NIKKE, after maxing out the favorability, all the Nikkis are not right

Ingrid: "Well, about that."

Ingrid: "It's a little strange to say this, but some people just live longer than others, right?"

Ingrid: "When you're in my shoes, you'll understand."

Ingrid: "Okay, let's stop talking. I have a meeting to go to. As for the matter of Jiluoting, we've already made arrangements here. You can just come over and go through the formalities when the time comes. Oh, by the way, Madden is under house arrest."

Green: "Yeah, I know. It's about the last time with the Electric Force."

Ingrid: "Yes. The two Nikkis from the Electric Shock Force were considered high-risk targets by the central government who could potentially endanger the safety of the Ark. I sent Maiden to deal with them, but she let them go out of personal feelings."

Ingrid: "Maden and Girotin, as a special force specifically assigned to deal with Nikki, their abilities are unquestionable. They were developed as a killer weapon against Nikki. Therefore, if any ideological problems arise, the government will immediately deal with them or simply eliminate them."

Ingrid: "I have no choice but to ground Madden and await the decision from above."

Green: "Has the verdict been announced yet?"

Ingrid: "Yes, she's already down. As usual, we're clearing Nimph's memory and brainwashing her, so she can start from scratch."

Green: "That's brutal."

Green: "Memory is precious. The central government's arbitrary treatment of Nikki is unavoidably excessive. I'll intervene in this matter. Anyway, just spare Madden the brainwashing, okay? Don't worry, it's no big deal. Leave it to me."

Ingrid: "Your connections are much deeper than I thought..."

Ingrid: "As the CEO of Pure Land, my words aren't as effective as yours. When you think about it, it's really a little unbelievable."

Green: "That's because being a commander is a good position. Although I'm a soldier and have a military rank, I'm almost like an outsourced mercenary, always operating outside the Ark system. That's why I can always get along well with most people."

Green: "Well, I won't interrupt your meeting then. We'll talk next time, Ingrid."

Ingrid: "Yeah."

Ingrid: "Let's talk next time. I have to go to a meeting."

drop.

Communication ended.

Green sat in the chair, holding his chin with one hand, and began to think deeply.

This conversation with Ingrid benefited him a lot.

He was also very glad that he did not rashly go back to stage a coup. After all, according to Ingrid's words, there seemed to be an unknown force hidden behind the Ark, and the power of the people belonging to this force was even above that of Alnwick, the three major companies and the central government.

If Ingrid hadn't lied.

That answer is a bit too shocking.

The foundation of the three major companies is already very strong. If Ingrid, Mastin, and Shuen join forces and gather all the Nikkis under their command together and twist them into a hemp rope, it stands to reason that they will become the largest and most powerful group in the Ark.

But if even people like them are not at the top, then what kind of power does the "existence" that controls all this behind the scenes possess?

Green thought for a while, then opened his laptop and used the search software that Aikoshia had given him before. This software was connected to some internal public databases of the central government. Most of the information that could not be found on the Internet could be found here.

After thinking for a moment, Green entered keywords such as "conspiracy theory", "shadow government", and "the people in power behind the Ark", and soon some results emerged.

[This isn't a conspiracy theory. Letcher was developed by three major companies working together! The Ark is also a conspiracy! Posted: About a hundred years ago. Posted by: Anonymous]

My fellow humans, we've all been deceived by corporations and governments. That metal monster named Letcher, in my opinion, is a creation of the three major corporations! While I don't have definitive proof, please consider this: not long after Letcher's appearance, not only did Nikki appear, but even the impossible underground shelter, the Ark, was constructed.

Why do I say the Ark is impossible to build? Because of energy. Living underground, there are only a few ways to generate electricity. How can we possibly generate enough energy to support such a large population? So the answer is obvious: this is a conspiracy by the government and corporations to keep humanity in captivity! If it weren't a long-planned plan, why would those high-ranking officials willingly retreat underground? They value their lives more than anyone else!

The content of the post ends here.

It seems that this post to warn humanity has not had any effect.

"This person is amazing."

"Although he may just be an internet user, his analysis is indeed sound."

Green glanced at the post and agreed: "If there is no clear, sustainable energy source, it is absolutely impossible for humans to abandon the surface and retreat underground, because that would mean self-destruction."

"So the question is... where does the Ark's power come from?"

The answer still hasn't surfaced.

Green thought about it while looking at the next search result.

[Related Verification and Research on the Ark's "Shadow Government," or Deep State. Published: Approximately 42 years ago. Published by: Colen Ryder (deceased) (former commander, suffered from severe mental illness due to post-war trauma and eventually died in a mental hospital.)]

Before I begin my research, I must first explain the concept of the "Deep State." The so-called "Deep State" refers to a deep-seated group or shadow government operating behind the government. They consistently make key financial and geopolitical decisions, and participate in, guide, or restrict the development of the humanities. If you'd like to learn more about the Deep State and related concepts, please consult Wikipedia; I won't elaborate here.

So, to summarize, although the so-called deep state has always been a conspiracy theory in the public consciousness, I used to believe it deeply. Until one day, when I was leading Nikki's team on a mission on the ground, I accidentally found a notebook left on the ground in an abandoned house.

The notebook detailed events in the Ark's history, even including some jaw-dropping secrets. The situation was urgent, and I only flipped through a few pages before I was attacked by Letcher's artillery fire. Nikki's team and I were forced to evacuate the area. Although I didn't read the entire notebook, I still remember one word: "Ark Guardian."

"Guardians of the Ark" may sound like a title bestowed upon heroes who protect the Ark, but here, I'm using this term to refer to a group of individuals who are none other than the Deep State behind the Ark, the true rulers of the Ark. They are also the masterminds behind Letcher's attack, Nikki's appearance, and the construction of the Ark. As for why I'm so certain, please continue reading patiently.

Although much of the Ark's history is difficult to verify today, if one is willing to look for it, many stories can still be uncovered. For example, from the mouths of veterans like Nikki, one can learn about events that happened hundreds of years ago.

According to my research, a hundred years ago, before humanity retreated underground, two equally powerful forces existed on the human side. One was a provisional government called the "Human Coalition," comprised of military and political elites from around the world. The other was the "VTC Cult." Back then, people generally referred to it as the "Great Cult," but for convenience, we'll continue to refer to it as the VTC Cult.

Despite extensive research, I still have no idea how the VTC cult managed to become a force capable of challenging the human coalition. I also don't know how the organization actually operated, as all the information has been erased. Even Nikki, who knows the cult's name, only has a passing glimpse of it. Few can truly shed light on it.

However, there's no doubt that the VTC Cult was already a force capable of competing with the Human Coalition at that time. The two sides would often clash over the distribution of interests, demonstrating the VTC Cult's heyday.

However, after the Ark was built, the VTC cult immediately faded from public view. The vast organization disappeared overnight, and from its leaders, founders, and even its members, it was as if a drop of water was dropped into the ocean, never to be heard again.

But I don't think the VTC cult has disappeared. Rather, it's more accurate to say they've retreated behind the scenes of the Ark, manipulating society in a different way. The three major corporations, the central government, and tens of thousands of living Nikkis and humans are merely pawns in their pursuit of their goals, and their agenda may be connected to the cult. After all, the VTC is a cult, and so-called religions are always bound up with supernatural themes. In this bizarre and absurd apocalypse, perhaps they truly possess some unimaginable powers.

Although I personally hate religious organizations like cults and churches, as an Ark soldier, I'd rather trust a pistol that can pierce Letcher than the prophecies of a charlatan. But the thought that my life in the Ark is planned and manipulated by a group of people makes me shudder.

As I continued to question and investigate Nikki and the others, I became increasingly certain that a "deep state" called the "Guardians of the Ark" existed within the Ark. Its predecessor was likely the VTC cult, or perhaps a behind-the-scenes group comprised of genuine social elites. As for its exact purpose, I'm unclear, but it's definitely not a good one. After figuring this out, I couldn't eat or sleep well every day. As for why...

I felt like a captive guinea pig. When I looked up, I stumbled upon that giant eye that had been watching me. At that moment, I realized that everything I knew now might have been deliberately orchestrated, just to observe my reaction and conduct subsequent experiments.

Finally, I want to warn you in front of the screen: when you see this sentence, either believe it wholeheartedly or treat it as the ravings of a psychopath. Knowing too much could lead to your own death. Living in ignorance is actually a kind of happiness, isn't it?

"..."

"The article is quite realistic, but because it's too realistic, it seems suspicious."

After reading the post left by the senior commander, Green frowned slightly, but couldn't help but tap his knuckles in thought: "First of all, since this article appeared in the central government database and was not deleted by the deep state, there are only two answers."

"First, it's a genuine conspiracy theory, the fantasy of a psychopath, and therefore completely unnecessary to worry about."

"Secondly, it's a smokescreen put up by the Ark Guardians. Their goal is to divert your time and energy into investigating the VTC cult. Naturally, they have nothing to do with the VTC cult behind the scenes. Or perhaps, this organization uses this method to screen talent. Only those who are aware of the existence of the Deep State are worthy of joining this mysterious organization."

"But according to Ingrid, there's a high probability that the deep state really exists in the Ark."

"Oh, and what Ji Luoting said before..."

Green suddenly remembered those childish remarks made by Ji Luoting.

He remembered that Ji Luoting had said before that she, Madden, and Ingrid actually belonged to an "association", and the purpose of the association was to fight against the "organization".

Green once thought that this was just a fantasy story that Gillotin made up for herself, but he didn't expect that what she said might be hinting at the relationship between Ingrid and the deep government.

So according to her, Ingrid should not be a member of the deep government. Even if she is, she is most likely a traitor in this organization, plotting to destroy it.

"Things are becoming increasingly complicated."

"Ingrid, Anderson, the three major corporations, the central government, the Ark Guardians, Letcher..."

"Conspiracy is everywhere, but no matter what, I must get to the bottom of the truth, crush it all and take back the ground."

390

Chapter 390: The Real Spy.

"Although I have some general information, the intelligence is still too little."

After sorting out his thoughts, Green put his fingers on his forehead and thought for a while, then sent a message to a good friend of his who worked in the intelligence department at Ark.

——Aikoshia——

Green: "Are you there?"

Aikoshia: "Busy—playing a dungeon."

Ai Keshiya: "Rookie, what do you want from me——"

Ai Keshiya: "If you have time, come back and open up the wasteland—"

Green: "As for the game, we'll talk about it next time. I'll come back when I have time. This time I came to ask you a few questions. Aikoshia, you've been working in the Ark's intelligence department. Do you know anything about the so-called deep government?"

Aikoshia: "Oh~that."

Aikoshia: "Generally speaking—it's a conspiracy theory."

Aikoshia: "There are quite a few conspiracy theories circulating within the Ark. I even saw a post claiming that the Ark's top brass are actually lizardmen from Alpha Centauri in disguise."

Green: "Uh, Lizardman?"

Aikoshia: "Don't you know, rookie? Lizardmen are a type of alien life form from Alpha Centauri. They possess the ability to shapeshift, allowing them to transform into other creatures at any time, then infiltrate other planetary civilizations and begin to infiltrate their civilizations."

Aikoshia: "As long as a Lizardman can hold a high position in a country's political arena, they will continue to place more Lizardmen in that country's departments, thereby controlling the planet's economy, culture, and people's livelihoods, and continuously reproducing their own race."

Aikoshia: "Rookie—is there a possibility that you are the lizard man?"

Green: "How come I don't know I'm a lizard man?"

Aikoshia: "Didn't Kakarot in Dragon Ball also have a brain injury? Maybe you also had a brain injury when you took the spaceship here, so you forgot those things——"

Green: "Stop, stop, I'm not here to talk about lizard people."

Green: "Let's talk about the deep state."

Ai Keshiya: "The Ark's deep state? — You must have come across a post, right? I've come across this conspiracy theory before, but I must point out some logical errors."

Ai Keshia: "For an organization with more power than the government to function properly, it must meet any one of the following three characteristics."

Ai Keshiya: "First, there are very few people in this organization, and everyone is very tight-lipped. There will be no leaks."

Ai Kexia: "Secondly, the members of this organization have achieved a high degree of unity in ideology and interests."

Aikoshia: "Third, the people in this organization possess super powers that transcend science."

Ai Keshia: "If any of the above three points are not met, I believe the so-called deep government cannot exist. Rookie, you understand what I mean, right? If a normal organization wants to continue to operate, it will inevitably leak information. But in all these years, I have never heard of any related rumors. It's just someone posted a post online."

Green: "But what if it really exists? Echosia."

Ai Keshiya: "You are so sure that there is a government behind the scenes in the Ark. Then I think you must have learned some secrets from someone that even I don't know, right, rookie—"

Aikoshia: "Hmm, interesting."

Aikoshia: "I love exploring secrets the most."

Ai Keshiya: "When I think that there are things about Ark that I don't know, my blood boils. Okay, let me connect to Ark's secret intelligence library right now."

Green: "You're going to investigate now? Please, Echoshia, this is illegal. If you exceed your authority, the soldiers will immediately arrest you and shoot you in the head."

Aikoshia: "This is all your fault, rookie. It's you who piqued my interest, hahaha - don't worry, I won't die. First of all, I have improved my hacking program. Secondly, my position in the government is irreplaceable. The worst that can happen is just having my memory erased. Wait a moment..."

Aikoshia: "Hmm, interesting..."

Aikoshia: "Besides the one you saw earlier, I found some really interesting information in the Ark database. Let me take a look. It seems to have been written by Commander Kronlade as well. However, this document is encrypted in a complex way, so it will take some time to decipher."

Green: "How long is a little while? A week?"

Aikoshia: "Don't worry."

Ai Keshiya: "For a genius hacker like me, it's just the difference between one second and five seconds - newbie, take a look."

Ai Kexia sent the files "One Hundred Ways for Men to Nourish Their Kidneys Zip01" and "Don't Ask Me How to Unzip or Change the Extension Unless You Are an Idiot Zip02"

Ai Keshiya: "But remember, burn it after reading."

Ai Keshiya: "If you don't delete it completely, at least one of my head or yours will fall off."

Green: "I'm trying to keep both of our heads together as much as possible."

Ai Keshiya: "Whatever~ you want~, don't forget to play games with me tonight - Rookie."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Green opened the encrypted information sent by Aikoshia. After changing the suffix and decompressing it several times, he finally got a document file.

Proof of the Existence of the Deep State (Part 2)

To investigate evidence of the Ark's deep state, I disobeyed the central government's orders and failed to fulfill my duties as a commander. In truth, there was no need to do so. Commander pay is average, and the mortality rate is high. It's a profession used to lure young people, obsessed with grand narratives, into the front lines. Even if they manage to survive once or twice, they'll likely die in more difficult missions.

However, some still dream of rising through military ranks and becoming wealthy. Compared to them, I'm more sober. It's not difficult to achieve this. If I step outside my own perspective and observe the society I live in from the perspective of an outsider, I can come to a conclusion: Ark, having been defeated twice by Letcher, has no reason to support the Commander. Even the most talented military talent cannot break through their ranks without deep connections. Unless you willingly work hard for the company and demonstrate your value, there may be opportunities for advancement. But for most people, the Commander position is a career with absolutely no future.

[However, it was thanks to this hopeless career that I discovered the secret behind the Ark.]

Although I'm not an elite commander, I'm considered a fairly experienced veteran among my colleagues. Twice, I've received the same mission, both of which assigned me to search for the lost Nikki unit near the "orbital elevator."