"Is this your avatar? What a cute little guy. Of course, you are too."
Geno held a round, rabbit-shaped Bangboo in his arms, which was wearing a scarf with the number 01 on it. This Bangboo was Belle's Bangboo avatar, Eous.
By connecting one's consciousness into the Bangboo's body via the HDD system, information communication between the inside and outside of the Hollow could be achieved. This was undoubtedly a great invention.
"Interesting. If there's a chance later, could you let me study your system?"
Twiggy looked at the lifelike Eous, and the thought that would occur to any researcher arose in her heart.
"Sorry, we don't own the copyright to this technology. We only have the right to use it."
Although the rejection was blunt, Twiggy wasn't annoyed. This was normal; after all, who didn't have a few little secrets? Twiggy looked at the wristband on Geno's arm—didn't she have secrets of her own?
"Alright, it's about time. We should head out."
Nicole called out to Geno and the others. She had already retrieved Billy, and the group was fully prepared, ready to enter the Hollow at any moment.
"Let's go. We're counting on you to lead the way, Super Bangboo~"
"Oh! Just leave it to Eous! I will guide everyone properly!"
Belle and Geno chatted happily about the game's content, and the group set off in high spirits.
*
New Eridu. In a room at an unknown location.
The windows were all covered by curtains, with only a computer equipped with multiple monitors providing light. A figure, whose silhouette could not be clearly seen, sat before the computer, looking at Geno and the others who had already set off, a smile revealed on their face.
"Interesting technology. I really want to get my hands on it and take a look."
But when the figure looked at the screen full of error reports and the computer that kept emitting warning sounds, the corners of their mouth twitched involuntarily twice.
"To think that I can't even crack this thing... Carole Arna, just what kind of person are you?"
*
Inside the Hollow. With Eous leading the way, they soon arrived at the designated location.
"The data shows this is the place, but... there's no one here."
Eous (Belle) checked the [Carrot]. After confirming the destination was correct, she still didn't discover any sign of anyone. Thus, she began to look around, scanning east and west.
"Just put the thing there."
A voice came from Eous's vocal module, but it was clearly not Belle's voice.
"White Noise?! You hacked into Eous's system?"
Eous made movements corresponding to Belle's surprise, but White Noise's voice soon sounded again.
"Not exactly. I don't have the special implant that is inside your body, so I cannot remotely control this Bangboo."
White Noise patiently explained his operation to Belle. He had merely transmitted his voice over the HDD network; it wasn't any complex technology.
"We brought the box here as agreed. Shouldn't you fulfill your promise now?"
Geno grabbed Eous, staring into its eyes, attempting to make eye contact with White Noise, whose whereabouts were unknown.
"Regrettably, I cannot."
White Noise refused to hand over control of the HDD.
"What do you mean? You aren't keeping your word."
Geno's expression turned ugly. This feeling of being led by the nose really didn't feel good.
"Hmm, you're right. I indeed am not keeping my word. But then again, how can you prove that your box is real?"
White Noise's voice carried a hint of playfulness. He wasn't stupid; if the other party brought a fake box, what use would that be?
"I demand you inspect the goods on the spot. Use my password to open your box. As long as it can be opened, I will return the control rights of the HDD and your Inter-Knot accounts."
Geno's fists were clenched tight, but he still had no other method. He could only obey White Noise's instructions, pressing the buttons one by one to open the safe.
As the box door opened little by little, the item inside finally unveiled its mysterious veil. Resting on the wool felt lining was a memory card no more than an inch long.
Clearly, this was the item White Noise had spoken of, the thing comparable to [Rosetta Data].
"Very good. Close the door."
Eous stood up and kicked the safe closed. With a click, the treasure was sealed away once more.
"Hey, we've already done as you said. Where is your promise?"
Nicole, watching from the side as White Noise ceaselessly ordered them around with absolutely no intention of fulfilling his promise, couldn't help but speak up in interrogation.
"Don't be in such a rush, little girl. There is still one step left. As long as you do this, I guarantee I will fulfill my promise."
White Noise spoke with solemn vows. As his voice fell, a Hollow Fissure slowly opened in front of everyone.
"Aha~ Time is up. Now, throw that box in there. Remember, people shouldn't follow it in. Otherwise, if you get torn to shreds, don't blame me for not warning you."
White Noise's pitch became much higher; clearly, he was in a good mood right now.
Following his instructions, the group threw the box into the Hollow Fissure. Shortly after the box entered, the fissure quickly vanished.
But after that, White Noise still didn't take any action.
"Hey! Are you going to keep your word or not?"
Nicole, her patience exhausted and her face full of anger, hugged Eous and shook him continuously, attempting to force White Noise to submit through this method. However, he wasn't here at all; the only one getting dizzy from the shaking was Belle.
"Nicole, stop shaking him, I'm going to puke."
"Hehehe, young little girl, let me teach you one final principle."
White Noise's voice sounded together with Belle's, but his voice had become somewhat distorted.
"Rule number one of dealing with strangers: do not believe a single word a stranger says."
White Noise's voice became increasingly chaotic, filled with messy static noise.
"I have already exposed your information. If you run now, you might still make it. Just consider it a small lesson for you all, hahahahaha~"
Click.
After saying that final sentence, White Noise's voice vanished completely, sounding no more. Only Belle's voice remained inside Eous's body.
"Holy crap! That scumbag! I knew he was rotten to the core!"
Geno was furious, rubbing his fists and grinding his palms, wanting to vent his anger. But where was there anything for him to vent on? Eous?
"It was within expectations, actually."
Anby spoke faintly. She and Twiggy had known long ago that this person wasn't trustworthy, so they had formulated a plan in advance.
"Proxy, you guys are pretty much done on your end, right?"
"Of course."
Eous put his hands on his hips, replying to Twiggy's question with total confidence.
"Very good. Then, disconnect the link for now, Proxy. We'll meet again after we get out."
"Be careful. You must come back safely."
After saying this, the loading icon began to spin continuously on Eous's face. A moment later, Eous's eyes lit up again, but they had lost their original liveliness.
Clearly, Belle had already released control of Eous's body. The one here now was the real Eous.
"Ehn-ne ehn-ne (Leave the rest to me.)"
The corners of Twiggy's mouth hooked up. She patted Eous's head; it felt very nice.
"We're counting on you, little guy."
*
Currently slacking off.
Posting early~~
____
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