Talking: Nice to meet you.

Whispering: That's wild.

Thinking: (What the hell is happening?)

---------------------------------------------------------

{3rd Person POV}

The video ended right after The Cunning Hares + Kiba began to leave to escape from the Public Security Officers. Inside the HDD room of the video store, the screen switched back to show the ominous profile picture of the mysterious hacker.

Belle's hands covered her mouth in shock after watching the video, her heart beating a million miles an hour. She felt so thankful that Nicole had chosen not to rat her out...and watching Kiba protect her identity like that... It warmed her heart.

Wise had the same reaction, a small and shaky smile creeping up his face after they watched the video. The hacker then spoke up, his voice laced with a fake heartfelt tone—

???: I have to say, I'm touched...

—Before it suddenly switched to a voice filled with bitterness and venom.

???: Proxies and Hollow Raiders are wolves stealing profit from the Hollows behind the Investigative Association's back. All constantly ruining each other in the name of greed.

And then it turned to a tone of great amusement, accompanied by a crazed laugh. All these rapid mood swings confused the siblings.

???: But to protect your secret identity, they actually gave up the chance to escape, hahaha. Unfortunately, the ones being rescued don't seem to plan on returning the favor~

Belle was getting tired of this guy's annoying voice. And how dare he insinuate she wouldn't do anything to help her friends! It irked her to no end!

Belle: Enough, hacker, I get it now. I'll give you the code.

Wise's eyes widened in surprise and confusion. He saw Belle's frown turn up into a small, cheeky smile.

Wise: (What is she talking about...?)

Belle: But unfortunately, the code is gone.

???: WHAT?! Are you joking?!

Belle: It's an electronic code, and it was saved to the database you just deleted~

The grey-haired male smiled at his sister's actions before his look turned serious. He had finally gotten the memo and was ready to act his part in this elaborate play.

Wise: Ahem... Don't panic. The password was recovered using Inter-Knot's computing power, and there's a backup on the network. We can get the password if you give us back system control...

???: No way! Proxies, Hollow Raiders, none of you can be trusted. Including Phaethon. I know you've been secretly trying to take back control.

Unfortunately for the proxy siblings, the hacker could see through them. Despite believing the lie that there was a backup Inter-Knot, this unknown attacker wasn't going to let them regain control!

???: Hand over your Inter-Knot account. I'll retrieve the strongbox password myself.

Belle and Wise remained silent for a couple of seconds, nervous sweat forming on their faces. They were vulnerable to extortion right now.

???: Hey, answer me! Inter-Knot is the foundation of a Proxy's business. Losing the account is losing any proof Phaethon ever existed. But to save those in the Hollow, you'll have to think quickly. They'll become monsters if they stay there too long.

Wise: If we give you the Inter-Knot account, then what?

Belle: You ruined our system, so who'll save them?

???: I promise I'll save them. How's that? You have no choice but to trust me.

...

He was right... They had no choice. The siblings had never felt so powerless before.

...

Wise: Okay, I'll give you our Proxy account.

Belle: B-buh, huh?!

Wise: But if you go back on your word, I'll make you pay!

The older brother walked over to the keyboards, going on Inter-Knot and reluctantly transferring the data to the hacker blackmailing them.

[CONFIDENTIAL DATA TRANSFER COMPLETE]

???: Even the source authentication code page was transferred. Good, looks like you've given up completely.

Belle: Hey... What's in the strongbox that's so important?

The hacker remained silent for a moment before clicking his tongue in annoyance, his tone smug and victorious.

???: It's something someone like you will never get your hands on, but I guess I can reveal a little. As you know, the Hollows are changing all the time, that's why people use carrot data to navigate them.

The hacker explained, with the siblings listening intently to the information.

???: However, Hollow observation equipment accumulates errors. So to ensure data remains valid, it must be re-calibrated using the Hollow master data every few days — the single copy of "Rosetta Data" that's in the hands of the city's rulers. Inside the strongbox is something comparable to that Rosetta Data. With it, you can enter and exit the Hollows freely.

The Proxy siblings could practically see the hacker's crazed and hungry grin as he continued to explain the importance of the Strongbox. They heard the hacker lick his lips through the microphone, his hunger for this artifact was palpable. It was honestly a little hard to believe in Belle's head that something comparable to the Rosetta Data could exist.

???: Okay, enough talk. Tell me where the code is.

Belle: Wait a second! We have one final question. For real this time~

Now Belle had an idea. She had always been the better of the two siblings at handling social situations. That's the main reason she was the one to take the mantle of Eous and dive into the Hollows with their clients, while Wise stayed back as support from the computer.

She had noticed that this hacker was easy to annoy and his ego was really fragile. So, putting on her best bratty smile and tone, she began to mock him. She nudged her brother, signaling him to catch on to what she was doing!

???: Whoa now, don't misunderstand. We aren't "friends," so don't push your luck.

Belle: My question is, since you're such a master hacker, why not just steal the password from our system?

Wise: That is true... Now that I think about it, other than taking control of my system, you haven't implemented anything else a hacker would.

And luckily, he did!

Wise: Instead, you just blackmailed us with Kiba and the others' safety like some kind of "kidnapper."

Belle: Well, it looks like that's the best you've got. You're just not as good as you claim to be~

The two kept on mocking the kidnapper, asking rhetorical questions, with each and every word bruising his ego more and more until he finally snapped.

???: SHUT UP! Just tell me where the backup is.

Belle: Don't worry, mystery hacker. We're helping you.

Wise: Listen carefully, can you hear sirens nearby?

The hacker went silent after Wise said that. A second later, quick and shallow breaths were heard as he started to hyperventilate.

???: W-WHAT DID YOU DO?!

Belle: We're just fulfilling our duty as model citizens of New Eridu. The city administration is calling for citizens to report dangerous individuals such as Proxies and Hollow Raiders. They even opened a hotline!

???: ANSWER THE QUESTION! WHAT DID YOU DO?!

"🎥 To be precise, I just called Public Security and gave them information about a certain Inter-Knot account.🎥 "

...

...

...

???: Oh I get it... So, that's it! It was planned! You'd even abandon your identity as Phaethon to trick me!

Belle: No, you're wrong! We aren't giving up our identity — just our account.

An eerie silence soon followed. The hacker lost. He had been outsmarted by the Phaethon siblings!

"T-This isn't over! You'll pay!"

With those final words of promised revenge, the screen shut itself off. A second later the monitors booted back up, showing that the threat was gone! Their system was back online and working as normal! Belle beamed with joy, her turquoise eyes sparkling with excitement.

Belle: We did it!

Wise: We've regained full control of the HDD now.

Belle: Well done, bro

Wise: *Chuckle* You too.

The blue-haired girl quickly sat down on her chair, tracing her hands along the keycaps of her mechanical keyboard. She giggled softly, looking up at her brother with a proud smile.

Belle: You know, that was some pretty good acting right there!

The grey-haired boy rolled his tired eyes and looked down at his sister.

Wise: You're one to talk! You offered to give them the password out of the blue. Weren't you afraid I wouldn't understand?

She only shrugged. She didn't need to know for sure. She trusted her bro.

Belle: What can I say? We are Phaethon, after all

The two then turned towards the screen and smiled as the HDD finally loaded.

Belle: Great, connection restored! Let's get Kiba and the others out of there! Just like he says...

"📼 Henshin! 📼"

And thus, she connected her consciousness with her computer. Her eyes shined blue, signifying that it was time to become a bangboo again!

~Meanwhile with The Cunning Hares + Kiba~

The group was currently in hiding once more, sitting together among the ruins of a bunch of train cars. Tensions were high among the group, particularly between Kiba and Billy.

The two sat on opposite ends of the pavement, with Kiba glaring daggers at the robot every few seconds before his gaze softened when he looked at Eous.

Kiba: Just what is happening outside...?

His attention was taken from the motionless Bangboo when he felt a small pair of hands grab onto his arm. Anby had been staring at the boy for a while. For some reason, she didn't like seeing him this pensive. She held his arm up and stared at him with those big ol' eyes of hers.

Anby: *Howl* I've mutated into a monster. Rawr~

*CHOMP*

She held his arm up before softly biting down on it, pretending to be an Ethereal mutant. This attempt to lighten the mood and take his mind away from his worries sparked a crimson blush from Kiba, his mind going blank for a second.

Kiba: W-W-W-W-What was that f-for?!

The white-haired girl stopped biting his arm but kept holding it in her hands. She looked down slightly, disappointed that she couldn't lighten the mood.

Anby: Sorry, I was just trying to cheer you up. I guess I'm not so good at this.

The heterochromatic boy felt his heart clench with remorse. What she said was true, she wasn't very good at this, but the fact that she tried was enough to flip his opinion around and make her really good at this! Yes, he knew it was weird and convoluted, but there was no other way to explain it.

With a blush still present on his cheeks, he brought his hand to rest on top of her head. Anby perked up and lifted her gaze to look into his blue and yellow eyes. The boy clicked his tongue and now he was the one looking down.

Kiba: Don't say dumb stuff. You did good... I'm cheered up now...

Anby: Are you sure? You're still frowning.

Kiba: I said I am cheered up! Now be a scary monster and keep attacking, or whatever.

He gently pushed her head down on his arm, and Anby instinctively opened her mouth to bite him once again. He was glad he was wearing a jacket, or else her saliva might've gotten on him. As for Anby, she felt her heart beat like a thundering drum on her chest.

She was now blushing just as much as him even! The white-haired girl was a complete sucker for getting her head pet like this.

Billy: We've been in the Hollow for a long time. Even with our Ether aptitude, it just means we'll become monsters slower...

https://youtu.be/UFjn67oZ9-Q

While all of this was going on, Nicole was deep in thought. She didn't feel like herself right now. She didn't know WHY she did what she did. This was one of the only times where one of her moves wasn't carefully planned out. Acting purely on impulse or emotion isn't something she does often, even if it seems like it a lot of the time.

Nicole: Tch... This isn't like me... The Cunning Hares only care about money... Not caring about others is my motto.

Kiba heard her silent muttering with his keen sense of hearing. He softly pulled his arm away from Anby's grasp, with a little resistance from the white-haired girl. He stood up and walked over to Nicole, looking down at her with a hard stare, but his eyes carried a sense of thankfulness behind them.

Kiba: You know... You're not as much of a shitty person as I thought you were.

The pink-haired woman looked up at him, taken aback by his sudden approach and comment. Without anyone noticing, the little Bangboo began to stir awake. It's LED light eyes flickered before they turned on. Belle, who was controlling the small robot, didn't make a sound. She simply watched the interaction play out.

Nicole: H-Huh? What's that supposed to mean?

Kiba: When I first met you, I thought you were a greedy boss willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to make a couple more dennys. But you're not entirely that.

Nicole: Is that supposed to cheer me up?...

She said with a slightly annoyed deadpan look.

Kiba: I'm not tryin' to cheer you up. I'm just saying you're not as cold-hearted as you think you are.

Nicole: Hmph, don't try to make me feel better. No one knows better than me what kind of people hang around the streets.

Kiba: And as far as I know, you're one of the good ones.

She remained silent after that, pondering his words. Could she really consider herself a good person? She just did what was needed to survive out on the streets, but maybe she did have some redeeming qualities.

She sort of appreciated Kiba's honest and no-nonsense way of talking to her. It was rather refreshing since she's used to people's words always carrying lies with them.

Belle: I've gotta agree you know?

Nicole: Seriously? Not you too Proxy...

...

...

...

Nicole: AAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Kiba: Belle! You're back!

Belle: A little late to be screaming don't you think? WOAH—?!

She yelped in surprise after Kiba rushed over to her and picked her up in his arms. His hands held her tightly, not wanting to let her go for a second. He was worried to death. The blue-haired girl's real body blushed at the feeling of being picked up.

Kiba: What the hell happened!? You had me worried you idiot!

Belle: S-Sorry to keep you waiting. I've actually been online for a while now. You were probably so busy being sentimental that you didn't notice~

The heterochromatic boy bristled at her teasing comment, picturing her bratty grin she always had when she wanted to be annoying. Nicole looked the same, covering her face with embarrassment. Both of their faces were red.

Nicole: So you heard everything... Ughhhhh...

Belle: Don't be embarrassed, you're among friends.

Kiba/Nicole: I'm not embarrassed!

The two blushed further, turning to each other when they spoke at the same time.

Nicole: E-Enough chit-chat! Proxy, what happened just now?

The group continued to move forward toward the location of the Strongbox. At the same time, Belle explained everything that happened with the "Hacker" while she was disconnected.

Billy: ...Is that so? The manager cut off all comms with us because a hacker penetrated her device.

Kiba: When I get my hands on that rat bastard!

He grumbled under his breath in anger.

Nicole: Hmmm... So the Proxy thinks there's something up with the flash drive holding the password. Is that hacker using it to trace you?

Belle: We checked the HDD for security risks, and that was the most likely.

Kiba: The Red Fang Gang is a lot of things, but smart enough to pull that off is NOT one of them.

Nicole: If that's the case, the Red Fang Gang didn't snatch the strongbox for themselves. They're working a commission for someone else...

Anby: Just like us. If it weren't for the Proxy's intervening, we'd be the ones on the firing line.

Billy: Thank Starlight we got you, Manager! Why you're as reliable as the Starlight Knight's sidekick, Meteor-Mutt!

Belle: Uh...Thanks? I think?

Kiba: You calling her a mutt?

Billy: Wait! That's not what I meant!

Tensions had been quite high between the delinquent and the android ever since Billy tried to rat Belle out. They didn't interact as smoothly as they used to, and Billy recognized he messed up. He had an apology plan in his mind once they made it out of the Hollow!

Nicole: Ugh, when I took this job I expected it to be an easy stolen goods job! I'm never trusting a broker ever again!

Anby: Nicole, I suggest speeding up the search. We're reaching the limits of our Ether aptitude in this Hollow.

Kiba: Really? I feel fine.

Nicole: You're a beast. *Sigh* C'mon Proxy! Lead us to our target!

The Bangboo nodded, guiding The Cunning Hares + Kiba through the winding Cretan Hollow. As they walked they came across a rift in space, with Belle instructing them to go inside. Nicole, Anby, and Billy went through as normal, but Kiba still hesitated just a little.

The dark void of the rupture in the fabric of space was just so... eerie. A shiver crept up his spine as he stared into the unknown black hole. The way it completely devoured his friends and took them to an unspecified location didn't sit right with him.

Luckily, he had Belle by his side, so he wasn't going in completely blind. She knew where they were going, so that comforted him a little. Taking a quick breath to soothe his nerves, he stepped into the rift and came out of the "other side" of the portal.

The target was really close now, only a few meters away in fact! Belle urged them to hurry up, with the group jogging after the small bangboo. They finally entered an abandoned but mostly intact train station, and in the center of it was the fabled Strongbox!

Anby: Found it!

Billy: Woohoo! It's our lucky day!

Nicole's eyes shined brightly with happiness as she cutely skipped over to the box. Much like a rabbit.

Nicole: That's my strongbox!

Kiba: She's way too jolly about this.

https://youtu.be/jJb91dBgYAc

*Whoooosh~*

Before they could approach, Kiba felt a whispering wind behind him. The hairs of his nape bristled, a signal of danger! He whipped around, reaching over to Anby and snatching her sword from its sheath before coming face to face with the Dullahan!

*KABLAM*

"🐕 GHA—HA!! 🐕"

With a brutal swing of his blade, Dullahan sent Kiba flying through the air into Billy. His ribs would've shattered if he hadn't managed to block the attack with Anby's sword. Billy quickly caught the boy, sliding back from the impact.

Billy: You alright buddy?

Kiba: *Cough* I'm fine. Thanks...

Anby quickly dashed to his side with Kiba handing her the sword he had taken. Belle quickly hid behind the trio as Nicole approached with a scowl.

Kiba: Tch, this guy doesn't know when to quit!

Billy: Just our luck.

Nicole: That's MY strongbox!

As she shouted, her suitcase transformed into its canon mode, Anby charged her sword with electricity, and Billy pulled out his double revolvers. The heterochromatic boy stood beside the pink-haired woman as he pulled out his phone.

《𝛷 5-5-5 𝛷》 《𝛷 Standing By! 𝛷 》

"🐕 Henshin! 🐕"

《𝛷 Complete! 𝛷》

The Faiz armor appeared around him as Dullahan released a gargling screech of rage. Anby and Kiba rushed forward while Nicole and Billy stayed back, shooting at the superior ethereal with their weapons.

Dullahan clashed blades with Anby with sparks flying through the air. Dullahan used his shield to block the barrage of gunshots from Billy and Nicole, leaving Kiba open to jump and land a heavy punch on his chest, sending the monster back a few steps. The boy flicked his wrist as he chuckled.

Kiba: Surprised? I got a few upgrades since last time.

With an angered roar, Dullahan rumors high into the air before bringing his shield down onto the ground, destroying the concrete below him! From the attack, a surge of black spikes shot forward towards the boy, but he managed to dive out of the way just in time!

Dullahan, explicitly targeting the teenager, attempted to strike Kiba while he was down! Unfortunately—

"[🐰 Stuffed Sugarcoated Bullet! 🐰]"

Nicole shot a supercharged bullet at the ground behind him, causing a black hole to spawn and begin to suck him in. Dullahan was prevented from moving forward as the suction pulled him toward Nicole's bullet!

Despite his slowed pace, his determination to kill Kiba was too strong. He took more steps forward, his sword raised high!

Billy: Nicole, make it bigger! I've got an idea! Better grab onto something buddy

"[🐰 Field Expansion! 🐰]"

The woman nodded, charging yet another black hole shot in the barrel of her gun, shooting it towards her previous black hole! The combination caused it to become BIGGER and the suction becoming STRONGER!

This time, Dullahan had to stab his sword into the ground to avoid getting sucked in, with the Cunning Hares being unaffected due to their distance from the blast.

The armored boy held on to a metal pole, taking his phone out of the belt and quickly converting it into its pistol mode.

《𝛷Pistol Mode𝛷》

《𝛷 1-4-2-2 𝛷》 《𝛷🔋 Demara Battery Mark II! 🔋𝛷》

"[🐕 Taser shot! 🐕]"

He shot multiple electric bullets at the Dullahan, but none of them seemed to stun him with a strong enough charge. He wasn't weakened enough to make him release his grip and let himself get sucked into the black hole. That is until she heard a shout from Belle!

Belle: KIBA! Code in ONE-ZERO-THREE! You'll shoot a continuous stream!

Kiba: Gotcha!

He quickly typed in the numbers, causing that same disembodied voice to make a new announcement he hadn't heard before.

《𝛷 1-0-3 𝛷》 《𝛷 Single Mode! 𝛷》

"[🐕 Arc Streamer! 🐕]"

*CRACKLE CRACKLE*

*⚡️SHOCK⚡️*

Using this new mode, he shot a constant stream of lightning at the Dullahan, causing him to screech in pain! Now that it was stunned, the ethereal's sword arm gave out, causing him to get sucked into the black hole!

Billy slicked back his white hair as he spun his guns around his fingers. Small stars twinkled around him. Stars! SHINING STARS!

"[🤖 STARLIGHT! SHINE BRIGHT! 🤖]"

He unloaded his guns' cylinders multiple times over! Hundreds of bullet casings fell to the ground as shot after shot was fired all around with no semblance of accuracy or timing! Why?

Because every single bullet got sucked into the epicenter of the black hole! The hundred-fold barrage of shots struck the ethereal as he barely managed to try and defend himself with his shield!

In the end, once Nicole's black hole disappeared, the Dullahan was still alive. It stood up, but its shield arm had been completely destroyed into scraps by Nicole's and Billy's tandem attack.

Billy: Damn, that thing just won't go down...!

Nicole: We just have to keep going!

She tried to shoot at him again while Anby rushed at him simultaneously. Dullahan roared in anger with a stomp to the ground, causing a shockwave to burst out and deflect the bullets and halting Anby's advance. Dullahan pointed his sword arm at the armored boy, with Faiz immediately catching the memo.

Kiba: So you're still in there somewhere. Aren't you, Miguel?

He felt a tap on his leg. It was Belle again, here to advise him again.

Belle: You want a sword, right? Summon Vajin.

He nodded, quickly dialing in the numbers.

《𝛷 5-8-2-1 𝛷》 《𝛷 Auto Vajin, come closer! 𝛷》

After a few seconds, a portal opened up a few meters behind the boy. Auto Vajin rolled to his side and Belle quickly pointed at his phone with her little limb.

Belle: Connect the mission memory to the slot on her handle and pull it out.

He did as he was told. Once Kiba connected the mission memory to Auto Vajin's handle he felt a surge of energy. When he pulled the handle, it came out with a whole lightsaber-like blade at the end.

Kiba: Woah...This is SO COOL!

Belle: Yup! Now go kick butt!

With her encouragement, Kiba stepped forward towards Dullahan.

"🐕 Alright, Miguel... You are my prey!🐕"



The two dashed towards each other, clashing blades and causing sparks to fly through the air! Kiba saw how the heat of his blade burned and charred Dullahan's stony sword!

The ethereal reeled his blade back and swung down, but Kiba quickly sidestepped. Faiz pivoted on one foot and tried a spinning slash that was swiftly blocked by the huge creature.

*CLANG*

*CLASH*

*SWOOSH*

*SHING*

The two continued the back and forth, none of them managing to land a hit on one another. That is until the two reeled their blades back and attempted a thrusting stab at one another!

Due to his superior range, Dullahan stabbed the boy first, but Kiba held on to the blade and swung upward! With a strained roar, his lightsaber slashes right through the monster's sword arm!

"🐕 ORRRYHAAAAA!!! 🐕"

He turned then pivoted around his foot and used the Dullahan's own broken blade to stab him in the stomach! The ethereal roared and, using the dull stump, punched the boy away. Kiba slid back, flicking his wrist.

Kiba: It's over... I'll put you out of your misery...

The real question was how? A superior ethereal like Dullahan would be able to survive for many more hours. He needed to end the fight now.

Kiba: Belle, do I have like a super attack or something? (This thing should've seriously come with a manual.)

Belle: Yes, actually! Press the enter key to activate your finisher!

Again, he did as the blue-haired girl said, opening the phone on his belt and pressing the enter key.

《𝛷 EXCEED CHARGE! 𝛷》

Crimson energy traveled through the lines of his armor until it arrived at his right hand. The Faiz Edge then began to supercharge with swirling red energy!

The boy grinned, bearing his fangs! Tightening the grip around his sword's handle, he did an underhand swing! Sending a wave of red energy along the ground! Once it struck Dullahan, it was enveloped in an anti-gravity field, suspending the monster in the air! It was like Nicole's gravity black hole shots but in reverse.

Kiba then dashed forward, jumped up, and swung down diagonally! His supercharged sword slashed through Dullahan's body with ease!

"[🐕 Sparkle Cut! 🐕]"



The remnants of his body burst into a bright blue flame before turning to ash. Kiba stared at the pile that was once a man for a few seconds before turning to the rest of the group and giving them a thumbs-up.

Kiba: Let's see what's inside this damn box already!

Auto Vajin rolled close to him, allowing the boy to return the sword to her handle slot. He then de-transformed.

Nicole: Haha! Finally...

She approached the group with her palms stretched out for a high-five.

Nicole: Finally!

Billy and Anby raised their hands to reciprocate her high-five.

Nicole: I found you!



But she walked right past them. She reached out to her beloved treasure but was stopped when Belle's bangboo form jumped on top of the Strongbox.

Belle: I hate to spoil your fun... But it's a little soon to be celebrating! Nicole, could you calm down and listen...

She spoke up with a tone of serious worry.

Belle: It's that stupid hacker's fault! They deleted the extraction data I'd prepared.‍

The pink-haired woman's heart fell to her stomach at the revelation, her head spinning. Gosh, she could feel herself getting dizzy.

Nicole: You mean we can't get out—?!

Her dizziness overtook her, making her fall backward. She would've hit the ground pretty hard if it wasn't for Kiba, who just so happened to be behind her. He caught Nicole in his arms, his eyebrow raised in confusion.

Nicole: Haha, all that trouble to get here... but we're no closer to getting out. I didn't expect this would be the end.

Billy: Damn, so unfair. I didn't even get to know Auto Vajin... but it's been a good life.

Kiba: Will you two quit being so dramatic? You're behaving like idiots.

Anby: Kiba is right. We'll figure something out.

Belle: There's no need for dramatics. I have another solution, I just need the nod from Nicole.‍

Without even listening to what Belle had to say, the woman held on to Kiba's shoulder and used it to pull herself up, pointing up into the air without the slightest bit of hesitation.

Nicole: GO FOR IT!

Belle:...Agreeing a little early, yeah?‍... Anyway, That hacker‍) said the strongbox contained something like the Rosetta Data, something that could be used to get in and out of the Hollows. If that's true, we can use it to get out! But you'd have to agree to let me open it...‍

Nicole: Uhm, I already said yes!

Belle: Are you sure it's okay? What will you tell your client?‍

Nicole: It's life and death here! Besides, if I don't get out, who's gonna bring him the strongbox? Just open it!

The bangboo nodded, jumping off the box and turning around before dialing in the code. She already knew the code beforehand due to the data she extracted from the Red Fang Gang USB drive. Kiba and Nicole stood behind her, watching as the small nubs struggled to type in the code.

Kiba: You're taking kinda long...

Belle: I don't have fingers! It's hard to type!

After a few more seconds of awkward shuffling, the box finally opened. Kiba opened it wider for her, allowing Belle to take out a minuscule SD card.



Belle: I don't know exactly what's stored inside. I'm not sure what the consequences of forcefully accessing the data might be...

She had to be honest, she was a little scared of what would happen later down the line if she followed through with this. She already got hacked and her Phaethon account! She didn't know what kinds of people could be going after her and her brother and it scared her. Nicole noticed this uncertainty, seemingly being able to sense it because her Bangboo form never gave too much away.

Nicole: Don't worry, whatever happens, we'll go to the store and save you!

She looked up at Nicole, a little surprised by her words. She glanced at Kiba, who nodded at the girl as if to say "Trust us". With her fears momentarily forgotten she held the SD card up to her forehead with a chuckle. Her previous fears were gone now! At least momentarily.

Belle: You can say what you want, you're not getting a discount!‍

She slowly inserted the card into her forehead. She waited a couple of seconds before a mass of energy coursed through her body! She began to float up into the air, surrounded by a bright white light. The group covered their eyes in response.



//////////////////////////////////////////

{Belle POV}

Visions flashed in front of my eyes, a confusing amalgamation of imagery that I couldn't quite decipher. Among the quickly flashing scenes, I could make out what was happening in some.

I could see it. A hollow. Its massive size larger than any other I've ever seen. My city...It was consuming my city. The darkness kept growing and growing. I heard the voice of...Wise?

"🎥 In the end... 🎥" "🎥 It all comes down to this. 🎥"

I felt a hand wrap around me protectively. I recognized his touch. Kiba is here too? I could barely make out what he was saying.

The hollow beside us began to expand. Kiba used his body to shield me from the blinding light. He was the last thing I saw before my vision turned black...

//////////////////////////////////////////

Darkness... That's what surrounded me—complete and utter darkness. I heard my brother's voice. He sounded concerned.

"🎥 You're scaring me... Wake up... 🎥"

Suddenly, I heard the voice of a woman? She sounded really robotic. Almost like the Vocaloid music I like to listen to.

"🧿 ...Terms and Conditions... Shall not authorize others to use... 🧿"

"🧿 ...may not be transferred in any way... 🧿"

I then heard Billy's voice, who spoke excitedly with relief all over his tone.

"🤖 Manager... You did it... We... got out. 🤖"

That's a relief. I don't know what is happening... But I'm glad my friends are safe at least. My thoughts were interrupted by that robotic voice again.

"🧿 ...you agree to give full authorization when necessary to protect the common interests of you and this existence... 🧿"

Why are you going on about terms of service? Who even are you? Why do you sound like a Vocaloid? I then heard Anby talk.

"🔋 The Bangboo is twitching... We'd better go to the store and take a look. 🔋"

Ugh... It's so loud... What is that...

"🧿 ...Do you agree to the above user terms?🧿"

I... I agree...

"🧿 The license agreement has been signed, I am happy to be of service. 🧿"

"🧿 ...Together, we will make New Eridu... 🧿"

{3rd Person POV}

Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location outside of New Eriudu, the demonic voice of a man can be heard through the darkness of what seems to be a military-like office.

"What a surprise. One of the "keys" has already been activated"

Beside the man, spoke a girl. Her voice was high-pitched and distorted. She sounded almost like a witch.

"Oh, really? Which one? Ghost? Jinni? Youkai?"

The man replied to her quickly and sternly.

"No, it's Fairy..."

The girl giggled sinisterly, her next words ominous...

"Ohhh, things are about to get interesting"

Back inside the Random Play video store on Sixth Street, a blue-haired girl's eyes were seen fluttering open. She grumbled groggily, sitting up from her computer chair. The first thing her eyes landed on were her older brother and her best friend, who were both looking at her with worry. Their faces lit up once they saw Belle had woken up.

Wise: Ah! You're finally awake!

Kiba: Took you long enough!

The boy noticed she was really shaken up, her fingers trembling. Whatever had happened to her while she was unconscious, it clearly affected on on mental state. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, making Belle look up at him with glassy eyes.

Kiba: Oi... It's alright. You're safe now.

Belle: W-Where's the data chip? Where are Nicole and the others? Also, how did I get back here?

Kiba: Take it easy will you? You just woke up.

He walked behind her and pulled her into the backrest of her gamer chair by the shoulders.

Wise: I'll explain everything, but first, tell me what happened after reading the data?

Belle gulped and proceeded to explain the bizarre and painful telepathic experience she just had. As she explained she insisted on Kiba keeping his hand on her shoulder, her mind still reeling from the experience.

Wise: Hmm... It sounds like a bad dream, or something you'd watch in a movie... I've got your side of the story, now it's my turn.

The silver-haired man began to recount the events of what had happened after she inserted the chip into her Bangboo form's forehead.

Wise: After you read the data on that chip, our Bangboo went out of control. It seemed to be having some kind of overload — it was sparking and flashing like crazy.

Kiba: We thought it hadn't worked, but the Bangboo suddenly stood up and took us to the exit.

Wise: You were out cold throughout the whole process, twitching and mumbling.

Her eyes widened, not because of how scary her experience was. Don't get her wrong it was scary, but she sort of had a big problem with talking in her sleep. She feared she might've said something embarrassing while unconscious.

Belle: You didn't secretly record me, did you Wise‍?

Kiba: Is that seriously what you're worried about?

Wise: If I'd known you'd be in such high spirits I would have recorded you! But enough with the jokes, let me finish. I didn't know what to do. Then Nicole and the others rushed over with a mysterious doctor — an acquaintance of theirs, I guess. He pulled you out of the HDD.

Kiba: The Cunning Hares went out to investigate. There's some good news — she paid her bill in full.

Wise: Although some of it went to the medical bill and Bangboo repairs.

Belle: At least it's over now...

Wise: Don't look too chipper. I haven't told you the real bad news yet. Go take a look at the computer, but be prepared.

The blue-haired girl raised an eyebrow at her brother's overdramatic warning. She looked over at Kiba for an answer but only got a shrugging sigh in response. Using her legs to roll the chair closer to the computer, she braced herself for what was about to come.

Wise: Now, don't freak out. Ahem, Fairy, you there...? She's‍ finally here.

After a few seconds of nothing happening, the screens around the room began to glitch out. The TV buffered and the multiple Bangboo all over the store all suddenly turned off! Belle looked around in confusion and shock.

Belle: What's going on?!

She scratched her head, but she didn't have much time to be disoriented when she heard a voice coming from her monitor. This time it wasn't some rat bastard hacker! It was the voice she had heard in her head after the nightmare!

"🧿 System reset complete— I am a type III general AI equipped with sequential integration. Development code: Fairy 🧿"

Belle's eyes widened! AI? Sequential Integration? Why was she in her computer!? A thousand questions raced through her mind, her heart beating like a drum.

"🧿 Hello, Master 🧿"

【🧿 Fairy 🧿】 [The First Key]



Belle stared in pure and utter befuddlement. AI. There was an AI in her computer. An AI that came from the SD card that knocked her out. An AI that just called her MASTER?! She had to still be dreaming. She pinched herself, and from the scrunching of her face due to the pain, she was definitely awake.

Belle: Huh?! Buh— What the—?! WHAT?!

Wise: That's what I meant by "bad news."

Belle: The HDD system rebooted after you passed out, and there she was.

Belle: The HDD can talk? My computer became a girl?!‍

Fairy: Negative. I am a type III general-purpose AI equipped with total sequential integration. You can call me Fairy.

Kiba: Yes, you've introduced yourself like 6 times! Just get to the point and do your exposition schtick.

Fairy: According to the user agreement you signed, I am to assist you in your work and wait for the "opportunity" to arrive.

Kiba: Wait, what user agreement? Did you trick Belle into a contract?! And what kind of "opportunity" are you waiting for anyway?

Fairy: According to the user agreement, I am unauthorized to answer this question. You will receive an answer at the appropriate time and place.

The black-and-white-haired boy crossed his arms in annoyance. He already didn't like this AI. Her dodging of the questions and obnoxiously formal way of speaking caused him to click his tongue at her with a glare.

Wise: I don't understand real girls, let alone virtual ones... I'd better leave this to you, sis.

Kiba slowly turned to the older boy with a judgemental look.



Kiba: You need to stop watching those weird soap operas, Wise...

Wise: They're a higher form of entertainment than your mindless martial arts movies. Plus, it's not like you can talk to girls either.

The teen bristled, blushing slightly in embarrassment.

Kiba: What do you mean I can't?! I can obviously talk to girls, you idiot! I talk to your sister every day!

Wise: I don't think she counts...

Belle giggled at their arguing, internally happy that Kiba was the first girl he thought of when the topic came up. Although, she was certain there weren't many he could have in mind since he really didn't have many friends at school. His rough and delinquent-like demeanor often pushed people away. Before they could continue to argue, Fairy spoke up.

Fairy: Master, I noticed a recent deletion and transfer of data to a third party, which will hinder your career as an illegal Hollow Investigator commonly known as a Proxy. I can assist you in recovering your losses and rebuilding your reputation as a Proxy.

She perked up with excitement!

Belle: Wait, so you can recover the deleted data?

Fairy: Negative, I am unable to recover deleted data.

But the AI quickly shut her down. Of course, it wasn't going to be that easy.

Belle: Oh...

Fairy: But I can help you rebuild your database. I have unlimited access to over 80% of all smart devices in the city. With my assistance, data does not need to be accumulated, and real-time analysis of Hollow extraction paths is possible.

Wise: What? But that's impossible!

Fairy: Negative. That is precisely my core function. To prove this, I can assist you in Hollow investigations.

Wise: Right... Um... Thank you, Fairy. You are...dismissed?

After Wise said that, the computer shut itself off. The trio stood together in the HDD room, pondering what had just happened. They now had one of the most powerful pieces of Software in the city inside their PC...but could they really trust her?

Kiba: *Sigh* Two days in a row that have been a shitshow...

Wise: ...I never could have imagined we'd have so many issues in just two days.

Belle: Come on, look alive! At least we're fine now. Yeah, we may have lost our account... But that doesn't mean we can't build it back up again! We'll show 'em — we never give up, not on our Proxy career, and not on life!

The two boys smiled in response, both of them nodding simultaneously. Wise and Belle knew it would be tough, but now that they had Kiba's support as Kamen Rider Faiz, they knew this was only a minor setback for a major comeback!

By the time they were done with their conversation, it was only just the evening. The orange sun cast a warm light across the streets of New Eridu as Kiba walked along them. Belle and Wise were setting up the store for tomorrow's influx of customers, so Kiba decided to leave them to it.

They also mentioned getting into contact with a trusted broker, so he was sure he was going to meet the guy at some point. He looked around his beloved neighborhood, finding the comforting normality refreshing after spending so long in the Hollow. This was interrupted when he passed by the arcade.

【Godfinger】 [Me. You. 1v1 for all your tickets]



Billy: Um, hey buddy! What's up?

Billy had been standing there for a while now, looking around to see if he spotted that recognizable head of black and white hair. He called over to the teen with a slightly nervous tone. Judging by Kiba's expression, he was still holding on to that grudge, much to Billy's despair. Despite this, the boy approached the arcade.

Kiba: Whaddaya want?

Billy: Well, I um... There's no easy way to say this but... Hrm...

Kiba raised an eyebrow at the robot's awkward startling. The fumbling of his words was starting to annoy him because he already knew what he wanted to say.

Kiba: Look, just shut up for a sec. What you did was stupid!

He lightly punched his shoulder, looking up at the cyborg with a small, sincere smile. His smile was strained, clearly not used to doing it often.

Kiba: But it's even more stupid that you'd think I wouldn't forgive you. We fought together, and that's enough for me.

Billy: Oh... *Sob* Oh BUDDY!

Billy shouted boisterously before wrapping his arms around the shorter boy and lifting him off the ground into a hug.

Kiba: H-Hey what are you doing?! Let go of me you pile of junk!

He tried to push Billy away, but due to Billy being so overcome with emotion, his STRENGTH OF FRIENDSHIP overpowered Kiba's STRENGTH OF TSUNDERE. After a few more seconds of squirming and flailing in the robot's arms, Billy finally set Kiba on the ground. He wiped his non-existent tears away with a sob of happiness.

Billy: Another thing I wanted to ask was if you wanted to go for some rounds at the Arcade!

Kiba: Aren't you guys supposed to be investigating your client?

Billy: Oh, we're gonna do that tomorrow. We're tired and Nicole needs her beauty sleep.

Kiba: I see... Oh, what the hell—sure!

Billy: Oh yeah baby! Let's tango! I'm kicking your ass buddy!

Kiba: I'd like to see you try!

And thus, the pair of guys, friends, bros, brochachos, walked into the Arcade. They spent the rest of the evening hitting every game inside, losing track of time. They grew closer as a result, their previous animosity left in the dust as they raced each other in "Need for Speed" or battled in "Snake Duel", growing closer as a result.

Meanwhile, with Belle she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling in deep thought. These days have been so hectic...she really missed her bed. Just what was that dream she had? Was that some sort of premonition? No way...right?

Even if it was, she would do everything in her power to ensure it never came true! The proxy could feel herself becoming tired, her eyes beginning to close on their own. Darkness enveloped her... hoping she didn't have any more nightmares...

{END OF CHAPTER 000} {TO BE CONTINUED...}