her device look like? And have you seen this substance she discovered?"

Andersen chuckled lightly. "I didn't expect you to be interested in this. Actually, the Ark's upper echelon is quite intrigued by this material as well. They've inquired about the possibility of weaponizing it. Unfortunately, Missilis's CEO doesn't seem inclined to make it public."

"As for the substance, based on the intel we've gathered, it's red and exhibits a degree of biological behavior. It has a filamentous structure, bearing some similarities to the Rapture virus. It's speculated to be a mutated strain of the same type."

Mo Chen froze momentarily after hearing Andersen's explanation.

He now fully understood: that mysterious substance capable of devouring the Rapture virus—what else could it be but the Punishing Virus?

Syuen really had some nerve! Didn't she fear that the Punishing Virus might end up infecting the Ark's population?!

If that happened, all of Ark's humans would turn into zombies. There wouldn't even be a need for Raptures—Ark would destroy itself.

Mo Chen stood up abruptly.

"Wait here. I've got something to deal with. I'll be back shortly."

Andersen was stunned, watching him storm off with a dark expression, utterly confused.

"Did I say something wrong?"

At the entrance of Missilis Industries.

When Mo Chen arrived at the gates, he was stopped by the security personnel.

However, upon recognizing him, the Nikke guard immediately allowed him through and even asked for his autograph. After he left, the guard was ecstatic, clutching the autograph like a treasure.

At the door to the CEO's office.

Even before stepping inside, Mo Chen could hear the sound of items being smashed "Crash! Bang!"

"Those useless hunks of scrap metal! They're driving me insane! Can't they use their brains for once? They ignored my orders and went on a suicide mission without the interference devices! Serves them right for dying!"

It was Syuen's voice.