The preparation bay hummed with quiet precision as the final checks ran in the background.
Yuuki stood at the center, already suited up. The War Machine Mark I locked into place around him with a clean, mechanical seal. Unlike his heavier configurations, this one was restrained—no excessive weapon deployment, no visible overkill.
Practical.
Controlled.
"As long as the minigun stays stowed," he muttered, checking his HUD, "we don't look like an invasion force."
Behind him—
"Lord Commander…"
Illustrious' voice came soft, almost playful.
"Would you mind assisting me with my suit?"
Yuuki barely had time to turn—
Before Yorktown stepped in and grabbed Illustrious' wrist.
"Oh no, you don't."
Illustrious blinked, then smiled knowingly. "Hana, I was this close."
Yorktown's cheeks tinted slightly, but she didn't back down.
"We agreed. No one makes the first move."
A brief pause.
"…No one."
Atago covered a small laugh. "Ara… how strict. But I am sure she wanted to be the first one."
Takao sighed quietly. "Discipline must be maintained since we're all agreed."
Enterprise, already halfway suited, didn't look up. "Focus on the mission."
Belfast adjusted her gauntlet. "Professional conduct is expected."
Illustrious placed a hand lightly against her cheek.
"…How unfortunate."
Then, without further resistance, she allowed Yorktown—and Belfast—to assist her.
Piece by piece, the Daat Yichud power suit assembled around her.
Sleek.
Elegant.
But undeniably powerful.
The same followed for Atago and Takao, their armors forming with precise alignment—each adapted to their movement style, their combat role.
Soon—
All six stood ready.
Enterprise.
Yorktown.
Belfast.
Illustrious.
Atago.
Takao.
Yuuki turned to face them.
For a brief moment—
He just looked.
Not as a commander.
But as someone seeing the result of what he had built.
"…Alright," he said finally.
His tone sharpened.
Yuuki checked the final route projection on his HUD as they approached deployment range.
"So the plan is simple," he said. "We locate Avrora at that port settlement."
He glanced back at them.
"And we keep a low profile. No helmets off, no unnecessary exposure. If Wales is right, they won't react well to… us."
Illustrious tilted her head slightly, a soft smile forming.
"Ufufu… so you do not wish others to see our faces, Lord Commander?"
There was a teasing note in her voice.
Yuuki answered without hesitation.
"Correct."
A brief pause.
"You girls are beautiful. That alone might draw attention."
Silence.
Immediate.
Then—
"Charmer…" Yorktown muttered under her breath, cheeks faintly tinted.
"Oh my…" Belfast adjusted her sleeve, though her expression remained composed.
"Araaa…" Atago smiled knowingly.
Takao looked away slightly. "…Unnecessary observation."
Enterprise said nothing—but her posture shifted just enough.
Yuuki turned his head slightly.
"It's just an objective assessment."
Illustrious covered her lips, clearly amused.
"My, my…"
Behind him, Atago leaned slightly toward Yorktown.
"Hana… at this rate, I wonder who will make the first move."
Yuuki blinked.
"What move?"
Atago smiled innocently.
"Nothing~"
A pause.
"It's just something we girls agreed on."
Yorktown narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Ladies, we have an agreement."
Belfast cleared her throat gently.
"Focus, please."
Yuuki didn't turn back as the moment stretched behind him.
"Anyway," he said, shifting gears cleanly.
With a brief command, the Orca EX dropship descended onto one of the landing pads beside the Health Center, its engines humming with controlled power as the ramp lowered.
He stepped forward and paused at the edge.
"Can we go?"
"Yes."
The answer came in unison.
Beneath their helmets, quiet smiles formed.
They had noticed something he had not said out loud.
He saw them.
Not as weapons.
Not as constructs.
But as women.
Yuuki boarded first.
The others followed, one after another, their movements precise but light, carrying a quiet confidence.
From behind them—
"Be careful, Commander, nyaa!"
Akashi waved enthusiastically, though Vestal kept a steady hand on her shoulder.
In Vestal's arms, Eldridge lifted her hand slowly.
"…bye…"
Yuuki gave a small nod in return.
"We will."
Laffey raised her hand lazily.
"Come back soon…"
Unicorn smiled gently.
"Please be safe…"
The Bulins jumped in place, waving both arms.
"Bulin!"
"Purin!"
"Kurin!"
San Diego leaned forward dramatically.
"Don't lose, Commander!"
Yuuki let out a faint breath.
"That is not part of the plan."
The ramp closed.
The engines rose.
The Orca EX lifted smoothly from the platform and surged forward into open air before angling toward the ocean.
Inside the cabin, the lighting dimmed slightly as the vast stretch of sea came into view.
Endless.
Dark.
Waiting.
Yuuki stood at the front, eyes forward.
"We are heading to Aqua."
A pause followed.
"Stay focused. We do not know how they will react to us."
Enterprise nodded.
"We proceed with caution."
Belfast added, "Discretion will be key."
Takao spoke firmly.
"We avoid unnecessary conflict."
Atago smiled faintly.
"Unless necessary."
Illustrious tilted her head slightly.
"Then we resolve it quickly."
Yorktown crossed her arms.
"And leave before things escalate."
Yuuki gave a small nod.
"Exactly."
The dropship cut through the sky toward the open sea.
The Orca EX tore across the ocean at a speed that barely felt real. In just a few minutes, they had already covered hundreds of kilometers, the sea below blurring into a dark, endless sheet.
Inside the cabin, the pressure of the mission settled in.
"Commander?"
Yuuki glanced slightly to the side. "Yes?"
His helmet retracted with a smooth hiss, folding back into the armor. One by one, the others followed, their faces revealed again under the dim cabin lights.
Yorktown spoke first.
"If we encounter Nikkes… what will you do?"
A brief pause.
"Will you recruit them?"
Yuuki leaned back slightly, thinking it through.
"…Yeah."
Then he added more honestly,
"It's not just recruitment."
A pause.
"I feel bad for them."
The others listened.
"The way they're made…" Yuuki continued, "it's not right."
He shook his head slightly.
"They might be copies, but they didn't choose any of that."
He looked at them.
"What do you girls think?"
Illustrious answered first, her tone gentle.
"We can give them a chance."
A small pause.
"To prove who they are."
Belfast nodded.
"They have been denied agency for far too long."
Enterprise added calmly,
"If they are capable, they deserve the option to choose."
Takao crossed her arms.
"They would be valuable in ground operations."
Atago smiled faintly.
"While we dominate the sea and air."
Yorktown added,
"They fill a gap we don't."
Yuuki nodded slowly.
"…That's what I was thinking."
Then Belfast spoke again.
"The Citadel will be able to support them."
Yuuki blinked. "How many can it hold again?"
Belfast answered cleanly.
"Approximately one thousand personnel once fully operational."
Yuuki froze.
"…Wait."
He looked around.
"How many shipgirls are we expecting again?"
Yorktown answered.
"Close to seven hundred."
Silence.
"…Seven hundred?!" Yuuki straightened.
Atago gave a small shrug.
"We have many yet to recover."
Takao added, "And more across factions."
Yuuki rubbed his forehead.
"…And we don't even know how many Nikkes are out there."
Enterprise spoke quietly.
"Potentially hundreds."
Yuuki leaned back again.
"…Oh man…"
A long pause followed.
Illustrious smiled softly.
"It seems your 'small group' is becoming something much larger."
Belfast added calmly,
"A proper faction, Master. Ship girls and Nikkes under a single banner. No surface factions and Ark to suppress us anymore."
Yorktown smirked slightly.
"Better start planning for it."
Yuuki exhaled slowly, staring ahead at the dark horizon.
"…Yeah."
A pause.
"…Guess I'm building an army. It's only two weeks since I got here."
The Orca EX continued forward—
Carrying not just a rescue team—
But the beginning of something much bigger than any of them had expected.
The Orca EX slowed to a hover above a small, isolated island—nothing more than rock, sparse vegetation, and a narrow stretch of shore breaking the endless ocean.
One by one, they dropped down.
The moment their boots touched ground, the dropship pulled away, disappearing back into the distance.
Yuuki didn't waste time.
With a flicker of light, the Phobocaster materialized again—sleek, silent, and ready.
"Move," he said.
Belfast, Enterprise, and Yorktown immediately took their stations inside.
Atago, Takao, and Illustrious moved to the passenger section, settling in while Yuuki ran system checks.
"Illy," Yuuki said, glancing back briefly. "Comfortable in the suit?"
Illustrious tilted her head slightly.
"It is… a bit tight across the chest."
A small, playful pause.
"I suppose my landing pads are slightly larger than expected."
Yuuki coughed lightly.
"…Right."
He reached over and tapped a few controls, adjusting the suit parameters remotely. The armor shifted subtly, reforming to better fit her frame.
Illustrious smiled softly.
"Much better. Thank you, Lord Commander."
Yuuki nodded, then turned.
"Atago. Takao."
"Hai?"
With a brief motion, two katanas materialized in his hands.
He drew one halfway—
It shimmered, then ignited into a beam blade before he powered it down again.
"You can use them as standard steel," he explained, handing them over. "Or activate the beam edge. Cuts through steel easily."
Takao's eyes sharpened.
Atago's smile widened.
"I noticed," Yuuki added, "you both favor your waist. You're used to carrying blades."
Takao instinctively touched her side.
Atago chuckled softly.
"So these are yours now," Yuuki said. "Personal weapons."
"Shikikan-sama…" Atago's voice softened.
"Thank you."
Takao bowed her head slightly.
"…We will use them well."
Yuuki gave a small nod.
"Just don't—"
"Here, as payment~"
Atago stepped in smoothly—
And kissed his cheek.
Yuuki froze.
"Ufufu… your turn, Takao-chan."
Takao stiffened.
"I… that is not necessary—"
Atago leaned in, whispering just enough.
"You want to."
A pause.
Then—
Takao stepped forward and kissed his other cheek.
Her face immediately flushed.
"…Consider them paid," Yuuki muttered, turning away.
Behind him—
Atago gave a small, victorious smile.
The others stared.
"Commander!"
Yuuki blinked.
"Hana?"
Yorktown stepped forward—
And kissed his cheek.
"For saving Enty and Hornet."
Enterprise followed without hesitation.
"For Vestal, Sandy, and Eldridge."
Belfast stepped in next, composed as ever.
"For rescuing myself… Lady Wales, Unicorn and Lady Illustrious."
Then—
Illustrious.
She smiled softly.
"For no reason at all."
Yuuki stood there for a second.
Processing.
"…Right."
Yuuki turned back toward the controls, but a faint smirk slipped through.
"Maybe I should save more people," he said casually, "if this is the kind of reward I get."
Silence.
Then—
Every single one of them flushed.
Yorktown turned her head away slightly. "You're impossible…"
Atago covered a soft laugh. "Ara… how honest."
Takao looked down, clearly trying to regain composure. "…Irrelevant comment."
Enterprise stayed quiet, though her posture stiffened.
Belfast cleared her throat gently. "Master…"
Illustrious simply smiled, amused.
Yuuki exhaled and shook his head.
"…Let's focus on the mission."
Behind him—
Six girls.
All very aware of what had just happened.
All very red.
"Diving."
The hatch sealed.
Systems locked.
The Phobocaster tilted forward and slipped beneath the surface, cutting cleanly into the ocean.
Light faded.
Blue deepened.
Then—
Dark.
The underwater world opened around them.
Bioluminescent currents drifted through the depths, schools of fish scattering as the submarine passed.
"Beautiful…" Illustrious whispered, her voice filled with quiet wonder.
Yuuki kept his eyes on the display.
"Bel. Distance?"
"Approximately fifty kilometers remaining," Belfast replied. "Triangulation indicates a structured installation ahead."
Yuuki nodded.
"Then we're close."
They cruised in silence for a while—
Until—
Belfast's tone shifted.
"Contact."
The submarine slowed.
"Three unknown signatures approaching."
Moments later—
Three silhouettes appeared ahead.
Armed.
Waiting.
Yuuki stopped the Phobocaster completely.
The comm crackled—
"Halt. You are entering the territory of the Atlantic Underwater Federation."
A pause.
"State your intentions. What business do you have at Magellan Station?"
Yuuki leaned slightly toward the comm.
"We are travelers from the north," he replied evenly. "Seeking entry for trade."
A pause.
"We have been traveling for several hours. We request temporary access to refuel and rearm."
Silence.
Then—
"Your vessel is not registered in any Federation database."
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"It's newly acquired."
A pause.
"We've been evading Siren activity."
Another pause.
"Did you lead them here?"
"No."
His voice remained steady.
"If we had, we wouldn't be asking permission to dock."
The voice shifted slightly.
Suspicious.
"You and how many aboard?"
"Seven total."
A longer pause.
Then—
"…Relationship?"
Yuuki didn't even blink.
"Family."
Behind him—
Every single one of them froze.
Then—
Blushed.
Hard.
Because it didn't sound like a cover.
It didn't sound like a lie.
It sounded—
Real.
The comm remained silent for a few seconds.
Then—
"…Stand by."
The three vessels held position.
Scanning.
Watching.
Inside the Phobocaster—
No one spoke.
But the atmosphere had changed.
Atago glanced at Takao with a small smile.
Illustrious lowered her gaze, still smiling softly.
Yorktown looked away entirely.
Enterprise stayed still.
Belfast remained composed—but quieter.
Yuuki didn't turn.
Didn't react.
Just watched the sensors.
"…Family, huh," Atago murmured under her breath.
No one corrected it.
The comm crackled again.
"You are cleared to dock. Prepare for inspection."
Yuuki gave a short nod.
"Alright, girls."
The Phobocaster moved forward, slow and controlled, slipping past the three escort vessels as they guided him deeper into the zone.
Then—
The structure revealed itself.
A massive underwater complex emerged from the darkness.
Seven colossal structures stood anchored to the seabed.
One central hub—
Surrounded by six outer stations, all connected by reinforced transit pathways.
Massive turbines rotated slowly, feeding power into the system. Generator arrays pulsed with dim energy, while filtration towers released streams of processed water into the surrounding ocean.
Defense systems were everywhere.
Turrets.
Torpedo launchers.
Tracking arrays.
Nothing about this place was undefended.
"…It's like a city," Belfast said quietly.
"A fortified one," Enterprise added.
Yuuki studied it closely.
"Yeah… more than a port."
A pause.
"This is a stronghold."
The closer they got, the larger it felt.
The central structure alone dwarfed the others—layered, reinforced, and clearly the core of operations.
"Girls," Yuuki said calmly, guiding the Phobocaster toward an open docking channel.
"I guess… welcome to Magellan Port."
A faint smirk.
"Part of Aqua."
The submarine aligned with the docking bay.
Guidance lights flickered on, directing them inward.
Inside—
Rows of submarines filled the docking area.
Different sizes.
Different builds.
Some military.
Some civilian.
Yorktown leaned slightly forward.
"So this is how they move."
Yuuki nodded.
"Looks like submarines replaced surface ships down here."
The Phobocaster surfaced inside the enclosed dock, water draining gradually as the platform stabilized.
Hydraulic clamps locked into place around the hull.
"Docking complete," Belfast confirmed.
The hatch area dimmed slightly.
Outside—
Shadows moved.
Personnel.
Waiting.
Yuuki stood.
"Stay sharp."
A pause.
"And remember—low profile."
Behind him—
Six armored figures stood ready.
Not as invaders.
Not as conquerors.
But as something far more dangerous—
Unknowns.
And outside—
Magellan Station was watching.
The hatch opened with a controlled hiss, and Yuuki stepped out first onto the docking platform.
The inspectors were already waiting.
Up close, the difference was unmistakable. Their bodies carried visible augmentations—metallic seams along the neck, faintly glowing nodes beneath the skin, reinforced eyes that tracked movement with mechanical precision. Yuuki's HUD quietly confirmed it: respiratory implants, neural stabilizers, skeletal reinforcement. These people had adapted themselves to this environment so completely that returning to the surface might even be difficult for them.
The air composition warning flickered again.
Yuuki had already anticipated it.
"Filters on," he said quietly.
Behind him, his girls activated the Air Filter MK4 units. The devices worked silently, purifying the mixed oxygen-helium atmosphere into something breathable. Without them, prolonged exposure would become a problem. The inspectors, however, showed no concern. The implants along their necks pulsed rhythmically, regulating their breathing as naturally as lungs.
It explained more than just survival.
It explained the attitude.
This was not just a different place. It was a different kind of humanity.
"Halt," one of the inspectors said, stepping forward. His voice carried a faint mechanical distortion.
"Welcome to Magellan Station."
Another moved slightly to the side, scanning Yuuki and then the six figures behind him.
"State your purpose. Are you here for the auction?"
Yuuki kept his posture relaxed, his tone steady.
"Yes. We are."
He gestured slightly behind him.
"These are my family. We are here to participate."
The word lingered again.
Even now, none of the girls corrected it.
The inspectors continued scanning them. Their gaze lingered on the armor, the posture, the silence.
"Your vessel is unregistered," one of them said.
"It is newly acquired," Yuuki replied. "We have been avoiding Siren patrol routes."
"Did you lead any here?"
"No. If we had, we would not be requesting entry."
A longer pause followed.
Then one of them stepped closer.
"Remove all visible weapon systems."
Yuuki raised his hands slightly.
"Already powered down."
The inspector circled him once, then shifted attention to the others. The armor hid everything—faces, expressions, identity. Exactly as intended.
"Your vessel will be secured," the inspector said. "You and your group will undergo inspection."
Yuuki nodded.
"That is acceptable."
The inspectors exchanged a glance, then one of them stepped aside.
"Follow us. Stay within designated paths."
The route opened inward, deeper into the station.
Beyond the docking bay, structures stretched into corridors lined with reinforced panels, pipes, and dim industrial lighting. Movement was constant—workers, guards, traders—all carrying the same marks of modification.
Yuuki stepped forward.
Behind him, six armored figures followed without hesitation.
They moved together.
Not as strangers.
Not as a cover story.
But as something that was beginning to feel real.
Magellan Station watched them closely.
And for now—
It believed them.
The inspection ended without incident. Scanners swept over them one last time, then powered down.
"You are clear. You may proceed," the inspector said.
Yuuki inclined his head slightly. "Understood."
Behind them, the Phobocaster sealed and locked itself. Jarvis quietly activated internal security protocols, masking sensitive systems and ensuring no one could tamper with it while they were away.
Yuuki did not even glance back.
He had already discarded the cover story in his mind.
The auction was irrelevant.
Avrora was not.
They stepped deeper into Magellan Station, and the environment shifted immediately.
What looked like a docking hub from the outside unfolded into something far larger within. Corridors opened into vast interior chambers, layered with platforms, walkways, and markets filled with unfamiliar devices.
The lighting was dim and artificial, tinted in cool blues and muted amber. Pipes, conduits, and structural beams ran along every surface. The air felt heavier, even with the filters active.
People moved everywhere.
If they could still be called that.
Augmentations were not rare here. They were standard. Some individuals had only minor enhancements—ocular implants or reinforced limbs—while others were almost entirely mechanical in their posture and movement.
"Holy… this is something else," Vergil said over the channel.
Even his research team, watching through shared telemetry, remained unusually quiet.
Yuuki scanned the surroundings slowly.
"It is a different world."
Atago lowered her voice. "They have adapted completely."
Takao nodded. "To the point that surface norms may be irrelevant here."
Belfast observed with measured calm.
"Underwater life...."
Enterprise added, "Yes, to be honest, this is my first time here.."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"I wonder what the Ark looks like if this is Aqua."
Yorktown crossed her arms.
"If this is what happens underwater…"
A pause followed.
"Then the Ark might be just as extreme in the opposite direction."
This was the first time they had entered a functioning civilization since everything began.
Not ruins.
Not battlegrounds.
Not abandoned strongholds.
This place lived.
It traded.
It functioned.
And it watched.
Yuuki adjusted his pace slightly, keeping them together.
"Stay close," he said quietly. "We are already different enough to attract attention."
Illustrious looked around, curiosity visible even behind discipline.
"It feels unfamiliar, yet structured."
"It is structured," Yuuki replied. "Just not in a way we recognize."
His gaze hardened slightly.
"We are not here to explore."
A brief pause followed.
"We find Avrora, confirm her condition, and extract."
No one questioned it.
They had seen enough already to understand the risk.
This place might not welcome them twice.
A woman suddenly stepped into Yuuki's path, cutting through the flow of people like she owned the place.
"Hey, handsome," she said, looking him up and down. "That armor's a bit much for around here."
She leaned in slightly, voice dropping.
"Wanna have some fun? I take credits."
Yuuki blinked once—
And then got pulled back immediately.
Yorktown grabbed his left arm.
Enterprise took the right.
"Thanks…" Yuuki said as they dragged him a few steps away.
Yorktown frowned, clearly annoyed. "We're not letting random women talk to you like that."
Enterprise added, calm but firm, "Not worth your time."
Atago gave a soft laugh. "She was quite bold."
Takao crossed her arms. "Too bold."
Illustrious smiled faintly. "Very straightforward, at least."
Belfast adjusted her sleeve. "Let us keep moving."
Yuuki exhaled.
"Yeah… let's."
Yorktown glanced at him again.
"Also… did you catch that?"
"Hear what?"
"Credits," Enterprise said. "That must be their currency."
Yuuki paused mid-step.
"…Right. That's important."
Atago tilted her head. "So how are we paying for anything?"
Yuuki looked around and walked up to a nearby stall.
The vendor stood behind a counter filled with strange items—metallic components, glowing chips, and tools that didn't exist on the surface.
"Hey," Yuuki said, keeping it casual. "Is there a place to trade items for money?"
The vendor looked him over, eyes lingering on the armor.
"You mean the tech exchange?"
"Yeah."
"Second floor," the vendor said, pointing behind him. "You're on the fifth. Take the lift or the auto stairs."
Yuuki nodded. "Got it. Thanks."
The vendor smirked.
"That suit's not from around here."
Yuuki shrugged. "Custom."
"Sure it is," the vendor chuckled. "You want food? Try Galapagos Crab. Smells terrible, tastes amazing."
Yuuki stared.
"…You serious?"
"Or shark intestine sandwich," the vendor added casually.
Yuuki immediately shook his head.
"Nope. I'm good."
"Ten credits," the vendor said, unfazed.
"…Still no."
Yuuki turned and walked back.
The station opened up around them.
Wide corridors led into massive open spaces. Platforms stacked above each other, connected by elevators and long moving stairways. Neon signs flickered overhead in unfamiliar symbols. Steam vents hissed occasionally from exposed pipes.
People moved everywhere.
Some looked almost normal.
Others had glowing eyes, mechanical limbs, or reinforced jaws.
Everyone noticed them.
Yorktown looked around slowly. "This place is huge."
Enterprise scanned upward. "At least twenty floors."
Belfast nodded. "We are currently on the fifth level."
Takao's eyes moved across the crowd. "Too many people. Too many eyes."
Atago smiled slightly. "And all of them curious."
Illustrious glanced at a nearby stall selling glowing crystals.
"It feels like a marketplace… but heavier."
Yuuki nodded.
"Different environment. Different rules."
He pointed toward a set of moving stairs.
"We go down to the second floor."
A short pause.
"We get credits first."
Then his expression hardened slightly.
"…Then we start looking for Avrora."
The group moved again.
Staying close.
Blending as best they could—
In a place where they clearly did not belong.
Even with their helmets on, they stood out.
The armor was too clean.
Too advanced.
Too… different.
People glanced at them as they passed—some curious, some cautious, some clearly interested in ways Yuuki didn't like.
If the armor alone drew this much attention, Yuuki didn't even want to imagine what would happen if the girls revealed their faces.
"Shikikan-sama?" Atago spoke softly beside him. "Do you have anything we can trade?"
Yuuki thought for a moment.
"I might."
Takao looked ahead. "Depends what they accept."
Illustrious tilted her head slightly. "We will find out soon enough."
Belfast added calmly, "It would be unwise to reveal anything too advanced."
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. We'll ask first."
They kept moving.
Then Yuuki noticed it.
A group of augmented men leaning against the side of a corridor, watching them a little too closely.
Not just curious.
Interested.
The girls felt it too.
The shift in attention.
The kind that lingered too long.
Atago's expression tightened slightly.
Takao's hand hovered closer to her side.
Yorktown frowned.
Enterprise's gaze sharpened.
They didn't like it.
Not one bit.
Yuuki kept walking, voice low.
"Ignore them."
A short pause.
"We don't need trouble."
The group didn't respond out loud, but they adjusted their spacing slightly—closer to him, tighter formation.
They moved past the men without stopping.
The stares followed.
But no one stepped forward.
After a few turns through the crowded corridors, they finally reached their destination.
A large storefront marked with flickering signs and stacked with all kinds of equipment—mechanical parts, weapons, salvaged tech, and things that looked barely understood.
"The exchange," Yorktown said.
Yuuki nodded.
"Alright."
He stepped forward.
"Let's see what we can trade."
Yuuki pushed the door open, and a small bell chimed overhead.
The shop smelled faintly of oil and metal. Shelves were packed tight—old circuitry, salvaged parts, strange tools, and half-disassembled machines that looked like they had been dragged up from forgotten ruins.
The shopkeeper barely looked up at first.
"Welcome…" he muttered. "Looking for surface tech?"
Yuuki shook his head. "No. You buy things here?"
That got the man's attention.
He leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing.
"I buy anything… if it's interesting enough."
Yuuki crossed his arms. "What about ores or gems?"
The shopkeeper chuckled.
"Rare metals can sell, sure. Depends on quality." His eyes flicked up and down Yuuki's armor. "Though honestly, those suits you're wearing would fetch a fortune."
Yuuki answered immediately.
"Not for sale."
The man shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Yuuki reached into his inventory.
A small, modern kitchen blender appeared in his hand.
Clean.
Unused.
The shopkeeper froze.
"…Holy hell."
He stood up straight now, walking closer.
"That's… surface-grade. And pristine."
He turned it slightly, checking the casing, the wiring, the condition.
"People here would pay big for this. Where did you—"
He stopped himself.
"…Never mind."
Yuuki kept it simple.
"How much?"
The shopkeeper rubbed his chin.
"For something like this… I'll give you 3000 credits."
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"Deal."
The shopkeeper quickly pulled out a handheld device.
"Credit card?"
Yuuki blinked.
"I don't have one."
The shopkeeper sighed.
"Kid… that's basic here."
He reached under the counter and pulled out a glowing blue card.
"I'll set you up. One-time fee—100 credits."
Yuuki nodded.
"Fine."
"Deal."
The man tapped a few buttons, transferred the balance, then handed the card over.
"Welcome to Aqua."
Yuuki took it, glancing at the display.
"Got it."
The shopkeeper leaned back slightly.
"So… anything else?"
Yuuki didn't answer.
Instead—
He pulled out another item.
An electric water heater.
The shopkeeper's eyes widened.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
He stepped forward again, almost grabbing it.
"Pristine… again?"
He looked up at Yuuki, now fully alert.
"Do you have any idea how rare this is down here?"
Yuuki said nothing.
Then—
Another item.
Electric induction cooker.
The shopkeeper actually laughed in disbelief.
"Alright… now you're messing with me."
And then—
A portable water purifier.
Silence.
The shopkeeper stared.
Long.
Hard.
"…Kid."
He slowly looked back up.
"…Where are you getting this stuff?"
Behind Yuuki—
The girls watched quietly.
Atago smiled faintly.
Takao stayed alert.
Yorktown crossed her arms.
Enterprise observed the man carefully.
Belfast remained composed.
Illustrious simply looked amused.
Yuuki shrugged.
"Found them."
The shopkeeper didn't buy that.
But he didn't push either.
Instead—
He leaned forward, eyes sharp now.
"…You're sitting on a goldmine."
A pause.
"No—more than that."
He tapped the counter lightly.
The shopkeeper leaned in, lowering his voice as if the walls themselves might listen.
"Let's talk numbers, kid… you're really pushing your luck here."
He tapped the counter, eyes still locked on the items.
"Thirty thousand credits. That's what I can offer for those two."
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"Deal. Put it on the card."
The transfer went through quickly. The blue card pulsed once, updating the balance.
The shopkeeper barely glanced at it.
His attention was already back on the last item.
The water purifier.
He stared at it like it wasn't just valuable—
But dangerous.
"…That one's different," he said quietly.
He picked it up carefully, almost respectfully.
"A portable purifier in this condition… do you even know what you're holding?"
Yuuki shrugged slightly.
"Enlighten me."
The shopkeeper let out a slow breath.
"That alone could go for seventy thousand credits. Maybe more."
A pause.
"If I put that in the auction tomorrow… it'll start a bidding war."
Yuuki narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…Auction."
The shopkeeper smirked.
"So you've heard the word, but not the meaning."
He leaned back.
"Let me explain."
"Some idiots go up to the surface," he said. "Risk their lives grabbing old-world tech from ruined cities. Sirens guard the seas, Raptures guard the land. Most don't come back."
A short pause.
"But the ones who do… they bring back things like this."
He tapped the purifier lightly.
"Tomorrow, there's an auction. Big one."
Another pause.
"Rare items. Things you don't see twice."
Yuuki glanced toward the busy corridor outside.
"That explains the crowd."
The shopkeeper nodded.
"Everyone's here for it."
Yuuki crossed his arms slightly.
"So what's the highlight?"
The shopkeeper didn't answer immediately.
His expression shifted.
Less business.
More… cautious.
Then he said it.
"…They're auctioning something special this time."
Yuuki's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
The shopkeeper looked around once, then leaned in.
"A shipgirl."
Silence.
Behind Yuuki—
Everything stopped.
Atago's smile vanished.
Takao's hand tightened slightly.
Yorktown's expression hardened instantly.
Enterprise's gaze turned cold.
Belfast went completely still.
Illustrious lowered her eyes, the softness gone.
Yuuki didn't move.
"…And?" he asked, voice calm.
The shopkeeper swallowed slightly.
"And…"
A pause.
"…a Nikke."
The air felt heavier.
Yuuki's grip on the counter tightened just a fraction.
The shopkeeper continued, quieter now.
"Both in perfect condition. Untouched. That's why this auction is different."
No one spoke.
Because now—
This wasn't just a lead.
This was the mission—
Changing.
The shopkeeper leaned back, lowering his voice as the topic turned darker.
"These kinds of items?" he said quietly. "They're not just rare… they're status."
He tapped the counter once.
"Tomorrow, the big players will be there. The ones with real money. Real power."
Yuuki kept his expression neutral.
"Names?"
The shopkeeper smirked faintly.
"You ever heard of El-Molo?"
Yuuki didn't answer, but the name stuck.
"Big-time criminal," the shopkeeper continued. "Controls routes, deals in everything—tech, people, anything valuable."
A pause.
"He bought two Nikkes in past auctions."
Behind Yuuki, the tension rose again.
"At first, he didn't get them," the shopkeeper added. "Lost the bid a couple years back."
"But last year? He made sure he didn't lose again."
Yuuki's voice stayed steady.
"Two Nikkes."
"Yeah," the shopkeeper nodded. "But those first two…"
He gave a short, humorless laugh.
"They went to someone else. Magnifico."
Yorktown's jaw tightened slightly.
"Rich bastard," the shopkeeper went on. "Flashy. Arrogant. Thinks money makes him untouchable."
A pause.
"He turned those Nikkes into servants. Showpieces."
The word hung there.
"People pay just to be around them," the shopkeeper added. "That's how valuable they are down here."
Silence followed.
Heavy.
"Then last year," he continued, "El-Molo got his chance. Bought two more."
A pause.
"And now…"
He leaned in slightly.
"This year's different."
Yuuki's eyes sharpened.
"How?"
The shopkeeper looked him straight in the eye.
"For the first time…"
A short pause.
"…they're auctioning a shipgirl."
That landed harder than anything else.
"And alongside her," he added quietly, "another Nikke."
The noise of the market outside suddenly felt distant.
Yuuki didn't move.
Didn't react outwardly.
But behind him—
Everything had changed.
Atago's smile was gone.
Takao stood rigid.
Yorktown's expression had turned cold.
Enterprise's gaze hardened.
Belfast's calm had sharpened into something precise.
Illustrious lowered her eyes, her usual softness replaced with quiet resolve.
Yuuki finally spoke.
"…Where."
The shopkeeper hesitated for a split second.
Then answered.
"Central auction hall. Top levels."
A pause.
"Invitation only… unless you've got something worth entering with."
His eyes drifted back to the water purifier.
"…Like that."
Silence.
The mission had shifted.
This wasn't just a rescue anymore.
It was a race—
Against people who saw lives as collectibles.
Yuuki slid the purifier back across the counter.
"Keep it. I already sold it to you," he said calmly. "I'll bring something else for the auction."
The shopkeeper blinked once—then broke into a wide grin.
"Kid… you just made my day."
He tapped the counter, clearly energized now.
"If you're entering, registration's on the top floor. Do it today. Auction starts tomorrow—seven at night."
Yuuki nodded. "Got it."
The man leaned in slightly.
"You mentioned ores earlier?"
Yuuki gave a casual shrug. "Maybe."
"Then try Ultra Lux," the shopkeeper said. "High-end place. Real money moves there. They love rare gems, exotic materials… anything flashy."
A pause.
"Not the kind of place for beginners."
Yuuki nodded again. "I'll keep that in mind."
The shopkeeper's expression shifted slightly—less business, more warning.
"And kid…"
A brief pause.
"People down here? They're not like surface folks."
Yuuki met his gaze.
"…I noticed."
With that, he turned and walked out.
The noise of the station rushed back in.
Crowds.
Lights.
Movement.
But this time—
The mood had changed.
They didn't even make it far before Yorktown spoke.
Her voice wasn't loud.
But it was sharp.
"…A shipgirl."
Yuuki stopped.
Yorktown stepped forward slightly.
"They're selling one of us."
Her hands clenched at her sides.
"Like an object."
Enterprise's voice followed, colder.
"And a Nikke."
Atago's usual light tone was gone.
"…That's disgusting."
Takao's gaze hardened.
"They turned living beings into commodities."
Belfast spoke quietly, but there was steel underneath.
"This is no longer just a reconnaissance mission."
Illustrious lowered her gaze.
"To think someone like us… is waiting there…"
Yuuki turned to face them.
Yorktown looked straight at him.
"What are we doing?"
A pause.
The question wasn't tactical.
It was personal.
Enterprise added,
"If we walk away, they will still be sold."
Silence settled between them.
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
Then spoke.
Yuuki slowed his pace, letting the flow of the crowd move past them while he thought it through properly.
"We can buy them," he said, voice low but clear. "That gets us inside the system without raising alarms."
He glanced toward the upper levels where the auction hall would be.
"But auctions like this are never clean. The moment we win, we become targets."
Yorktown's expression tightened.
"They won't interfere during the auction itself," she said. "Too many witnesses, too many powerful people watching."
She paused, then added with certainty, "But the second we leave that hall, we'll be marked."
Enterprise folded her arms, her gaze steady.
"They will track us," she said. "Likely multiple groups. Some will want to steal, others may want to eliminate us entirely to remove competition."
Takao spoke next, her tone grounded and tactical.
"They will not rush blindly. They will observe first, identify weaknesses, and strike where we are most vulnerable."
Atago's smile returned, but it carried a sharper edge now.
"And if they think we're inexperienced, they might underestimate us," she said. "That could be useful."
Yuuki nodded slightly.
"That's what I'm counting on."
He paused, then continued more seriously.
"I wanted to avoid attention. Slip in, find Avrora, and leave without anyone noticing."
He shook his head.
"That plan is no longer realistic."
Belfast stepped forward slightly, her voice calm but firm.
"The auction hall will be heavily secured," she said. "Entry will be controlled, exits monitored, and internal surveillance will be extensive."
She met his gaze.
"Any attempt to extract targets by force inside would escalate immediately."
Illustrious lowered her gaze slightly, thinking.
"So we use their system instead," she said. "We become legitimate participants."
Yuuki nodded.
"We register, we bid, and we win."
He paused, letting that settle.
"Then we leave before anyone can organize a proper response."
Enterprise looked at him carefully.
"That assumes we can outbid everyone."
Yuuki gave a faint, confident smirk.
"I didn't come here unprepared."
There was a brief silence before he added something more.
"I'm not just aiming for Avrora."
All of them looked at him.
"The Nikke being auctioned," he continued. "We take her too."
A pause.
"And if the shopkeeper's information is accurate…"
He glanced at them.
"Those other Nikkes might be present as well. Not on stage, but nearby."
Belfast's expression sharpened.
"You intend to secure all of them."
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"If they're within reach, I'm not leaving them behind."
Illustrious spoke softly.
"That will draw significant attention."
Yuuki gave a quiet exhale.
"It already has."
He looked around the station, then back at them.
"We're just choosing how that attention plays out."
Yorktown nodded slowly.
"Then we prepare for everything. Surveillance, pursuit, ambush."
Takao added,
"Multiple hostile factions. Unknown numbers. Confined environment."
Atago's eyes gleamed faintly.
"And limited room to maneuver."
Enterprise finished it.
"Which means precision matters more than force."
Yuuki looked at each of them in turn.
"Tomorrow, we walk into a room full of people who see you as property."
His voice lowered slightly.
"And we walk out with them."
A quiet pause followed.
Illustrious lifted her head, her expression calm but resolute.
"Then we will ensure that outcome."
Belfast gave a small nod.
"We will prepare accordingly."
Yorktown's tone hardened.
"No mistakes."
Enterprise's answer was simple, but absolute.
"We will succeed."
Yuuki turned forward again, eyes set.
"Get some rest when we can. Once we step into that auction…"
He paused.
"…there's no going back."
They moved again through the crowded station.
But now—
Every step carried purpose.
Tomorrow would not be quiet.
And none of them expected it to be.
They chose a narrower passage that branched off from the main concourse—a maintenance corridor by the look of it. The lights were dimmer, the walls lined with exposed pipes and humming conduits, and the crowd thinned to almost nothing.
It should have been faster.
It should have been quieter.
Yuuki slowed his steps.
Not because he was unsure.
Because he already knew.
"…We're being followed," he said quietly.
Behind him, the formation tightened almost instinctively. No one panicked. No one spoke loudly. The shift was subtle—but deliberate.
Then they stopped.
Because the corridor ahead—
Was no longer empty.
Figures stepped out from both ends.
Five.
Then seven.
Then more.
Augmented men with mismatched implants, some crude, some sophisticated, all of them carrying the same look—confidence born from numbers and familiarity with this place.
One of them cracked his neck, stepping forward with a crooked grin.
"Yo… you guys new here?"
His eyes flicked over Yuuki, then lingered on the group behind him.
"We saw you back at the exchange."
Another one circled slightly, blocking the side.
"Sold some pretty valuable stuff, didn't you?"
A third laughed.
"Mind sharing a bit of that wealth?"
Their attention shifted.
Not just to Yuuki.
But to the six figures behind him.
"Hooo… look at those suits," one of them said, voice thick with interest. "That's not cheap gear."
Another leaned forward slightly.
"And those girls…"
He whistled low.
"Golden armor too? Must be something special underneath."
The atmosphere changed.
Not loud.
Not explosive.
But sharp.
Yuuki didn't react outwardly.
Didn't raise his voice.
Didn't even look annoyed.
He simply turned his head slightly.
"Atago. Takao."
Both stepped forward immediately.
"You two want this?" Yuuki asked, calm as ever.
Atago's lips curved into a gentle smile.
But her eyes—
Were no longer soft.
"Yes, Shikikan-sama," she said quietly. "I've been holding back since earlier."
Takao's hand rested near her waist, already anticipating the weight of a blade.
"I will handle them efficiently."
Yuuki gave a small nod.
"Keep it controlled."
A pause.
"Don't hurt them more than necessary."
"Hai."
Two katanas materialized in Yuuki's hands—sleek, perfectly balanced. The katanas that he gave them in the ship. Hidden to avoid the checking zone.
He handed them over.
Atago and Takao took them naturally, like extensions of themselves.
A flicker—
The blades hummed faintly as the energy systems synced. They could use the beam function but, that will be gory.
The men laughed.
They thought this was still in their control.
It wasn't.
Atago moved first.
Not fast—
But impossibly smooth.
She stepped inside a swing before it even fully formed, her blade snapping upward just enough to knock the weapon free. Her free hand followed through, redirecting the man's momentum and dropping him cleanly to the ground.
Their power suit wasn't for show. It augments their strength, speed and defenses. Surpassing limits of a superhuman.
Takao followed a heartbeat later.
Her movements were sharper with additional data and help from their helmet's hud.
More direct.
A single pivot, a precise strike to the wrist, and another attacker lost his grip entirely. She turned, repositioned, and forced two more back without even needing to strike.
The corridor erupted—
But only on one side.
One of them lunged toward Yuuki.
He never made it.
Belfast stepped in.
One movement.
Clean.
Controlled.
Her hand redirected the strike, her footwork shifted his balance, and in the same motion she sent him to the floor without a sound beyond the impact.
Yorktown intercepted another.
Her response was direct—no wasted motion, no hesitation. She disarmed him and forced him back in a single exchange, her stance steady and unyielding.
Enterprise moved like a shadow behind them.
She didn't engage directly at first—she cut off escape routes, repositioned, and forced the attackers into unfavorable angles.
When she did strike, it ended the exchange immediately.
Illustrious moved differently.
Less aggressive.
More controlled.
She redirected, destabilized, and neutralized without overwhelming force, her movements precise and almost graceful.
It wasn't chaos.
It wasn't even a fight.
It was a demonstration.
The martial arts upgrade enhancements Yuuki had given them were evident. Courtesy of GDI upgrade systems that implant muscle memory movements inside their subconscious. Thus, making them having the experience of an expert martial arts fighter implanted in their minds. Alongside the power suit, these girls are unstoppable.
Their bodies moved like they had trained for years.
Their instincts aligned.
Their reactions were immediate.
Takao stepped forward again, disarming the last armed man with a clean twist of her blade. She stopped just short of striking him, the edge hovering close enough to make the message clear.
Atago appeared behind another, her voice soft.
"You should stop now."
A gentle push—
And he collapsed forward, completely off balance.
Seconds passed.
Then silence.
The corridor returned to stillness.
The men were down.
Not broken.
Not bleeding out.
But completely outmatched.
Yuuki stepped forward slowly.
He looked at them—not with anger, not with pride.
Just calm clarity.
"You picked the wrong group," he said.
No threats followed.
None were needed.
Atago rested her blade lightly against her shoulder, her earlier tension gone.
"That helped," she said with a small smile.
Takao exhaled, posture relaxing.
"They lacked discipline."
Belfast adjusted her sleeve.
"No further hostiles detected."
Yuuki glanced at all of them.
Then gave a small nod.
"…Good."
He turned and resumed walking.
The others followed without a word.
Behind them—
The corridor remained quiet.
But not unnoticed.
Because even in a place like Aqua—
Displays of strength like that—
Spread quickly.
==============
They moved upward through the station, leaving the tighter, industrial corridors behind. The higher levels felt different—cleaner, brighter, and far more controlled. Security presence increased with every floor. Guards stood at key junctions, surveillance nodes were embedded into the walls, and access points became more restricted.
By the time they reached the upper tiers, the atmosphere had shifted completely.
This was no longer a marketplace.
This was where power gathered.
From a distance, they could already see it.
The auction hall.
A massive structure built into the upper core of the station. Reinforced glass panels, elevated balconies, and multiple entry checkpoints surrounded it. The architecture alone made one thing clear—this place wasn't just for trade.
It was for people with influence.
Yuuki stopped at a vantage point overlooking part of the hall's exterior.
"…That's it," he said quietly.
Enterprise scanned the entrances.
"Multiple access points. All guarded."
Belfast added, "Internal security will be significantly higher."
Yorktown crossed her arms.
"No way we walk in and out unnoticed."
Yuuki didn't respond immediately.
Instead—
His HUD flickered.
"Deploying SNITCH units," he said calmly.
From his system, several golf ball sized drones slipped out—barely visible with stealth on. They scattered silently, slipping into vents, gaps, maintenance ducts, and overhead structures.
Inside his HUD—
The map began forming.
Corridors.
Security routes.
Blind spots.
Ventilation shafts.
Emergency exits.
Then, he displays the full hologram before his girls.
Takao watched quietly.
"Reconnaissance?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Full layout."
Atago tilted her head slightly.
"Planning our exit already?"
Yuuki gave a faint smirk.
"I always plan the exit first."
The map expanded.
Layer by layer.
Multiple floors inside the auction hall.
Private rooms.
Holding areas.
Security hubs.
Restricted zones.
Enterprise narrowed her eyes.
"They're keeping assets close to the core."
Belfast followed.
"Likely heavily guarded storage prior to auction."
Yuuki highlighted a section.
"There."
A pause.
"Holding zone."
Yorktown stepped closer.
"So Avrora and the Nikke are probably there once they arrived tomorrow."
Yuuki nodded.
"Most likely."
The map continued to refine.
Escape routes appeared next.
Vent systems large enough for movement.
Maintenance tunnels leading downward.
Service corridors connecting back to lower levels.
And eventually—
A path.
"…Route back to the submarine," Yuuki said quietly. "Look, hidden elevator. This must be where they planned to bring the goods. Outer routes are risky so, an elevator that leads straight to the docks. I think I might have something planned after this."
Illustrious looked at him.
"Looks like we found our escape route once all hell breaks lose."
Yuuki didn't deny it.
"We won't have time to think when it starts."
A brief silence followed.
Then Yuuki shifted topics.
"We're not ready yet."
Atago blinked.
"Not ready?"
Yuuki nodded.
"We need more credits."
A pause.
Yuuki kept his eyes on the forming map in his HUD, watching the SNITCH drones finish stitching together the auction hall's layout.
"If we're going through the auction," he said, "then we don't just need to win the bid."
He paused, then added,
"I also want something else from this place."
The girls looked at him.
"Remember what we saw before entering Aqua?" Yuuki continued.
"The subs."
Yorktown nodded immediately.
"They appeared… and disappeared."
Enterprise added, "Not conventional propulsion."
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
He zoomed part of the data feed, showing movement logs.
"They're using some kind of underwater hyperspace jump."
Takao's eyes sharpened.
"…Like the ones we encountered earlier."
Yuuki nodded again.
"I'm pretty sure the Sirens got that tech from Aqua."
A pause.
"Their subs were using the same principle."
Atago crossed her arms thoughtfully.
"So Aqua has better mobility tech than standard GDI subs."
Yuuki gave a small grin.
"Faster. More maneuverable. Harder to track."
He looked at them.
"And I want it so we can improve our subs."
A brief silence followed.
Takao spoke first.
"…Of course you do."
Atago laughed softly.
"Onee-san expected nothing less."
Belfast added calmly,
"That would require significant funding."
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
A pause.
"That's why we need more credits."
Yorktown smirked slightly.
"So Ultra Lux isn't optional anymore."
Enterprise finished the thought.
"It is necessary."
Yuuki turned away from the overlook.
"Yeah."
A short pause.
"And this time, we don't walk in blind."
Behind the scenes, the SNITCH drones continued working.
Every corridor mapped.
Every guard rotation noted.
Every escape path refined.
The plan wasn't complete.
But it was getting close.
"Let's move," Yuuki said.
They left the auction hall behind—for now.
Tomorrow, they would return.
And when they did—
They wouldn't be watching.
They would be taking.
As they walked, Atago tilted her head slightly.
"What exactly are we selling?" she asked. "I doubt they care about kitchen appliances."
Takao nodded.
"Ultra Lux sounds… selective."
Belfast added,
"They will expect something of high value."
Yorktown glanced at Yuuki.
"So what do we have that fits that?"
Yuuki didn't answer immediately.
He just smiled.
A confident, knowing grin.
"…Don't worry," he said.
"I've got something they'll definitely want."
They reached the entrance of Ultra Lux, and the difference was immediate.
The noise of the lower levels faded into something quieter—controlled, refined. The lighting shifted to warmer tones, polished surfaces reflected soft glows, and every person here carried themselves with confidence and status.
Yuuki slowed his steps slightly.
"…Yeah," he said under his breath. "We're definitely not dressed for this."
Around them, Aqua's elite moved in tailored outfits, augmented subtly but expensively. No crude implants. No exposed wiring. Everything here was refined—hidden beneath polished appearances.
Without another word, Yuuki disengaged his armor.
The heavier plating dissolved away into his inventory, leaving behind his standard frame. Nanomachines flowed across his body, forming a sleek, fitted outfit reinforced beneath the surface. A white cloak formed over it, followed by a hood that cast a shadow over his face.
Then—
A helmet interface flickered briefly before settling into standby.
The girls immediately recognized it.
Takao tilted her head slightly.
"Shikikan-sama… I've been meaning to ask."
Yuuki glanced at her.
"Go ahead."
"What is the difference between your combat armor… and the one you wear at base?"
Yuuki adjusted his glove slightly as the nanomachines settled.
"This one? The one I always wear in the base is my latest model. Mark 86."
A pause.
"Compact frame. No bulk. Everything is integrated. It can be altered anytime I wish. From armored frames to civilian normal clothing. So I can stay combat ready at all times."
Atago blinked. She remembered all the clothes he wear.
That was all his armor?
"…Wait."
Yuuki continued casually.
"It's lighter, faster, and built entirely from nanomachines. So, when I donned my old armor, the Mark 86 became my inner wear."
He tapped the edge of his cloak.
"Even this is part of the system."
There was a short silence.
"…All this time?" Atago said slowly.
The others realized it at the same moment.
Enterprise spoke first.
"You were wearing armor… under your armor."
Yuuki gave a small shrug.
"Yeah."
Yorktown stared at him.
"And we thought that was just your base outfit."
"It is," Yuuki said. "Just… upgraded."
Illustrious smiled softly.
"How very like you, Lord Commander."
Atago let out a soft laugh.
"That's cheating, you know."
Takao shook her head slightly.
"…Efficient."
Yuuki stepped behind them.
"Hold still."
Before they could ask—
He activated a secondary function on their suits.
Golden fabric began to form.
Not stitched.
Not worn.
Generated.
Nanomachines flowed across their armor, layering over the rigid frames. Cloaks formed—elegant, refined, lined with subtle gold accents. The material draped naturally, concealing their silhouettes, softening their presence.
Then—
Hoods formed.
Shadowing their elegant helmets.
The transformation was immediate.
From combat-ready units—
To something far more fitting for this place.
Atago glanced at her sleeve.
"Ara… this is new."
Takao examined the fabric.
"It conceals our structure."
Belfast adjusted the edge of her cloak.
"Appropriate for the environment."
Illustrious smiled.
"Elegant as well."
Enterprise gave a small nod.
"Less attention."
Yorktown smirked faintly.
"Still enough to stand out."
Yuuki stepped back, taking in the sight of all six of them now cloaked and hooded.
"Now we blend."
He paused for a moment, tilting his head slightly as he evaluated the look.
"More or less."
His gaze lingered—not in distraction, but in thought.
"I've been working on something," he added.
The girls looked at him.
"A second variation of the Da'at Yichud system," Yuuki continued. "Something more adaptive. Made entirely out of nanomachines."
He gestured lightly toward their cloaks.
"Instead of just combat armor like this, it would let you shape your appearance freely. Civilian wear, formal attire, anything you need for the environment."
Atago's eyes lit up behind her hood.
"Ara… customizable outfits?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly. And when things go wrong…"
A brief pause.
"You switch instantly. Back to full combat readiness. Even alter its thickness if you need defense, strength or even agility. Even when you girls are fighting at sea."
Takao considered it.
"That would remove the need for concealment layers."
Belfast added, "And allow us to change clothes according to situation."
Enterprise nodded once.
"Increasing our combat prowess."
Illustrious smiled softly.
"That sounds… quite wonderful."
Yorktown crossed her arms, but there was interest in her voice.
"So we could walk into places like this without standing out at all."
Yuuki gave a small shrug.
"That's the idea."
A pause.
"Still working on it though. Needs stability. I don't want glitches mid-transition."
Atago laughed lightly.
"Onee-san would prefer not to have her outfit disappear halfway."
Takao gave her a look.
"That would be… problematic."
Yuuki smirked faintly.
"Yeah. Exactly why I'm not rushing it."
He gave them one last look, confirming everything was in place.
"Alright."
His tone shifted slightly.
Back to focus.
"Let's move."
He turned toward the entrance.
"Stay close. Let me handle the talking."
The doors of Ultra Lux opened.
Warm light spilled outward.
Soft music echoed faintly from within.
And just like that—
They stepped into a different kind of battlefield.
One where power wasn't shown through weapons—
But through wealth.