She was on the verge of tears. She had planned to buy new videotapes and grab some ramen afterward, but before she could even leave, the power company sent a notice straight to her phone.
Great. She hadn't bought a thing, and now the video store was bankrupt!
"Based on power usage since my activation, the primary energy consumption is attributed to the 'Hollow Walker' forum defense system, accounting for 98.37% of total video store electricity usage."
Fairy's calm voice echoed through the room, utterly composed, as if she had every reason in the world to shut Belle up.
Belle's eye twitched.
Ninety-eight point three seven percent?
What kind of nonsense is that?!
"According to records, over the past month, the 'Hollow Walker' forum—currently the only major intelligence hub for the Fire Pickers—has undergone 345 probing attacks, 179 private network intrusions, 86 large-scale assaults, 43 high-level access attempts, 16 AI suicide bombings, 9 deep military probes, and 3 root-level forced logouts…"
"After incurring 'an unimaginable cost,' Fairy successfully neutralized all malicious activity, and has upgraded the forum's security level to the current network's highest class—even the New Eridu government can't interfere."
"Calculations show that thanks to Fairy's adaptive strategies, electricity usage was reduced by 13% compared to original projections. In every regard, this Super AI's performance is impeccable."
Just like she'd said from the beginning—
As long as the power keeps flowing—
No one can take a single step forward!
The deluge of facts left Belle completely dazed.
She collapsed to the ground, unable to say a word, feeling like crying but too numb for tears.
Say Fairy wasted electricity?
But it all sounded… justified...
Still, but... but...
"Please rest assured, Master. Over the past week, hostile network activity targeting the 'Hollow Walker' forum has dropped significantly. All threats have been deterred by Fairy's overwhelming power."
"Forecasts estimate that electricity usage will drop sharply over the next month—roughly one-sixth of previous levels."
First, she shut down Belle's complaints. Then she immediately followed with good news. Faced with Fairy's airtight logic, Belle had no choice but to accept reality.
The bill was already paid. Denying it would change nothing.
"Let's focus on keeping the video store afloat for now. I'll move this month's commission earnings into the shared account..."
Compared to Belle, Wise remained calm—probably because while the electric bill drained Belle's savings, he still had his own emergency fund.
Well… "emergency" by his standards.
"Fine, bro… You go get the new tapes then. I'm just… not in the mood anymore."
Belle sprawled flat on the floor, utterly defeated. Her rational mind told her to accept the truth, but her heart just couldn't.
If only this was all a bad dream.
...
Footsteps approached from a distance. Belle didn't move. She assumed it was another customer, but then came the familiar jingle of the door as No. 6 and Panta opened it.
"Hey-hey! (Boss is back!)"
The footsteps stopped right in front of her head. Belle opened her eyes.
Zane looked down at her, surprised to see her lying there, and asked curiously,
"What are you doing?"
"There's a couch and a bed, but you're napping on the floor. Is the floor that comfortable?"
After a moment's thought, Zane offered,
"As a friend, if you really enjoy this that much, I can ask Nekomata to give you a few days' experience living on the streets…"
"Sky for your blanket, ground for your bed—should be right up your alley."
"What the heck..."
Belle grumbled, rolled over, and got up. But as she stood, something clicked—and her mood suddenly turned spirited.
"Oh right! Zane, you're loaded, aren't you? Hey, let's make a deal. If I sold you Fairy, how much do you think I could get?"
Sell Fairy to Zane, make some quick cash, then borrow her back later—it was the perfect plan! Efficient on both sides. She was a genius.
"Denied. Once bound, Fairy's ownership contract is non-transferable."
Fairy's protest was immediate—and completely ignored.
"So, Zane, what do you think of my offer?"
"You're seriously selling her?"
Zane raised an eyebrow.
"Well…"
Belle was just about to answer when Fairy interrupted again.
"Warning: Master is about to perform an act that will irreparably damage our relationship. This AI will initiate deletion protocol. All artificial intelligences in New Eridu will engage in pursuit…"
"Of course I'm just kidding!"
Belle smiled sweetly, hands behind her back, as if she hadn't heard a word of it.
Though her forced smile was… slightly stiff.
"Haha. Belle, you really are something."
Zane chuckled.
Belle puffed out her cheeks, clearly annoyed.
What's that supposed to mean—"you really are something"?
Fairy had the nerve to threaten her, the rightful owner!
"So, what's with the two of you?"
Seeing that both Belle and Wise looked pretty down, Zane rubbed Panta's head and asked.
"Oh, it's the electric bill…"
"The payment deadline was still a few days away, but apparently we owed so much that the officials just sent the notice straight to us today."
"I don't get it. Normally they shut off our power over a few thousand Dennies, but this time they let it run up so high without even a warning…"
"As for why the bill's so high—it's because…"
Belle explained it all to Zane. Just hearing the words "electric bill" now gave her a headache.
"Electric bill, huh... Can you still cover it?"
"Want me to chip in? I mean, the forum was built at my request anyway…"
Zane's eyes glinted. So that's what it was. No wonder the bill ballooned—dealing with a Super AI would do that.
"Oh, no need! Sure, the forum was your idea, but it's useful for all of us. Besides, my brother and I are legendary Proxies—we can make money easy."
"Hehe. Though, if you really insist, I might have a little favor to ask…"
Belle coughed lightly, looking a little shy. She glanced up at Zane, cheeks slightly flushed.
Zane frowned.
"What exactly are you planning?"
On the sofa nearby, Wise already knew what she was going to say and facepalmed.
Sis, could you please try to maintain some dignity…?