Charon ultimately didn't let Liliweiss stay embarrassed. When she changed into the testing suit, he turned around properly to give her privacy.
Abe, on the other hand, clearly had no such concept in her mind.
"Wait… back at the research facility before, the suit didn't seem to be this style…"
Liliweiss spoke hesitantly. Only now did she fully understand what Abe meant by "perfect fit."
It clung flawlessly to every curve of her body, no stretching, no wrinkles. It was breathable and incredibly light, almost indistinguishable from wearing nothing at all.
If it had been skin-colored, she absolutely wouldn't have dared to wear it. That would basically be the same as being naked.
Thankfully, it was pure black. That gave her at least a tiny bit of reassurance.
"Of course, Miss Liliweiss. The material stacking capabilities of the three major corporations are passable, but their attention to detail is crude."
Abe said flatly, as if stating a simple fact rather than criticizing anyone.
"This suit is custom-made. It won't interfere with the instruments during testing, and the margin of error is negligible."
That's not what I'm worried about!!!
Right now, she felt as if she were completely naked in the room. If it were only Abe, it would be one thing, but the Commander was still here!
"Miss Liliweiss, please calm down as soon as possible. A Nikke's body is quite special. Emotional fluctuations can affect the test results."
After saying that, Abe turned to Charon, who looked a bit helpless.
"Commander, you probably don't know much about a Nikke's body. Take this opportunity, I can explain everything in detail, including every part of her body."
"N-no need. Not right now."
Charon scratched his cheek, not daring to turn around. From this distance, he could practically feel Liliweiss's gaze, full of embarrassment and frustration.
Well, she was a young girl. Even if there was a layer of clothing, according to Abe's description, it basically outlined her entire body perfectly. Just imagining it was enough to form a clear picture in his mind.
And since they'd be seeing each other constantly… better to keep some distance.
"I-I'll step outside for a bit."
With that, Charon walked out of the room without turning back.
He was good at judging people. Abe seemed trustworthy. The impression she gave both him and Liliweiss was that of a typical eccentric scientist.
Charon looked ahead. On a chair in the corridor sat the woman who had guided them earlier, softly humming an unfamiliar tune.
"Oh my, you're out already, Commander."
She smiled gently and stood up, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Let me introduce myself, I'm Karen, a temporary assistant to Researcher Abe. You could say I'm also a researcher."
"Hello, I'm Charon. Still just a trainee commander."
He replied. She was likely from VTC as well, similar in position to Abe.
"If you're an assistant, why are you out here instead of helping inside?"
"That?" Her smile didn't change. "It's just a routine physical check. No need for two people. I handle maintenance, body repairs and code updates. Abe focuses on development and testing, so she doesn't need me."
"Let's skip the small talk. What do you want?"
Charon narrowed his eyes. It was too obvious she had something to say.
"Is it about Liliweiss?"
"You're sharp, as expected from a commander valued by the military," Karen tilted her head slightly, a hint of mischief in her tone. "This isn't the best place to talk. Shall we go somewhere else?"
Charon glanced back and shook his head.
"No. If you think this place isn't suitable, we can meet later. But right now, I need to stay with her."
Karen's eyes lit up, and she nodded with a smile.
"No problem~"
She pulled out a business card from her chest pocket and handed it to him.
"Here, take this. Call me when you have time, preferably before your mission. There are things I think you should know."
The card carried a faint fragrance, clearly part of her usual tactics.
In terms of looks and figure, she was impressive, but still just slightly behind Liliweiss.
After saying that, Karen turned and walked away, her graceful silhouette disappearing at the end of the corridor.
Charon memorized the number and casually tossed the card into his system inventory before returning to the room. This time, Abe confirmed that Liliweiss had already entered the testing chamber.
"The examination is complete."
Abe said with her usual deadpan expression, already seeming bored.
"That fast??"
"That's VTC technology. No need to be surprised. Overall, there are no abnormalities in Liliweiss's body after actual combat. You're free to go."
She waved dismissively.
"If anything happens, contact Karen, the one who brought you in. If she can't handle it, then come to me."
So I have to deal with that woman?
No… what's wrong with me? Just because something feels off, I'm already forming a bias?
Charon shook his head internally. He'd need to reflect on that.
"Commander?"
At that moment, Liliweiss suddenly spoke from inside the chamber.
"Um… are you… looking right now?"
Only then did Charon realize she hadn't come out yet.
"Is something wrong, Liliweiss?" Abe frowned.
"…."
"Uh, I'll wait outside," Charon said helplessly.
After Liliweiss finished and came out, the two walked side by side. But even after leaving the facility, neither of them spoke.
Liliweiss stayed silent. Charon understood things were awkward and was trying to think of a way to change the subject.
Their mission would begin tomorrow. Colonel Alex clearly had a strong bias against Nikkes and probably wouldn't bother them. The physical check was done, so the remaining time until morning was theirs to rest and prepare.
That Alex guy… whatever. It's a simple mission. They don't even need much rest. Maybe tonight I can meet Karen, after all, if something happens to Liliweiss, we'll need her.
And also… her figure really was–
At that moment, Charon felt Liliweiss's intense gaze on him.
"W-what is it?"
"Commander… who were you thinking about just now?"
"…?"