Last time Apollo settled into his position as the new Manager of Happy Zoo, meeting the team who would be working under him. The young man also mentioned to further his work on the second device of the Rider Project. However the Ark won't sit idly for much longer, a new expedition to the surface must commence.

Out on the surface near the location of the Ark was a rather rundown and half assembled base of operations.

This was the Outpost, one of the few if not the only foothold the Ark had on the surface. A target of frequent Rapture Attacks, it is widely considered a punishment for any Commander or Nikke to be sent here. The Outpost was currently under the command of Levi Williams and the Counters Squad. Despite the less than ideal conditions, Levi has done his best to further construction on the Outpost to make it more livable for his Squad.

Commander's Office
Within the main tower of the Outpost was a rather well furnished room that doubled as an office and living space.

This was Levi's office, the place he performed all of his non-combat duties. Levi was currently sat at his desk, looking over files on his computer an annoyed expression on his face.

Levi: The supply shipment is delayed again huh? Dammit, if we had an operating train station up here it would make supply deliveries more efficient. Not that having one would make those pricks at the top send us aid any quicker.....

Levi let out a frustrated sigh as he sent the usual confirmation that he read the file before moving onto his next objective, his standard paperwork as the Outpost's Commander. The Commander began sifting through the files, standard regulation forms and Outpost Update Forms flashed across his screen as he did his best to fill them out as fast as possible.

Rapi: Commander, do you have a moment?

Levi was pulled from his work as he spun his chair around to face Rapi, his second in command watching him with a slightly concerned gaze.

Levi: Yeah Rapi, how can I help you?

Rapi shifted her weight from her left leg to her right leg before locking eyes with Levi.

Rapi: The Elysion CEO will be arriving shortly for a meeting. She should be here in the next half hour.

Levi grit his teeth as he bit back a frustrated snarl, of course the Elysion CEO would drop by unannounced. Most likely to give him an earful in his performance last mission.

Levi: Great, well it's better than that brat Syuen. At least I know the Elysion CEO won't make me take some unsanctioned mission that will get me in legal trouble....

Rapi shot her Commander a concerned look, knowing all too well he was still sore over the Chatterbox Incident.

Rapi: Commander, I know you and the Elysion CEO are not on the best of terms right now, but please try and be civil with her. We don't need anymore tensions.

Levi let out a defeated sigh before shooting Rapi a lopsided smirk.

Levi: Don't worry, I'll play nice. No need to give you anymore headaches when you already have to babysit Anis and Neon most of the time.

Rapi grimaced at Levi's words, dreading whatever antics her squad-mates are getting up to while she's her talking with Levi.

Rapi: Those two sometimes forget the severity of our situation I fear.

Levi snickered at that comment before standing up and resting his hands on Rapi's shoulders.

Levi: Yeah, but they've never let us down in a fight. I can overlook some immature behavior if I know they'll have my back when things get messy.

Rapi's expression remained stoic, however within she was thankful once again to have Levi as a Commander. Despite his brash and crude manner of speaking, he genuinely cared for all those who worked under him. Whether they be Human or Nikke.

Rapi: I will leave you to prepare for your meeting. Please try to remain calm Commander.

Rapi then saluted Levi before taking her leave from his office. The moment the door closed behind her Levi collapsed backwards into his chair. The Commander let out a frustrated groan as he stared up at the ceiling.

Levi: This is going to suck.....

Levi sighed before he turned his chair around to face his computer once again. May as well try and finish more paperwork before the Elysion CEO arrived.

Half an Hour Later
Levi sat as his desk, staring at the door to his office, waiting. It would be any moment now that the Elysion CEO will arrive. Suddenly the door to his office slid open as Ingrid walked into his office, followed by Andersen.

Levi: Deputy Chief? I wasn't expecting you to be present, sir.

Levi stood up from his chair and saluted Andersen who merely waved him off, letting him know to stand down.

Andersen: At ease Commander Williams, I merely accompanied Ingrid so I could discuss your next mission.

Levi nodded his head in understanding before turning his attention towards Ingrid, a neutral expression on his face.

Levi: How may I assist you CEO Ingrid?

A grimace spread across Ingrid's face at Levi's tone, while seemingly devoid of emotion, there was a frosty edge to his words.

Ingrid: I came to check on you. You didn't sustain any injuries during your last mission did you?

Levi: No major injuries, when you're stationed here you must learn to rely on yourself first and foremost.

Levi's words were a light slap across the face to Ingrid, she knew he was still frustration with her. Ingrid took a deep breath before continuing her statement.

Ingrid: I apologize for not sending Absolute to evacuate you sooner, however they were caught up in their own mission at the time.

Levi: We managed fine on our own until reinforcements arrived. There is no need to waste Elysion's top squad's time on providing support to us. They clearly have more pressing matters to attend to.

Ingrid grit her teeth at Levi's words, he was starting to really push her buttons on this. However part of Ingrid knew she deserved this so she took another deep breath to calm down however her frustration was starting to show on her face. Andersen watched the two go back and forth, debating on whether or not he should intervene. The Deputy Chief however knew it was better for both of them to get this out of their systems instead of letting it continue to fester.

Ingrid: You are a talented Commander despite being relatively new to the position. The Ark would suffer if it lost your talent. It's only natural to want to keep you safeguarded.

Levi: Not safeguarded enough to prevent me from being stationed here seemingly.....

A vein popped on Ingrid's forehead, this conversation was really starting to try her patience.

Ingrid: Levi Williams, you know better than anyone that you are my responsibility. After our parents passed away it was left up to me to raise you and look out for you!

Levi shot out of his seat, slamming his right fist down on his desk in anger as he glared at Ingrid.

Levi: Oh so now you wanna be a big sister?! Where was this when I was getting my ass booted out here huh? Or would that have hurt Elysion's reputation to much?!

Any patience Ingrid had left finally snapped like a twig as she got right in Levi's face.

Ingrid: Listen here you little brat, I did everything I could to help you, but the Central Government's word is law! You should've never agreed to work for Syuen in the first place!

A vein popped on Levi's forehead as a similar glare to his sister's spread across his face and he leaned in close, getting in his sister's face as well.

Levi: Oh yeah cause that pint sized brat gave me any sort of choice! Blackmail is a pretty damning thing around these parts, I would've gotten in worse trouble if I said no!

Levi and Ingrid glared at each other as lightning crackled between their eyes. Andersen let out a frustrated sigh as he now had no choice but to break the siblings up. Andersen walked between the duo before gently pushing them away from each other.

Andersen: That's enough, I think both of you have made your points. However you can sort out your familial issues in your personal time. Right now we have a mission to discuss.

Levi and Ingrid both shot each other a glare before taking a deep breath and settling down. Andersen let out a sigh of relief at this, thankful both of them had enough professionalism to not let personal issues get in the way of business.

Levi: What do you need from my Squad and I Deputy Chief?

Andersen: You remember the Nikke you claimed wounded Chatterbox allowing both your Squad and Wardress to escape mostly unscathed?

Levi nodded his head as he vividly remembered the white haired girl who had saved them at the last minute.

Levi: The Pilgrim yes, what does this encounter have to do with the mission you want my squad and I to carry out?

Andersen let out a sigh as he adjusted the sleeves of his suit before locking eyes with Levi, a stern expression on his face.

Andersen: I managed to pinpoint her location, she is somewhere in the Northern Sector. I want you and Counters to travel to the Northern Sector and touch base with her.

When Andersen finished explaining, Ingrid stared at him in utter disbelief.

Ingrid: Andersen this is a risky move. The Pilgrims are forbidden from setting foot in the Ark and contact with them is heavily scrutinized. Need I remind you Commander Williams recently had to be judged for performing an unsanctioned mission?

Ingrid shot the Deputy Chief a stern glare, not wanting her brother to get in further trouble with the Central Government.

Andersen: I am well aware of the risks, however I believe the tide of our conflict with the Raptures is about to shift. I believe it would be advantageous to have the Pilgrims as allies rather than potential enemies.

Ingrid looked at Andersen, part of her wanting to argue the topic, however the other part of her knew he had a point. Levi studied Andersen closely, not fully understanding why he wanted him to do this.

Levi: Why me Deputy Chief? Wouldn't a more experienced Commander be a better fit for a rather delicate mission?

Andersen: Under normal circumstances, yes. However you have a unique talent Commander Williams. You earn the loyalty of the Nikkes that work under you rather effortlessly. Where most see them as tools of war, you see a person. A person desperately struggling to do right by humanity. I believe if anyone can get the Pilgrims to agree to work with us, it's you.

Levi was slightly taken aback by Andersen's words, not expecting the Commander to give him any form of praise, especially to that degree. However another concern popped into the Commander's head.

Levi: And if this mission is brought to light? I assume you will stay quiet and let me take the fall? Levi shot a glare at Ingrid, who flinched slightly under her little brother's gaze.

Andersen: No, I will take full responsibility for this operation. I know that might be hard for you to believe, but I don't want to see you discharged from your position Commander Williams. Most might not agree with it, but we need more Commanders like you in the Ark.

Levi was once again taken aback by Andersen's words, but the Commander chalked it up to flattery to convince him to go through with the mission. Levi let out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose, he was going to regret this.

Levi: Consider it done Deputy Chief. Counters and I will deploy first thing tomorrow morning.

Andersen nodded his head as he saluted Levi, who saluted him back.

Ingrid: I will have Absolute accompany you. The Northern Sector can be dangerous. Three Nikkes may not be enough.

Levi turned his sister, shaking his head in denial of her words.

Levi: Absolute's reputation shouldn't be put at risk over this. Counters and I will handle it just fine on our own.

Ingrid grit her teeth in frustration, she hated how stubborn her brother could be at times. However before the Elysion CEO could rebuttal, the door to the office slid open. The trio turned to see Apollo holding a briefcase in his right hand standing in the doorway.

Apollo: Am I interrupting something?

Andersen: Mr. Hiden? Why are you at the Outpost?

Apollo smirked before walking into the office, holding up the briefcase he brought with him.

Apollo: I've completed the second transformation device of the Rider Project. I'm here to deliver it to Commander Williams.

Andersen and Ingrid looked at Apollo, surprised that Levi was apart of the Tetra Line Heir's project.

Ingrid: When did this happen?

Ingrid shot her little brother a stern and concerned look, not knowing if she wanted him using such technology.

Levi: On the elevator ride back to the Ark, I offered to help him test his tech out on the surface more. So it's complete?

Apollo walked up to Levi before offering him the briefcase. The Commander took it from the Tetra Line Heir before setting it on his desk. Levi popped open the briefcase before reaching into it and pulling out a blue Progrisekey that depicted a wolf.

Levi: Shooting Wolf?

Apollo: I know it's a bit of a weird combo, but a stroke of inspiration made me realize that a pack of wolves attack like a barrage of bullets.

Levi looked the Progrisekey over before smirking as he liked the thought process behind it.

Levi: Certainly fits my style, I do better with firearms that all that fancy flipping you like to do.

Apollo smirked at Levi's words, if that was the case he was confident the device in question would very much be to the Commander's liking.

Apollo: Well, you are in luck. I took your position as a military man into account and repurposed a future weapon schematic to create your transformation device.

Levi then looked back in the briefcase, a smirk spreading across his face as he grabbed the other object within it. The Commander held up a blue handgun style firearm, attached to a belt buckle with a silver belt.

Andersen and Ingrid looked at the device, surprised that this time it was a firearm of all things.

Andersen: A firearm this time? Does it still function in the same manner as the Zero-One Driver?

Apollo: No, the Shotriser fires a bullet that ejects armor upon hitting the user. I figured that was a more appropriate method of armor assembly, it being slightly quicker than the Zero-One Driver.

Levi smirked at the information as he looked the Shotriser over, removing it from the belt as he practiced aiming the weapon.

Levi: Feels comfortable to hold, solid grip on the handle, has a nice heft to it, but not to heavy it throws off aim.

Levi then plugged the Shotriser back onto the belt portion before putting it back in the briefcase.

Levi: So am I good to go then? Seems to me like I'm finally combat ready to take on Raptures.

When Levi asked that question a sheepish smile spread across his face as he scratched the back of his head.

Apollo: Not quite. See my grandpa really decided to enforce that only his family members are allowed full access to Hiden Tech thing. I've spent the last two days jumping through hoops trying to get you authorized to use the Progrisekeys.

Levi, Andersen, and Ingrid looked at Apollo, confused as to why Levi would need authorization to use the technology.

Ingrid: Authorization? You mean the Progrisekeys require authority clearance to be utilized?

Apollo: Yes the Progrisekeys must be Authorized before they can be opened. The Progrisekeys have powerful electronic locks on them, preventing hijacking attempts. I doubt even a Nikke's enhanced strength could force them open.

Ingrid and Andersen looked at Apollo, surprised those rather small devices had such powerful security measures.

Andersen: At the very least we don't have to worry about potential theft of your inventions.

Levi: So you're still ironing out the details huh? That's fine, I'll still bring it along with me on our next mission. I trust you'll have it all sorted out in a day or two.

Apollo: I'll try my best to get it sorted out. I'll keep in touch with you over the coms, letting you know how my progress is going.

Levi nodded as he turned to look at Andersen.

Levi: Deputy Chief, as I said earlier. Counters and I will dispatch for the Northern Sector first thing tomorrow.

Andersen: Very well, I trust you will manage to touch base with the Pilgrim and form some kind of working relationship. Now I must return to the Ark, I leave it in your hands Commander Williams.

Andersen saluted Levi one last time before walking past Apollo and taking his exit from the office.

Apollo: I should probably start heading back as well. Volume is holding a concert at Royal Road in a few days and my dad insists I attend.

Apollo waved goodbye to Levi and Ingrid before taking his leave from the office as well. This left Levi and Ingrid alone in the office. The two siblings traded glances at one another awkwardly, neither wanting to be the first to speak. After another three minutes of silence, Ingrid finally decided to break the awkward air that hung between them.

Ingrid: Make sure you don't do anything reckless out in the Northern Sector. That's dangerous territory and I'm not referring to the Raptures. Snowstorms can whip up out of nowhere.

Levi: Don't worry, my Squad and I can handle it. Just focus on your business for Elysion. I'll take care of the grunt work.

Ingrid's expression remained stoic as she nodded at her little brother before turning around to take her leave.

Ingrid: Just don't go and get yourself killed okay?

Ingrid then swiftly took her exit, the door sliding shut behind her. Levi stared at the door to his office for a moment, a conflicted expression on his face.

Levi: I better go inform the girls of our next mission. We have a lot of preparations to complete if we want to be ready by tomorrow.

Levi then made his way to his office door as well, he had a lot of work to do.

Next Day, Northern Sector
A day had passed since the meeting in Levi's office, the Commander and Counters found themselves in the snow covered landscape of the Northern Sector. Levi was in a military winter coat, his ammo pouches still adorning his torso. A pair of winter goggles covered his eyes, a fur lined hat on his head, and military grade winter gloves on his hand. He carried a backpack on his back. Rapi flanked his left, Anis flanked his right, and Neon pulled up the rear.

Anis: This is so boring! It's just endless white for miles!

Neon: The chilly silence is rather mind numbing isn't it?

Rapi had her usual stoic expression on her face as she shot s quick glance at both of her teammates.

Rapi: We must remain focused on our objective. There is no telling how long the Pilgrim will remain in the Northern Sector.

Anis shot Rapi an annoyed glare before rolling her eyes.

Anis: Well maybe if someone hadn't put an end to our snowball fight, maybe we wouldn't be complaining about being bored!

Rapi looked at Anis with an unamused glare, her stoic nature not cracking even slightly.

Rapi: We do not have times for games Anis. The Northern Sector can be treacherous. Remaining in one spot for too long could prove dangerous.

Anis rolled her eyes and grumbled, but didn't try and argue further as she knew she wouldn't win this one against Rapi of all people. Levi simply sighed as this bickering was nothing new for his Squad. Suddenly a blue rectangle appeared in the left lens of his goggles. Appearing in the rectangle was a girl medium length light blue hair and light blue eyes. She wore horned headphones and was dressed in a white and gray uniform.

This young lady was Shifty, an Operator of the Central Government's Intelligence Agency. She was the main assistance Counters received while out in the field.

Shifty: Commander Williams, the abandoned Research Facility you are trying to reach should be another eight miles from your current location.

Levi: Alright if we keep moving we should be able to reach it early tomorrow morning, afternoon at the latest.

Shifty nodded her head as she began typing away on the tablet she was holding.

Shifty: I still don't know what the Deputy Chief is thinking, but it's above my pay grade to be questioning orders.

Levi: As much of a risk as it is, he has a point. The Pilgrims are Nikkes who have survived multiple decades on the surface. If anyone has experience with major points of interest and the safest routes to take. It would be them.

Shifty grimaced, but nodded her head in agreement at Levi's words.

Shifty: Still this is a big dice roll for a mission that could end with them saying no.

Levi sighed at Shifty's words, she had a point but at the same time he trusted Andersen's judgement on this one. If the Pilgrims were as corrupted and dangerous as the Ark claimed they were, why did one save him and his Squad? Levi was pulled from his thoughts when the winds started to howl and snow began to blow around him and his Squad.

Anis: Okay, the heck is with this sudden strong wind? It was calm a few minutes ago!

Neon: It must be a snowstorm, they can start at the drop of a hat in the Northern Sector.

Rapi: Commander, remain close. The last thing we need is to get separated. Rapi moved closer to Levi, standing guard in front of him as the winds began to howl more aggressively and the snow was kicking up all around them.

Levi: Shifty, can you give us any info on when this storm might pass?

Levi waited for a response from the operator through the coms, only to hear the crackle of static.

Shifty: Commander.....bzzzt-the storm is....bbzzttt!

Levi: Shit.....

The Commander cursed under his breath, the storm was completely screwing up the signal.

Levi: Rapi, Anis, Neon. Can any of see anything through the storm? Any kind of landmark we can proceed to?

Rapi: Negative, I see no such landmarks.

Anis: I can't see anything through this damn blizzard!

Neon: Sorry Master, but all I see is a white haze.

Levi cursed under his breath once again, this entire situation was getting worse by the minute.

Anis: Hold on, I think I see something! It's some kind of red light.

Levi turned his head towards where he heard Anis's voice and sure enough he did see a red light shining through the snowstorm. However something was eerily familiar about that red glow, something bad.

Levi: Hold on.....SHIT!

Levi lunged forward and tackled Ami's to the ground before quickly looking over his shoulder at Rapi and Neon.

Levi: Rapi, Neon hit the dirt!!!

Rapi and Neon quickly dove to the ground as a barrage of bullets and energy shots flew over the Commander and Counters Squad.

Anis: You gotta be kidding me! Raptures at a time like this?!

Rapi: Commander, we need to take offensive action before the Raptures can overrun our position.

Levi snarled, but didn't let himself get too frustrated, given the current situation, he couldn't let his mind get clouded.

Levi: Anis, lob all the grenades loaded into your launcher at where the Raptures are during from. Rapi, Neon, when the grenades go off, supply supportive fire!

Levi rolled off of Anis as she took aim with her grenade launcher towards the glowing red eyes of the killer robots. The Nikke pulled the trigger as she lobbed all six grenades, one after another at the glowing red eyes. After a few seconds the grenades explode, casting a light through the snowstorm, slightly illuminating the bodies of the Raptures. Rapi and Neon quickly got up into a crouched position before taking aim with their guns. Rapi pulled the trigger on her assault rifle, unleashing a barrage of bullets at one of the silhouettes. Neon unloaded four shells into another silhouette. The bullets impacted the two silhouettes, seemingly doing damage as the silhouettes stumbled backwards.

Levi: Alright, those hits connected! Anis, are you reloaded?

Levi looked over at Anis, who just loaded the last new grenade into her grenade launcher before closing up and giving the cylinder a spin.

Anis: Locked and loaded Commander! Just say the word!

Levi: Pepper them again! I think we might be able to eliminate a few of them!

Anis nodded before she once again took aim with her grenade launcher before pulling the trigger, once again lobbing all six grenades at the red glowing eyes. The grenades impacted the ground, exploding as the raptures were once again slightly illuminated. However two of the red eyes disappeared, indicating two of the Raptures had been destroyed. However there were still five glowing red eyes remaining and they seemed to be getting closer.

Neon: Master, they are approaching our location!

Levi: Dammit, okay we fall back and regroup before engaging again!

Counters: Yes Commander!

Levi and the Nikkes of Counters began retreating from the approaching Raptures as the snowstorm continued to howl and whip around them. As they ran however, an energy shot hit the ground in front of Levi, knocking him off his feet as he slammed back first into the ground. The Commander felt the air get forced out of his lungs as he stared up at the sky.

Anis: Commander!

Before Levi could respond, he felt the ground underneath him crack and crumble. In an instant, Levi felt himself fall down the side of the large hill like formation they were traversing across.

Counters: COMMANDER!!!

Levi tumbled and crashed down the side of hill as his vision was engulfed by the white snow of the environment. After five minutes of tumbling Levi finally stopped at the bottom. The Commander's vision was blurry as he felt himself losing consciousness. However the crunch of snow under boots drew his attention. Levi turned to see two figures approaching him. Both were female, the tall one had long blonde hair and more a white outfit. The shorter figure had long white hair and wore an all pink outfit. Before Levi could make out any other details, he lost consciousness, passing out on the snowy ground as the two figures got closer and closer.

So Levi and Counters have been given a new mission, travel to the Northern Sector and touch base with the Pilgrim Nikke. Apollo also completed the Shotriser, but unfortunately he is still working towards granting Levi Authorization. As always please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments! Who are the two figures that found Levi after his fall? What do they intend on doing with Levi? Will he reunite with the members of Counters? Will they be able to get past the Raptures and continue to where the Pilgrim Nikke is? Find out in the next Key of Goddess of Victory Nikke: Progrise To Victory!