Grim gently stroked his chin, hiding the thoughts swirling in his mind.
Though his dreams were vast, the current Outpost was like a lone boat drifting across the ocean—no matter what, it couldn't leave the vast sea of the Ark.
So, first things first—let's make some money.
By gathering more supplies and technology, and strengthening the Nikkes, Commander Grim would gain the confidence to challenge the Ark in the future.
After a moment of contemplation, Commander Grim asked,
"Rapi, you should know that as a Commander, I can't work and earn money like ordinary people."
"The Commander doesn't get a fixed salary. To make money, I have to complete more missions."
"Whether it's gathering supplies or exploring lost sectors, even the simplest missions are as risky as walking with your head in a noose, with a casualty rate of up to 60%."
"So, is there any kind of job where I can earn money while sitting here in the Commander's Office?"
Rapi thought for a moment before replying,
"Commander, considering how popular you are among the Nikkes, I think you can start crowdfunding."
"Crowdfunding?"
"Yes. First, let the Nikkes raise the funds, then place orders with the factories to produce some merchandise to be distributed to the crowdfunding Nikkes."
"I'm sure with your popularity, you could raise at least several million."
"Rapi, you're a genius!"
Commander Grim slapped his thigh. Why hadn't he thought of this before?
No sooner said than done.
Commander Grim immediately opened his Commander account and began an anonymous livestream for the Nikkes.
"This is what I'll title it."
"Outpost Goes Bankrupt, 350 Million in Debt, Seeking Crowdfunding Support!"
As soon as Commander Grim finished writing the title, the Nikke group chat went wild.
——Commander Fan Club——
Privaty: "I just got a notification—Commander is live-streaming?"
Privaty: "Is something wrong with the Outpost?"
Privaty: "If it's not being managed well, maybe the Commander should transfer to our Triangle Squad. At least we have decent benefits!"
Anis: "What, the stream just started and you're already trying to steal my man?"
Anis: "You're from Central Government, but you're at the Commander's office every other day!!!!"
Neon: "Exactly! Master has to deal with you troublesome women every day. Has anyone even considered how he feels?"
Privaty: "Hmph, I'm just worried about the Commander."
Privaty: "Besides, I have clearance. As the Commander's training instructor, is there a problem with me visiting the Outpost?"
Privaty: "Commander is really generous. You all are just possessive. What, afraid you can't compete so you're trying to monopolize him?"
Anis: "Commander is clearly my boyfriend. And this afternoon we even… Ugh, forget it. Anis-sama will win in the end anyway!"
Don't Bother Me (Eunhwa): "People who keep yelling 'win, win, win' usually end up losing big."
Anis: "Hey, why are you in this group chat too?"
Eunhwa: "Emma added me. But the moment I joined, I regretted it. How can such a third-rate chat group even exist?"
Vesti: "Silver… Eunhwa, last time you stared at Commander's abs for way too long."
Eunhwa: "....."
[Don't Bother Me (Eunhwa) has left the group chat]
Vesti: "She… why'd she leave?"
Rapunzel: "I found something. The stream is only open to Nikkes."
Rapunzel: "Is there a hidden meaning behind this?"
Rapunzel: "I get it! Brother must be choosing one of the Nikkes watching the livestream to take to his room... to have fun with all night...?"
Definitely Not a Dog (Poli): "(Shocked puppy!)"
Poli: "I smell something rotten!"
Poli: "This is an illegal broadcast! A.C.P.U. Squad, move out immediately and shut it down!"
Rapi: "Officer Poli, ignore their nonsense. This is a perfectly normal stream. It's about a funding issue."
Anis: "Ohh, so what's the crowdfunding for?"
God of Gaming (Exia): "Oh... is this newbie doing crowdfunding?"
Exia: "If possible, I'd like to crowdfund a fan-made audio drama."
Soline: "Fan-made audio drama? What's that? Oo"
Exia: "Hehe, it's something really fun."
Exia: "That newcomer's voice is so alluring. If you fall asleep listening to his voice in an audio drama, it's heaven."
Yulha: "Hey, stop corrupting the innocent."
Soline: "I want to hear! Keep talking!"
Neon: "Master probably thinks our squad is too poor and wants to raise money to fix our environment!"
Neon: "Master, if I ever get the chance, I'll repay your kindness!"
Meanwhile, in the livestream.
Commander Grim cleared his throat, straightened his uniform collar, and addressed the Nikkes slowly joining the broadcast.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Commander Grim of the Counterattack Squad. I'm sure most of you have heard of me, but that's not the point today."
"What I want to say is this."
"Outpost finances have been a bit tight lately. To maintain base operations and raise funds, I've decided to launch a crowdfunding event for Nikkes."
The current plan is to crowdfund the production of dolls based on myself.
If anyone has other ideas, feel free to submit them in the voting section.
Also, this stream is anonymous, so speak freely.
"I'll do my best to satisfy everyone."
Commander Grim opened the stream backend and entered the word: "doll."
Commander's Girlfriend (Rupee): You'll satisfy anything, really?
Commander's Girlfriend (Rupee): In that case, I want to crowdfund this~
Then Commander Grim saw a new line added to the crowdfunding items:
"The Nikke who donates the most will become the Commander's girlfriend."
Commander Grim took a sip of coffee, smirked, and said,
"Rupee, this is real crowdfunding. Every Nikke who donates will get a product. If you do that, others will feel left out."
I'm the Commander's Girlfriend (Anis): Exactly! Does having money mean you can do whatever you want?
I'm the Commander's Girlfriend (Anis): I think dolls are a better idea!
Me Too (Neon): Agreed~
Anonymous User 024 (Rapi): Agreed.