Just be you! [Reader X Nikke harem]

Chapter 5: First Above, Now Below

Author's Note: This one was a little boring to do for me as my lack of motivation to do anything struck as I was in the middle of typing this. I didn't mean to take so long compared to the last few as I really was in a slump, but we should get up to some more fun in the future~ Thank you all so much liking my story and have fun, my stars!

"Chatting" - 'Thinking' - *Sound effects*

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The walk back was very quiet. Only things that could be heard from nearby is the sound of the wind passing through, random pieces of junk and debris falling to the ground, and your footsteps. It was a while before you got back, but eventually you saw what looked like an elevator. That was probably the entrance to the Ark.

You were...better. Of course, you felt awful, but you kept telling yourself not to feel this way. 'If I like this forever, she won't ever forgive me. We'll move forward for you.' you told yourself.

As your group neared the elevator, Shifty gained connection again and spoke with Rapi. They discussed all of the details of the mission, including the defeat of the Blacksmith and the loss of Marian. "I see. I'm so sorry for the loss. Once you're inside the Ark, I'll forward the report to my Deputy Chief and you all can get some rest." Shifty concludes.

"...When did it start?" Rapi suddenly asked, confusing Shifty slightly. "When was she first corrupted?"

"I suppose it was during the operation. At one point, the corruption code was implanted into Marian's brain and caused her to navigate you all towards the Blacksmith." Shifty explained."In fact, the way she acted could even be pinpointed toward her priorities. Once the commander was there, her priorities must have switched and caused her to act normal around them, but completely shut down mentally around the Blacksmith."

Despite a pretty good report from Shifty, Rapi wasn't fully convinced of the theory. "That leaves out a key detail, though. If she was truly the one that sabotaged the transport ship, then she must have been corrupted at that point in time. And that ship came fully from within the Ark." Rapi countered, causing mild panic in Shifty.

"You're not suggesting that the Aegis Barriers were broken, right?! That can't be possible!" Shifty responded, agitated at the thought.

"It isn't possible." Rapi agreed with Shifty. "The Aegis Barriers are strong and will pick up the slightest trace of corruption in an instant." Her response was assuring, but it still left the big question at large.

"Anyways, you all should get ready for a well deserved rest. I am going to forward all of this to my Deputy Chief. Stay safe, everyone!" Shifty finishes before cutting off the call.

After that, we got deep enough that you could something that came back to you. The massive city, the bright neon lights, the large amount of pure entertainment and excitement radiating from the bigger buildings. It was all something that made you remember something. That this was the Ark. And it was a thing of beauty.