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

Even more shocking news spread—Deputy Chief Doban had been executed!

It was discovered that he was the mastermind behind the trafficking of mass-produced Nikkes and had colluded with the Outer Rim' terrorist groups to conduct arms deals. The new military weapons used in the recent battle had all been sold by him.

Although some rumors suggested that the higher-ups simply needed a scapegoat and pinned all the blame on him, it did not change the outcome.

At the same time, the Universal Humanity Act was officially implemented in the Ark. Regardless of location or status, anyone who violated the act would be held accountable.

Mo Chen's popularity among Nikkes skyrocketed once again, and this event was recognized as one of the top ten most influential moments in Ark history.

Of course, dissatisfaction with Mo Chen still existed, especially among the upper echelons.

However, after they watched the combat footage of Mo Chen fighting against the Raptures, they fell silent, not daring to voice any objections.

Even the Raptures couldn't withstand Mo Chen's onslaught—what chance did they have?

Though greedy, they were not fools.

C.O.L officially announced that it would take in all mass-produced Nikkes, provide them with medical care and maintenance, and ensure they could live as long and as healthily as humans. 

Additionally, the scrapping system was abolished—any Nikke who entered the company would automatically become an employee. At the same time, all restrictions placed on Nikkes would be lifted, granting them independent identities as free individuals.

Furthermore, if a Nikke wished to do so, they could choose to relocate directly to the Forward Base.

For the Nikkes rescued from the Outer Rim, arriving at the company felt like stepping into a dream.

They no longer had to be treated like commodities, sold and resold, nor did they have to endure humiliation. Most importantly, they no longer had to live in constant fear of being scrapped.

When the Nikkes heard this announcement, many of them burst into tears.

D watched these Nikkes sobbing in each other's arms, deeply moved.

Wasn't this the justice she had always sought?

And she had also been searching for the one who wore the crown—now, she had finally found him.

K, standing beside her, teased with a smirk.

"D, you better work hard. That guy has plenty of admirers."

D didn't respond. Instead, she gazed at the rescued Nikkes and murmured softly,

"I just want to be at his side and be the axe in his hand."

"You idiot, didn't you see how many Nikkes like him?" K said, exasperated. "If you're too slow, forget being his axe—you won't even get to be the axe handle. If you ask me, you should strike first. You're well-endowed, he's bound to like that."

As she spoke, her gaze drifted toward D's chest and hips.

D still said nothing, simply drawing the axe from her back.

K quickly took two steps back, eyeing D warily.

"I'm just looking out for you! If you don't listen to me, don't come crying later. Oh, and by the way, I should warn you in advance—starting now, I'm your love rival."

D: "?"

K flashed a bright smile.

"Because, well, the Commander is my type too."

D: "…"

"Hey, hey, let's talk this through—no need to get violent! Besides, don't you think this makes it even more exciting?"

Meanwhile, the Ark, in collaboration with the three major gangs and business associations of the Outer Rim, launched a joint crackdown on the region. In doing so, they uncovered even more horrifying crimes—such as organ trafficking. 

The severity of these crimes was shocking, and if not for this operation to rescue the Nikkes, they might have remained undiscovered indefinitely.

"Tsk tsk, looks like we failed."

Inside a hidden, dilapidated building in the Outer Rim.

The peeling walls had a photograph pinned to them—just a silhouette. Beside it, a line of words was scrawled.

The Ark's Rising Star.

The person in the picture was Mo Chen.

A large red X had been drawn over his face.

Viper, Crow, and others were gathered inside.

Viper sat in a chair, her hands in her pockets, long legs crossed, her bright eyes glancing playfully at Crow. A smirk played on her lips, carrying a hint of schadenfreude. "I didn't expect that Commander to be so ruthless—he didn't leave us even a shred of opportunity. I thought he might at least have some sympathy for the lower-class citizens."

Crow was their leader, but that didn't mean everyone followed her orders unconditionally. In reality, they had gathered because they shared the same twisted mindset.

However, Crow didn't look the least bit disappointed. Instead, she let out a cold laugh, the corner of her lips curling into a sneer.

"Failed? The real fun is just beginning."

"Oh?"

Viper idly twirled her phone, scrolling through the latest news. "But it looks like nothing unexpected happened…?"

Then, she spotted a few headlines.

"Outer Rim citizens lose their livelihoods as the gray industries collapse, some crying out that they are starving."

"Mass riots erupt in the Outer Rim, citizens protest against government military intervention."

Viper turned toward Crow, giggling mischievously. "My, my, you really are wicked."

As it turned out, while the government forces were busy purging the Outer Rim, Heavenly Ascension had already begun spreading rumors, stirring unrest, and inciting those who had lost their homes and means of survival into rioting.

In the Outer Rim, there were no proper jobs or stable industries. Most people relied on gray-market activities, including Nikke and organ trafficking. These were the very industries that sustained them.

With the government crackdown, the foundation of their economy had collapsed. Those who depended on these illicit trades for survival now had no way to make a living. The starving masses only needed a little push before they would rise up against the authorities on their own—without any further effort from Crow herself.

Crow stared at the photo of Mo Chen pinned to the wall, her eyes gleaming with a strange light—a mixture of amusement, excitement, and anticipation.

Viper toyed with her phone, scrolling through videos as she curiously asked, "Why do you like going against the Commander so much? Do you really hate him?"

"Hate?" Crow bit down on the lollipop in her mouth, a faint smirk of mockery curling at her lips. "No, actually, I quite like idealists like the Commander. Do you know why?"

Her dark eyes flicked toward Viper.

Under that pitch-black gaze, Viper suddenly felt as though she were being watched by a predator. Tentatively, she guessed, "Because you enjoy watching their ideals shatter?"

"You figured it out." Crow raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression laced with derision, the curve of her lips betraying the darkness in her heart.

"That lofty generosity is nothing more than a way to feed one's own sense of superiority. Empty, hypocritical righteousness—no different from those self-important fools at the top. Now, let's see what he does. Will he, like all the others, resort to suppression and slaughter?"

Viper's smile grew even brighter. She cast Crow a teasing glance, her sultry eyes narrowing as she giggled behind her hand. "I always knew you were twisted, but now I realize—you're even worse than I thought."

Just then, a news broadcast interrupted.

"Special Report."

"C.O.L Company announces a new initiative to provide official identification to Outer Rim citizens, along with employment opportunities and subsidies, aiming to assist the homeless and those struggling to survive."

Viper froze.