Cash Crush Rush

Exactly! We're both suffering from financial troubles anyway.

So let's join forces and overcome this crisis together!

She said she was stopping by somewhere else first.

Phew... I'm thinking the same thing. It's not like we can switch her off every time she does that. Good grief.

Anyway, what do you think? I believe it's a good offer for you guys too.

We'll devise a plan using information from the client, and you'll move with us and provide support.

It's a collaboration between us, the brains, and you, the brawn.

In return, we split the goods fifty-fifty. Simple, right?

Why?! The condition is that you get half just for coming along?!

When you don't even have work and spend every day sucking your thumbs!!

We'll handle everything from checking infiltration routes to unlocking the Vault and scouting escape paths!

Seriously, it's a job where you just need to show up!!

A-Ahaha...

Aww~ You remember so well! We're people who made it inside the Bunny Empire's Vault, you know~

Doesn't that mean our plan was actually brilliant??

Ugh... Hitting right where it hurts...

Vault heists are all-or-nothing by nature.

And like Lafine said, the plan was close to perfect. We just lacked the quick thinking to deal with unexpected variables.

Pretty much.

I-It's not like we've always handled things half-heartedly!

It's just because Joy, our only action-oriented member, is away right now...

Lately, whenever a plan goes awry, our confusion has gotten pretty bad...

Yeah, if only Joy had been at the Bunny Empire too, we might have pulled it off easily...

Ah...

...And the reward?

We'd be taking all the risk! If we fail, you're just planning to cut us loose, aren't you?!

Besides, you want to take half without taking any of the risk??

There are no guarantees in this world!

If there were, I'd have graduated by now!!!

Hey!!!!

Thanks for rescuing us back then... If not for you, we definitely would've had to work part-time as bunny girls...

But this job is just as big as that one... We really need your help...!

We'll probably try again someday... But right now is a bit impossible...

To help us?

Eeeek...!

Lafine... I think we came to the wrong place for a commission.

But... he's the most reliable person we know...

R-Really? Then under what conditions would you accept the commission?

Impure!!! The commission is definitely canceled!!

W-Wait, Caren.

Would those terms really be enough?!

Lafine!!

But... it's not that bad of a deal, is it...?

Back in the day when I was short on cash, I even did a gravure magazine shoot...

Compared to that...

They don't sell it anymore!

Sigh... Hold on a second.

Anyway... If it's just that, I might accept your condition. So...

You'll help us, right?

I don't know about Caren's, but if it's just mine... For now...

Emergency! Emergency!!

Seven is about to become a bunny girl!!!

It's way more crowded than usual...

What in the world is happening? Could it really be because of Seven??

I don't know the details either. They asked if I was Seven's guardian and told me to hurry over to the Bunny Empire right away...

It feels like getting notified in the middle of the night that my research paper got rejected...

Don't talk like that just because it's not your problem!

Our Seven... There's no way... no way... she wouldn't have...

Damn it! It pisses me off that I can't deny it!!

Right. Seven is more than capable of doing that...

I hope it's nothing big... Sigh...

Oh! There's a crowd gathered over there!

E-Everyone...! You can't come any further!!

Please do not cross the line~ If you do... we will use force~

Yeah... It looks like a bank vault that got completely cleaned out...

Let's go check it out first.

Ah, I-I told you that you can't come in...!!!

We just received an urgent message and came right over.

A-Are you by any chance the guardians of the Maid android?

Yeah. What happened?

Um... it's a bit awkward to explain out here... Please step inside for now.

Just how big of a mess did she make?!

It would be faster for you to see it for yourself than for us to explain...

It's just so surreal, you see...

Seven!! What happened!

Ah, you have arrived, everyone.

We have been waiting for you.

Um... what exactly did our Seven do wrong...

Sure, she loves gacha, slot machines, and maids, and hates working... but at heart, she's really a sweet kid...

Uh... hey, coins keep spewing out of that slot machine over there...

Seven... did you break the machine?!

No, I did not.

Because I am Lucky Seven!

Then did you hack it?!

Because I am Lucky Seven!!!

777...? What does that mean?

It is a jackpot.

What...? Jack... pot...?

So... does that mean she won?

Yes, that is correct. It has been a very long time since we last saw a jackpot.

Two years, eleven months, and twenty-one days, to be exact...

Because that is my job.

Per protocol, upon hearing the jackpot alarm, I controlled the gathering crowd, placed the winner under protective custody, and subsequently contacted her guardians.

However, due to the sheer urgency of the situation, I was unable to provide a detailed explanation. My apologies.

How much is the prize money, by any chance...?

It will be announced officially soon, but to give you a preview...

It is 2,382,436,927 Credits.

It is 90% of the total amount accumulated in that slot machine and those in the same line over the aforementioned period.

What...? 2.38 billion...?

Ahaha... Ahahaha....

Caren glitched out!!

How do you like my luck?

My intuition led me directly to this slot machine today!

Now everyone has no choice but to admit it. I am indeed... Lucky Seven!!!!!!!

None whatsoever. All associated fees are covered by the remaining 10%.

Once the calculations are finalized, the exact amount quoted will be transferred directly to the designated account.

We would appreciate it if you could relax and enjoy yourselves here at Bunny Empire until then.

Now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to the settlement and wrapping things up.

Please enjoy your stay...

Mmm... Seven, wake Caren up.

Understood.

You... must retake this class...!!

Gaaaaah!!! I'm sorry, Professor!!

Apparently Seven recorded a phone call between Caren and her professor.

Huh... Where am I...?!

Have you come to your senses? This is Bunny Empire.

And I am Lucky Seven.

Lucky Seven...!

Ah!! What about the prize money?

She said they'll pay us after final calculations. Until then, we're free to wander around.

Really? Then I guess we should wait inside for now.

What are you doing...

Slot machines, naturally!

Overruled!! Stop testing my composure!

Should we look around inside for now then?

When else will we ever get to look around a place like this so freely? There might be something fun to see!

Shh!! Seven handed us this chance on a silver platter! There's no way I'm letting it go to waste!

If you snitch to Bunny Gloria, I'll hate you, so don't even think about it!

Make sure you stick right next to us!

Eek! Why are you hugging me all of a sudden?!

Th-That's not what I meant! Anyway!

Let's explore inside the casino together!

Mmm...

No, take a good look around.

A few of those Bunny Girls keep tailing us.

I do NOT get chased every day!! Only sometimes!! Very, very rarely!!!

I spot a few as well. Seven, how many are there in total?

Exactly 7 people are tailing us. Because I am Lucky Seven!

I have zero intention of counting any further until the number reaches 77.

So anywhere between 7 and 76 Bunny Girls are chasing us...

W-Well, we haven't been caught yet, so it's not a failure!

Then again, we've never properly robbed a vault either, so it's not a success either...

If this were a sport, you could say we tie every time... Ahaha...

Ugh... You're so ruthless...

At this rate, looking for a new infiltration passage will be impossible.

What a shame... I was planning to explore every nook and cranny to draw a map while we had the chance...

But why are they following us like this? We're just wandering around doing nothing.

I do not believe that is the reason. Look over there.

Oh dear... Running around like that is dangerous!

They have been taking care of the people approaching us for a while now.

I suspect they are attempting to protect me, Lucky Seven, the jackpot winner!

That would not be a wise decision. The previous jackpot winner was beaten by a mob the moment they stepped outside.

Why?! Being lucky isn't a crime!

I really don't understand that mindset at all...

Heheh... Understanding is not a product of logic, after all.

More importantly, the calculations are finished, and the funds have been transferred to the account you provided.

You are completely free to leave now... However, stepping outside will prove dangerous in many ways.

Of course, as long as you remain inside, we will protect you to the best of our ability.

That is not entirely untrue. After all, you have the money for it.

You have more than enough to spend the rest of your life enjoying a delightful bunny life with the Bunny Girls here.

I would also be perfectly fine staying here forever.

Enjoying gacha to my heart's content, hitting another jackpot... Isn't that perpetual motion!

We can't do that! How could anyone live cooped up in one place forever?!

I haven't even finished making my own map yet...!

If I get stuck here... graduating this semester goes down the drain...

Wait, no... I'll never graduate for the rest of my life...!

Yes, that is correct.

Are you referring to the staff passageway you previously used to trespass while searching for the secret vault?

Of course you may. Since your intentions are not malicious and the circumstances are exceptional, I shall turn a blind eye.

However, this is strictly for this time only. Do you understand?

Whew... I didn't even dare to ask, but the Fixer sure is impressive!

It's all stored right in my head, so no worries.

I never forget a path I've walked once!

Nothing to lose by trying. But I can guarantee one thing... we definitely won't get lost.

The Bunny Girls were charging from this direction anyway, so you couldn't have used it even if you wanted to!

Are you telling me to take the lead?

Absolutely not! I would much rather follow behind while leisurely sipping tea!

My motto in life is, "Bust your asses for the androids, humans!"

Still, she's gotten better than before.

Before, she'd lie down claiming she didn't want to walk, so Joy had to carry her over her shoulder.

That was truly comfortable.

Except for the times she swung me around like a weapon, of course.

It was seriously incredible.

Seven held onto a pillar refusing to move, so Joy lost her patience and lifted Seven with one hand, right?

After that, she spun her around five times in the air like pizza dough, and ever since, Seven's been walking on her own two feet.

Ahaha, if Joy were here, she probably could've smashed the Vault door open from the inside!

Anyway, we're here! Let's go outside!

Before that... Seven. Check if there's anyone outside.

Yes. Connecting to security cameras.

The fact that we haven't been caught so far means we possess a decent level of skill.

Could you not lump us in with the dime-a-dozen petty crooks out there?

Exactly. Alright, opening the door!

Nothing beats sunshine after all!

In front of a building about 100 meters away from Bunny Empire! Quite a few buildings are connected to emergency evacuation routes.

Memorizing all these underground passages woven like a spiderweb was a real pain, you know?

Right! There's no way they'll ever figure it out like this.

It's literally like a magic trick where people vanish out of thin air!

Probably... pass on it? Since we have money on hand now.

Right, the reason we hit the Vault in the first place was that we wanted to strike it rich and live comfortably!

With this much money, I will be able to spend the rest of my life doing nothing but pulling gacha.

Still, since you helped us escape Bunny Empire for the second time, I'll send you a little something for your trouble.

We're billionaires now, so of course I can do at least that much. Heh...

You're a capable Fixer, so I'm sure you'll land another great request!

See you next time!

Big Boss! Wake up! Hurry!!

If you don't wake up... I'll do something naughty~ Hehehe...

Big Boss, Theta is acting weird!!

Well... she didn't go on her morning bread run.

And she keeps repeating weird things!

It would be faster for you to check for yourself, wouldn't it?

P... p... puru... p... Free Poker!!!

That can't be~ When Theta wants bread, she takes initiative and gets it herself.

I already shot her a few times for that... and she's still the same...

Of course!

We've already turned her off and on several times. But nothing changed.

Oh stop~ You already know~

Hehe, it must be because she's lacking love~ Let's shower her with affection!

Oh my~ What are you planning to do to me after putting me to sleep~?

Fixer, emergency, emergency!! Seven is acting weird!!

So what? It's an emergency. I told you to upgrade your security if you didn't like it.

That'd make it inconvenient for me to get in, so no. More importantly, there's something else.

She wasn't normal to begin with, but Seven right now is way beyond that.

Seven doesn't play Free Poker! She only plays slot machines at the Casino!!

Huh? Looks like your member isn't in good shape either...

Plain yogurt cake?? Sounds delicious...

I took a look around on the way here, and it was total chaos.

Anyone with machine parts seems to be experiencing similar symptoms, though the severity varies...

That goes for Saverim as well. If the problem is with mechanical parts, you can't expect a perfect solution there.

Fixing Seven requires going to an android specialist, and the cost isn't cheap.

Ehehehe... We did spend quite a bit moving hideouts, decorating, and stuff.

We still have a decent amount left... but it's locked in Seven's account, so we can't withdraw it right now.

Those are completely different fields! Physical security and network security require totally different approaches.

That's our Big Boss! You really know how to treasure your allies!

I-I'm truly touched...

Mmm, I could've sworn Big Boss used to be the one nagging us about stealing.

Good point! Then should we go grab some bread to fill our stomachs first?

Stealing bread is a bit...

Rich megacorporations and poor small businesses are completely different!

Fixer? Did something happen to one of your allies?

Not yet. And if anything, I'm only interested in your body odor rather than your private life...

A new malware was released through Humanitas' public wireless network.

Androids and cyborgs are probably 100% infected.

I wondered why she wasn't picking up, but I see she was with you. I actually just finished analyzing the malware in Seven.

It seems to gradually dilute the infected person's sense of self, throwing them into confusion.

As for whether it can be solved... it'll take some time, but it's possible.

However, that method is strictly a temporary fix. If the malware is redistributed, we're back to square one.

In the end, unless we find and destroy the source, it's not a complete solution.

You know me too well... Phew.

Of course. But I can't just tell you for nothing.

Give me any piece of clothing you're wearing. Soaked thoroughly with your scent.

If I had a mind to rob you, I would've ignored the malware and charged one piece of clothing for every temporary fix.

You should be grateful to me for giving up such an efficient method and considering your situation instead.

Wait, is that really enough? As long as Seven gets fixed, money is no— Gasp.

I already know you hit the jackpot at Bunny Empire, so don't worry about it.

Besides, what I want is something money can't buy.

Says the person who collects other people's Panties without hesitation.

You heard her, Big Boss? All it takes is your sacrifice!

Oh my~ Stripping you? My heart is fluttering. I'll be gentle with you~

You have plenty of clothes anyway, don't you? We'll buy you more if needed, so just close your eyes and strip off a few pieces.

No, strip him yourselves by force if necessary. He might swap them out or spray deodorant when we're not looking.

I do trust you. But that's that, and this is this.

Business is business, after all.

Great. Put those clothes in a box, seal it tight, and send it by express delivery to the coordinates I give you.

Okay, leave it to us!

First off, the epicenter of this malware is a stationery company called Flumy, which heavily pushes Flurry merchandise.

The epicenter inside... meaning, you just need to find the main server of their internal company network and shut it down.

Huh?! That's the place we got a request for a few days ago!

Right. Could that request to hit their Vault... have been asking us to prevent this incident...?

If we had accepted the request back then... would this have never happened...???

S-Shut up!!

No, find the rest yourself. You know plenty of people around, don't you?

For now, I'll try to block the malware from leaking into other cities.

I can contain it for about 24 hours. Find a way to solve it within that time.

We couldn't...

That's because we turned down the request, so we didn't get any of the necessary info!!!

How are we supposed to make a plan without any information?! Huaaa...

Ugh... But if you just get us the information, we can make a plan...

And infiltration is our specialty, so we'll definitely be useful once we get inside!

You're telling us to pay, aren't you?

Fine... As long as it's not somewhere too expensive, our wallets can handle it. Probably...

I'll say it again, Seven's account is sealed right now, okay? Got it??

If it's cheap and tasty restaurants, I know a few places! Want me to tell you?

Huh?? We have mouths to eat too!! You're not planning to eat good stuff all by yourself, right Big Boss??

That's true, too... What a shame~

What about us?

Yes~ Have a safe trip~

I'll be waiting for your call, Big Boss!

This isn't a restaurant?! Is this really enough??

Weren't you trying to cut down on mouths to feed? I was sure you were planning to abandon those two with some decent excuse...

No! I love this place!! Let's eat here!!

Th-This is not of my own Will. It's been doing this since morning...

I went to Saverim for an examination, but the line showed no sign of shortening...

Do you happen to know the cause?

If so, tell me immediately. I'll step in and p... p... plain donut!

Kugh... In that case, I cannot make a move...

I guarantee it on my pride. I'll bring Marcia and Laila along and back you up immediately.

Well then, I'll be off on patrol, so enjoy your donuts.

You really have broad connections... Even knowing police officers personally.

Haha... It's instinct, pure instinct.

Still, I managed to buy donuts in the meantime, so let's talk while we eat.

Shut it, it's survival instinct. Anyone hearing you would think I learned this because I wanted to...

So, how are you going to get the information?

Ah! For that, we basically just need three main things.

The building blueprints, the CCTV locations, and the guard patrol routes.

Stop calling us safe-crackers... And to add one more thing, we also need someone to look out while I pick the door instead of Seven.

Where are we going?

This is... Midwen Corporation!

Caren gets flustered in front of important people, so shouldn't I be the one to go?

Ugh... My professor's face just flashed before my eyes...

Got it. I'm counting on you.

You haven't visited in a long time, so I thought I'd hear what you had to say... Are you telling me that is the reason you came to see me?

You overestimate me. Even I get caught off guard and take a hit sometimes.

Haa... Honestly... People who only show up and blabber when they need something are the absolute worst.

W-When on earth was I ever glad?!

Um... Sorry to butt in all of a sudden, but we're really pressed for time right now.

I saw as we came up here... there are way fewer people around than usual.

I figured either something happened to them, or someone close to them ran into trouble so they couldn't come to work...

As the head of the company, I bet you're really worried about how to handle this...

It's the same for us. We have a friend we really need to save.

If we take too long, she might not be able to come back...

So if it's okay with you, could we please ask for your cooperation...?

What a truly moving story. I understand fully how urgent your situation is.

But... "than usual"?

Speaking as if you know our entire staff deployment when you aren't even an employee... how exactly am I supposed to take that?

Ahahaha... Well, somehow...

It's suspicious... but given the circumstances, I'll let it slide for now.

As you can see, only about 60% of our total personnel have reported to work.

If this situation persists, several projects will collapse. That would lead to massive losses.

...

Phew... Very well. Midwen Corporation is officially issuing a commission. Please resolve this incident.

L-Leave it to us!

Do you really need a separate reward? After delivering such an emotional speech earlier?

Are you dissatisfied? I didn't think you were that kind of person.

I-I'm satisfied with just that! Because friends are precious!

Very well. Now, why don't you tell me the real reason you came looking for me?

Very well. Shizuku, you can come out now.

...I have no idea what you're trying to say, but that sly look on your face is irritating.

That was the only hiding spot I saw. There's no other reason.

Haa... So, what information do you need? Speak freely, we'll provide everything we've investigated.

It's one of the rare chances you'll get to order us around.

We need the building blueprints for the company called Flumy, the CCTV locations, and the guard patrol routes.

All information we've already gathered.

Hooray! We got everything in one go!

Listen until people finish speaking.

The blueprints won't be a problem. However, the CCTV positions have likely changed.

Deal with variables like that on your own.

That makes sense. Cameras are relatively easy to move.

Since they've pulled off something this big, they're probably changing them constantly for security.

And regarding the guard patrol routes... There are no routes to speak of.

Do the routes change every day too?

No. Not a single log regarding security even exists.

What???

So in the end, there was really only one piece of useful information.

If the CCTV locations change constantly, we need to find the recently updated layout... There's no good way to do that...

Unless an insider helps us, it'll be completely impossible.

There has to be a breakthrough somewhere. Right, Fixer?

She can talk to machines...? Is she a mechanic?

What?? Why did she take the hard road instead of making use of her talents?

Technically speaking, my specialty is defending rather than breaching.

Why does it sound so dirty when you say it, even if the words are almost the same?!

Haa... Anyway. If we want to call a reporter, we just need good material, right?

If we pitch something about having a jackpot winner...

Hello, Fixer! Am I a bit late?

Ehehe, I just happened to be passing by nearby.

So are these the lucky stars of this story?

Hello! I'm Reanna, a reporter and journalist for New Money.

I've already heard all about you. Your identities were completely shrouded in mystery, so I'm thrilled to meet you like this!

Hmmm...? She looks pretty normal, compared to what I expected...

So, this interview... how is it going to work?

Well, about that... there's one little problem!

You see, despite how it looks, our channel specializes in economics and stock broadcasting!

Even though I don't know much about stocks, our producer is an expert in that field!

No matter how I try to spin this scoop, it doesn't really have a direct connection to our channel!

It'll literally amount to nothing more than tabloid fodder, so would that be alright with you...?

Fufu, got it! I'll take that as agreement, so let me ask a few questions first!

First off, where did you spend the money you won from the jackpot?

Fufu, thanks for your hard work! I think I got all the material worth turning into a story!

[Casino Jackpot Winner's Stock Investment Plan]! I have a feeling this will make for a fun broadcast...!

Oh, so is it finally time for your interview, Fixer...?!

I saw clearly when your clothes got stripped earlier and you put them back on. It's pitch black.

Stalker?! This is legitimate information gathering as a journalist! Someone out there wants to know!

A favor...?

You're truly devious. Offering a delicious appetizer for free, then demanding payment to taste the main course...

So that's how you slowly break people in...!

This is my personal interest!

I usually keep business and personal matters separate, but I can't let a great opportunity like this slip by!

Fufu... Very well. What kind of favor is it?

Of course, that's simple!

Hmm... Is it this building?

I never thought I'd end up dabbling in crime like this...

I was merely engaging in legitimate journalistic activity!

Shall we head inside first? I need to be fairly close for a conversation to work.

Walking right into the building we're trying to rob is way too dangerous! Are you trying to get us all arrested together?!

Yeah, exactly! If our faces get recognized now, we're done for!

Is there any way to talk to them even from a distance?

It's possible as long as I can pick up a clear electrical signal!

If top doesn't work, you tackle bottom!

Huh...? U-Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that...?

Lafine! Don't play along with his nonsense! Let's just move already.

It's dark, so hold onto the person in front of you and follow closely!

I had no idea a space like this existed underground. Wow...

Humanitas routed all kinds of wiring underground. If you look closely at the emergency tunnels, they're packed with cables...

...So, where do you think you've been touching this whole time?!

You could just put your hand on my shoulder!

Th-There's no way! Why do you keep groping my chest?!

And belly fat?!! I gained some weight lately from eating ramen all the time, but... it's not that bad!

Why, you...!!

Shh...! Caren, you're being too loud. We might get caught.

Nnngh... But this bastard...!

D-Damn it... Lafine, please hurry up and find it...

Found it..! Comparing our entry location with the building's coordinates, this is the spot.

Hmmm... Let me see... The electrical lines are over here, so... Reporter Reanna, want to check it out?

Sure thing!

It really is that building. Plus, since the current runs through every floor, I can converse not just with all the CCTVs, but with other machinery as well.

We just need to know the CCTV positions. We have the internal blueprints right here, so please mark which direction each camera is facing!

A piece of cake! I'll get started then...!

It's possible, but... how should I put it? The machines over there... are stubborn and tight-lipped.

They don't really listen even if I ask... and even if they do say something, it's often wrong info.

Ah! All done. I've marked the CCTV positions for every floor.

Could you happen to figure out when they'll change locations next?

Hmm... They say they don't know. Looks like there isn't a fixed schedule set up.

Phew... That's a bit of a shame. Thanks anyway, though!

Great. With this, avoiding the CCTVs shouldn't be a problem!

Fufu, I'm glad I could help.

Well, it's time for my broadcast, so I'll be off! Don't forget about our interview later, Fixer!

Um, I can show you the way out!

That's alright! I left markers all along the way here.

I'll get in touch once the interview airs later, my Super Rich friends!

Huh? Did we exchange contact info?

I already asked your Quartzes, so I know.

My contact info should already be added to your devices!

Uh... She really did...

Amazing...

But we still don't know the guard patrol routes?

What about Seven and Theta?

Nnngh...

Maybe they ran into trouble on the way? Or maybe they can't read a map?

What's going on?

Big Boss!! Crisis, we have a crisis! Theta's started acting on her own!

For now, I bought her some plain yogurt cake and she's eating it, but...

At this rate, we're gonna go broke!!

What the hell is a molecule!!

Seven is no different!

For now, we're passing the time playing Free Poker together, but...

Well... She keeps losing, so her temper is flaring and her internal circuit temperature is reaching critical levels...

That means their sense of self is slowly fading away!

If we get caught, it's over. Is it really right for us to go in like this...?

Whoa! It's !!

You know what? Today, so many patients flooded into Saverim...

I worked so hard and went to the crêpe shop during my break, but the owner was super sick...

So I was wandering around looking for another place, , when I spotted you!

This must be total good luck! Right? Right!

Aw... Are you busy? Then I'll help you out!

But in return, buy me a crêpe! Hehe!

Are you... a dog beastkin? Do you have sharp hearing and a good sense of smell?

Huh? Of course! That's why I hate mean kids who pull jump scares on me!

I hate smelly food too!! Like durian or fermented salmon... Stuff like that!!

But I love sweet and refreshing fruity foods! Like crêpes!!

Th-Thanks for the detailed answer...

Then... if you help us out, I'll buy you all the crêpes you want.

No way!

Why not?!

My teacher said never to follow strangers who offer to buy me food!

s friends...? Since is my friend... That means... a friend of a friend is a friend...!

Awesome! Lafine, Caren! From now on, we're friends!

I'm Eileen! And I'm a Saverim Guard!!

I'm Caren, as introduced. I'm a future security expert.

And I'm Lafine. Um... a wandering traveler.

...Huh? So, what do you need help with?

O-Oooooh... That's for you! Teacher and Rana will be super duper happy if there are fewer patients!

Yay!! I'll help you as much as you want! Hehehe!

Lafine... Is it really okay to coax a bright, innocent kid like this? Especially when she was just out on a break...

What's the problem? It's not like we're doing anything bad! We're going to protect Humanitas, aren't we?

With Eileen's help, we can dodge the guards inside the building. It'll make things way easier for us!

True. Given the current situation, there shouldn't be any android guards... She can track human guards by scent.

Alright, let's head inside. I'll pick the side door first, so keep watch.

Aren't they for CEOs to sneak out without their employees noticing when they go bankrupt?

I knew a notoriously terrible professor famous for handing out garbage grades... Whenever students came to protest, he'd escape through a secret passage.

Whew... If Lafine hadn't compared the blueprints with the lab to find that passage, my GPA that semester would've been completely ruined...

Ahaha... I-It really wasn't that big of a deal!

Thanks to you, we managed to oust that scumbag professor. It was definitely a big deal.

For illegal building modification and property damage! I even got a tuition waiver for a whole semester as a reward!!

Uh... Huh? I-Is that why?

H-Hmph!! Even so, I didn't do anything wrong! My conscience is completely clear!

Huh? Can't you just quit school?

After coming this far?! No way!! I'll get that degree no matter what!

Hehehe... Actually, we're not just wandering! I've been constantly checking the blueprints and CCTV locations while we walk.

They wouldn't just leave equipment big enough to shake all of Humanitas out in the open, so they must've remodeled a specific floor to build a hidden room!

People always stash away their precious things out of fear that someone will steal them.

That's why Humanitas is littered with vaults.

Sniff, sniff...

Mm? I think someone's coming this way?

Well, the footsteps are super light... And for a kid... the smell is kinda gross...

Mmm... And this scent... I've definitely smelled it somewhere before...

Plu?

Huh...? Why is a Flurry inside a corporate building...?

Plu-plu!! It's prey-plu!!

F-For a Flurry to act that aggressive toward humans... it means it's confident it can win...!

What we see isn't all of them...!

Eek! There are tons of them!!

Kyaaah! It's a Flurry rush!!!

Gyaaah!!! Why me?!

There are so many people here, so why are they all targeting me?!

Nice work, Lafine...

Gasp! Gasp! Out of breath... Save me...

Ughhh... Why only me...

Now I see why there was no guard log...

Because they hired Flurries as guards!!

Calling them guards is embarrassing... Flurries don't even move on a schedule...

Eewww... I hate Flurries because they smell so bad!!

Plus, whenever they see people, they squeak 'purupuru' and get super loud!!!

Sigh, was assuming guards would be human the real mistake...?

But who in Humanitas would ever use Flurries as security?! It's supposed to be humans or androids!

This is so ridiculous I can't even laugh...

Anyway, how are we supposed to get past all those Flurries...?

Caren, isn't there a Department of Flurry Studies in grad school?

Of course not. In the first place, the very existence of Flurries is a total mystery.

They speak weirdly, act irrationally... They're basically just bizarre creatures.

What...? Why does someone like that even exist?!

L-Let's go meet them right now!

Is it this way?! The sound definitely came from here!

Hmmm... Not here? Those Flurries sure are quick!

! That person is completely trashing the alleyway!!

Is that person the "expert" you were talking about?

Eh... Is she really an expert...?

I try so hard to avoid Flurries whenever I travel...

No matter what method I try, Flurries always show up...!

Looking at it that way... this person... is basically a natural Flurry repellent?

Call me Sir Romance! Getting my name wrong... what a romance-deficient Fixer you are!

Hmmm...?!

Have you heard of a company called Flumy? You know, that company selling tons of Flurry plushies and merch.

Of course I do! I love them. Especially the Bunny Flurry series—they're so adorable!

Don't tell me...! Are there lots of Flurries inside that building?

Swarming with them.

The smell is overpowering...

Hmmm... Real Flurries in a company that makes Flurry merch...

That makes total sense if they need to see Flurry in person as reference for their products! Why didn't I think to check there until now...!

Perfect! It's time for me to step up!

Let's go catch some Flurries!

Quite a bit of time has passed...

It's fine. The more you rush, the more mistakes you make. Taking time to prepare thoroughly like this is better.

I contacted Teacher and told her I was helping !

And she said it's okay for me to stay!

But she told me to bring to Saverim when we're all done!

Talking nonsense again, as usual...

Just focus on the task. Like Sir Romance.

...By the way, where are the Flurries? You said there were heaps of them!

I keep looking, but I don't see a single one!

We encountered them around here... Can you track them by scent?

Huh? Come to think of it, the Flurry scent is really faint.

Sniff, sniff... I smell Flurries in this room!

Then we just need to head up floor by floor. Like herding rabbits.

And then on the top floor, tee-hee-hee... Catch them all in one swoop!

Doesn't look like they're on this floor either!

Incredible... How can someone repel Flurries just by existing?

Hey, want to travel with me? Flurries always pester me whenever I travel alone!

As long as I can meet Flurries, I'll go anywhere with anyone!

Ahahaha... Judging by today, though, you probably won't get to meet any...

Come to think of it, aren't we almost at the top floor? We haven't seen a hide nor hair of the main server Oblia mentioned, or any Flurries.

I checked super thoroughly! That definitely didn't happen.

Plus, the Flurries kept moving upward. That means whatever facility they're protecting is higher up.

Don't worry! I'll do my best to find it!

Huh? Wait a second! There's no door marked here on the blueprints...

Caren, let's open it up!

Alright. Time for me to step in.

I don't see any Flurries or guards, but keep watch just in case.

Leave it to me!

Hehe. That's my specialty!

Aw... There are clearly Flurries here, so why can't I see even one?! All I've picked up are a bunch of Flurry feathers!!

I knew it. I should go back and search from the first floor—

How do you know that?! If there aren't any, it's just a waste of time!

Romance...!!

Ugh... Fine! I'll trust your word.

Got it open! Everyone, gather round.

Let's head inside!

Hmm... Looks like a normal office. Was this a bust?

There are... no Flurries?!

Aww... Another bust...

Really?! Then let's give it our all!

Yeah, it looks suspicious, so if we search thoroughly, something's bound to turn up!

Found it! There's a hidden door here!

Sniff, sniff... Ugh, Flurry stench!

Hehehe, at last, my romantic encounter with Flurries...!

Opening it. Stand back, everyone, just in case!

How did you find this place-plu?!

It's a Flurry!!

Eek...?! Plu-plu-plu...!!!

Ah...! Catch that one! It's holding something!

Leave it to me!

Hmph! You shall not pass!

Pluuu... *ack*.

Nice job! One extra crêpe for you!

Hehehehe!

Hmmm... It doesn't have anything other than this paper...

We actually need that paper. Could you pass it over?

Sure! Here you go!

What in the world is this... The Flutopia Project...?!

I'm reading it right now. Wait a sec, I'll summarize it once I finish reading.

Don't underestimate a grad student. I'll finish this in a flash.

It's only been five minutes!! Why are you sleeping?!

Stop nagging! I literally just finished.

It's a plan to fill the entire world with Flurries.

The whole world full of Flurries!! That really is a utopia!!

Here's where the detailed plan begins. This section is a report claiming the Flurry population is suppressed by humanity.

It states that recent human population growth shrank the Flurry activity zones, resulting in a decline in the Flurry population.

Ugh... I have no idea what any of that means...

To summarize, they want to drive out humanity and turn this world into a Flurry paradise.

This incident is just the beginning of that plan.

The ultimate goal is to eliminate everyone except Flurry-friendly humans, and then make them slaves to the surging Flurry population.

Every now and then, rich people go off the deep end into weird stuff.

When money buys everything, they fall into the delusion that money can fulfill any ideal, no matter how crazy.

And those are usually the exact companies we raid!

I didn't say anything about fetishes!!

What's particularly alarming here is that this person trusts a mere Flurry with crucial documents and actively acts on it.

They don't just love Flurries, they blindly worship them. It's totally insane.

What... You can understand us? No, wait, you're speaking super fluently?

Then tell me! Have you heard anything about the treasure vault key?

They say all the romance in the world is inside it!!

Gah...?!

So that's why there were no Flurries around whenever we were together.

Sniff, sniff... I don't smell anything at all...

Then did you happen to write this document?

That person... Don't tell me...

I heard it clearly too... Huh...? So...

You're saying the CEO here and that Flurry... are like "darling" and "honey" to each other... right?

Hold on... This is so sudden my brain can't even process it...

This is more shocking than failing a thesis defense...

A love that transcends species~! That's wonderful!

I passed?? Is that a good thing??

Waaah~!! I don't want that!!!

If you put it that way, you Flurries are super annoying too!

You always set up clumsy traps that are such a pain to dodge.

And you try to steal my stuff all the time calling it "looting"!!

W-What is that supposed to mean?!

Why are you agreeing with that?!

Ugh... That Flurry has such a silver tongue, it's so annoying to deal with...

Why do you keep taking the Flurry's side...?! The Fixer is on our side!

Who's messing with my darling?! ???

...? That outfit is...

What's... with that Flurry-looking person?

Whoa!! That person's the Flumy CEO! I saw them in the news!!

I didn't expect to have a fan here. Wait... Looking at your outfit, are you a fan of Flurries?

Since you seem to have read the documents too... How about it? Want to build Flutopia with me?

Having lots of Flurries sounds great~ I can hunt all I want~

Hunt? My darling? When they're so cute and adorable??????

In the end, you look down on my darling too!!

Fine! I'll use every last one of you as cornerstones for building Flutopia!!

Heeek...! The look in their eyes changed!

So those are their true colors. Get ready, everyone!

My darlings!! Gather round and make them submit!!

...What? Are the Flurries not coming out??

This can't be... Whenever I called before, my darlings would come running...

I personally traveled the world to bring in tutors to educate my darlings...

Did they run away because they thought they couldn't win?

Impossible! Do you have any idea how many darlings are in this company?

I have no fewer than 287 darlings by my side!! There's no way they'd lose to you!

O-Of course I—

Hmm... If there are 287 of them, the odds of at least one having the key...

But isn't it weird that not a single one came? I wanna hunt them already~

W-What kind of horrific, bizarre nonsense are you spouting...?!

...That person smells weird and awful-plu. Everyone probably ran away because of that smell-plu...

What is wrong with you people?! Talking about hunting my darlings! Stinking of scents my darlings hate!

Eh?! Am I the bad guy here? Is that it?

You think I'll fall for a bluff like that? The only police working in this city are those pathetic donut shop fools!

Hehe, hehehe... Y-You've got quite the guts. Want to work for me?

Hehe, of course not. In the end, I'll overcome everything with the power of love between my darling and me!

On to the next plan...! Everyone, come out and capture them!

W-What... Why are robot citizens suddenly...!

What gives! Where are the Flurries? Why are there only androids!!

Ah!! It's the owner of the frappé shop!

P... Puru... Puru...

Don't tell me the Flutopia Project has already reached Phase 2...

Phase 1 was planting malware to weaken the sense of self in people with cybernetic enhancements. And Phase 2 was using them to rebel against humanity...

Looking at this, it seems to be mind-control code that forces them to perceive Flurries as allies and obey the Flumy CEO.

It spares those who benefit Flurries and dispatches anyone who oppresses them.

Haa... Anyway, it clearly stated it would take 24 hours to reach Phase 2...

That was merely a simulation. In reality, individual differences exist.

Now, hurry up and eliminate the intruders!

Plu... Plu!! Eliminate-plu!!

See you later then!! Let's go, darling!

Going together-plu~!!

Patients, please stay still!

Kyaaah!

If I concentrate energy into the Cube, I can trigger a localized EMP...!

No way!! Then the frappé shop owner will get hurt badly!

There must be another way... right...?

The romance of protecting brainwashed civilians! I can never ignore that!

I'll uphold that romance!

Nope! But leave this place to me and Eileen! You guys go on ahead!

Hehe, busted~ But telling you to go ahead isn't a joke!

Looking at the situation, Eileen has the upper hand one-on-one. If I tie them down and Eileen takes them out one by one, we'll wrap this up and catch up in no time!

I... I'll do my best!! I'll do everything I can to protect everyone!!

So please go catch the bad guys quickly, , and help make sure no more people get hurt!

W-Why bring up my chest all of a sudden...

Let's go! We need to catch up quickly.

It's not Romance, it's Sir Romance!!

What? Say what? Hold on...! Why are you stripping off my clothes all of a sudden~~~~!!!

Wow... Forcibly stripping a defenseless person's clothes off...

Let's be careful too... We don't know when we'll get stripped...

Phew... Right, that actually makes sense.

Lafine, what about the path? Which way do we go?

They ran away with a Flurry, so tracking them will be easy.

Flurries make different footsteps when they run compared to normal. So all we gotta do is follow the tracks left on the floor!!

Who knew that chasing down Flurries to get back my looted stuff back then would come in handy like this...

Hehe... I knew you'd follow me here.

Your numbers have shrunk, but... As expected, my darlings couldn't stop you.

Just the jacket they were wearing works this well...? Then if I could just get the rest of Sir Romance's clothes...

Hehe... What are you talking about? You think I'd give up on the Flutopia Project?

Do you have any idea how much money and time I invested to make this a reality...

Just a little longer, and the world that looks down on Flurries will meet its end...!!

Wouldn't it have been better to just use that money and time to ask people to accept Flurries...?

...What? What did you just say??

I made tons of Flurry merch and marketed them, I even produced a Flurry anime to make their image friendly...

I did everything humanly possible! Yet people still treated Flurries as nothing more than annoying pets!!

No matter how hard I tried, people only viewed Flurries as a lesser species!

So I'm going to flip the script! I'll destroy the existing world and create a new one!!

B-But—

Still... If only we could solve this peacefully through dialogue...

I agree with the Fixer. There are people in this world you just can't talk sense into.

In times like that... you have no choice but to crush them with force.

Hmph! Everyone showed a reaction similar to yours upon seeing my darlings. I'm sick and tired of talking and compromising with people like that!

So I will invest all my wealth and time to prove the greatness of Flurries and help them rule the world!!

I have my ways...! I called for backup while we were talking!

Behold, my ultimate fighting force!!

Besides, we can't just use extreme measures against those two...!

And don't butt in when you're not fighting either!!

If they won't listen to us... then their sense of self is gradually...!

A way, isn't there any way...?

Do I really have to trigger a forced shutdown?!!!

Beep. It's a Royal Straight Flush-plu...

No, but a 777 triple is higher than that... Ugh...

Are you running a poker simulator in your head while fighting?!!! This is driving me crazy, seriously!!

And what do you mean a 777 triple is better than a Royal Straight Flush?!

Plain yogurt cake is nice too, but... I want something with a crunchier texture-plu...

Uh... I have emergency bread in my pocket, but I wonder if that'll do...

Bread...!

Bread... Cake over bread..? Core logic error... Error-plu... Waffle...?

...Strange. It feels like their brainwashing is weaker than the residents earlier...

Sigh... Units with strong personalities are so troublesome...!

I need to amplify the signal first...!

One of you follow me!! And the other one stop those guys no matter what!

The protagonist always arrives at the very last second! ???

Big Boss, we're here!!

Sorry we're late~

Theta suddenly sprinted off without even looking at bread, how were we supposed to stop her?! I haven't seen her turn her boosters to max in forever!!

Seven suddenly threw her cards away and left too. I didn't even know using a cleaning drone as a flying vessel was possible~

Heheh, leave it to us! In a tight spot like this, even an un-limited Theta can't catch me!

Okay!

*Cough, cough*... Dammit, seriously!!

Why are you so strong when you actually try, but drag your feet every other time?!

Snap out of it!! You dopamine-addicted android!!!

Androids do not possess dopamine-plu.

Don't forget your core self! Execute Admin Mode!

Executing Admin Mode. Please state the admin's na... me...

Caren!!! Your master is Caren!! Remember it!!

My master is... My master's name is... Ca... Ca... The casino slot machine-plu!!

Only slot machines can control me!! Not you-plu!

Don't make me laugh! You weren't even looking at slots until a moment ago—you were hunting for poker!

That is—

You promised we'd go to the casino together today too!!!!

We even signed a pledge to set a budget and spin in honor of the jackpot!!

Huh... Restoring memory... Replaying memories.

Cancel memory restoration!! What are you doing in the middle of a fight?!

Canceling memory restoration-plu...

Tch, resisting this much even with data traffic set to maximum?

How does she have so many vulnerabilities and bugs?? I want her to obey, but she won't listen!!

She might look like that, but I fixed up that piece of junk with my own hands! I know every single one of her vulnerabilities!

Seven! That's an order! Wear a bunny girl outfit instead of a maid outfit!

Order rejected! How dare you try to put a bunny girl outfit on me!!

Entering an indefinite strike in protest.

You can wear the maid outfit! Work! Get to work!

Yes, the strike is void-plu. I will work-plu. Please give your orders-plu...

My order is only one thing. Come back to my side right now!

I command you! Eradicate her!

Parsing command... Analyzing command priority...

Error. Error. Error. Error... plu...

Watch out!!

Tch... I thought I almost had her...

No, it's not! Anyone can see that creep intruded between us!

If we just get rid of them, I feel like I could bring Seven back!

Kgh... Of course. Don't underestimate me!

Seeing you sound so confident, you thought of a good plan, right?

Y-You need me?!

U-Uh, okay. Got it.

So, what do I need to...

Okay! Tell me anything!

You still haven't given up?! The others should be infected by now, so I better call them!

Darling, hold them off in the meantime!

Understood-plu..!!

Eeeek?!!! What are you talking about? Wag my tail?? I don't have a tail??

D-Do I do it like this...?

O-Okay...!!

Haha!! What on earth are you doing? Darling, look at that ridiculous spectacle.

Plu...! Plu...! Plu...! That is...! Those movements are...!!

Darling...?

Push?? Push what and how??

Ouch, ouch, ouch... Pushing me all of a sudden, that's mean!!

T-This sweet scent-plu... A scent like an oasis, hidden behind the bizarre stench-plu...!

T-The thick scent of prey... Hehehe, I, I can't hold back anymore-plu...!

Pururu... Hehehe... Hehe...

Kyaaah!! W-Where are you touching me, you bad Flurry!!!

What are you doing right now...?

T-That's not what's important right now!!!

Darling, are you cheating on me right now?! How could you do this when I'm right here!!!

Plu..?! *Cough* *cough*, stop it-plu!

I'm sorry-plu, I love you, Darling-plu...!

You expect me to believe that right now?!

What on earth is going on here!!

W-What are you saying?!

My mental state is completely shattered too!!!

I-I get the reason, but still... You could have told me beforehand!!!

Ugh... But still... But still!!!

Phew... I'm done on my end too. Thanks for buying time.

Though... I didn't expect you to resort to physical persuasion...

Sob... Forget it!! Please forget about it!!

I am Lucky Seven!!

I triggered her vulnerability, so she can't say anything else. At least she won't listen to anyone else like before.

...How are you going to do that?

I totally believed the Fixer would finish it?

They said we just need to shut it down... So wouldn't pulling out a few wires work?

It's possible right now. Before that... Seven, step outside for a moment.

I am Lucky Seven!!

Phew... Everything is ready. Using the EMP will drain me too, so I'll leave the rest to you.

Here goes...!

N-No!!! My Flutopia...!!!

Yo, Fixer. Good work out there.

Forget about that!! Forget it, I said!!!

Keeheehee♡ You saw it too, Mr. Jailbreaker~ Our chief's cute side♡

You forget it too! How long are you going to tease me with that?!

The directors at Flumy are also viewing the matter seriously.

It likely won't happen again.

It seems they were the first ones taken down.

They were found locked inside sacks made of Flurry feathers, so we freed them.

We'll take custody of her. And her pet too.

Unfortunately, Flurry will not be imprisoned in Panoticon. It's getting deported straight out of the city.

However... if you, the one who solved the case, wish for it, I suppose I could exercise a bit of flexibility.

I-I told you to stop that!!

Well... it's not like we have anything to hide... It's just like instinct.

Hmm... They're definitely gone.

All clear.

You mean that in a good way, right?

Come to think of it... where are your companions?

Wasn't that bread-loving cyborg completely recovered by now?

Big Boss! Theta collapsed from hunger!

Fuel low... I am certain I was fully charged...

Bread... I require bread...

I wonder if any bakeries are open right now.

Theta, is your bread algorithm functioning properly?

Bakery schedule verification algorithm confirmed operational...

If it is Butterbloom in the central district, it should still be open...

Are you trying to steal and eat bread again...?

It is not stealing. It is taste-testing. The two are strictly different.

Fine, we'll buy the bread. We happen to be hungry too.

Don't worry, we won't deduct it from your reward.

I do not like bread. I prefer gacha.

You can't eat that!!

Eating is the act of deriving energy to gain driving force... Gacha gives me energy and becomes my driving force in life.

Do you not know the saying, "She who does not draw shall not live"?

Yeah, I like that you're acting like Seven again.

Now it finally feels like you've really been freed from that malware.

Aaaaaah!! No way! You're just gonna secretly spend it somewhere all by yourself again, aren't you, Big Boss?

How could I be hacked?! I'm 100% pure human!

Say no to violence!! Say no to chest compressions!!

Hehe, I'm glad you're not hurt!

Hey!!!

Oh no, we can't have that! I'll take you for treatment right away!!

Eeeeek!!!

Hahaha... Yesterday we went to the casino to let Seven play the slot machines to celebrate her recovery, and I witnessed a magic trick...

A magic trick where my tuition for an entire semester vanished in an instant...

A month's worth of food money disappeared every time she pulled the lever...

Haaaa... Even the maintenance fees for our new hideout are in danger now...

In short, we have become penniless once again.

That's because of you! How could you dump all our assets into a slot machine!

Even someone who wins the lottery buys another ticket.

Likewise, someone who hits the jackpot naturally heads back to the slot machine.

In a nutshell, basically...

This time for sure! We got the info beforehand and even drew up a plan!

That's right! This time all you guys have to do is show up!

I-It's nothing like that! This is strictly work, work!!

...

Lafine, say something too! Why are you just standing there blushing?!

Huh?? Ah, right... Could we... handle it on our own...?!

Right, we used to handle most things by ourselves anyway!

Seven, what do you think?! You agree with me, right?!

It is possible even with just us! Let us monopolize it!

And that way, we can also monopolize the slot machines and jackpots—

Shut up! You're banned from slot machines for a while!!

How could you...!

Then it's settled! We'll do it ourselves, so don't come whining later about not earning money!!

Let's go, Seven! Lafine!

Y-Yeah... Fixer, we'll be going!

Is it alright to let them go like that? And here I thought a good job came in.

What on earth is that supposed to mean??

Releasing bread does not make it grow larger.

Aaaaaah!! What on earth is happening!!

We're trapped again...

We must request assistance. Shall I contact the Fixer?

Of course!! Right this second!!