Commander Center.
Rapi sat neatly in her chair and sent a message to Commander Grim, who was currently livestreaming.
------Counterattack Squad------
Rapi: "Commander, should I investigate JohnD's identity?"
Commander Grim: "Why do you suddenly have that idea?"
Rapi: "I just feel that his words have clearly crossed the line."
Rapi: "If his speech isn't restricted, it could damage your image."
Anis: "Ugh, who's the shameless person smearing Commander-sama like that the moment they show up? I'm seriously pissed!"
Anis: "Rapi's right. In short, we need to expose him and teach him a lesson!!"
Neon: "Sir, do you think a criminal like that should be punished with firearms?"
Commander Grim: "Everyone, calm down. Don't be angry."
Anis: "But Commander-sama, he slandered you in front of so many Nikkes!"
Anis: "Are you really going to let him get away with that?"
Commander Grim: "Anis, Rapi, Neon, don't get worked up over childish nonsense like that."
Commander Grim: "I also just checked, the JohnD account was created in the Outer Rim."
Commander Grim: "That area isn't under Ark's jurisdiction, right?"
Anis: "As annoying as it is, what Commander-sama said is true."
Rapi: "Understood."
After calming the emotions of the three girls, Commander Grim ended today's livestream.
The fundraiser was a huge success. With Rupee's donation, Commander Grim managed to collect nearly two million dollars. While part of this would be used to produce dolls in the factory, the rest was more than enough to fund Counterattack Squad upgrades and long-term operational supplies.
As for Crow...
Only antisocial types like him lived in their own little world.
Commander Grim understood Crow's intent: provoking him and trying to expose the "ugly" side he believed every Ark person must have.
But Grim didn't take the childish remarks to heart, even generously leaving a message inviting him to the consultation room for a chat.
Because Grim knew very well—if he wasn't bothered, then Crow would be the one who'd get anxious.
"Rapi, go get some blank paper tickets."
"Okay, Commander."
Commander Grim cut the paper Rapi handed him into the shape of tickets, then printed text on them.
[Commander Universal Ticket]
[The holder of this ticket may order the Commander to do anything for one day]
"Commander, is this the Universal Commander Ticket you just mentioned—the limited edition one, ten per month?" Rapi leaned in curiously.
"Yes."
"Currently, the Outpost is in a serious funding shortage. Without the support of Nikkes, it's hard to operate with just Central Government subsidies." Grim placed ten Universal Vouchers on the table. "Find time to distribute these ten Universal Vouchers to ten random Nikkes from the donor pool."
"....."
Rapi quietly took the ten Universal Vouchers, a slightly embarrassed expression on her face.
Grim saw her standing still for quite a while and couldn't help asking, "Rapi?"
Rapi responded hesitantly: "Sorry, Commander, I was just a little distracted."
"What were you thinking about?"
"I was just wondering, can someone really ask anything from you with this voucher?"
"Of course, I won't do absolutely everything. If it goes against my principles, I'll refuse. But if it's just a reasonable request, I'll do my best to fulfill it," Grim replied.
"Is that so…"
Rapi hesitated for a long time before finally gathering her courage, her cheeks slightly flushed, and asked, "Commander, can I have one?"
"Ah, Rapi, you want one too?"
"Mm."
Rapi held onto her beret, turning slightly to hide her red face.
Being naturally reserved, Rapi felt like her whole body was burning.
She rarely made personal requests to Grim.
But this time was different.
Because with this Universal Voucher…
Even someone like her, who struggles to express emotions, could speak under the pretense of the voucher.
She truly needed it.
"Alright, Rapi."
"In that case, I'll print one just for you."
Grim took some time to print Rapi's special Universal Voucher.
Rapi accepted the voucher carefully, a charming smile forming on her flushed face. "Commander, thank you. You went through all this trouble."
Grim smiled and waved his hand. "Heh, compared to all you've done for me, it's nothing."
"By the way, have you thought about what you want me to do?"
"....."
Rapi's face turned red, and she didn't answer.
Grim noticed her blushing, shy expression, and couldn't help laughing. "Alright, Rapi, go back and think about it carefully. Just don't make me hold your hand and walk around the Outpost all day."
"Commander, I'm going back to the dorm now."
"Okay, be careful on your way."
"If anything urgent comes up, let me know in the group chat."
After saluting Grim, Rapi turned and quickly left.
Click.
Hearing the sound of the door unlocking, Grim finally collapsed into his chair, gently massaging his aching body.
Even though Grim had a special physique and enhanced physical abilities from the system—
Dealing with Nikkes was still exhausting.
Not just mentally, but physically too.
"Anis's body is way too heavy."
"I'm kind of out of breath…"
Grim gently rubbed his thighs and arms. The joints Anis had pressed on were sore, like he had run 5,000 meters and jumped like a frog 500 times.
Anis, you pig!
I'll definitely get my revenge next time.
"Just Anis is already this heavy."
"If it were Rapi…"
"I'd probably be crushed to death."
Grim took a deep breath, imagining Rapi landing on him, bones creaking.
It was a terrifying image.
"Today's work is mostly done."
"Time to eat and check the group chat."
While tearing open a special Pote snack, Grim devoured the Ark special—something between a paste and a dough. After nearly getting full, he opened the Nikke forum.
——— Commander Fan Club ———
Dolla: "Did anyone get a Universal Voucher from the livestream?"
Soline: "Wow, I got one!"
Rupee: "Rupee got a Universal Voucher too, hehe~ Commander Big Brother, should Rupee come now~?"