The Zero-One System passed the simulation test with flying colors. However Levi Williams, the Commander stationed at the Outpost on the Surface has sent out a distress signal. Determined to help him, Apollo departs for the surface alongside Sugar. Hoping to prove the Zero-One System will be an asset in actual combat.

Apollo and Sugar both made their way towards one of the elevators that led to the surface. Sugar was pushing a high performance motorcycle while Apollo carried the briefcase containing the Zero-One Driver and Rising Hopper Progrisekey.

Sugar: I know you can handle yourself in a fight if that test was anything to go by. But when we're up on the surface, please don't stray from me. Out there I'm your bodyguard, I have never failed a job given to me and I don't plan on starting with you.

Apollo: Don't worry Sugar, I don't plan on making your job difficult. Besides I've never been to the surface, it's not like I'll be able to find my way around there on my own.

Apollo shot Sugar a reassuring smile, earning a nod from the Nikke. Despite the assurances Sugar was still worried. While she always appreciated Apollo's optimism and determination to help in the battle against the Raptures. The idea of him joining the fight directly scared her.

Sugar: Just promise you won't do anything reckless okay? It's an untamed frontier out there.

Apollo: You have my word, I'll be careful. Once we meet up with the Commander and his Squad, I'll let him call the shots.

Sugar once again nodded her head, she was still scared, but if Apollo was willing to listen to the orders of a trained Commander, that should prevent anything bad from happening. The duo finally arrived at a large metal door with a faint blue light emanating from it.

Sugar: Here we are, this elevator should drop us out into the closest city to the Ark. Counters distress signal was sent somewhere in that general area. Should only take us fifteen, twenty minutes tops to reach them.

Apollo: At least they won't have to hold out for long, let's not waste anymore time.

Sugar nodded before she pressed the button on the keypad next to the door, causing them to slide open. Sugar wheeled her motorcycle Black Typhoon into the elevator as Apollo followed after her. The doors closed behind them as the elevator began its journey up towards the surface.

Sugar: Remember, don't let your guard down while we're up there. Even if everything is quiet, that doesn't mean Raptures aren't lurking around somewhere nearby.

Apollo: I'll do my best to stay on high alert.

Sugar nodded before she checked over her shotgun and the extra ammunition she had collected before they made their way to the elevator. Apollo however felt his heart beat increase slightly. This was it, he was finally going to the surface, he would be lying if he said he wasn't at least a little nervous.

Surface
After five minutes the elevator reached the surface as the doors slid open. Apollo and Sugar stepped out into a rundown building.

Apollo: So this is the surface? It's even more rundown than the descriptions said it was.

Sugar: A hundred years of no maintenance will do that. Now we need to get moving. Counters should only be roughly five miles from our location.

Apollo nodded his head as Sugar led him out of the building. Apollo's eyes widened the moment he set foot out of the building. Sprawling out before him was the ruins of what was once a bustling city.

Apollo: This is incredible......

Sugar looked over at Apollo, her eyebrow raising in surprise. Most people didn't think the surface was incredible when they first saw it.

Sugar: Not the reaction I was expecting honestly, most Commanders and Nikkes think it's pretty depressing the first time they see it.

Apollo: Are you kidding?! Look at this! Could you imagine what this place looked like before the Raptures attacked? I bet it was beautiful.....

Apollo looked up at the sun and smile spreading across his face.

Apollo: It's decided, I'm fighting to take the surface back. I wanna see this place get rebuilt one day.

Sugar looked over at Apollo, a small smirk spreading across her face as she shook her head in amusement. The young man's optimism was always infectious.

Sugar: Careful, you sound almost as dramatic as your father.

Apollo's head quickly snapped to look at Sugar, a look of dread on his face at that comment.

Apollo: I am not that bad! If you think I'm gonna start strapping lights and a disco ball to my back you're crazy! I have some dignity!

Sugar: Coming from the guy who designed a highly advanced technological combat armor to look like a grasshopper.

Apollo blushed in embarrassment when Sugar said that, running his fingers through his hair nervously.

Apollo: I said some dignity, not a lot. Also come on, the armor looks cool!

Sugar: Keep telling yourself that Apollo.

Apollo pouted as he kicked a stone dejectedly with his right foot. Sugar giggled at the young man's reaction before climbing onto her motorcycle and starting the engine as it roared to life.

Sugar: Come on we should get going.

Apollo sighed and nodded before climbing onto the motorcycle behind Sugar. The young man wrapped his arms around Sugar's waist before the Nikke revved the engine and they took off into the city ruins.

Battlefield
Five miles away from where Apollo and Sugar had arrived on the surface a battle was taking place. A group of roughly fifteen Raptures were currently unleashing a barrage of gun fire on a large chunk of concrete and rebar that most likely fell from one of the many crumbling buildings. Crouched down behind the chunk of concrete was a young man who appeared to be in his late twenties. He had messy black hair that stuck out in all directions due to sweat, his blue eyes were narrowed in frustration. He a form fitting black combat uniform, with armored pieces adorning certain parts of his arms and legs. Black combat pants were tucked into black combat boots. Over top of the black shirt was a green combat jacket with multiple pouches containing ammunition.

This man was Levi Williams, the newest Commander of the Ark, stationed at the Outpost, and the leader of Counters. Levi quickly peeked out from the side of the concrete chunk only to quickly dive back behind it as it was hit with a volley of gunfire.

Levi's Thoughts: Dammit! They aren't letting up. First the incident with Chatterbox, then Mihara getting her memories wiped, now this? Either my luck is terrible or the universe thinks it's really damn funny to screw with me!

Levi's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rapid footsteps. The young man turned to see a woman with long blonde hair in a black and red uniform crouch down next to him. Slung across her back was a high caliber machine gun.

This was Rapi, a Nikke manufactured by Elysion, a former member of the Squad Absolute, and the second in command of Counters.

Rapi: Commander, the Raptures seem intent on keeping us pinned down in this location. My attempts at finding possible escape routes were less than successful.

Rapi quickly adverted her gaze, a slight dejected look in her eyes. Levi sighed, he figured a retreat would be impossible.

Levi: How are you holding up on ammunition?

Rapi: I still have two magazines, however I doubt that is enough to do significant damage to their forces.

Levi opened two of the pouches on his combat jacket before pulling out two more magazines for Rapi's machine gun.

Levi: Not much, but it should keep you in the fight a little longer. Really need to invest in a backpack so I can carry more munitions.

Levi cracked a lopsided smirk, trying his best to diffuse some tension despite being caught in the center of a war zone. Rapi took the magazines before strapping them to the pouches on her belt.

Rapi: Commander, Ingrid should be sending reinforcements to our location soon. We only need to hold out a little longer.

Levi's face contorted into an annoyed glare at the mention of the Elysion CEO.

Levi: Yeah once she squares away more pressing matters. I'd say we have another hour if we're lucky.....

Rapi shot her Commander a worried look, she knew the Elysion CEO was a touchy subject for him.

????: Hey if you two are done flirting, can we please focus on the tin cans trying to kill us?

Levi and Rapi turned to the left, crouched behind the rusted remains of a car close to the concrete chunk was another woman. She had short blonde hair, wore a yellow, black, and white jacket and carried a grenade launcher.

This was Anis, a Nikke manufactured by Tetra Line and another member of Counters. Levi shot an unamused glare at Anis while Rapi simply rolled her eyes, her expression remaining stoic as ever.

Levi: Focus Anis, we're on our own for the time being. How's your ammunition holding up?

Anis: Could be better Commander! Can I get a resupply?

Levi nodded as he opened up a few more pouches on his combat jacket, pulling out six grenade launcher grenades. The Commander quickly tossed them to Anis, who caught them and set them on the ground next to her.

Anis: Thanks! If we could get an opening I might be able to put the hurt on them!

Levi took Anis's words into consideration, she made a good point. If they could get an opening to return fire it might let them turn this fight around.

????: Master, perhaps a tactical use of firepower is in order?

Levi turned to look to the right, crouched behind the remains of a bus was another young woman with medium length white hair and green eyes. She wore a white uniform and carried a tactical shotgun.

This was Neon, another Elysion manufactured Nikke and the last member of Counters. Anis however lets out an annoyed groan at her teammate's words.

Anis: There she goes again rambling about firepower.......

Levi: She might have a point, the major issue is that the Raptures know our location and are keeping us pinned down.

Rapi: How do you propose we get their attention off of us Commander?

Levi reached for belt lined with pouches, removing four smoke grenades from his belt before holding them up.

Levi: We pop smoke, with their vision obscured we all move forward, find new cover and lay down return fire on them. We gotta be quick, is everyone good to go?

Anis: I'm locked and loaded, just give the word!

Rapi: I haven't fired a round since returning, just give the order Commander.

Levi then turned to look at Neon.

Levi: Neon, you need a restock on ammunition?

Neon: My firepower reserves are still optimal Master. I always carry extra reserves! Just say the word and we can proceed!

Levi nodded before he handed on smoke grenade to Rapi, tossed one to Anis, and then tossed one to Neon. Levi then glanced at each of his Nikkes who all nodded their heads in confirmation. All four of them pulled the pins on their smoke grenades before swiftly popping out from behind cover and tossing them at the Raptures. Smoke exploded from the canisters as the mechanical monstrosities were blanketed in a thick layer of smoke.

Levi: Push forward and lay down suppressing fire!

Counters: Yes Commander!

Anis quickly vaulted over the car she was hiding behind before charging towards the smoke cloud, taking aim with her grenade launcher. Anis fired four grenades that flew into the smoke cloud before exploding. The silhouettes of three Raptures were illuminated as they clumsily scuttled around. Anis quickly dove to the ground, sliding across it, stopping behind a chunk of concrete. Neon quickly ran out from behind the bus she was hiding behind as she dashed towards an overturned car. The Elysion Nikke quickly slid behind the car before taking aim with her shotgun.

Neon: Taste the ultimate firepower!

Neon fired off five rounds from her shotgun, the sound of pellets impacting metal rang out, indicating each one was a direct hit. Rapi finally stood up, quickly glanced at Levi before nodding her head. Rapi leaped over the concrete chunk as she ran forward, firing her machine gun into the dissipating smoke cloud. The sound of explosions and objects collapsing to the ground with a loud thud could be heard as Rapi slid behind the same chunk of concrete Anis was behind. When the smoke cleared five of the fifteen Raptures had been destroyed by Counters push.

Rapi: Five targets neutralized Commander.

Levi: Alright, they felt that one! Just keep them from pushing any closer to our location!

The remaining ten Raptures however immediately unleashed a volley of fire on Counters, forcing them all to duck behind cover.

Anis: Dammit these tin cans don't let up!

Neon: Do we have anymore smoke grenades?!

Levi: Those were my last four! We just need to hold out until reinforcements get here!

Rapi: Shifty updated me, reinforcements were sent out half an hour ago, they should hopefully be arriving at our location soon.

Levi grit his teeth, part of him was relieved that reinforcements should be arriving soon, the other part of him however was annoyed that now the Elysion CEO decided to have his back. Levi's thoughts were interrupted by the roar of a motorcycle engine. Levi turned to see Sugar riding towards their location. Sugar's motorcycle screeched to a halt behind the concrete chunk Levi was crouched behind. Sugar quickly dismounted her motorcycle and drew her shotgun from her back.

Sugar: Sorry for the wait, had to restock after a simulation test.

Levi however wasn't paying attention to Sugar, rather his attention was firmly focused on Apollo, who crouched down behind the concrete chunk as well.

Levi: Who the hell is the kid? This is a war zone, why did you bring him here?!

Before Sugar could respond however a shocked gasp drew everyone's attention as Anis was staring at Apollo in disbelief.

Anis: Apollo?! Why would you be on the surface? No better question, how did you convince Sugar to bring you to the surface?!

Rapi: Apollo? As in the son of Tetra Line CEO, Mustang? That Apollo?

Levi found himself completely stunned at this point, why would the son of one of the three most important people in the Ark be on the surface, much less in the middle of an active war zone.

Apollo: Can't really give you a full explanation given the circumstances, but I've developed some new combat technology. Figured I'd come to help you out of this bind.

Levi: Combat technology?

Apollo smirked before holding up the Zero-One Driver before strapping it to his waist. The young man stood up and walked out from behind the concrete chunk.

Levi: Hey, don't just walk out there it's dangerous!

Apollo ignored Levi's words as he held up the Rising Hopper Progrisekey before pressing the activation button.

Progrisekey: Jump!

Apollo then scanned the Progrisekey on the circular portion of the Zero-One Driver.

Zero-One Driver: Authorise!

The Raptures took aim at Apollo before opening fire on him. Before the bullets could connect however a giant mechanical grasshopper landed on the ground in front of Apollo, blocking the barrage of bullets.

Neon: Is that a Rapture?!

Rapi: No, it appears to be some kind of mechanical grasshopper.

Apollo: Henshin!

Apollo flipped open the Progrisekey before plugging it into the Zero-One Driver, causing it to slide open.

Zero-One Driver: Progrise!

A blue energy screen displaying a bodysuit appeared in front of Apollo before passing over his body, dressing him in the bodysuit.

Zero-One Driver: To-bia ga rise! Rising Hopper!

The mechanical grasshopper leaped over Apollo before it broke into pieces that converted into DNA strands that grafted themselves onto the bodysuit, forming the armor. Clutched in his right hand was the Attache Calibur folded up in its briefcase form.

Zero-One Driver: A jump to the sky turns to a Rider Kick.

Levi and the Nikkes of Counters stared in shock at what they had just witnessed.

Anis: That's what you were working on in your nerd cave?!

Zero-One merely ignored Anis's comment and turned to look at Levi.

Zero-One: You're the Commander right? What do you need me to do?

Levi was shaken out of his stupor by the question as he studied Zero-One for a moment before turning towards the ten Raptures pinning them down.

Levi: We can't safely return fire with them pinning us down like this. Think that fancy armor of yours can help break their defenses?

Zero-One sank into a squat stance as if he were preparing to run.

Zero-One: Say no more, I'll soften them up for you, so have your squad be ready to return fire.

Levi: Roger that, proceed when you are ready.

Zero-One: Zero-One, engaging the threat!

Zero-One suddenly dashed forward and blinding speeds, running past Anis, Rapi, and Neon. The Kamen Rider leaped onto the overturned car Neon was crouched behind before kicking off it. Zero-One was propelled into the air as he unfolded the Attache Calibur into its sword mode as the Raptures took aim at the airborne Kamen Rider. Zero-One quickly landed on the ground before dashing towards the two Raptures leading the assault. The Kamen Rider swung the Attache Calibur horizontally in front of him, slicing the first Rapture's front left leg off. Zero-One spun around on his heel before swinging the Attache Calibur upwards diagonally to the right, slicing the second Rapture's front right leg off.

Levi: Rapi, Neon, Rapture defenses weakened, open fire!

Rapi & Neon: Roger Commander/Master!

As the two Raptures that had their legs cut off desperately stumbled around to regain their footing, Rapi popped out from behind her cover and took aim at the Rapture on the left. Rapi pulled the trigger on her machine gun as she fired twelve bullets into the Rapture, piercing through its armor, causing it to malfunction and collapse. Neon quickly peeked out over the overturned car before firing three rounds into the Rapture on the right. The shotgun rounds punched through the armor of the other Rapture, causing it to malfunction and collapse as well.

Rapi: Commander, eight targets remain.

Sugar: What do you need me to do?

Levi however stared dumbfounded, while he expected the armor to at least provide defense against Rapture weaponry, he hadn't expected it to enhance a person's physical abilities to that degree.

Sugar: Commander?

Levi was shook from his thoughts as he turned to look at Sugar, who was giving him an expectant look.

Levi: Move up and support Anis, if that kid keeps this up we'll need everyone at the ready.

Sugar nodded before she swiftly ran out from behind her cover to group up with Anis. As that was happening, Zero-One leaped at another Rapture, the Attache Calibur raised above his head. The Rapture however swung its leg in front of itself horizontally at the approaching Kamen Rider. Zero-One raised the Attache Calibur in front of himself, blocking the leg with the blade. However the force of the attack sent the Kamen Rider flying backwards towards a building. Zero-One twisted himself around in the air, landing feet first on the side of the building. The concrete cracking underneath his feet.

Zero-One: Guess the real deal try and adapt on the fly. Unfortunately for them I'm pretty good at coming up with stuff on the fly!

Zero-One then kicked off the side of the building, propelling himself back towards the same Rapture again as a trail of yellow energy followed behind him. The Rapture swung its leg horizontally at Zero-One again. The Kamen Rider however reached out with his left hand, catching the leg as it swung him to the side. Zero-One swiftly sliced the leg off with the Attache Calibur before letting go. As the severed leg hit the ground, Zero-One was sent flying through the air towards another Rapture that he landed on top of.

Zero-One: I need to pick up the pace, can't give any more of these tin cans time to show up.

Zero-One stabbed the Attache Calibur through the optic sensor of the Rapture he was standing on top of, blinding it. Zero-One leaped off the Rapture, corkscrew flipping as he dodged bullets from another Rapture. The Kamen Rider swung the Attache Calibur downwards vertically, slicing the Rapture across the torso as he landed on the ground in front of it. Zero-One swiftly lunged to the left, front flipping over a chunk of concrete before throwing the Attache Calibur like a javelin towards another Rapture. The sword pierced its optic sensor, causing it to frantically scuttle around. Zero-One landed on the ground before lunging at the blinded Rapture as one of its brethren crawled up behind it.

Zero-One: Perfect....

Zero-One raised his right leg to his chest before swiftly kicking the back of the Attache Calibur. The Attache Calibur sliced straight through the Rapture and pierced the optic sensor of the Rapture positioned behind it. The first one collapsed to the ground, destroyed as Zero-One dashed forward. The Kamen Rider kicked off the ground, landed on the destroyed Rapture before kicking off it, propelling himself towards the Rapture with the Attache Calibur lodged in its optic sensor. Zero-One grabbed the handle of the weapon before swinging it down vertically, slicing the optic sensor and the front armor in half.

Levi: Anis lob a few grenades at the two he disoriented, Sugar finish off the one he just attacked!

Anis: Alright, time to put the hurt on these things!

Anis took aim with her grenade launcher before lobbing five grenades at the two disoriented Raptures. The explosives hit the ground before exploding, engulfing the two mechanical monstrosities. When the smoke cleared both Raptures were sprawled out on the ground in broken pieces. Sugar quickly popped out from behind cover and unloaded three shotgun rounds into the damages Rapture, finishing it off.

Sugar: Commander, only four Raptures remain.

Anis: Yeah and they got Apollo surrounded! We need to push up to help him!

Levi peeked out from behind the concrete chunk and sure enough the last four Raptures had Zero-One surrounded, ready to fire on him.

Levi: Shit, the kid put some serious hurt on them, but everything has a limit. Everyone, get ready to lay down suppressing fire to cover the kid!

The Nikkes all nodded and were about to take aim, but Zero-One removed the Progrisekey from the Zero-One Driver before inserting it into the Attache Calibur.

Attache Calibur: Progrisekey confirmed. Ready to utilize. Grasshopper's ability.

Zero-One: As good a time as any to test the Attache Calibur's Progrisekey use.

The four Raptures took aim at Zero-One, however the Kamen Rider kicked off the ground, propelling himself high into the air. Zero-One raised the Attache Calibur above his head before pulling the trigger on its handle.

Attache Calibur: Rising Kaban Strash!!

Zero-One swung the Attache Calibur vertically downwards, slicing one Rapture in half, causing it to explode.

The three remaining Raptures closed in on Zero-One, ready to gun him down. However the Kamen Rider spun around on his heel, pressing the trigger on the Attache Calibur's handle again.

Attache Calibur: Rising Kaban Strash!!!!

Zero-One swung the Attache Calibur horizontally, the blade grinding against the side of the right most Rapture's body. In one swift motion, the Attache Calibur's blade cleaved through all three Raptures. Zero-One turned his back away from the Raptures as their bodies sparked violently before they all exploded, steam shooting off the Attache Calibur's blade.

The Commander and Nikkes of Counters stared in disbelief as they had never expected someone to destroy four Raptures with Melee combat, much less a human.

Rapi: That level of speed and reaction time should be impossible for a human to achieve.

Neon: And he sliced through the Raptures bodies effortlessly! No firepower needed!

Anis however marched up to Zero-One an expression that was a mixture of annoyance and worry.

Anis: What the hell was that?! Did you enhance yoursrlf with cybernetics or something? You just charged head first into a group of Raptures without any kind of hesitation!

Zero-One: Pretty cool right? I call it the Zero-One system, combining animal DNA, military combat data, and cutting edge technology I made a highly adaptable and highly customizable combat armor! What's the matter, worried I'll do my job better than you?

Anis's eyes narrowed into a frustrated glare as she swiftly jabbed her index finger against the Kamen Rider's chest.

Anis: As if I would let myself be outdone by a guy in a grasshopper costume! You did well in one fight, I got few years combat experience, so I still out rank you!

Zero-One: Careful Anis, stress is bad for your skin.

Anis's glare only grew more intense as she swiftly punched Zero-One in his left shoulder.

Anis: I was worried about you ya reckless jerk! Seriously you make some fancy combat armor and think you're untouchable! I swear you're such a show off!

Zero-One: Well I do get my showmanship from my father, it's in the genes.

Anis groaned in frustration as she couldn't exactly argue with that statement. However after a moment a small smirk spread across the Nikke's face.

Anis: Okay maybe you were a little cool out there, even if you are dressed like a giant bug.

Zero-One: Trust me I'm only getting started. Rising Hopper is one of many Progrisekeys I hope to make.

Anis simply shakes her head and slaps Zero-One on the back playfully.

Anis: Of course you are, you wouldn't stop at high tech combat armor. You would feel the need to give it a bunch of add ons! Most guys your age would be partying or chasing girls.

Zero-One: What can I say, I like to innovate! Besides fighting Raptures seems like one hell of a party, so expect to see more of me out here on the surface.

Anis rolled her eyes at Zero-One's words before gently punching him in the shoulder again. As the Kamen Rider and Nikke conversed, Levi watched them from a distance, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Levi's Thoughts: Armor that lets a human fight on par or even surpass a Nikke. If that tech is expanded and paired with Nikke Squads in on missions we could finally start taking back parts of the surface.

Levi's mouth twitched as it turned up into a rather small, but excited smirk. He didn't know anything about the Tetra Line CEO's son, but this kid might just give humanity a new hope of getting planet earth back.

Rapi: Commander? Are you well?

Levi was pulled from his thoughts as he turned to look at his second command. Her face was as stoic as ever, however Levi knew there were undertones of concern. The Commander however smirked at his second in command, gently patting her on the shoulder.

Levi: I'm better than well, I think there might still be some hope of taking the surface back.

Rapi's eyes widened slightly in surprise at Levi's statement before she followed his gaze, seeing Zero-One.

Rapi: Commander, are you certain Apollo Hiden is truly trying to help the war effort? He could simply wish to sell this technology to assist with Tetra Line's standings.

Levi however shook his head at Rapi's words, his smirk never faltering.

Levi: No rich kid would come up to the surface and risk his life fighting the Raptures to help his father's company. If that were the case he would've sent someone else to use that fancy belt. That kid, he might be a bit naive and lack any military training, but he's got heart. Trust me, people like him aren't in it for personal gain.

Rapi once again looked at her Commander, surprised as she had never heard him talk this positively about someone from the Ark. much less one of the elite citizens.

Rapi: Regardless, we should return to the Ark for debriefing, then return to the Outpost for rest.

Levi: Sounds fantastic, alright let's start heading back. We could all use a day or two off after this fiasco.

Rapi nodded before she walked off to update Anis, Neon, and Sugar. Levi once again turned his attention back towards Zero-One, a determined smirk on his face.

Levi's Thoughts: Alright Rookie, let's see how far you're willing to take this and if you're willing to accept help.

Levi knew it was a long shot, but if he wanted to help his squad, he would need that tech. He was hoping the kid was more reasonable the some of the CEOs and elites of the Ark.

So Apollo crossed paths with the members of Counters and their Commander, Levi Williams. Despite being his first time in actual combat, the young man managed to impress the Nikkes and the Commander. So much so that Levi has taken an interest in him. As always leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments! What awaits Apollo when he returns to the Ark? How does Levi intend on forming a working relationship with the Tetra Line Heir? What will Apollo's next step in developing the Progrisekey technology? Find out in the next Key of Goddess of Victory Nikke: Progrise To Victory!