The Hub was buzzing with a strange new energy.
While Alcina was busy lecturing 9S on the proper way to address a "Lady of the House," 2B stood perfectly still, staring at a plate of steaming pancakes that Marika had prepared.
"It is... emitting thermal energy,"
2B noted, her Pod hovering nearby, confused by the lack of tactical data.
"It's called 'breakfast,' dear,"
Marika said with a motherly smile.
"And since your conversion, you'll find your sensory intake is starting to change. Try it."
2B took a bite.
Her eyes widened. For the first time, it wasn't just a chemical analysis of glucose and carbohydrates. It was sweet.
It was fluffy.
"Data entry: Flavor,"
2B whispered.
"It is... acceptable. Very acceptable."
9S, meanwhile, was having a minor existential crisis over a pair of wool socks.
"Theodore! My feet! They are... itching? Is this a logic virus? Am I being corrupted by the fabric?"
"That's just called 'being cozy,' 9S,"
Theodore laughed, leaning against the wall.
"Welcome to the world of physical sensations. It gets weirder from here."
While the androids navigated the complexities of taste and touch,
Theodore pulled up his own interface.
The Nier run had been short, but the rewards were massive.
He had 6 free points from his level-up to distribute.
"Okay, I need to balance things out. If I'm going to be the 'Manager' of this crazy household, I need more than just raw power,"
Theodore muttered.
He spent 5 points on INT to boost his mana pool and processing speed, and 1 point on LUK because, honestly, he was going to need it with this many powerful women in one house.
"Solid,"
Theodore nodded.
"Now, let's see what the 'Gallery Opening' is all about."
The group materialized in the "Real World" in front of a sleek, renovated warehouse.
The sign out front read: THE DIMITRESCU COLLECTION: BEAUTY IN TERROR.
Alcina had gone all out. The gallery was filled with high-society types, local critics, and curious onlookers.
The art on the walls was a mix of gothic sketches, Victorian sculptures, and—surprisingly—highly detailed mechanical drawings contributed by 9S.
"Theodore, stay close,"
Alcina commanded, looking breathtaking in a floor-length crimson gown.
"I need you to act as my 'Consultant.' If anyone asks about the... unusual height.'"
Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela were dressed in sleek black cocktail dresses, acting as "security" but mostly just intimidating anyone who tried to touch the art.
2B was wearing a sophisticated black turtleneck and slacks. She stood perfectly still in a corner, her natural android posture making people think she was a piece of performance art.
9S was wearing a suit and glasses, looking like a brilliant young prodigy. He was currently explaining the "mathematical beauty of rust" to a confused city councilman.
"You're doing great, everyone!"
Theodore whispered as he moved through the crowd.
"Just act natural. No swords, no magic, no biting."
Everything was going perfectly until a local art critic, a pompous man named Mr. Henderson, approached a portrait of Lady Miranda that
Alcina had painted from memory.
"A bit derivative, don't you think?"
Henderson sneered, adjusting his glasses.
"The brushwork is... aggressive. Almost monstrous."
Alcina's eyes flashed a dangerous amber. The temperature in the room seemed to drop five degrees.
"Monstrous, Mr. Henderson? Or perhaps you simply lack the capacity to face true power?"
Theodore quickly stepped in before Alcina's claws (which she technically didn't have anymore, but still) made an appearance.
"What she means is, it's disruptive art! It's supposed to make you feel small! It's a commentary on... uh... ancient authority!"
Henderson huffed and walked away.
Theodore wiped sweat from his brow.
"Close one, Alcina. Remember, we're 'Normal Humans' now."
"He was lucky,"
Alcina hissed, though she eventually relaxed.
"His blood looked... mediocre at best."
As the gallery opening wound down and the guests left, the "family" gathered on the rooftop of the warehouse, looking out over the flickering lights of the American suburbs.
2B stood at the edge, the wind catching her hair. She looked at Theodore.
"Theodore. My conversion rate is increasing . I felt the cold of the wind tonight. It was... not a tactical disadvantage. It was... nice."
9S sat on a crate, swinging his legs.
"I think I like being a 'Technical Prodigy' better than being a 'Scanner Unit.' People give you free appetizers."
Theodore smiled, looking at his ragtag group of former monsters, goddesses, and machines.
"Told you guys. Life is better when you're the one playing the game."
Marika stepped up beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"You have done well, Theodore. You have turned a tragedy into a home. But I sense your heart is already wandering. What is the next 'run' on your mind?"
Theodore pulled up his system menu, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Well, we've done Horror and Sci-Fi. I think it's time for some Classic Fantasy. Maybe somewhere with a lot of dragons and even more loot."
[System Note: Theodore, your desire to 'collect' more residents is reaching critical mass. I suggest you upgrade the Hub's plumbing before your next trip. Also, stop looking at the 'Highschool DxD' world icon. You are not ready.]
He could also go to the world that was not a game but there's a catch.
It was 10 times harder than the original!
"Shut up, System!"
Theodore shouted at the air.
"Load the next world preview!"
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