Ritsuka took a step back, as he looked at each girl, Anis looked like she was ready to fire at him, Marian didn't know what to do, as she was looking at him, and Rapi was eyeing him down, she was trying to figure out a logical explanation for him not being in that Arc Data Base.
Ritsuka didn't know what to do, as he went back.
Buzz!
[It seems like the host has gotten himself into a predicament, does the Host need assistance]
Ritsuka heard the voice again, he wasn't sure what it was but he just spoke in his head. "Yes".
Buzz!
[Very well, Host has 2 Potions.
1. Tell them the truth, no matter how unbelievably It is, tell them everything
2. Tell a Lie, A convincing Lie will be provided by the Ai Chip]
Ritsuka's heart raced as the tension in the air thickened. He glanced at Anis's finger tightening around the trigger and swallowed hard.
"Think, damn it... what do I do?" he muttered internally.
Buzz!
> [Host has 2 options:
1. Tell the truth – No matter how unbelievable, reveal your origins.
2. Tell a lie – A convincing backstory will be fabricated and fed to the Host.]
Ritsuka clenched his fists. If this world was anything like Chaldea's records or simulations… honesty often worked, but timing mattered. He needed to survive first.
"I'll go with... Option 2," he answered in his mind.
Buzz!
[Understood. Generating cover story... Done.]
[Lie: You were a test subject from an off-the-grid Ark Research Facility. All data on you was wiped when the facility was overrun by Raptures. Marian is the only one who knows this, having found you during the wreckage.]
A flash of data filled his mind like muscle memory, the story flowing into his thoughts.
He raised his hands slowly. "Wait! I can explain. Marian knows."
Marian blinked. "What?"
"You found me, remember? At the wreckage site of Facility E-17. You said… no records would exist anymore after the Rapture attack. You saved me from that."
Marian looked at him in shock. The story sounded familiar… but she didn't remember saying that. And yet, something deep inside told her not to deny it. Her voice hesitated.
"I… yeah. I guess I did," she murmured, slowly lowering her rifle.
Anis squinted. "Facility E-17? That place was wiped out years ago. No survivors, they said."
Ritsuka nodded. "Exactly. That's why there's no record. I survived by chance—locked in cryo for god knows how long. Marian found me during the transport crash cleanup."
Rapi narrowed her eyes. "Your vitals… they're not like other humans. There's something off. But… you're not lying."
Anis finally lowered her weapon, but not all the way. "Fine. But I'm keeping my eyes on you, mystery boy."
Marian exhaled in relief. "He's under my watch. That should be enough."
Ritsuka gave a faint smile, though his palms were still sweaty. "Thanks."
Buzz!
[Crisis Averted. Lie successfully integrated into the local narrative. Be advised: too many lies may lead to complications.]
Ritsuka sighed. Yeah… I know.
As the team began moving into Outpost 09's barracks to rest, Rapi glanced back. "Commander, tomorrow we meet with the higher-ups. You'll need to explain your presence to the Ark's officials. I hope you're ready."
Ritsuka just nodded, eyes distant. "I better be."
Night fell over Outpost 09.
Unlike in the original timeline, where the squad pushed forward with their mission to locate the missing Nikke squad after gaining a new Commander, this time things played out differently. Ritsuka's unknown status made continuing the operation a risk. The squad instead opted to remain at the Outpost for safety and observation.
This subtle divergence had unintended consequences—Marian was never infected by the red Rapture, all because the group stayed together. She remained safe, whole, and untainted.
They took turns keeping watch throughout the night, eyes sharp and rifles ready. Ritsuka sat by the edge of the base wall, staring up at the stars—or what little of them could be seen past the Ark's pollution haze. Marian walked past, her steps quiet.
"You sure you don't need to sleep?" Ritsuka asked, breaking the silence.
Marian glanced at him with a faint smile. "Yes, Commander. I don't need to, but… thank you for asking."
Ritsuka nodded. "Alright then."
As she returned to her post, Ritsuka leaned against the cold wall, eyes narrowing.
"Okay… what the hell are you?"
Buzz!
[I am your AI Chip, Host. Here to assist you.]
Ritsuka rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know what an AI chip is. Da Vinci taught me enough back in Chaldea. But what are you? Exactly."
Buzz!
[I am your Cheat. When someone travels from one world to another, it often draws the attention of higher powers—Gods, Beyonders, Voices of the World, etc. Depending on which entity notices, the individual is granted a "Chest" containing some form of aid:
– Systems
– Unique Skills
– Wishes
– Or, in your case… Me, an Advanced Adaptive Intelligence Chip.]
Ritsuka frowned. "So you're like a gacha reward for surviving dimensional travel?"
Buzz!
[A crude way to phrase it… but accurate.]
Ritsuka chuckled to himself. "Tch. Figures. At least I didn't end up in a slime body or as a vending machine…"
Buzz!
[Would Host like to review available functions now or continue resting?]
Ritsuka glanced at the dim sky. Sleep felt far away. "Yeah… might as well see what kind of cheat I've got before the next disaster rolls in."
Ritsuka sighed and leaned back. "Alright… tell me everything you can do."
Buzz!
[As you wish, Host.
Scan: The AI Chip allows you to scan allies, enemies, items, and technology. This function reveals detailed data such as stats, abilities, skills, and potential benefits. The depth of data depends on the target's complexity and the Host's synchronization rate.
Tactical Planning & Threat Detection: The Chip can analyze your environment, map danger zones, detect threats, and assign danger levels to enemies. It can suggest optimal plans or provide the Host with choices that increase survival odds.
Technological Hacking: The Host may hack into enemy or allied tech—ranging from locked terminals to enemy drones—allowing control, disabling, or data extraction depending on the target.
Self-Status Check: The Host may review their own physical and mental condition, inventory, buffs or debuffs, and synchronization with the Chip.
Priority Directive: Host survival is the AI Chip's primary goal. All functions serve to ensure you stay alive, adapt, and thrive.]
Ritsuka blinked, absorbing the information. "So… basically, a battlefield strategist, hacker, and analyst… all rolled into one."
Buzz!
[That is an acceptable summary, yes.]
Ritsuka leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Alright… if this world is as messed up as it looks, I'll probably need every edge I can get."
He exhaled, looking toward the entrance of the Outpost where Anis kept watch.
Ritsuka spoke in his head, "Alright… I guess show me my status."
Buzz!
[Displaying Host Status:
Name: Ritsuka Fujimaru
Age: 18
Status: Alive
Race: Human
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
Strength: 40
Speed: 40
Defense: 60
Stamina: 100
Intelligence: 80
Magic:
> – Basic Healing Magecraft
– Basic Rune Magecraft
– Buffing Magecraft (Strength Up, Speed Up, etc.)
– Barrier Magecraft
– Shadow Servants
> Mystic Code System:
All Mystic Codes from Chaldea are fused into the AI Chip. The Host can freely switch between them in combat or combine traits when conditions allow.
> – Chaldea Combat Uniform
– Atlas Academy Uniform
– Arctic Combat Uniform
– Anniversary Blonde
– Mage's Association Uniform
– Memories of Lunar Mare
– Fragment of 2004
– Royal Brand
– Brilliant Summer
– And more...]
Ritsuka blinked. "Wait… these stats seem low. Why are my numbers like this?"
Buzz!
[Clarification: In this world's system, each point equals ten units in value. For example, Strength 40 = 400 kg of lifting power under enhanced conditions. This world's stat scaling differs from your origin.]
[You are currently categorized as a Semi-Advanced Human—well above normal humans but still below Nikke-level combatants. With training and AI-guided optimization, your potential can grow exponentially.]
Ritsuka narrowed his eyes and muttered under his breath, "So I'm the underdog again… but with all this?" He gave a quiet chuckle. "I like my odds."
The next morning arrived, pale sunlight breaking through the ruined skyline. The group gathered just outside the shelter of Outpost 09. Ritsuka stretched his arms and looked at the three Nikkes.
"So… um, now what?" he asked, voice unsure.
Anis crossed her arms, giving him a sideways smirk. "Now what? We're heading back to the Ark. Gotta have you checked out, you know—background, intentions, everything."
Ritsuka gave a slow nod. "I guess… that doesn't sound too bad."
Rapi didn't waste any time. She tapped a few buttons on her arm module. "Shifty, are you there?"
A flicker of light formed in the air as a holographic screen popped into view from seemingly nowhere. On it appeared a young woman with blue hair, blue eyes, headphones, and a tech vest—Shifty.
[Insert image of Shifty]
She spoke with an annoyed frown. "About time you contacted me. What's the situation out there?"
Rapi kept her tone even. "The new commander has arrived and—"
Shifty cut her off, looking a bit anxious. "Yeah, actually, about that… You remember the transport ship we sent you—the one carrying the new commander?"
Ritsuka raised an eyebrow, while Anis leaned in slightly.
Shifty continued. "Well… bad news. The ship was attacked by Raptures. We lost all connection mid-flight. According to recon, the commander—he didn't make it."
Rapi gave a small sigh and glanced over at Ritsuka. "Yeah. We figured as much. But we did find someone."
Shifty blinked. "Wait, what? Who?"
Rapi gestured toward Ritsuka. "Him. We're bringing him back to the Ark."
There was a long pause. Shifty stared at the screen, trying to process what she just heard.
"What exactly do you mean you found someone?"
Ritsuka took a hesitant step forward, standing where the holographic Shifty could see him clearly.
"I know this sounds… crazy," he began, "but I'm not the commander you were expecting. I'm just… someone who woke up in the wreckage. I don't remember how I got here."
Anis muttered under her breath, "Not the worst lie I've heard…"
Shifty's eyes narrowed. "So you're telling me you just appeared in the middle of the Wastelands, near the wreckage of a military transport—without a scratch?"
Ritsuka shrugged, doing his best to look confused but harmless. "I get that it sounds suspicious. But I'm not hostile. I helped your squad last night. Ask them."
Rapi confirmed, crossing her arms. "It's true. He hasn't shown any signs of being a threat. In fact, he's more aware and competent than most civilians."
Shifty was silent for a moment. Then she sighed. "Fine. Bring him in. But he's not getting full clearance. I want him scanned, questioned, and watched. Closely."
"Understood," Rapi replied, ending the transmission.
The holographic screen flickered out.
Anis gave Ritsuka a pat on the shoulder. "Well, mystery boy. Welcome to the next level of paranoia."
Ritsuka chuckled nervously. "Yay. Can't wait."
Marian gave him a soft smile. "Don't worry. Just be yourself."
As the group began preparing for the trip back to the Ark, Ritsuka walked a little slower, his expression more serious.
He spoke in his mind, "AI Chip… Think we'll be able to hide this for long?"
Buzz!
[Unlikely. The Ark has scanning tech far beyond your world's civilian systems. If they look too deep, they'll notice discrepancies. I suggest acquiring access and trust quickly—before suspicions rise.]
Ritsuka sighed internally. "Great. So I'm on a timer."
Buzz!
[Correct. Let the games begin, Host.]
The group started to make their way to the Ark, while also making sure that they didn't attract any new Rapture, while they make the way to the Ark.
Ritsuka looked at the girls as he spoke. "So what Is the Ark like".
Anis looked back as she spoke. "Huh, you don't even know what the Ark is like?"
Ritsuka looked at them as he spoke as he continued the Lie. "Hey, I am a test subject that eas in cryo sleep, I don't remember much ok".
Rapi gave him a side glance, but didn't press the issue.
Marian, ever the gentle one, offered a smile. "The Ark is... complicated. It's the last bastion of humanity, built underground after the Rapture drove us from the surface. It's big, but it's not free. Everyone has a role, a number, and limits."
Anis added with a lazy smirk, "Unless you're rich, important, or a commander. Then you get privileges. You know, like not having to worry about food rations or curfews."
Ritsuka blinked. "Sounds more like a cage than a safe haven."
Rapi nodded, her voice calm but firm. "It is both. A sanctuary and a prison. But it's the only home we have left."
As they moved through the ruined cityscape, the wind carried dust and echoes of old warzones. Broken buildings, collapsed highways, and the remains of what once was a thriving world loomed around them.
Buzz!
[Detecting movement 300 meters east. Unknown signal. Possible Rapture patrol.]
Ritsuka's eyes narrowed. He subtly tapped his fingers, sending a mental message. "AI Chip, can you mask our presence?"
[Initiating short-range interference field… Complete. Signal dampening engaged.]
Ritsuka turned to the group. "We might want to take a detour. East side has a Rapture patrol."
Rapi didn't ask how he knew. She simply nodded. "We'll move through the underpass. Anis, take point."
As the group shifted paths, Anis glanced back. "You're a weird test subject, you know that?"
Ritsuka just smiled faintly. "You don't know the half of it."
To be continued