Yuuki was halfway through preparing lunch when he heard the soft shuffle of footsteps behind him—lighter than before, unarmored, unhurried. The quiet hum of the kitchen, the clink of utensils, and the steady rhythm of cooking gave the moment a strange sense of normalcy he had not felt in a long time.
He turned.
And paused.
"Wow…"
For a brief second, he simply stared.
They stood there—not as soldiers, not as shipgirls clad in combat suits—but as young women in carefully chosen dresses, each one carrying a different charm that reflected who they were beneath the armor.
Belfast stepped forward slightly, holding the edge of her dress with practiced elegance.
"Ehee… isn't it pretty, Master?"
Behind her, the others followed suit.
Atago turned slowly, her dress flowing naturally with her movement, the fabric catching the light in a way that felt almost deliberate.
Takao hesitated for a moment before doing the same, clearly less accustomed to such things, but she still gave a small, composed turn—her faint blush betraying her usual restraint.
Illustrious smiled softly as she spun once, graceful and light, as if she had done this a thousand times before.
Yorktown and Enterprise stood side by side at first, exchanging a quick glance, before Yorktown gave a playful twirl and Enterprise followed with a more subtle one.
They looked at him.
All of them.
"Commander, what do you think?" Yorktown asked.
Yuuki let out a small breath, then smiled.
"Yeah… you all look really pretty."
He leaned slightly against the counter.
"I'd say it was worth every credit."
That was all it took.
Their reactions were immediate.
Smiles.
Genuine ones.
Unrestrained.
Atago covered her mouth lightly, clearly pleased.
Illustrious's eyes softened.
Belfast straightened slightly, satisfied.
Yorktown laughed quietly.
Enterprise looked away—but the faint curve of her lips gave her away.
Takao lowered her gaze, still blushing.
They began talking among themselves, comparing dresses again, pointing out small details, adjusting sleeves, smoothing fabric. It was lively, natural, and completely free of the tension that had followed them since entering Aqua.
Yuuki watched them quietly.
There was something different about this.
The way they smiled.
The way they carried themselves.
The way they seemed… lighter.
Like children being praised for something they had worked hard on.
His gaze shifted slightly.
Each of them wore the brooch.
Pinned carefully.
Proudly.
The soft glow reflected against the fabric of their dresses, subtle but unmistakable.
To anyone else, it might have looked like a simple accessory.
But Yuuki understood now.
To them—
It meant far more.
More than medals.
More than ranks.
More than anything issued by command.
Because this—
Was something given.
Not assigned.
And that made all the difference.
They gathered around the table not long after, the earlier excitement settling into something softer but no less meaningful. The food Yuuki prepared was simple compared to the extravagance of Aqua's upper districts, yet it carried a warmth that none of the artificial cuisine outside could replicate.
They sat close—closer than necessary—dresses carefully adjusted, brooches catching the light with every small movement. There was a quiet understanding in the air, one that did not need to be spoken aloud.
Yuuki noticed it immediately.
They were not just wearing those dresses.
They were wearing them for him.
"Ufufu… we're only wearing these for you, you know," Yorktown said, resting her chin lightly on her hand as she looked at him.
"Oh my…" Illustrious added with a gentle laugh, her tone playful but sincere.
Atago and Takao both gave small nods in agreement, though Takao's expression was far more restrained—her faint blush betraying her nonetheless.
Enterprise avoided direct eye contact, but the color on her cheeks said enough.
Belfast maintained her composure as always, yet there was a subtle softness in her eyes that had not been there before.
Yuuki paused mid-motion, then shrugged lightly.
"I see… then you should dress however you like all the time."
There was a brief silence.
"Not all the time, Commander…" Yorktown replied.
"It's only for you," Illustrious added gently.
Yuuki blinked.
"Why?"
Several of them exchanged looks.
Atago sighed softly, smiling as she spoke in Japanese.
"Shikikan-sama is really dense."
Takao nodded in agreement.
Even Enterprise and Illustrious sighs.
Yorktown? She just let a silent huff.
Yuuki frowned slightly.
"What did I do?"
"Nothing," Belfast replied smoothly, stepping in before anyone else could elaborate.
Atago leaned back slightly, her smile turning more mischievous.
"Then we simply have to try harder."
Yuuki narrowed his eyes just a bit.
"…I'm not sure I like the sound of that."
None of them answered.
Instead, the conversation shifted naturally.
Belfast set her utensils down neatly.
"I noticed you purchased additional pieces."
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. You all took your time back there, so I figured you had something in mind."
They did not deny it.
"Yes," Belfast said. "We selected some for the others as well."
Illustrious smiled.
"For Wales and Unicorn."
Yorktown added,
"For Laffey and Sandy."
Enterprise continued,
"For Eldridge and Vestal."
Atago glanced at Takao before speaking.
"And for Akagi and Kaga."
Takao nodded once.
"As well as Akashi and Nimi."
Yuuki leaned back slightly, realization settling in.
"…No wonder you took another hour."
Atago smiled warmly this time.
"Yes."
Illustrious added softly,
"We did not want to leave anyone out."
There was a quiet pause.
Yuuki looked at them again.
At the dresses.
At the brooches.
At the way they carried themselves—not just as individuals, but as a group.
"…You really thought this through," he said.
Belfast inclined her head slightly.
"It is only natural."
Yorktown smiled.
"We're not the only ones who deserve something like this."
Enterprise gave a small nod.
"They've all been through the same."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…Yeah."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Atago leaned forward slightly, her tone returning to something lighter.
"Ufufu… but for now…"
Illustrious followed,
"We will enjoy being the ones beside you."
Yorktown added with a faint smile,
"Just for today."
Yuuki shook his head slightly, but there was no resistance in it.
"…You girls are something else."
And despite everything waiting for them later—
For now—
They simply ate together.
Like it was normal.
Like it had always been this way.
=============
A few hours passed quietly.
The table was cleared, every utensil cleaned and stored with Belfast's usual precision. The room, once lively with laughter and soft chatter, settled into a calm stillness. One by one, they allowed themselves a short rest—just enough to reset their bodies, not enough to dull their focus.
By the time Yuuki opened his eyes again—
It was nearly six.
The shift was immediate.
The warmth of earlier was gone.
Replaced by purpose.
Yuuki stood already suited in his Mark 86 armor, the nanomachine frame forming seamlessly around him. A shimmering white cloak draped over his shoulders, its surface subtly shifting with ambient light. The helmet sealed into place, and with a final motion, he pulled the hood forward—his silhouette becoming something far more imposing.
Behind him—
Movement.
"Preparations are ready, Commander."
Yorktown stepped forward first.
Then the others followed.
Enterprise.
Belfast.
Illustrious.
Atago.
Takao.
All of them—
Back in their power suits.
Golden cloaks shimmered faintly over their forms, hoods drawn, faces hidden once more beneath controlled composure.
Atago adjusted her stance, resting a hand lightly near her sword.
"…We're going to miss this place."
Takao stood beside her, already focused.
"…Temporary comfort."
Belfast glanced around the room one last time.
"It costs 5,000 credits per night."
Enterprise crossed her arms slightly.
"But it was provided."
A faint pause.
Illustrious smiled softly.
"Then we were fortunate."
Yuuki looked at all of them.
The contrast was clear.
Just hours ago—
They were laughing.
Trying on dresses.
Arguing over small things.
Now—
They stood ready for war.
He gave a small nod.
"At least we made use of it."
Then his tone shifted.
"Ready?"
They didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
No doubt.
No fear.
Only resolve.
Yuuki turned toward the door.
"Then let's go."
A pause.
"Win Avrora back."
His voice hardened slightly.
"And bring those Nikkes home."
The door opened.
And just like that—
The calm ended.
The operation began.
===============
They entered the auction hall without resistance.
The invitation alone was enough to open doors that would have otherwise remained sealed. Guards stepped aside, attendants bowed slightly, and within moments, Yuuki and his group were escorted into a private viewing room elevated above the main floor.
From there, they had a clear vantage point.
Below them, the hall stretched wide—rows of seats filled with wealthy bidders, augmented elites, and silent enforcers standing behind them like shadows. Screens displayed lot numbers, bid increments, and upcoming items. The atmosphere was heavy, not with excitement—but with control.
The attendants remained for a moment.
"Would you require anything, honored guests?"
"No," Belfast answered calmly.
"We will call if needed."
They bowed and left.
The door closed.
Silence.
"So this is an auction," Atago said, looking down at the crowd.
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. A place where the rich compete over ownership."
Takao's expression hardened.
"…Ownership of people."
Yuuki did not correct her.
Instead—
He moved.
With a flick of his hand, three weapons materialized.
He handed them out.
Enterprise
Yorktown
Belfast
Each received a Volt Auto Rifle.
"Still remember how to use these?" Yuuki asked.
Enterprise checked the weight immediately.
"Yes."
Yorktown adjusted her grip.
"We trained with them back at the ruined headquarters."
Belfast gave a small nod.
"The former commander's vault."
Yuuki nodded.
"Good."
Yorktown hesitated slightly.
"…Commander… are you sure about these?"
She glanced at the rifle.
"These are… excessive."
She knew what they could do.
The electrical discharge.
The secondary electric explosive mode.
"They're not machines," she added quietly.
Yuuki leaned back slightly.
"You control the output."
He gestured.
"Green zone—lethal."
"Yellow—electrocution."
"Red—paralysis."
A pause.
"You decide."
Enterprise nodded.
"We start non-lethal."
Yorktown followed.
"Then escalate if needed."
Belfast added,
"A controlled response."
Yuuki gave a small nod.
"Exactly."
Then—
He turned.
"To you two."
Atago and Takao stepped forward.
He materialized two rifles.
"Vervack R59 Pierce—silenced variant."
Takao examined it immediately. The rifle is quite compact, can be easily broken down for transport.
"Compact."
Atago smiled faintly.
"And precise."
Yuuki nodded.
"Armor-piercing rounds. Four-shot magazine. Integrated scope with directional audio and night vision."
Takao gave a small approving nod.
"Efficient."
Atago rested it lightly against her shoulder.
"Onee-san approves."
Then—
Yuuki turned to the last.
Illustrious.
He paused slightly—
Then materialized something far heavier.
A shoulder-mounted weapon.
"Merlin's Personal Ion Cannon—Mark I."
Illustrious blinked.
"…Oh my."
Yuuki explained calmly.
"One shot. Guaranteed kill at full power. It's a cannon."
A pause.
"You can reduce output. Use it as a force weapon instead."
Illustrious held it carefully, surprisingly composed despite the sheer power of the weapon.
"You trust me with this?"
Yuuki met her gaze.
"I do."
A faint smile formed.
"Then I will not disappoint."
Yuuki turned back to the group.
"Also—something I should've told you earlier."
Yorktown narrowed her eyes slightly.
"That sounds suspicious."
"You can sync your weapons with your HUD."
They paused.
"Activate synchronization mode," Yuuki continued. "Your suit will track ammo, trajectory, and targeting."
Enterprise activated it first.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…Trajectory overlay confirmed."
Yorktown followed.
"…This shows impact prediction."
Belfast tested hers.
"…And ammunition tracking."
They looked at him.
"…You could have told us this earlier back at the headquarter and the vault," Yorktown said.
Yuuki scratched his helmet slightly.
"…Slipped my mind."
Belfast sighed softly.
Enterprise gave him a look.
Yorktown pouted.
"Commander…"
Yuuki raised a hand defensively.
"Hey, at least you trained to use them manually."
"I've got a Mark II of the Merlin's Personal Ion Cannon too."
A pause.
"…But that one's overkill."
Atago smirked.
"That coming from you says a lot."
Yuuki rested his hand lightly on the console, watching the auction floor below for a moment before speaking again, his tone shifting back into something more technical and precise.
"There's one more thing you should know about your weapons."
That alone was enough to get their full attention.
"The power suit can activate what we call Heroic Mode."
Yorktown tilted her head slightly.
"Heroic… mode?"
Yuuki nodded once, keeping his explanation measured.
"It's a conditional amplification system. Only works when the weapon is synced with your suit—or mine."
Enterprise's gaze sharpened immediately.
"…Meaning it draws from the suit's energy reserves."
"Exactly," Yuuki confirmed.
He gestured, bringing up a brief visual overlay on their HUDs.
"It reroutes power directly into the weapon systems. You'll see the difference instantly."
He continued, now more specific.
"Volt Auto Rifles—output spikes dramatically. The discharge becomes heavier, more concentrated. Secondary fire becomes a high-density electrical burst."
Belfast nodded slightly.
"Lethality increases significantly."
Yuuki continued.
"The Personal Ion Cannon—beam shifts color. Slight purple tint. That means it's running at amplified ion density. More penetration. More destruction."
Illustrious glanced at her weapon, clearly understanding the implication.
"…That would not leave much behind."
Yuuki didn't disagree.
"And the sniper rifles," he added, looking toward Atago and Takao, "become armor-piercing with explosive payload on impact."
Takao's expression didn't change, but her grip adjusted slightly.
"A decisive weapon."
Atago gave a soft hum.
"Dangerous… even for us."
Yuuki nodded.
"It also increases ammo efficiency and capacity during activation."
Enterprise folded her arms slightly.
"So it is not just power. It is sustained output."
"Correct."
A pause settled.
Then Yuuki's tone lowered.
"I am not authorizing it."
The room went still.
"Not unless we absolutely have to," he clarified.
Yorktown let out a small breath.
"…That makes sense."
Belfast added calmly,
"It would be excessive in a controlled environment."
Takao nodded.
"Collateral risk is too high."
Illustrious smiled faintly.
"Then we reserve it for when restraint is no longer required."
Atago leaned slightly against the wall, her voice softer now.
"Ufufu… an overkill mode."
Yuuki glanced back toward the auction floor.
"…Exactly."
Because if they ever reached the point of using it—
It meant subtlety had already failed.
And when that happened—
There would be nothing left to hold back.
===============
From the privacy of the elevated room, Yuuki let his gaze drift across the hall—not toward the stage this time, but toward the crowd.
That was where the real targets were.
And there they were.
Near the center aisle, surrounded by attendants and guards, stood El Molo—loud, bloated with confidence, and just as repulsive as before. The chains in his hands were not hidden, not disguised, but displayed openly like trophies.
At the end of those chains—
Two figures.
Anis struggled to keep her footing, her expression hardened into something that tried to resemble defiance but was weighed down by exhaustion.
Beside her, Neon looked smaller, quieter, her movements restrained not by lack of strength, but by the knowledge of what resistance would bring.
Yuuki's eyes lingered on them for only a moment.
Then shifted.
Across the hall—
Another figure.
Dressed in wealth rather than power.
Composed in posture, but hollow in presence.
Magnifico.
Unlike El Molo, he did not shout.
He did not boast.
He simply existed with the quiet arrogance of someone who believed ownership was his right.
And beside him—
Two girls.
Dressed as maids.
Elegant.
Broken.
Their movements were practiced, not natural. Their expressions were carefully maintained, not genuine. They stood slightly behind him, heads lowered just enough to suggest obedience, but not enough to hide what they were.
Yuuki's gaze sharpened.
"…Those must be the remaining two Nikkes."
Belfast followed his line of sight.
"…Yes."
Illustrious's expression softened, though there was tension beneath it.
"They look… different from the others."
Takao spoke quietly.
"Conditioned."
Atago's voice lowered, losing its usual teasing tone.
"They've been like that for a long time."
Enterprise crossed her arms slightly.
"They are not free."
Yuuki leaned forward just enough to take in the full picture.
All four.
Two with El Molo.
Two with Magnifico.
All in one place.
A slow exhale left him.
"…Good."
Yorktown glanced at him.
"Good?"
Yuuki's eyes remained fixed on the hall below.
"It means we don't have to chase them."
A pause.
"They brought everything to us."
Belfast nodded faintly.
"A contained operation."
Enterprise added,
"Maximum efficiency."
Atago smiled faintly, though there was no warmth in it.
"Ufufu… how convenient."
Yuuki leaned back slightly.
"Looks like our targets have gathered."
===============
The lights in the hall dimmed slightly.
A low chime echoed through the chamber, drawing every conversation to a halt.
The auction had begun.
A single spotlight illuminated the central stage below. The auctioneer stepped forward—well-dressed, composed, and carrying the kind of confidence only someone accustomed to controlling fortunes could have.
"Ladies and gentlemen… welcome."
A soft murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Tonight, we present items of rarity, power, and… exclusivity."
The first few items were brought out quickly.
Minor tech.
Modified components.
Rare alloys salvaged from the surface.
Bids rose and fell in rapid succession, numbers climbing with casual ease as wealthy patrons competed without hesitation. Credits flowed like water, exchanged for objects that, to most, would have been unimaginable.
From their private room, Yuuki and the others watched silently.
"Simple items first," Belfast noted calmly.
Enterprise nodded.
"They are warming the crowd."
Then—
The tone shifted.
"Next item," the auctioneer announced, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation, "a highly sought-after utility device… preserved in pristine condition."
A container was brought forward.
Opened.
Inside—
A familiar object.
Yuuki narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…That's mine."
The portable water purifier.
The crowd reacted immediately.
"Starting bid—70,000 credits."
The number climbed instantly.
"80,000."
"100,000."
"120,000."
The pace accelerated.
Yorktown blinked.
"…That escalated fast."
Atago let out a soft whistle.
"People here really value survival tools."
Takao added quietly,
"Water is control."
The bidding pushed higher—
"150,000."
"180,000."
"200,000."
Finally—
"Sold. 230,000 credits."
A sharp strike of the gavel echoed.
Yuuki leaned back slightly.
"…Not bad."
But it didn't stop there.
"Next," the auctioneer continued, clearly pleased, "a rare commodity… nearly unseen in recent years."
Another case opened.
Gold.
A 3.5-kilogram gold bar.
The reaction was immediate.
Whispers.
Shifts in posture.
Sudden attention.
"Starting bid—500,000 credits."
The numbers surged.
"700,000."
"900,000."
"1.2 million."
Enterprise narrowed her eyes.
"They are treating it as a symbol, not just material."
Belfast nodded.
"Status."
The bidding war intensified—
"1.5 million."
"1.8 million."
"2 million."
"Sold. 2.3 million credits."
Another strike.
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…That escalated even more."
Then—
The auctioneer smiled wider.
"And now…"
A pause.
"An item of historical elegance."
The screen lit up.
A vehicle was brought forward.
Polished.
Immaculate.
Timeless.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II.
Even the crowd reacted differently this time.
Not urgency.
Not survival.
Admiration.
"Starting bid—3 million credits."
The bidding began slower—
But climbed steadily.
"3.5 million."
"4 million."
"4.5 million."
Atago tilted her head.
"They're not rushing."
Takao observed,
"They are appreciating it."
Yuuki watched quietly.
"5 million."
A pause.
"5.5 million."
Silence—
"Sold. 5.5 million credits."
The gavel struck.
The hall settled again.
From their vantage point—
Yuuki leaned back slightly, arms crossed.
"…Well."
Yorktown smiled faintly.
"You just funded tonight's operation."
Enterprise added,
"And then some."
Belfast looked toward the stage.
"They are building momentum."
Yuuki's gaze hardened slightly.
"…Yeah."
Because the real items—
Hadn't appeared yet.
==============
The atmosphere in the hall did not merely shift—it tightened, as if the air itself had been pulled taut in anticipation.
The auctioneer stood at the center, posture immaculate, voice carefully measured to command attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, letting the silence settle just long enough to draw every eye toward him, "we have now reached the highlight of tonight's event."
The lighting dimmed further, isolating the stage in a cone of brilliance while the rest of the hall fell into a subdued glow. Conversations ceased. Even the restless movement of attendants slowed, as though the entire space had been conditioned to recognize what came next.
"A truly rare acquisition," the auctioneer continued, his tone laced with practiced excitement. "Recovered from the northern territories—an artifact of war, a relic of lost technology, and perhaps… the most desirable prize of the evening."
Behind him, reinforced doors slid open with a heavy mechanical hiss.
The sound that followed was unmistakable.
Metal scraping.
Chains dragging.
Measured, reluctant footsteps.
Then she emerged.
A girl—no, something more than a girl—was pulled forward into the light. Her white hair, though unkempt, caught the glow in soft strands that contrasted starkly against her worn and tattered clothing. Shackles bound her wrists and ankles, restricting even the smallest movement, yet they could not hide what she was.
Even in that condition—
She was striking.
Beautiful in a way that did not belong in a place like this.
And the crowd knew it.
A ripple spread through the hall, not of sympathy, but of hunger.
"A shipgirl!" someone called out, unable to contain themselves.
"Lost military technology!"
"A living weapon!"
The murmurs escalated into open excitement, voices overlapping in crude fascination.
"A pseudo-human capable of wielding the firepower of an entire warship!"
"Imagine the value!"
The auctioneer raised a hand, allowing just enough chaos to build before cutting through it.
"Bidding begins at one million credits."
The number had barely left his mouth before it was eclipsed.
"1.6 million!"
"1.8!"
"2.1!"
The increments climbed rapidly, each bidder eager to outpace the others, to secure ownership before the price became unreachable.
From the private room, Yuuki watched without expression, though the tension in his posture betrayed his thoughts.
"…This place," Takao said quietly, her voice edged with restrained anger, "is beyond reason."
Below, the numbers continued to rise.
"2.5 million!"
"3.7!"
"4.2!"
The bidders leaned forward, eyes fixed, their composure slipping as greed took hold. This was no longer a transaction. It was a contest of dominance.
"5.8 million."
The voice came from one of the central seats—calm, confident, assured of its own weight.
Belfast's gaze shifted slightly.
"That is Magnifico," she said in a low tone.
Yuuki did not respond.
Another voice followed, heavier, dripping with arrogance.
"6.5 million."
Atago's lips curved faintly, though there was no humor in it.
"El Molo," she murmured.
The auctioneer lifted his gavel, his voice rising to match the tension.
"6.5 million… going once…"
On the stage, the girl—Avrora—stood unmoving, yet not unfeeling. Her breathing was shallow, her body rigid under restraint, but her eyes flickered faintly as if searching for something she could not name.
"Going twice…"
Yuuki's gaze hardened.
The room felt smaller.
Tighter.
As if everything had been leading to this exact moment.
Then—
He spoke.
"Seven million."
His voice did not need to be loud.
It carried anyway.
Clear.
Controlled.
Unshakable.
The effect was immediate.
The hall fell into stunned silence.
Bidders turned in unison, searching for the source. Conversations died mid-breath. Even the auctioneer hesitated, his composure slipping for the briefest moment.
And on the stage—
Avrora reacted.
Not to the number.
Not to the crowd.
But to the voice.
Her body flinched, subtle but unmistakable, as her head lifted slightly. Her eyes, dulled moments before, sharpened with something fragile and dangerous—
Recognition.
Because that voice was not unfamiliar.
It was the same presence that had reached her through the silence.
The same voice that had called to her when she thought she had been forgotten.
And now—
It had found her again.
"My beloved… you found me… you finally found me…"
Avrora's voice was barely more than a whisper, yet in the stillness that followed Yuuki's bid, it carried enough weight to reach him. Her body trembled—not from fear this time, but from something fragile and dangerous.
Hope.
"Seven million… sold!"
The gavel struck.
The sound echoed like a verdict.
Yorktown exhaled softly.
"Shikikan-sama… we got her."
Yuuki did not move.
His gaze remained fixed on the stage.
"…No."
A pause.
"Not yet."
The girls turned to him.
"Eh?"
Yuuki's voice was calm, but there was tension beneath it now.
"We only get her once the auction process is complete."
His eyes followed Avrora as the handlers began to drag her away.
"That's when they expect payment."
Below, Avrora was pulled off the stage, chains rattling as she was taken away from the spotlight. The crowd's attention shifted almost instantly, their interest already moving on, as if she had been nothing more than an item checked off a list.
She flinched as hands grabbed her, her body recoiling slightly under the weight of their gaze.
To them—
She was not a person.
She was merchandise.
The auctioneer returned to center stage, already smiling again.
"Ladies and gentlemen… we continue."
The tone shifted again.
"This marks our third year acquiring Nikkes."
A murmur spread through the hall.
"And this year… we present one secured early."
Another set of doors opened.
A girl was dragged forward.
Red hair.
Red eyes.
Her posture was rigid despite the restraints.
Yuuki's eyes narrowed instantly.
"A Nikke again?!"
"Start the bid!"
Then—
"Rapi?!"
The shout came from the floor.
Anis and Neon both surged forward instinctively, their voices breaking through the crowd.
"Rapi!"
On the stage—
Rapi lifted her head sharply.
"Anis! Neon!"
For a brief moment—
Recognition.
Connection.
Then—
Violence.
"Damn slaves!"
El Molo yanked their chains violently, forcing them back.
They resisted.
They struggled.
They didn't care anymore.
Across the hall, Magnifico reacted as well, pulling Ade and Soda back as they tried to move.
"You bastard! Let them go!" Ade shouted, her composure finally breaking.
The auctioneer frowned slightly, annoyed rather than concerned.
"It seems our Nikke is… feisty."
He grabbed Rapi harshly and forced her downward.
Her body jerked.
Her breathing cut short.
"Rapi!"
The cry echoed again.
From the private room—
Yuuki's expression changed.
The calm.
The control.
Gone.
His jaw tightened.
"Jarvis," he said quietly.
"Have you marked Avrora?"
[JARVIS: Target marked. Location secured.]
"Good."
He stood.
"Girls…"
His voice lowered.
"I hope you're ready."
There was no hesitation.
"Always," Enterprise replied.
"Certainly," Belfast added.
Atago smiled faintly.
Takao's grip tightened.
Illustrious's eyes softened—but her resolve did not.
Yorktown stepped forward.
Yuuki exhaled once.
"…We're done playing this their way."
A pause.
"Forget claiming them legally."
And then—
He reached behind him.
And pulled it out.
The MK II Personal Ion Cannon.
He rested it against his shoulder.
The air in the room shifted.
Because this—
Was no longer an auction.
It was the beginning—
Of a takeover.
Yuuki did not hesitate anymore.
The moment had already passed the point of restraint.
"Illy," he said, his voice steady but carrying a sharp edge now, "bring your cannon up. Target the stage."
Illustrious did not question the order. She stepped forward, lifting the Merlin Ion Cannon onto her shoulder with surprising ease. The weapon's core began to hum as it drew power, faint arcs of energy gathering along its barrel.
"Yes, Commander."
Yuuki turned immediately.
"Atago. Takao. Target the guards handling her. Disable them."
Atago smiled faintly, though there was no softness left in it.
"As you wish, Shikikan-sama."
Takao gave a single nod, already aligning her rifle.
Then—
"Hana. Enty. Bel."
Yorktown, Enterprise, and Belfast all stepped forward in unison.
"Prepare to breach."
Yuuki's eyes locked onto the stage below.
"Diamond formation around Rapi. Primary threat—El Molo."
"Understood."
The chaos below was already escalating.
Anis and Neon were struggling harder now, their resistance drawing harsher retaliation. Guards struck them down without hesitation, forcing them back to the ground.
Across the hall, Ade and Soda suffered the same treatment as they tried to move, their brief moment of defiance crushed under brute force.
On the stage—
Rapi was forced down again, her breathing strained, her body held in place like an object to be displayed.
Yuuki's grip tightened.
That was enough.
"Now."
The command dropped like a trigger.
Illustrious fired.
Yuuki fired.
Two beams of concentrated ion energy tore through the air.
Brilliant.
Blinding.
The moment they struck—
The stage erupted.
A violent explosion of light and force shattered the platform, sending debris and shockwaves outward. The crowd screamed, scattering in panic as the illusion of control collapsed instantly.
But before the dust even settled—
They were already moving.
Yorktown hit the stage first, landing with precision despite the chaos.
Enterprise followed half a second later, rifle already raised.
Belfast completed the formation, positioning herself with exact calculation.
Diamond formation.
Rapi at the center.
Protected.
At the edges—
Atago and Takao opened fire.
Silenced shots cut through the confusion, each round finding its target with lethal accuracy. The guards holding Rapi dropped almost instantly, their control broken before they could even react.
Chains loosened.
Rapi staggered—
But she did not fall.
Enterprise stepped in immediately, steadying her.
Yorktown scanned the surroundings.
Belfast covered the perimeter.
The formation held.
Above—
Yuuki lowered his cannon slightly, eyes scanning for the next threat.
Yuuki dropped from the private level onto the shattered remains of the stage just as the smoke began to clear. The impact was controlled, precise, his boots touching down beside the formation already established by Yorktown, Enterprise, and Belfast.
Behind him, Illustrious lowered the ion cannon as instructed. The weapon was too destructive for what came next, and Yuuki had already made that call. With a quick motion, he swapped it out, handing her a Talon Ion Flechette Gun—lighter, faster, and far more suitable for crowd control without vaporizing the entire hall.
"Use this instead," he said briefly.
Illustrious accepted it without hesitation, her posture shifting immediately to match the new weapon's handling.
The crowd was in full panic now.
People were scrambling, shouting, pushing past one another in a desperate attempt to escape. Guards barked orders that no one followed. The illusion of control that had defined the auction only moments ago had completely collapsed.
At the center of it all—
Rapi struggled to steady herself.
Her eyes locked onto Yuuki as he approached.
"You are…" she began, her voice strained, uncertain whether what she was seeing was real.
Yuuki said nothing.
He simply reached down—
And severed her chains.
Metal snapped cleanly under his blade.
Rapi staggered slightly as the weight disappeared, her arms trembling from sudden freedom.
"Wait—" she said quickly, stepping forward despite her condition. "Please… save them too. They're my comrades. Please…"
Her voice broke slightly, but she forced the words out.
"I'll give you anything I have… just… don't leave them."
Yuuki's gaze shifted.
Toward El Molo.
"Stay here," he said calmly.
Then he moved.
El Molo had already begun retreating, dragging Anis and Neon with him in panic.
"Get away from me, you—"
He didn't finish.
Yuuki closed the distance instantly.
And drove a full-powered punch straight into his torso.
The impact was brutal.
El Molo's massive body lifted off the ground and was sent flying across the hall, crashing into a row of seats with a force that silenced anyone nearby.
At the same moment—
Yorktown, Enterprise, and Belfast opened fire.
Controlled bursts.
Volt Auto rifles crackled with electricity as arcs of energy struck the advancing guards. One after another, they dropped—convulsing, paralyzed, or unconscious before they could even close the distance.
The formation held.
The threat collapsed.
Yuuki turned back to the two Nikkes.
Without a word—
He cut their chains.
The restraints fell away.
Anis blinked, stunned.
"You're… from the park…"
Neon's eyes widened slightly.
"I knew it… I knew you'd come…"
Yuuki didn't respond to that.
Instead, he gave a simple instruction.
"Go."
He gestured behind him.
"Your leader is safe."
A pause.
"Get behind them."
They hesitated—
Only for a fraction of a second.
Then—
They moved.
Because something in his voice—
Was not just authority.
It was familiarity.
A presence.
A command that felt… right.
Not forced.
Not feared.
But trusted.
And without questioning it—
They obeyed.
"Rapi!"
The cry broke through the chaos with a rawness that no weapon or explosion could match. Anis and Neon rushed forward without hesitation, closing the distance in seconds as if nothing else in the world mattered anymore. They collided into Rapi, arms wrapping tightly around her, their bodies trembling as the weight of everything they had endured finally caught up to them.
Rapi staggered slightly from the impact, but she did not push them away. Her arms slowly came up, pulling them closer, holding them with a firmness that spoke of both relief and lingering fear—as if she still could not fully believe they were truly there.
For a brief moment, the chaos around them faded into the background.
There was no auction.
No chains.
No crowd.
Only reunion.
Yuuki gave them that moment.
Then he moved again.
His attention snapped toward the far side of the hall, where Magnifico was attempting to flee, dragging Ade and Soda with him in desperation. The man's composure had completely shattered, replaced by frantic survival instinct as he tried to escape with what he still believed belonged to him.
Yuuki did not give him the chance.
He accelerated forward, his movement so fast that it blurred into absence. One moment he stood near the stage, and the next he was already in front of Magnifico, cutting off his escape before the man could even register what had happened.
"You—"
"Surprise."
The punch landed cleanly.
Not wild.
Not excessive.
Just enough force delivered with absolute precision.
Magnifico's body lifted off the ground and was thrown backward, crashing into the polished floor with a heavy, echoing impact that silenced those nearby.
At the same time, Atago and Takao eliminated the surrounding guards with cold efficiency. Their shots were quiet, controlled, and devastatingly accurate. Each target dropped before they could react, their weapons never even raised.
Yuuki had already turned back to the two girls.
The chains came off in a single motion.
Ade stumbled forward slightly, her body not yet accustomed to the absence of restraint. Soda caught her instinctively, though her own hands were shaking just as much.
"Ah… thank you… thank you…" Ade whispered, her voice fragile and unsteady, as if she feared even this moment might be taken from her.
Yuuki did not waste time.
"To the stage. Move now," he instructed, his tone firm but steady. "We'll get you somewhere safe."
They looked at him.
Not just at his armor.
Not just at the situation.
But at him.
And something shifted.
It was subtle.
Quiet.
But unmistakable.
The same feeling.
The same pull.
Something buried deep within them stirred—not as fear, not as obedience forced upon them, but as something far more natural. A sense of direction. A presence they could trust without needing to understand why.
The same thing Anis and Neon had felt moments earlier.
And so they moved.
"Ade!"
"Soda!"
The voices reached them from the stage.
They turned instinctively.
"Anis!"
"Rapi!"
"Neon!"
Relief surged through all of them at once, breaking whatever restraint they had left. Their steps quickened, no longer hesitant, no longer uncertain, as they ran toward the only familiar faces they had left in this place.
For the first time since they had been taken—
They were no longer alone.
Yuuki did not slow down.
The moment the others were secured, his focus narrowed to a single point.
Avrora.
He burst through the fractured remains of the stage, debris crunching underfoot as he tracked the last group of handlers attempting to drag her away through the chaos. They moved fast, driven by panic and greed, trying to salvage what they believed was still theirs.
They never made it far.
Yuuki raised both hands.
Repulsors ignited.
Twin blasts of concentrated energy slammed into the guards, throwing them backward with overwhelming force. Before the others could react, a volley of micro-missiles deployed from his suit, streaking forward in controlled arcs. The impacts were precise—non-lethal but decisive—dropping every remaining threat in seconds.
The path cleared.
Yuuki closed the distance instantly.
Energy blades extended from his arms with a sharp hum, cutting through Avrora's restraints as if they were nothing. The chains fell away in pieces, clattering uselessly to the ground.
For the first time—
She was free.
Yuuki's helmet dissolved, nanomachines retracting smoothly to reveal his face.
Avrora's eyes widened.
"Beloved…" she whispered, her voice trembling as recognition flooded in. "You came for me… you finally came…"
Yuuki met her gaze, steady and reassuring.
"Yes," he said quietly. "You're safe now."
A faint, almost playful softness touched his tone despite everything.
"We came to save the damsel in distress."
Her composure broke.
"Thank you… thank you…" she repeated, her voice fragile, overwhelmed by relief.
Without hesitation, Yuuki lifted her into a bridal carry, supporting her weight as if it were nothing. She instinctively held onto him, her grip tight—not out of fear, but out of certainty that this was real.
He turned—
And carried her back toward the stage.
The hall had descended into full panic.
Guards were regrouping.
Attendants were fleeing.
Bidders were shouting over one another, trying to escape or call reinforcements.
Yuuki stepped into the center of it all—
And activated another system.
A portable crystal shield deployed outward, forming a shimmering barrier around their position. The structure refracted light like glass, yet its surface pulsed faintly with contained energy, solid and unyielding.
Inside the barrier—
His team regrouped instantly.
Yorktown, Enterprise, and Belfast took forward positions, rifles raised and tracking movement beyond the shield.
Atago and Takao adjusted to elevated angles, covering entry points with sniper precision.
Illustrious steadied her weapon, ready to respond to any breach.
At the center—
Rapi, Anis, Neon, Ade, Soda—
And now—
Avrora.
All together.
Yuuki lowered her gently, making sure she could stand before stepping slightly forward again.
The shield shimmered.
The weapons aligned.
And for the first time since the chaos began—
They were no longer reacting.
They were in control.
For a brief moment, the chaos outside the barrier faded into the background.
Inside—
All eyes were on him.
They saw him clearly now.
Not just as a rescuer.
Not just as a fighter.
But as the one who came for them.
"Здравствуйте… Comrade Avrora…" Yorktown's voice cut cleanly through the chaos, calm and unmistakable even beneath the distortion of her helmet.
Avrora froze.
"…This voice—Comrade Yorktown?!" Her eyes widened, disbelief breaking through the fear that had gripped her moments ago.
"Yes. It's been a while." A streak of light followed Yorktown's words as she fired again, precise and controlled. "I've missed you."
Avrora's breath caught.
Through the haze of battle, silhouettes emerged—familiar, impossible.
"You all…?" Her voice trembled.
"Enterprise. Belfast. Takao, Atago… Illustrious." Yorktown listed them evenly, as if they weren't standing in the middle of a firefight. Around her, the others offered brief nods and faint smiles, weapons still active, movements disciplined. The shield shimmered with each incoming strike, holding firm.
"They're all here."
Avrora's vision blurred as tears welled up. "Everyone… you came for me… Thank you… thank you…"
Yuuki glanced at Yorktown, noting the steadiness in her posture. "You were close to her?"
"Yes," Yorktown replied without hesitation. "One of my dearest friends."
Yuuki frowned slightly. "Then why didn't you show it earlier? During the rescue? Or these few days?"
Another shot. Another enemy down.
"Because," Yorktown said quietly, "this is your operation, Commander. I trust you." A brief pause. "Letting my emotions interfere… would only compromise that trust."
"…Yorktown."
There was something unspoken there—respect, restraint, and something deeper held firmly in check.
"Umm… Master," Belfast interjected smoothly, even as she reloaded with practiced elegance, "perhaps we can continue this reunion after we survive?"
"Commander!" Yorktown's voice sharpened, snapping fully back into combat focus. "Orders?"
The shield flickered under a heavier barrage.
The moment of reunion was over.
Now came the fight.
"Commander…?" Rapi echoed softly, the word unfamiliar yet instinctively accepted.
The other Nikkes looked at him the same way.
Trying to understand.
Trying to place him.
Yuuki did not answer immediately.
"Hold still."
His tone left no room for argument.
He raised his hand—
And a soft beam of light projected forward.
It struck Avrora first.
The effect was immediate.
The damage across her body—cuts, bruises, internal strain—began to reverse at a visible rate. Tissue restored. Fatigue lifted. Color returned to her face as if time itself had been rewound.
Avrora gasped softly.
Then he turned the beam—
To the others.
Rapi.
Anis.
Neon.
Ade.
Soda.
The same result.
Damage disappeared.
Systems stabilized.
Energy returned.
Even they were surprised.
"…This works on us?" Anis muttered, flexing her hand in disbelief.
Yuuki lowered his arm.
His nanomachines reformed—
Helmet sealing.
Hood falling back into place.
No time to explain.
He pulled out a compact device.
And pressed it against Avrora's chest.
The device activated instantly.
Nanomaterial expanded outward, forming a sleek protective suit around her body. It wasn't as advanced as their combat suits—but it was enough. Reinforced plating. Impact resistance. Basic protection.
Avrora looked down, startled.
Then relieved.
Yuuki repeated the process quickly.
Rapi.
Anis.
Neon.
Ade.
Soda.
Each of them now armored—light, functional, ready to survive what came next.
Then—
Yuuki turned toward the exit. "I would love to know all of you right now, but.. we need to get out of here.
"The service elevator," he said firmly. "Go. Now."
There was no hesitation this time.
They moved.
Because now—
They trusted him.
"Girls," Yuuki said, stepping forward, "cover them."
"Understood."
Yorktown, Enterprise, and Belfast immediately opened fire, controlled bursts of electricity dropping advancing guards before they could close in.
Atago and Takao shifted positions, picking off targets from distance with surgical precision.
Illustrious provided suppressive fire with her flechette gun, her weapon humming as it pushed enemies back without obliterating the structure around them.
Yuuki joined the line.
Repulsors flared again.
Shots rang out.
The shield held—
And behind them—
The rescued girls ran.
Toward freedom.
For the first time—
With a real chance of making it out.
The moment the last of them crossed the threshold, Yorktown turned and fired a compressed electric sphere into the corridor. The orb struck the ground and detonated into a web of arcing currents, crawling across the floor and up the legs of the pursuing guards. Bodies locked, muscles seized, and several collapsed instantly, buying the seconds they needed.
The service elevator doors slammed shut.
Inside, the space felt tight, metallic, and humming faintly as it began its descent. The sounds of chaos above dulled into distant echoes.
For the first time since the breach—
There was a pause.
Rapi stepped forward, straightening herself despite everything she had just endured. Then she bowed, formal and sincere.
"Sir… thank you for rescuing us."
Yuuki shook his head slightly.
"Save it for later. We're not out yet. Trust me, I am quite excited to know more about Nikkes right now."
He glanced at the group briefly.
"These shipgirls came here to rescue Avrora. You being here changes the scope, not the mission. You stick with us."
There was a flicker of confusion.
"Shipgirls…?" Anis asked, looking toward Yorktown and the others. "They're shipgirls?"
Yuuki nodded.
"All six of them."
Neon blinked.
"…You're their commander? Azur Lane?"
Yuuki shook his head again.
"Not Azur Lane... but.. Global Defense Initiative."
A pause.
"Different faction. Different rules. I'll explain later."
The elevator continued descending.
Yuuki shifted topics immediately.
"I know what Nikkes are," he said. "Modular combat units. High firearm adaptability."
Rapi nodded.
"Yes… but we're currently limited. We can't access our full Nikke capabilities."
Yuuki tilted his head slightly.
"Can you activate your Nikke mode?"
There was hesitation.
"…We don't know how," Rapi admitted. "Something's blocking it."
Yuuki's gaze sharpened.
"I might be able to force it."
All of them looked at him.
"What?" Anis frowned.
Yuuki didn't answer directly.
Instead—
He accessed his internal system.
Fragments of recovered data surfaced—archives taken from the ruins of the old Azur Lane command infrastructure.
Then—
He spoke.
"Nikke authorization override."
The words weren't loud—
But they carried weight.
"Transfer command. Remove block vector alpha."
Rapi's eyes widened.
"…Those commands—how do you even—"
Yuuki continued without stopping.
"Restore code 1A. Authorization alpha."
For a moment—
Nothing happened.
Then—
A shift.
Subtle.
But unmistakable.
Energy signatures fluctuated.
Internal systems reactivated.
The Nikkes stiffened slightly as something long suppressed came back online.
"…This…"
Rapi looked at her hands.
Anis took a step back, startled.
Neon blinked rapidly.
"…Our Nikke modes…"
They were back.
"…They're back."
Relief.
Shock.
Disbelief.
But then—
Rapi's expression shifted again.
"…Weapons are still locked."
Yuuki nodded.
"Expected."
He leaned back slightly against the elevator wall.
"Mode restored. Hardware access still restricted."
A pause.
"We'll fix that later."
The elevator continued downward.
Now—
They weren't just rescued.
They were reactivated.
And that changed everything.
Yuuki took a step forward inside the descending elevator, his voice steady and controlled as he addressed them directly for the first time as a unit rather than as individuals in crisis.
"Rapi, Anis, Neon, Ade, and Soda… correct?"
The five Nikkes nodded almost in unison, still adjusting to the sudden restoration of their systems and the overwhelming shift in their situation.
Yuuki gave a brief nod in return, then gestured toward the six figures standing around him.
"These are your allies. Yorktown, Enterprise, Belfast, Atago, Takao, and Illustrious… and the one we came for—Avrora."
"They're all shipgirls."
He paused briefly, glancing at their cloaked forms.
"You won't see their faces right now. That'll have to wait until we're out of here."
Anis let out a quiet breath, still staring at them.
"…Shipgirls. Actual shipgirls…"
There was disbelief in her voice, but also something else.
Recognition.
Yuuki shifted immediately back to operational tone.
"Avrora. Can you handle firearms?"
Avrora straightened slightly, her voice regaining a hint of discipline.
"Yes. Northern Parliament trained us for it. Now that you repaired me, I could hold on my own."
"Don't worry, Avrora. I'll keep you safe." Yorktown pats her friend's shoulder.
Yuuki nodded, satisfied.
He turned to the others.
"The rest of you?"
Rapi answered first.
"We can operate firearms, sir."
"Good. I am sorry if I started give you orders despite just knowing you girls. Let's get to know each other once we're out of this mess."
Yuuki reached into his inventory and materialized three sleek rifles, their design compact but clearly advanced.
"Avrora. Anis. Neon."
He handed each of them a weapon.
"Firefly Laser Rifle."
The weapons hummed faintly as they activated.
A weaponized laser rifle.
Yorktown and the others eyed him as they aren't surprised as they used to. Yuuki did say that laser weaponry is basically an old technology to him despite they are siren technology in this world.
"A hundred-round capacity. Semi-automatic. Powered by energy cells."
He pointed briefly to the front assembly.
"Energy converts into focused light through a crystal amplifier. It'll punch through anything short of heavy armor."
Anis tested the weight.
"…Feels lighter than it should."
"That's because it is," Yuuki replied. "Minimal recoil. Just aim and shoot."
Neon's grip tightened, a faint spark of confidence returning.
"…Yes, sir."
Avrora nodded firmly.
"I understand, Commander."
Yuuki turned again.
"Rapi. Ade. Soda."
Three heavier weapons materialized this time.
"Tarantula Laser Chaingun."
The difference was immediate.
Bulkier.
Heavier.
More intimidating.
"Three rotating barrels," Yuuki explained. "Sustained fire without overheating."
He tapped the side.
"Embedded Obelisk module. Converts energy into high-intensity laser output."
Rapi examined it carefully.
"Each shot ignites the target," Yuuki continued. "You're not just hitting them—you're burning through them."
Ade swallowed slightly.
Soda tightened her grip, her hesitation fading into determination.
Yuuki's voice lowered just slightly.
"These are your suppression units."
A pause.
"When we reach the docks, it won't be clean."
He looked at all of them now.
"We fight our way back to the submarine."
The weight of that statement settled over them.
No illusions.
No shortcuts.
Only execution.
"Understood?" Yuuki asked.
This time—
There was no hesitation.
"Yes, sir."
The elevator continued descending.
And with every passing second—
They became less like survivors—
And more like a unit ready for war.
The elevator doors slid open—
And the answer waiting outside was immediate.
Nearly a hundred armed men.
Positioned.
Prepared.
Weapons already raised.
They had expected resistance.
They had not expected this.
Yuuki stepped forward first.
Before the first shot could even be fired—
He deployed the crystal shields.
A layered barrier unfolded outward, shimmering like fractured glass suspended in the air. The first volley of bullets slammed into it a heartbeat later, scattering sparks and ripples across its surface without penetrating.
"Positions," Yuuki said calmly.
His shipgirls moved before the word fully settled.
Yorktown, Enterprise, and Belfast faded into stealth, their forms dissolving into faint distortions as they broke formation and spread outward.
Atago and Takao repositioned almost instantly, vanishing into elevated angles and blind spots.
Illustrious remained closer, anchoring the defensive line.
Avrora stayed at Yuuki's side.
The first return fire came from the Nikkes.
And it was immediate.
Anis fired first—her Firefly rifle snapping into action with sharp bursts of red light. Each shot landed cleanly, precise, controlled, cutting through advancing enemies with efficiency that spoke of deep-rooted combat instinct.
Beside her, Neon followed, her movements slightly more aggressive, her shots faster, pushing forward rather than holding back.
Rapi was different.
Calm.
Measured.
Her Tarantula chaingun spun up—
And then roared.
A continuous stream of burning laser fire tore through the front line, forcing enemies to scatter or fall. Each impact ignited briefly, the heat overwhelming even armored targets.
Behind her, Ade and Soda supported with synchronized bursts, their initial hesitation replaced by focus. Their movements were still restrained—but their accuracy was undeniable.
Yuuki watched them closely.
"…Good."
Not just functional.
Adaptive.
They were learning the weapons almost instantly.
Adjusting.
Improving with each shot.
But more than that—
He could see it.
The release.
The tension they had carried.
The frustration.
The humiliation.
All of it—
Now pouring into every trigger pull.
Anis pushed forward a step, her shots sharper now.
Neon followed, firing faster, more confident.
Rapi maintained control, anchoring the line.
Ade and Soda held their ground, no longer faltering.
This wasn't just combat.
It was retaliation.
Yuuki exhaled slowly, watching the battlefield unfold.
"…They've been holding that in for a long time."
And now—
They weren't running anymore.
They were fighting back.
Yuuki did not stay behind the shield.
The moment the front line stabilized, he surged forward—thrusters flaring as he lifted off the ground and cut across the dock in a controlled arc. His suit adjusted mid-flight, tracking multiple targets at once as his HUD lit up with movement vectors and hostile signatures.
Then—
He opened fire.
Micro-missiles deployed first.
They streaked outward in tight, guided bursts, curving through the air before detonating precisely among clustered enemies. The explosions were sharp and controlled, disrupting formations rather than wasting firepower.
Then came the repulsors.
Yuuki angled both hands downward and fired, the blasts slamming into advancing groups and scattering them like debris. Some were thrown back into cover, others knocked completely off their feet before they even understood what had hit them.
He didn't stay still.
He moved.
Constantly.
Across the docks.
Above containers.
Between structures.
Drawing fire.
Every gun that turned toward him—
Was one less aimed at his team.
And they took full advantage of it.
From concealment, Yorktown unleashed another electric sphere into a cluster of enemies, the discharge spreading violently across metal surfaces and dropping multiple targets in seconds.
Enterprise advanced with controlled bursts, each shot deliberate, each movement efficient.
Belfast maintained flawless positioning, covering angles and eliminating threats before they could regroup.
From above, Atago and Takao continued their silent work, rifles steady, each shot dropping another guard with surgical precision.
Illustrious anchored the midline, her weapon pushing back any attempt to break through.
And behind them—
The Nikkes held.
Rapi controlled the center with sustained fire, her chaingun forcing enemies into retreat.
Anis and Neon moved more aggressively now, their shots sharper, faster—confidence returning with every successful hit.
Ade and Soda followed through with disciplined support fire, no longer hesitating.
The momentum shifted completely.
What began as a standoff—
Became a rout.
Within minutes—
Dozens of men were down.
Weapons scattered.
Resistance broken.
The remaining guards either fled or collapsed under the relentless pressure.
Yuuki landed smoothly near the group, his armor cooling as the last echoes of combat faded.
"Great work, everyone."
Yorktown exhaled, lowering her weapon slightly.
"That was intense."
Enterprise stepped beside her, composed but clearly energized.
"Efficient engagement."
Belfast gave a small nod.
"Minimal delay. Clean execution."
Atago stretched her shoulder lightly, smiling faintly.
"Ufufu… that was satisfying."
Takao adjusted her stance, calm as ever.
"They were unprepared for coordinated resistance."
Illustrious lowered her weapon, her expression gentle again now that the immediate danger had passed.
"It seems we have made quite an impression."
Rapi stepped closer, her eyes still wide as she looked at them.
"This… is the power of shipgirls…"
She paused, taking them in fully now.
"We have heard rumors… stories…"
Her voice softened slightly.
"But to see it with my own eyes…"
She shook her head faintly.
"It is beyond what I imagined."
And standing there—
Among the aftermath—
Even the Nikkes understood.
They weren't just fighting alongside soldiers.
They were fighting alongside something else entirely.
The brief calm shattered almost instantly.
Gunfire echoed across the docks—sharp, aggressive, and much closer than before. Reinforcements had arrived, and this time they were not hesitating.
"Master—sentry bots incoming."
Belfast's voice came calm and immediate from below, her HUD already confirmed it. Multiple autonomous units were converging on the dock perimeter, their sensors locking onto the Phobocaster as soon as it powered up.
Yuuki exhaled once, steady.
"So Aqua has those too."
He didn't waste time.
"Rapi, Anis, Neon, Ade, Soda… Avrora—get down."
There was no hesitation.
No questioning.
They dropped low behind containers, instincts aligning with the tone of his command rather than the words themselves.
Yuuki turned.
His gaze met the six shipgirls.
"Girls."
A pause.
"I'm authorizing Heroic Mode."
The air shifted instantly.
"Waste them."
"Yes."
The response came in unison.
Enterprise activated first.
Her Volt Auto Rifle pulsed—
Then surged.
The discharge changed color.
Deepened.
When she fired—
The result was immediate.
The electrical output exploded outward, arcs snapping across multiple sentry bots at once. Units locked up, systems fried instantly, their frames collapsing before they could even return fire.
Yorktown followed, her shots heavier, wider, each burst carrying enough energy to disable multiple targets in a single sweep.
Beside her, Belfast maintained precision—but now each shot carried amplified lethality, her control turning overwhelming power into exact elimination.
From the elevated angle—
Atago and Takao fired in sync.
Their sniper rounds no longer simply pierced—
They detonated.
Each impact triggered explosive bursts that tore through multiple units at once, shredding armor and internal systems alike.
And then—
Illustrious.
Her flechette gun hummed—
Then fired.
Each projectile struck—
And erupted.
Controlled explosions rippled across the battlefield, pushing back entire clusters of sentry bots in rapid succession.
Behind the containers—
The Nikkes watched.
Wide-eyed.
"…That's not normal," Anis muttered.
Neon leaned forward slightly despite herself.
"…Their weapons… changed."
Rapi said nothing, but her gaze sharpened.
Even Avrora—
"…This level of output…"
She fought as a shipgirl fight before.
But not like this.
Not amplified.
Not unleashed.
The sentry bots didn't stand a chance.
Within seconds—
Dozens were reduced to burning wreckage.
Within moments—
Nothing remained active.
Silence followed.
Enterprise lowered her weapon slightly.
"…That was efficient."
Yorktown exhaled.
"The difference is… significant."
Belfast nodded.
"Power scaling exceeds standard combat parameters."
Atago tilted her head slightly.
"Ufufu… if we had this before…"
Takao finished the thought.
"The engagement would have ended sooner."
Illustrious lowered her weapon gently, her tone thoughtful.
"…I wonder."
A pause.
"Could this be applied to our riggings?"
The question lingered.
Yuuki didn't answer immediately.
But the thought—
Stayed.
Then, more presence came.
"Get in the sub!" Yuuki ordered.
The Phobocaster responded immediately. Its hatch opened with a low mechanical hiss, revealing the reinforced interior as the ramp extended just enough for rapid entry.
Yuuki moved first, sweeping his hand through the air as every weapon still in use dissolved into his inventory in a seamless motion. Rifles, chainguns, and support gear vanished one after another, leaving no loose equipment behind to slow them down.
"Move!"
They didn't need to be told twice.
Rapi entered first, guiding Anis and Neon ahead of her while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Behind them, Ade and Soda followed closely, still glancing back as if expecting the nightmare to resume at any second.
Avrora stepped in next, pausing only briefly to look back at the docks before disappearing inside.
Atago, Takao, and Illustrious entered with practiced efficiency, the last of the outer line collapsing inward as Yuuki sealed the hatch behind them.
Outside—
Gunfire intensified.
Inside—
Control.
The transformation was immediate.
Helmets disengaged one by one, nanomachines retracting as the shipgirls shifted seamlessly into operational roles.
Belfast moved straight to navigation, her posture composed as her hands began working across the interface with flawless precision.
Yorktown took position at forward defense, activating systems that brought up targeting grids and shield overlays across the front arc.
Enterprise moved toward the rear systems, securing their backline and preparing countermeasures.
Yuuki activated the passenger seating with a single command.
Panels shifted.
Seats extended.
Restraints adjusted automatically.
"Sit. Strap in," he said.
The Nikkes complied, still processing everything as they settled into place. Avrora sat among them, her posture calmer now but her eyes still alert.
Atago, Takao, and Illustrious joined them, transitioning from combat stance to temporary rest positions without losing awareness of the situation. Helping other Nikkes strap in.
Then—
A different kind of silence settled.
Not from danger—
But from realization.
The Nikkes looked around.
At the spacious interior.
At the advanced systems.
Then—
At the shipgirls.
Without helmets.
Without armor obscuring them.
Their faces.
"…They're…" Anis muttered quietly, her voice trailing off.
Neon blinked.
"…Beautiful…"
Rapi said nothing, but her gaze lingered—observing, analyzing, understanding more than she let on.
Even Ade and Soda, who had spent so long under forced composure, could not hide their reaction.
Because now—
They weren't just legends.
They were real.
And they were here—
Fighting for them.
The battlefield shifted again—this time into motion.
Inside the Phobocaster, the energy was different. It wasn't just combat anymore. It was coordination under pressure, every movement tied together by a single presence at the center.
Their commander.
The Nikkes could feel it.
They had fought under command before.
They had followed orders.
But this—
Was something else entirely.
There was no hesitation in him.
No uncertainty.
Every command came exactly when it was needed.
Every movement flowed into the next.
"…This is what a real commander looks like…" Anis muttered under her breath, almost to herself.
Rapi said nothing, but her eyes stayed fixed on Yuuki.
Because now she understood.
Why the shipgirls followed him.
Why they trusted him without question.
"Bel! Navigate us out of here," Yuuki ordered.
"Understood, Master," Belfast replied instantly, her hands already moving across the navigation interface. Routes recalculated in real time, hazards mapped, escape vectors optimized within seconds.
"Enty, Hana—clear the path."
"Yes!"
Enterprise shifted into rear defense, locking onto incoming threats. Her weapon systems fired in controlled bursts, eliminating pursuing units with precision.
At the same time—
Yorktown brought the forward systems online.
The Vendetta Gatling Gun roared to life.
A storm of fire erupted ahead of them, shredding obstacles, suppressing enemy positions, and forcing anything in their path to scatter or be destroyed.
Yuuki gripped the controls.
"Everyone, hold on."
A pause.
"This is going to get rough."
The engines surged.
The Phobocaster accelerated hard.
Outside, the docking structures rushed past as Yuuki angled the sub downward, diving toward the exit corridor just as massive gate structures began to move.
"Master! They're closing the gate!" Belfast warned.
"I see it."
Yuuki didn't slow down.
He pushed the throttle further.
The sub surged forward—
Faster.
The narrowing gap ahead became a single line.
Timing.
Distance.
Velocity.
Everything aligned in a fraction of a second.
And then—
They broke through.
The gate slammed shut behind them—
Just missing the tail of the Phobocaster by meters.
Inside—
Several of them exhaled at once.
But there was no time to relax.
"Master—multiple contacts. Front and rear!"
Yuuki's eyes sharpened.
"Enty. Hana. Handle it."
"Yes!"
Enterprise shifted targets instantly, firing into the pursuing submarines behind them, disrupting their formation.
Yorktown adjusted forward targeting, her weapon tearing through incoming threats ahead, clearing a path through the intercepting units.
Yuuki moved with them—
The Phobocaster twisting, diving, accelerating—
Not randomly—
But deliberately.
Every maneuver created angles.
Every turn gave his girls better lines of fire.
Shots landed cleaner.
Targets dropped faster.
One by one—
Enemy subs fell.
Explosions lit the water behind them.
Fragments scattered.
Among them—
The marked vessels.
El Molo's fleet.
Magnifico's subs.
Their planted charges triggered mid-pursuit.
Internal detonations tore through their hulls.
No escape.
No recovery.
They were wiped out.
Within minutes—
The pursuit collapsed.
Silence returned.
Only the hum of the Phobocaster remained.
More contacts flooded the sensors.
Not scattered this time—organized.
Persistent.
"Bel," Yuuki said without looking away from the forward display, "guide me to an open area. Charge the Dipol."
"On it, Master," Belfast replied immediately. Routes shifted across the navigation grid, recalculating depth, terrain, and exit vectors in real time.
A beat later—
"Master, there's a cavern ahead. It opens into a clear zone beyond."
Yuuki nodded once.
"Taking it."
The Phobocaster angled sharply and dove into the cave entrance, its hull skimming past jagged rock as the lighting dropped into dim, flickering shadows.
"Hana," Yuuki called, "arm laser mines."
"Yes," Yorktown answered, already deploying the devices.
Small units launched from the sub and embedded themselves along the cave walls, their surfaces activating in sequence.
"Wait for it…" Yuuki said, watching the timing.
Behind them—
Enemy subs surged into the cave.
"Now."
Yorktown triggered the network.
Instantly—
Beams ignited.
A web of cutting light stretched across the cavern, intersecting at precise angles. The pursuing submarines flew straight into it—
And were torn apart.
Hull plating sliced open.
Internal systems severed.
Explosions followed in rapid succession, the confined space amplifying the destruction as debris filled the tunnel behind them.
The pursuit ended there.
Inside the Phobocaster—
The Nikkes and Avrora watched in stunned silence.
They weren't just escaping.
They were being guided.
Every move—
Every decision—
Every command—
Connected.
Efficient.
Seamless.
Rapi observed quietly, her eyes following Yuuki as he adjusted controls, issued commands, and anticipated threats before they fully formed.
"…This is their commander?" Anis whispered.
Neon leaned slightly forward, unable to hide her amazement.
"They move like… they've done this a thousand times."
Ade held her hands together tightly, her voice softer.
"…They trust him completely."
Soda nodded faintly.
"…And he trusts them back."
Avrora looked toward Yuuki, then to the shipgirls at their stations.
"…They are not just following orders…"
A pause.
"They are fighting as one."
Rapi's gaze didn't leave him.
"…That's why they win."
The cavern opened ahead—
Light returning.
And beyond it—
Freedom—
Just within reach.
The cavern spat them out into open water—
—and straight into a blockade.
Two massive submarines loomed ahead, flanked by a swarm of escorts forming a tightening net. Weapons ports opened. Targeting beams crawled over the Phobocaster's hull.
At the front: El Molo.
Behind him: Magnifico.
"Bastard!" El Molo's voice boomed over open comms. "You've got a lot of nerve taking what's mine."
Magnifico's tone was colder. "Return the girls. Do that, and we might leave your body intact."
Yuuki didn't bother answering the threat.
He lifted a hand, interface blooming to life across his visor.
"As if I need to explain anything to you."
A beat.
"You really think we walked in blind?"
He tapped the arming command.
Across the enemy formation—
Dozens of small escort subs began to beep.
Green indicators flashed.
"The hell—?!" El Molo barked.
Yuuki's expression didn't change.
"Let's start the fireworks."
He pressed detonate.
The ocean lit up.
Explosions ripped through the escorts one after another—tight, surgical detonations from within their own hulls. Shockwaves collided in cascading bursts, turning formation into chaos in seconds. Metal tore. Systems failed. Debris spun outward in burning fragments.
Inside the Phobocaster, the Nikkes stared.
"…He planned this from the start," Anis breathed.
Rapi said nothing—but her eyes hardened, reassessing him in real time.
Yuuki didn't pause.
"Enty. Hana—arm the torpedoes I tagged."
"Armed," Enterprise replied.
"Ready," Yorktown confirmed.
"Fire."
Four torpedoes launched—two from the rear, two from the bow—each locked to the beacons Yuuki had quietly planted earlier.
They didn't waver.
They didn't miss.
"No—!" Magnifico's voice cracked.
Impact.
Twin detonations struck each capital sub.
Then came the implosion—
Crushing force collapsing inward as hull integrity failed, tearing the giants apart from within. Light and pressure consumed everything, swallowing command decks, engines, crews—erasing them in seconds.
Silence followed.
Only drifting wreckage remained where the two underworld lords had stood moments before.
Yuuki breathe a breath of relief as he finally get rid of those trackers. Sure, it'll piss of his seller but, that'll teach them for trying to track them back.
A new alert chimed.
"Master—Magellan security is inbound. Fast."
Yuuki didn't look back.
"Activate Dipol. Set coordinates to the open zone I gave you."
"Coordinates set," Belfast confirmed.
"Now."
The drive spooled—
A distortion formed ahead—
Then tore open into a compact, shimmering wormhole.
The Phobocaster surged forward.
Light swallowed them.
And in the next instant—
They were gone.