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"Argh! Why?! I've spent half my life on this assembly line, and that kid becomes a Deputy Section Chief the second he steps on the station!"
"God is dead! Life is a cruel joke!"
Amidst the chorus of envious wails and the painful gnashing of teeth, the welcoming ceremony finally dispersed. It was only then that Hiroshi snapped out of his trance, staring at his hands in disbelief.
"Did that really happen? Am I actually... a manager in the Department of Applications?"
Asta, who was heading toward the exit, noticed Hiroshi standing there like a deer in headlights. Poor thing, she thought. He's still struggling with self-confidence. I should give him some encouragement.
She walked up behind him and gently squeezed his shoulder. "Don't worry, Hiroshi. Don't you trust Madam Herta's judgment? Besides, Chief Wen will be there to show you the ropes."
"Oh... thank you, Station Master Asta." Hiroshi wasn't actually lacking confidence; his brain was just still trying to catch up with his new reality.
Halfway through her next encouraging sentence, Asta suddenly froze as if hit by a binding spell.
Her gaze became locked on Hiroshi's youthful face and the faint, elegant curve of his collarbone. A sudden surge of heat rushed through her, and her heart began to flutter with an unbearable, restless itch.
"Station Master Asta? Are you okay?" Hiroshi asked, noticing the way she had gone still.
"No... it's nothing..."
Despite her words, Asta's eyes were turning hazy. What is happening to me? she wondered. Suddenly, Hiroshi smells so good... he's so adorable... I just want to wrap my arms around him and never let go. Under the overwhelming influence of Hiroshi's special ability, Asta took his hand, her voice dropping into a soft, hypnotic lure.
"Hiroshi... it's still early. Do you want to come back to my room for a bit?"
"I can tell you more about your duties in the department, and... well... I have a dog in my room that can do backflips~"
"Wait, WHAT?!"
Hiroshi had been oblivious at first, but the "backflipping dog" line was a classic red flag. He realized with a jolt of horror that his ability was acting up again.
No, no, no! Absolutely not!
Station Master Asta was clearly under the spell. He couldn't take advantage of her; if he did, she'd be devastated once the effect wore off. He could already see the image of Asta crying like a "pear blossom in the rain," clutching the bedsheets in shame.
Is the 1% effect really this powerful? he thought frantically. I need to get away from her before this escalates!
"No—no thank you, Station Master! I just remembered I have... uh... massive amounts of paperwork to do! Let's talk later!"
Hiroshi scrambled to shake off her hand and bolted down the corridor as fast as his legs could carry him.
A few minutes after he vanished, Asta's eyes slowly regained their clarity. Recalling exactly what she had just invited him to see, she buried her face in her hands, her cheeks turning a deep crimson as literal steam seemed to rise from her head.
"Heavens, what was I thinking?! How could I say something so... so shameless to him!"
"I must be exhausted," she whispered to herself. "Yes, burnout. That has to be it. I need a nap immediately!"
Hiroshi retreated to Herta's quarters, his heart still pounding with lingering fear. This ability is a curse, he thought. If I'm not careful, I'll become a predator without even trying. I have to keep my distance.
His phone vibrated. It was a message from Old Soldier BBQ (Firefly).
Firefly: Um... are you okay? Should I be addressing you as 'brother' or 'sister' now?
Hiroshi: Hehe, I'm still a boy for the time being. Did your mission go well, Uncle?
Firefly: Yes, I'm fine. Just a little disappointed; I really wanted to see what you looked like as a girl (´◔∀◔`)
Hiroshi: You're so mean! (#`dish´)
Firefly: Hahaha, I'm kidding. But seriously, how did you get her to change her mind?
Hiroshi stared at the screen, unsure of how to explain. He couldn't exactly tell her he was being used as a high-end power bank.
Hiroshi: To put it simply, I performed a 'meritorious service.' By the way, you never told me what illness you have. Maybe I can find a way to cure you?
He wouldn't have dared say that a week ago, but with the System on his side, anything seemed possible.
Firefly: My injury... it can't be cured. Don't worry about me. It's just my destiny.
Hiroshi: I don't believe in destiny! I'll cure you, Uncle! No matter what it takes, I'll find a way!
On the other side of the galaxy, Firefly stared at the message, her eyes welling up with tears. She tried to hold it back, but the flood broke. She wanted to live. She wanted to walk in the sun, taste real food instead of Oak Cake Rolls, and see the person on the other side of the screen. But as a Glamoth Iron Cavalry suffering from Entropy Loss Syndrome, she felt she had no future.
She didn't want to reject his kindness, though. She stepped into her silver-white armor and sent a voice message, the mechanical filter masking her trembling voice.
"I... look forward to that day. But until then, take care of yourself. Don't get hurt."
Just as Hiroshi was about to reply, the door hissed open. Herta walked in, looking at him lying on the bed with his legs kicking in the air.
"Oh? You're back already?" she said, a playful glint in her eyes. "Perfect. Go and get the bathwater ready."
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