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

The distance grew shorter and shorter.

Mo Chen could now clearly see that pale, almost paper-white face and those hollow, empty eyes. Behind him, Indivilia wore a cold, mocking smile.

The tension in the air spiked instantly.

However, at that moment, something massive shot through the air like a cannonball, tracing a perfect arc before disappearing into the pitch-black night.

It was Chatterbox's severed head.

The woman seemed drawn to the head. In the next instant, she flickered, moving at a speed almost imperceptible to the human eye, dashing in the direction of the flying head. In the blink of an eye, both she and the head vanished into the dark horizon.

Mo Chen turned his head, his astonished gaze falling upon the expressionless Rose.

That's right: the one who had just tossed Chatterbox's head, successfully luring the woman away, was none other than Rose.

If Mo Chen hadn't witnessed it with his own eyes, he would have doubted his own perception.

After all, Rose was a Nikke, but she was merely a shell—an expendable replacement for damaged bodies. She lacked a brain, had no consciousness, and could only execute Mo Chen's commands without independent thought.

And yet, she had acted on her own.

He was utterly shocked!

He stepped closer, waving his hand in front of her face. Just like before, there was no response. Her refined and delicate features remained calm and unshaken.

Had the Red Tide granted Rose self-awareness?

Mo Chen pondered.

Or perhaps… did the Red Tide contain fragmented remnants of Rose's memories?

The Red Tide didn't just break down organic and inorganic matter, converting severed limbs and corpses into nutrients—it could also store the consciousness and memories of the deceased, much like the black hole information paradox. Even if someone perished, their essence could persist in the form of data.

Rose had thrown that head quite far.

The woman never returned.

Wait.

Mo Chen suddenly recalled something—her subordinate?

Could it be… was she Crown?

Crown had a follower named Chime, who, as Mo Chen remembered, had been decapitated.

In the original game storyline, there was Marian and Guillotine, and after Chime lost her head, Guillotine's medical equipment managed to revive her, making her the shortest-lived victor of a resurrection match.

But here… perhaps due to Mo Chen's interference, the timeline had shifted. From the looks of Crown's current state, it was clear that Chime hadn't survived.

And Crown… she had likely fallen into darkness because of it.

"If Dorothy were here, maybe she and Crown would have something to talk about."

Mo Chen mused with dark amusement.

One had lost Chime, the other had lost Pinne.

Suddenly, a sharp intuition flared in his mind, alerting him to an approaching presence. 

And…

Mo Chen's gaze shot upward, his eyes sharp as a hunting eagle's.

The source of the aura—it was coming from the sky!

"I originally thought I'd have to introduce myself, but it seems you already know me. That saves me quite a bit of time."

A soft, melodious voice rang through the air, clear as a bubbling spring, yet as delicate as silver bells.

A breathtaking figure descended from the heavens, like the purest and most immaculate angel, her wings gracefully unfurling as she descended to the mortal realm. The radiance around her was so dazzling that not even the darkness of night could conceal her beauty.

Her feet lightly touched the ground, landing with an elegant poise.

She possessed long, flowing pink hair, reminiscent of cherry blossoms in the spring, exuding a sense of warmth and dreamlike serenity. Her violet eyes were deep and luminous, shimmering with an enigmatic glow, as if they contained infinite wisdom and untold stories.

She wore an elegant and refined white gown. Delicate lace adorned the edges, as light and airy as clouds, adding a touch of softness. The pleated design gave the dress more layers and dimension, accentuating her noble temperament.

The hem was covered with a transparent veil, as if woven from the morning mist, giving an ethereal and weightless impression.

Mo Chen recognized her at a glance.

With a single sweep of his gaze, he had already committed Dorothy's appearance to memory.

Compared to the game, she was even more stunning in reality.

"Dorothy?"

Dorothy smiled gently, like a warm breeze, exuding elegance and unique beauty as she gracefully approached. She ignored Marianne standing beside Mo Chen and Indivilia behind him.

"Commander, I've heard your name before. Now that I've seen you in person, I realize that the rumors weren't entirely accurate. You're much younger than they say."

Mo Chen remained composed, his expression unchanged as he spoke calmly.

"If I'm not mistaken, you've been watching from the shadows for quite some time, haven't you?"

Dorothy didn't refute his accusation. Her smile, as brilliant as cherry blossoms, carried a soft pink hue, radiating warmth and sweetness.

"Please forgive me. I simply didn't want to disturb your enjoyment. Besides, these Heretics were never a match for you, Commander. If I had stepped in to assist, it might have seemed like I was overstepping my bounds—unwanted, even. Don't you agree?"

Her demeanor was elegant, her words graceful, like a noble lady. Even though her explanation was just an excuse, it didn't provoke any hostility.

Even Mo Chen couldn't help but be impressed.

"You're not here just to say that, are you?"

His tone was light, but inwardly, he was wary.

For her to approach him so directly—there had to be a reason.

There was no way she had come just to throw herself into his arms, right?

Dorothy smiled softly.

"I've come to invite you to visit Eden. Additionally, I wanted to express my gratitude for saving Isabel."

"Isabel?"

Mo Chen was puzzled.

He didn't remember saving Isabel.

"Mhm." Dorothy's voice was calm and gentle. "Previously, Isabel fell into a trap and was captured by the Heretics. Now that they have been defeated by you, she has been freed."

As she spoke, her sharp eyes drifted toward Indivilia, who stood not far behind Mo Chen. A fleeting trace of coldness passed over her beautiful face, but it was quickly hidden beneath a polite smile.

Mo Chen followed her gaze. Indivilia's face shifted between shades of blue and white, as though she was ashamed of her defeat.

It all made sense now.

No wonder Indivilia was stronger than she had been in the original storyline—she must have absorbed the energy of several Nikkes.

Dorothy continued, "Isabel wanted to thank you in person, but given her current physical condition, she had to return to Eden first. If you have time, Commander, I hope you will visit. We'd love to express our gratitude properly."

She spoke with such sincerity that there wasn't a hint of falsehood.

Mo Chen considered it for a moment before shaking his head.

"No, I have other matters to attend to, so for now…"

"Neutralizer."