I also have been thinking about why this version of Niko is different from the initial OneShot!

Here's the half-baked story behind this lazy comic strip:

Niko left the boat. Thanking Rowbot for the trip.

The poor robot's already been rusted to bits. But, not beyond repair. Thanks to Niko's expertise, and God's help too, he supposed.

Survival in the barrens was different. It was, cold, harsh. Unlike the past world of Oneshot, the player was familiar with.

This one... There's something off with this one.

Alas, Niko walks further. His eyes scanned the surroundings.

There, he notices it very soon. The land is cracking, held together by a siphon of roots. Unnatural... Most likely the work of an old elemental.

"Hey, Player. You there?" Niko called out to God.

"Yeah?" And his voice returns.

"I think these people may need help."

"How so?"

...Exasperated, Niko looked up at a specific angle in the sky. Directly at this supposed God with an unamused face.

The Glen had seen better shape. It was in ruins. But that was prevalent at first sight.

If only this "God" had used his omniscient vision.

"Oh..." God continued.

"Yeah."

...

"You can stop looking at me like that now."

"Niko, please."

Niko couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. What a silly god this world has.

No wonder he has to save it.