
GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story ยท Brief Encounters
Wings of Victory
11 scenes, 1,191 lines
1. Statue Ghost Stories
91 linesNot long ago, scary rumors were going around at the Outpost.
Th-that day... I came back from the Ark with Commander.
While I was saying good-bye to Commander,
I suddenly felt that someone was maliciously staring at me from behind.
Then, I turned around and saw something fly by quickly.
I was soooo scared! I really clung to Sweetie beside me.
Since then, bad things started to happen one after another.
I had express boxes containing newly brought shoes and cosmetics vanish for no reason.
When live streaming, people would usually comment that something was standing behind us or would flash by.
Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.
... So we can conclude that what the victims have in common is
that they all passed by the Wings of Victory statue after seeing you.
So, clearly we have our suspect.
It's you, Watson!
Oh, it has come to this.
Don't accuse someone out of the blue.
Shall we go to the police station?
No need because I'm not the suspect.
Tsk. I thought I already had this case in the bag.
We should go to the crime scene and investigate further.
... Soon.
Huh...
It looks exactly like the Goddess of Victory's wings...
It reminds me of marble statues from the Renaissance... It's both modern and classic...
The connection between this beautiful statue and the case is...
I still have no clue. Te-hee!
So much for your famous "detective" title.
I will investigate it myself.
Er, ab-about that...
I will give it all I've got starting today. You just sit tight and watch.
Ah... all right.
You know, I'm actually a generous detective. I always want my assistants to shine so I give them a chance.
We've been observing the Wings of Victory for a while now,
but still, we don't know who the suspect is.
And then, evening comes.
... I just realized something.
The most crucial piece of this case is not the Wings of Victory statue,
but the victims.
What do you mean?
Think about it.
The victims were all close to you.
That closeness might have angered the suspect.
You being intimate with them was the reason they were targeted.
The suspect tailed the Nikkes after their dates and pranked them.
...!
What is it?
Look behind Novel.
Look at the top of the Wings of Victory statue.
*Whoosh*
Something flashes by behind Novel so fast that the human body can't keep up.
*Whoosh*
Something flashes by on top of the Wings of Victory statue with a speed that's impossible for the naked eye to see.
A yellow afterimage made out of energy is left at the place where that thing flew by.
... Energy particles?
Huh?
It seems the suspect has a pair of wings made of energy particles.
*Beep beep*
Advanced technology making use of energy particles.
Its top speed makes it impossible for the naked eye to catch up. And the most important piece... the wings.
There is only one person who matches all those descriptions.
Do you mean... Isabel?
... Ah, you got me.
I'm sorry, Darling.
It was not my intention to disturb you. I just wanted to protect you quietly.
But during that time, you were dating ten girls in a week.
I got... *sigh* I got grief filling my heart.
I'm sorry.
That was all just for work.
... No, Darling.
... Is that really true?
I can't believe these words.
But how can I really blame you for all of this?
What should be blamed is your charm, Darling.
So you don't have to do anything.
I will take care of it myself.
I will get rid of anyone who dares to flirt with you...
I guess so.
But maybe...
Well first, we need to put up a notice on the statue.
You know, to prevent these things from happening again.
... Later, in front of the Wings of Victory statue.
Read it.
โDo not flirt with or seduce the Commander
within 300 meters of this statue.โ
2. Feather of the Abyss, Awaken
104 linesOne ordinary afternoon,
I was passing by the Wings of Victory statue, when...
Have you noticed?
*Swoosh*
Just keep walking.
You feel it too?
It's the blood wind!
There is an urgency in Guillotine's voice.
Or rather, the wind carries the scent of blood.
Yes.
This wind carries a sickening smell of blood.
There is no doubt. Those fiends have already followed me to the Outpost.
Who are you talking about?
Do you mean "them"?
It's them.
Don't ask any further. It could be dangerous.
Yes. Them.
They'll be laying siege to this place soon.
Normally I could have subdued them with my eyes closed...
... But there is one major issue.
The one-winged dark lord dwelling within me
has been unable to open its eyes.
Try giving him a few good whacks.
That's not good.
...
Indeed, we are in serious trouble.
There is only one way to awaken the demon king before they are upon us.
Right here, we should do it here in front of the statue.
We must fulfill the trinity.
To do that, we require three spellcasters.
You and I make two,
but the problem is getting one more.
Do you know of anyone who can help us by any chance?
Why don't you call one of your friends?
In other words, the three of us are the only friends you have.
*Pet her shoulder quietly*
I am the Guardian of Balance, such solitude is inevitable.
Do not pity me.
What about you, then?
Do you have any friends who can come here?
Exia.
Maiden.
I'll try to contact Exia and request help.
I'll try to contact Maiden and request help.
... What happened?
I couldn't get anyone to show up.
This isn't good...
If we don't hurry and find the last person to do the ritual
the Outpost will be overrun by the blood wind!
Excuse me, are you in some kind of trouble?
Isabel?
That's me!
I was watching you from the sky... er, I mean I was thinking about you,
so I came here to see if you were in trouble.
... I feel extraordinary energy coming off you.
But now is not the time for that.
Anyone willing to help is welcome.
Would you care to participate in our ritual?
I...
Isabel, please.
... A moment later.
After drawing a ceremonial magic circle in front of the statue,
We each stood around the circle at three equidistant points.
My friends, the last bastion lies before us.
From this moment, when I recite the incantation, the two wingsโ
that is, the wings of this statue and the sealed wings of the Demon Kingโshall merge into one,
forming a perfect pair that will blaze across the skies.
And when that time comes, those wretches shall no longer dare to skulk about this place.
... All right, I understand.
Do you actually understand what she's saying?
Guillotine takes a deep breath.
Oh, black wings slumbering in the deep abyss!
Oh, the white wings which have splintered into lonely fragments!
I will bring you together as one, in this place, in this time.
May two pairs of wings become one, and waken their master!
Wings of Disillusion!
*Flash*
A spark of energy flashes before our eyes.
At the very same moment, Isabel flies at near supersonic speed.
Before long, as Guillotine foretold,
a pair of brightly shining wings are spread wide open within the magic circle.
*Thud*
...
Isabel, you can come down now.
Hey, Darling.
Did I do something wrong?
You both seemed so eager to see wings,
so I was just trying to show you what you wanted...
Don't worry.
Guillotine got so excited that she passed out.
3. Double, Double Toil, and Trouble
101 lines... What are you up to?
Me? I'm making a witch's brew.
And what exactly do you plan to do to with it?
Well... that can be somewhat difficult to explain to those unfamiliar with the ways of witches.
However, explaining it to you could make for an amusing diversion.
I am creating a potion.
A potion?
What are you, a parrot? Why do you keep repeating what I say?
You're the one prattling on.
Ladies, let's not quarrel.
It can only be called a quarrel if you're talking to someone worth arguing with.
... Should I report her, No. 7?
Hold on.
If you say so...
Dandelion petals, some pitcher plants and a smattering of seashells.
Are you trying to make skincare cream?
It won't have a long shelf life if you do that.
But then again, that sort of thing may not matter to an amateur like yourself.
...
If something were to go wrong,
you'd end up with an entire cauldron of dangerous chemicals! You could blow this entire place sky high!
You think I don't already know that?
You're really threading the needle here.
I know, isn't it fun?
What?
You over there, come and put the last ingredient into the mixture.
What is that?
What do you say we play a little game?
See those two bottles over there?
Take one of them and pour it into the cauldron.
One of them will produce a skincare cream, and the other one? Poison, I'm afraid.
And you consider this sick game a hobby?
The weak have always submitted to the strong for their amusement. That's the way of the world.
...
Come, choose a bottle.
Choose the one on the left.
Choose the one on the right.
Wow, what's that?
What is that?
What is that?
I picked up this wonderful aroma, and followed it all the way here. What are you doing?
You think it... smells nice?
Emma, it's not what you think...
I think I can make it tastier.
All right, I'll see what I can do!
30 minutes later.
All done!
In front of us, the liquid simmers in the cauldron.
... You call this food?
I mean, technically speaking, you could eat it.
... Don't ask me.
This is my first time testing out this recipe, but I think it turned out nice!
What should we name it?
Agent Green.
The Devil's Halitosis.
Huh? I don't think I quite understand...
Forget I said anything.
Well, names can wait.
Who wants to be the first to taste it?
I'm positive you'll enjoy it, honestly!
Why don't you try it yourself then...
... I'm not hungry.
Er... I'm... on a diet! Yeah!
I have indigestion.
I've got heartburn.
Oh, really?
I was afraid this would happen...
... so I brought some stomach medicine with me!
My, my, what got you into this?
I was afraid this would happen, so I prepared some antacids.
Those should help with your heartburn.
...
Come on, open up and say "aaahhhh".
Ether, Harran.
Yeah?
What is it?
Give me a decent burial.
We will.
You got it.
I open my mouth, and take the plunge.
*Gulp*
4. The Loner, the Snake, and the Witch's Love Potion
124 lines...
Vesti and I came to walk around the park, but she seems somewhat morose.
Is something wrong?
It's just that...
Whenever I go on an operation, it seems that fewer and fewer people talk to me.
And I find it difficult to approach people first, so...
You're having a hard time making new friends?
Yeah...
I'll call someone who can help you.
Who?
You'll see. They'll be able to help you, I'm sure of it.
I'm honored that I'm the first person you thought of for help!
What is it that you need exactly?
Teach Vesti how to make friends.
Teach Vesti how to interact with others.
I-I'd really appreciate it.
Am I free to use my own methods?
Sure, but don't go too hard on her.
I'll keep that in mindโก
The three of us sit down at a picnic table.
To be honest, making friends isn't that difficult.
At the end of the day, it's all about presenting yourself in a way that people will admire.
How do I do that?
First, it's good to target someone you feel might connect with you.
If you're lucky, they'll view you favorably right from the beginningโก
Viper scoots closer to me.
Viper starts to gently caress my hand.
Some light physical contact.
Humans can't deny their biological urges.
By doing this, you're giving someone a signal that you're interested in them, and you're inviting them to do the same.
Vesti also scoots close and starts to caress my hand.
My knuckles are starting to hurt from the constant pressure.
After the initial contact, it's easy.
You arrange to meet with someone as often as you can, then you can talk and open up to each other.
I think that covers the basics.
Open up to each other... open up...
...
Is something wrong, Honey?
Nothing, I'm just surprised is all. That went much more smoothly than I thought it would.
Okay.
No.
Are you sure?
I turn my head to look at Viper, and am greeted by...
Harran? What are you doing here?
...!
We were teaching Vesti how to make friends.
That's easy. Here.
Harran gives Vesti a small bottle filled with a pink-colored liquid.
It's a love potion.
A what?
Friendship, love... what's the difference?
Once you get the hang of using that potion, you can use it however you see fit.
Well, the most important thing is having an open heart and an open mind, after all...
I can assure you that anything I make will be effective.
...
...
...
Viper, Vesti, and Harran all go silent, then quietly turn their heads in my direction.
Wait. You're kidding, right?
Yeah! And I was just saying how you owe me, Honeyโก
...
Please Commander, would you do this for me?
Vesti hands me the bottle.
What are you waiting for? Hurry up and drink it.
I'm curious to see how you look when you're in love.
... Fine.
I close my eyes and drink the potion.
I...
I stare at Vesti, Viper, and Harran one by one.
I don't feel any different.
I don't think so.
That's too bad...
It probably feels like there's no effect because I've already opened up my heart to you.
Now that Viper gave us some pointers, we can put them into practice next time.
Yeah!
*Beep*
Okay, be careful on the way back.
Vesti turns around and leaves.
Thanks for doing that, Harran.
What do you mean?
For giving me a placebo instead of a real love potion.
I did give you the real thing...
But that would mean...
*Thump*
...!
All of a sudden, it seems like a light is emanating from Harran and Viper.
Hehe, something wrong?
Dang, that potion must be some strong stuff.
*Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump*
My heart beats faster and faster as Viper and Harran come closer.
Wa-wait!
Commander, look at me.
...
I quickly focus my eyes on a pebble on the ground.
... For some reason, the pebble suddenly appears rather lovely.
Don't try to resist!
Even though it is amusing to watch you squirm.
The potion should last for about an hour. In the meantime, why don't we enjoy ourselves?
Honey, I'd much prefer you lavish some attention on me instead of a pebble.
I've got to ward off Harran and Viper's efforts to seduce me, at least until the potion wears off.
5. Big O vs. Organization
123 linesYou're right on time, Partner.
Tonight is the night when the red moon rises and shines over the Surface's abyss.
The time has finally come for us to punish the Big O.
And it's all thanks to this sacred book...
...
Wait, who's this with you? She's a Nikke, isn't she?
She's Seimeikai's...
She's the Queen of the Underworld's...
I'm Sakura.
Commander-kun and I happen to be on a mission together.
What you just said struck me as rather curious.
Are you... trying to exact vengeance on a certain organization?
!!
Yes.
Partner and I have come here for a purpose.
We shall harness the power of the sacred book to inflict destruction upon those who are guilty.
Together, we shall bring order to this filthy cesspool of a world.
Order?
Yes, Sacred Order, to be precise.
Do you want in? If you do, you picked the perfect time.
If you had tried earlier, you'd have needed 5 registered members to vouch for you.
We can make an exception for now, though. You've got Partner and I's seal of approval, and that will suffice.
...
I'm not sure how to put this, but...
You haven't told me enough for me to feel comfortable joining you just yet.
You could at least tell me the name of the organization you keep referring to,
and the crimes they've committed.
Oh, that... erm... that may be a bit of an issue.
A most heinous and powerful injunction has been inflicted upon me.
It prevents me from telling anyone the truth about the Big O.
Ah, so that's it!
The opposing organization has you under a non-disclosure agreement.
I get it now.
Controlling information is always one of the main focuses for any organization once they start to scale up.
This is like watching a conversation between two people in two different languages.
This is like watching the blind lead the blind. Very funny.
Far from it, Partner.
I assure you, we are very much on the same page. Down to the letter, in fact.
... It's nothing. Pretend I never said anything.
Sakura,
while I cannot reveal too much,
one thing is certain.
...
The Big O
was birthed in a bed of oppression
and raised in the cradle of discrimination.
In the end, it will devour its own bitter fruit and be entombed in the catacombs we call disillusionment.
The Big O is the embodiment of all that is evil in this world.
...
Oh, you mean Ahriman?
I was just trying to get in the spirit of things.
You asked me what crimes the organization has committed.
I don't need to answer that question.
Why? you ask?
Because all the crimes in the entire world are committed by the Big O!
Slaughter, oppression, discrimination, exploitation, and all manner of other unspeakable atrocities.
If I were to list them all, my heart couldn't withstand the anguish.
...
You're telling me there's a reprehensible organization like this in the Ark, yet we haven't heard anything about it?
Well, now that I've been informed, I can't turn a blind eye to this.
I may not know the full scoop as it were,
but you are Commander-kun's friend, that's good enough for me.
For that alone, I'll take you at your word.
Hee hee. Good thinking.
What is it that you require? Additional manpower?
Yes. There is always strength in numbers.
Even better if you can find specialists who excel at facing several foes at once. They will be our most powerful strategic assets.
Very well.
I have my fair share of experience with resolving conflicts between different organizations.
...??
Sakura raises one hand and summons her henchmen.
Boss!
We are to engage in a conflict.
This Nikke will tell you the position of the hostile forces.
In three days' time, you will capture each and every senior member of the opposing organization. I want them alive.
Yes, ma'am!
Wa... Wait! Wait a second!
What?
Um... it's just that...
...
Hee hee.
Muahahahaha!!
Oh boy...
I didn't expect to actually meet someone willing to indulge me.
It's always super awkward having to break character, but...
Aw man, this sucks.
...
Guillotine takes out her cell phone.
... It's me.
Ingrid, I mean... Codename Jarhead.
Why didn't you tell me the leader of an actual organization in the Outpost had shown up?
If I'd known, I wouldn't have...
What?
What do you mean this is Mustang's jurisdiction? So I have to care of it myself?
No, no. Listen. It's because of your carelessness that I'm about to get wrapped up in a real-life conflict! What does...
The other end hangs up.
...
Erm... Partner...
Have you sensed it?
The time has finally come...
... for me to utilize my hidden skill of teleportation.
Take me with you.
... Just go. I'll handle the rest.
No.
You're the Great Qualifier. The only one capable of making alterations to the metaverse.
Don't fret. Even if you remain here, we may well meet again in another parallel universe.
Please forgive me, Partner.
*Sob* I have faith in you. I'm leaving. Farewell.
L
Telema
Solus
Guillotine scampers off, twirling the hem of her coat.
...
I... honestly have no idea.
6. Cats and Dogs
95 linesI met Marciana to go over some work matters, and we're taking a walk together.
We have a good amount of time before the next joint assessment,
so there's no need to feel rushed.
Thanks for all the help.
It's nothing. Just doing my job.
Do you want to eat something before we go back in?
We have some time left before the exam, but maybe not that much, so I'll just head back.
*Sniff sniff*
...?
*Sniff sniff*
...!
That's far enough, you guys!
Woof woof!
The dogs gaze at Marciana with adoration and excitement.
...
Hey, Biscuit.
Hello!
Out for a walk?
The dogs seem to be fans of you, Marciana.
Woof woof!
The dogs continue to stare at Marciana with unbridled exuberance.
They certainly do.
These guys are instinctively drawn towards animal lovers.
Do you like dogs, by any chance?
I'm fine with that.
Oh, um... I usually...
Biscuit and the dogs all regard Marciana eagerly.
Meow!
...?
Meeeeow!
...!
A cat brushes up against Marciana's leg.
!!
What are you two doing all the way out here?
Hey, Nero.
... Hello.
Hi, Nero.
Have you started going on walks too?
I didn't know cats went on walks.
As if.
Of course they do.
I came out because my new friend wanted to go outside, and we ended up all the way here.
It appears we've wandered pretty far out,
so we should be getting back.
Meow!
The feline clearly has no intention of leaving Marciana's side.
...
Looks like she's taken a fancy to you, Marciana.
Meow!
She's saying she'll go back once Marciana plays with her.
... Sorry?
...
Fortunately, I brought a cat toy just in case something like this happened.
You're more than welcome to use it.
Meow!
The cat's eyes light up as soon as it sees the toy.
But I...
Woof woof!
Meow!
You won't have to play with her for long. Just for a few minutes, and then you can be on your way.
Woof woof woof!
But the dogs are really chomping at the bit to play too.
Meoooow!
Woof woof!
...
Both the cat and the dogs cling to Marciana,
with neither side willing to budge an inch.
Seems so.
Meow!
Woof!
Everyone glances at Marciana in anticipation.
...
Help me out here.
Sorry, can't help you.
...
In the end, Marciana went for a walk with the dogs.
At the same time, she played with the cat using a drone. Only after she had played with every last animal was she able to return home.
7. Dogs' Loyalty
100 linesGrrrr...
Woof woof!
Hehe, they said they wouldn't think about leaving me for a second.
Excellent!
They'd never turn their back on their owner, no matter what happened.
That's the true definition of loyalty.
...
Arriving at the Goddess of Victory statue, I see Moran with Biscuit and her dogs.
Hey, you two.
I just went out for a little walk.
Hey, Cadet.
Same here. I was taking a walk when I ran into Biscuit and her furry friends.
I was testing how loyal they are.
Loyalty training, you could call it.
I didn't realize such training existed.
Thanks to Moran, my doggies are more trustworthy than ever.
Glad to help!
Actually,
I was just about to move onto practical training.
Any chance you could give me a hand, Cadet?
How can I help?
Moran comes up to me and whispers into my ear.
Use these sweet potato treats
to tempt the dogs.
If they stay by Biscuit, then they pass.
If they come to you, then they fail.
I'm willing to bet they'll make a beeline straight for me.
Okay.
I approach the dogs, who are playing with Biscuit.
Hey fellas, look at this.
Come over here, and I'll give you a nice little treat.
I shake the sweet potato-flavored treats in an attempt to entice the dogs.
Grrrr...
Max sits down and glares at me, not budging an inch.
Very nice! Max is as loyal as they come.
... Woof woof!
*Tadadak*
!!
The other dogs all make a mad rush for me and the treat I'm holding...
... as does Biscuit.
Biscuit, what are you doing?!
Nobody can resist sweet potato treats.
These fellas are still puppies. They might be too young for all this.
Max didn't move at all, though! Hehe.
I refrain from asking Biscuit
why she herself wasn't able to resist.
No, we can do this.
This only happened because it was our first attempt.
Let's start from the beginning and go over the training again.
Loyalty is an important attribute to have, both for animals and humans alike.
Moran continues to teach the puppies about loyalty.
A few hours later...
Okay, give it another shot, Cadet.
Moran looks at me, brimming with confidence.
Okay.
I approach Biscuit and the dogs.
*Swish swish*
Hey fellas, check this out.
If you come here, I've got three treats for each of you.
I once again tempt the dogs with the sweet potato treats.
...
...
...
In stark contrast to the previous effort, both the dogs and Biscuit remain firmly in place.
They are all, however, drooling quite heavily.
Three minutes later,
all the dogs are still in their original spots, firmly beside Biscuit.
Amazing.
Told you!
Nothing is impossible.
Very good, everyone. You've officially passed the test.
You've all earned your sweet potato treats, so help yourselves.
Woof woof!
Bark bark!
The dogs rush towards the treats that I'm holding.
Hehe, delicious.
... Biscuit included.
No matter what happens, you must never allow your loyalty to waver, okay?
You have to protect your master, Biscuit.
Woof woof!
Bark bark!
The same goes for you too, Biscuit. You're their owner and you need to protect them as well.
Got it!
Woof woof! Woof woof! Woof woof!
Loyalty! Woof! Loyalty! Woof! Hehehe!
...
Biscuit, the dogs, and Moran all eat the treats while chanting "loyalty" for an inordinately long time.
8. Flexibility Contest
140 linesIt's this way, Gym Rat.
Rumani, what's this about?
You specifically asked me to come.
The thing is I'm planning to hold an event in the Ark,
so I wanted to test whether I'd set up everything properly before it starts.
I invited a few others as well. I wonder where they are?
An event?
*Rustle* *Rustle*
Out of nowhere, I hear a rustling above the tree.
Then, something drops right in front of us.
!!
We should have one more arriving shortly.
And right then, the manhole cover on the ground starts to lift.
Quency emerges from the opening while wriggling her body.
Quency? What are you doing here?
I asked her to come.
By chance, I saw her emerging from a tunnel she'd dug, and her movements made it clear she was no ordinary person.
Movements? What does that have to do with anything?
!?
Quency nimbly maneuvers her way through confined spaces on a daily basis.
Nero is so incredibly flexible that you'd almost think she's liquid.
Pre-workout stretching is imperative, no matter what kind of exercise you're doing.
I thought inviting you all here would make for a good challenge.
Rumani is probably the most flexible of us all, thanks to the stretching she does before her workouts.
Does this mean...
... Am I supposed to be joining in as well?
No.
Your role is to observe and judge which of us is the most flexible.
Here's the schedule we'll be following, so please make sure to follow it in order.
Phew... That's a relief.
So, what does the winner get?
Oh, it's going to be something amazing, for sure!
You'll get unlimited gym access for an entire year!
... Not interested.
Me neither.
Bottle caps!
Catnip or snacks would be nice.
Awesome! I'm suddenly so pumped up!
Same here!
And with that, the flexibility contest begins.
First up, we have the splits.
Meow.
Hyah!
Hmph.
Whoa!
All three of them effortlessly execute a perfect split.
Next, keep your upper body and face on the ground while raising your hips into the air and resting the soles of your feet on your head.
What in the world is this pose?
It's a yoga pose called the Scorpion.
One which requires significant pliability and strength.
I doubt either of these two will be able toโ
!!
Before Rumani has even finished her sentence, Nero and Quency have already gotten into perfect Scorpion poses with completely calm expressions.
Wow...
Sure thing.
Although the poses get progressively more challenging, all three Nikkes manage to pull them off with ease.
As the competition drags on and I start to feel exhausted, all that remains is the final challenge.
The last challenge is the limbo.
The bar will be set at 30 centimeters.
You must bend backwards and pass under the bar without touching it.
Seriously? This is so unfair for someone with my physical "gifts"!
Meow.
Pfft...
Since I'll probably fail anyway, I'll go first.
Quency steps forward and carefully bends backward.
With her body practically lying on the ground, she attempts to pass beneath the bar, but...
*Bump*
Dang it.
Just as I thought!
There's no way I can do 30 centimeters with my body shape!
But hey, rules are rules, so I'll throw in the towel.
All right, Quency is eliminated!
I'll give it a go next.
Nero leans back, smoothly passes under the bar like water.
Nicely done.
!!
Nero is almost all the way through when...
*Bump*
Uh... Your tail hit it.
Nero is out as well!
Considering two of us are already out, you might as well win.
Meow.
Hmph...!
Rumani calmly arched her body,
then starts to inch forward using her strong core and impressive flexibility.
Phew... Unghh...!
*Bump*
*Thud*
Rumani is out as well.
... No one won?
Seems so.
I'll have to focus more on my stretching for a while.
I may have lost,
but experiencing the event firsthand has been incredibly useful.
Thank you, Nero and Quency, for your help.
I'll give you the items you mentioned earlier as gifts.
What? Really?
Are you serious?
Consider it a participation prize.
Just do me a favor and participate when the event takes place at the Ark.
Of course!
Meow! Meow meow!
The prize for the actual event will indeed be a free gym membership for a year,
a fact that Nero and Quency seem blissfully unaware of as they look forward to the next event.
9. A Walk With Friends
89 linesI have some free time, and so I've decided to take a walk.
?
As I'm walking, I see something that makes me question my own eyesight.
*Blink*
No matter how many times I blink, the scene before me remains unchanged.
Huh?
It's a lion...
Hey, Zoo Keeper!
Hello, Master.
Two Nikkes...
...
And a starfish, all enjoying a leisurely stroll together.
Hey.
... What are you doing, exactly?
We're taking Timi for a walk.
... I see a starfish is tagging along as well?
Anchor has a leash in one hand, the other end of which is tied to a starfish.
Yeah, I'm taking this little guy for a walk.
Wow, a walking starfish!
... Hold up. Is that even possible?
No wonder it looked livelier than the others.
...
Looking closely, I notice that the starfish is slowly inching forward.
*Graul*
*Graul*?
I didn't realize you two were good friends.
We've spoken a few times.
Since the weather is nice today, Timi and I went for a walk, and we ended up running into Anchor and her little friend.
I must say, I've never seen someone take a starfish for a walk before.
Neither have I.
I don't think many people have.
*Graul*
Oh my.
What is it?
Anchor, could you pet Timi?
Sure.
Anchor gently pats Timi's head.
*Graul*!
Seems like he enjoys it.
Yeah, Timi's a fan of Anchor.
*Pat pat*
Anchor continues to pet Timi for a while.
*Graul*!
He wants you to pet him more.
No problemo!
*Pet pet pet pet pet pet pet*
*Graul*... *Graul*...
Could I pet your starfish too?
Sure. Here.
Anchor picks up the starfish with both hands.
*Squish*
Whoa, it's such a strange feeling.
Zzzz...
Timi seems tired.
Leona brings the starfish she is holding towards Timi's face.
*Chomp*
!?
!?
Timi!
?
Timi suddenly bites down on the starfish.
Leona hurriedly pries open Timi's mouth, retrieves the starfish, and bows apologetically to Anchor.
I'm so sorry about that!
It's Timi's first time seeing a starfish, so he must have mistaken it for food instead of a friend.
Even though it went straight into a lion's mouth?
Yeah.
During the day, starfish like to remain in the sunlight,
but at night, they prefer dark places, like spots under rocks and in other crevices.
It just told me it liked being in Timi's mouth because it was dark and cozy inside.
*Graul*?
...
Well... I guess that makes sense.
In that case, would it like to hang out in Timi's mouth while we head back?
Sure!
...
...
And so, the already thoroughly bizarre stroll
ended with a lion becoming a temporary carriage for a starfish.
10. The Temptation of Candy
118 linesI have plans with Soline today, so after my meeting, I head to the park.
There you are!
Hello, Soline.
?
Well?
Soline looks at me with expectant eyes.
I'm not sure.
Ah, you're wearing that.
Sorry.
Hehe, I knew you'd notice!
This is one of my most cherished outfits, but I wore it today just for you, Commander!
Oh, thanks.
So... you said there's something you want to do today?
*Rustle*
Soline hurriedly pulls out a memo.
No can do.
Wow, a hard no, huh?
Heh, I figured as much...
Then the second one is...
to down the same black coffee the Commander drinks at the cafe in one go.
... You sure that's what you really want?
O-of course!
You'd better stop thinking of me as a little kid already.
Starting today, I'm showing off my brand new image! Hehe!
...
A bet?
Yeah!
Whoever does something childish today has to grant the other a wish.
Simple enough, right?
Sure, let's do it.
Hey there, you two!
Got a sec?
Wanna try some super tasty candy?
Crust?
I've got plans with Soline today.
Ah, I see!
I've been handing out samples of a new dessert I made!
How about trying one before you go?
Lucky you, there are only two left!
Oh, thanks.
Without a second thought, I pop the candy into my mouth.
...
!
Mm... it's good!
*Munch, munch*
...
H-hey, Commander...
do you even realize you look like a kid
when you're chewing on candy like that...?
Hehe, so what if he looks like a kid?
You don't get the chance to eat candy this delicious very often!
So, Soline, why don't you try some too?
Crust holds out a candy to Soline.
So, what about the last one?
No worries, I'll have it.
Ahhh...
What do you mean?
?
Yeah, it's fine with me.
Okay then! Say "Ahhh," Soline!
Ahhh...
The candy slips into her mouth.
How is it?
Hehe, I'm glad you like it!
Mmm... mmm...
Just like me, Soline totally forgets about our bet and gleefully rolls the candy around in her mouth.
...
Hehe, I'm in a great mood! All right, Commander, let's get going!
Well, I guess it's fine as long as Soline's happy.
11. Firepower Counseling Clinic
106 linesFeeling a bit stiff, I head out to the park for a walk.
Neon is giving advice with a serious look on her face.
*Gasp* So my firepower...!
Cocoa listens with an equally serious expression.
What are you girls doing here?
Oh, Master?
Neon? Giving advice?
Yeap, that's right!
After all, I'm Neo-Neon now, remember?
I was counseling Cocoa to help her with her growth.
Is something wrong, Cocoa?
Mm-hm... I made a mistake at the Maid Cafe today.
For a professional maid like me, one small mistake is grounds for disqualification!
Everyone makes mistakes.
No one is perfect.
The world is full of people just striving to be better.
But I'm a professional maid. I have to be perfect.
And yet... I'm not.
What if I can never work as a maid again?
The spark behind her firepower?
Yes.
Everyone carries one in their heart, you know?
That spark grows stronger by burning the fuel we call confidence. But when an unexpected storm hits, it can weaken in an instant.
In the most dire of circumstances, it can even fizzle out completely.
That's the state Cocoa's spark is in right now.
Oh no! Then what should I do?
You need firepower training to kindle that spark back to life!
How do I do that?
First, you gather your firepower using Firepower Breathing.
Firepower Breathing?
Neon repeatedly inhales and exhales.
...
Would you like to give it a try?
Wow! You did great!
I did?
Yes! Your focus was incredible!
Next, we shout the Firepower Chant three times.
The Firepower Chant?
Yeap!
Cocoa's firepower is the best! Cocoa's firepower is the best!
Cocoa's firepower is the best! Just like that.
... Shouting it alone is kinda embarrassing though.
You have to do it to ignite the spark of your firepower!
Still... it's embarrassing!
... Do you want me to help?
Okay.
Cocoa's firepower is the best!
Cocoa's... firepower... is the best...
Louder!
Cocoa's firepower is the best!
Cocoa's firepower... is the best!
Good!
Oh! I feel energized already!
Cocoa's... firepower... is the best!
... Before I know it, confidence begins to show in Cocoa's eyes.
We continue firepower training for a while.
The final part of the training is Firepower Memory.
You fuel the spark of your firepower by recalling your past accomplishments.
My past accomplishments...
Like the times when Ade and Soda praised you.
Or when your customers were happy to see you.
Now, close your eyes.
Take a moment to think.
See?
Neon...
I think I should head to the Maid Cafe right now.
I feel like I can get back out there and work again.
*Jingle*
Neon pulls a keychain from her pocket.
This is my limited edition shell casing keychain.
Here, I'll let you borrow this.
Whenever you need firepower, just take it out and look at it, and your firepower will be restored.
Are you really sure about this?
Yup. I've gotten a lot stronger lately, so I'm packed with firepower!
Thank you!
If you ever feel like your firepower's weakening again, come find me anytime.
You can do it, Cocoa!
I've got this!
Cocoa leaves the park with a confident look on her face.



