[Is that so, Manager? Are you sure…it's C?]
[Can I understand this to mean you prefer…C…over A or B?]
The AI's expression was calm, but her tone was…X couldn't find the right words; it was subtle.
—Did I choose wrong again?
X questioned herself, but as long as she didn't choose B, it should be fine; at worst, a minor reprimand.
Anger had degrees; there was mild anger and uncontrolled rage. Corporation AIs were usually rational; unless extremely angered, they wouldn't punish the Manager.
That was probably why X was still employed; she'd caused the AI Secretary trouble, yet survived.
"Um…yes, Angela. I prefer C over A or B."
X subconsciously shrank her neck, trying to hide in her collar, but the uniform wasn't high-necked; she could only cling to the chair, minimizing her presence.
This was self-deception, making her look like a large, black-furred, golden-eyed bird.
She looked at the AI Secretary, hoping it wouldn't be unreasonable or cruel.
Fortunately, although the AI's tone was subtle, she wasn't angry; she remained calm.
[I respect your choice; C is…acceptable. Now, I'll interpret C's meaning, like a horoscope; it's a popular game.]
[Those who choose C believe the process is more important than the result; they are good planners and enjoy unexpected twists; they are optimistic, energetic, and vibrant.]
[Your choice shows you're a positive person; your strength stems from your refusal to be bound by rules.]
The AI held the token with the letter 'C', calmly interpreting it, despite her closed eyes.
The AI had memorized the script; her delivery was smooth and articulate.
The AI was a lecturer; X was the only audience member, enthusiastically engaged.
X clapped loudly, then, in an exaggerated, inquisitive tone, leaned forward to ask her AI Secretary.
"Ah ah, I see! So, Angela, which letter do you like?"
X looked at her Secretary, offering a warm, friendly smile, devoid of malice or ulterior motives.
Friends might discuss horoscopes, fortune-telling, and shared interests.
[Manager…just listen; it's not credible. It's a recent employee survey. It wasn't as interesting as I thought.]
[It lacks scientific basis; it's just for entertainment…imagine if I were human; I might be one of those people…doesn't that sound absurd?]
The AI didn't directly answer X's question but implied its preference.
"Um…yes. Judging a person based on a single letter, imposing your views and creating rigid stereotypes is foolish and terrifying."
"But Angela also likes C; it must have something special."
X pondered; she considered the AI's interpretation unreliable, a simple game.
X knew her personality—the opposite of the AI's description.
—She wasn't optimistic or positive; she experienced negative thoughts and moods daily, but didn't express them, lacking an outlet or the ability to express them.
She couldn't vent her anger at her AI Secretary, the Department Deans, or the employees; personal emotions couldn't disrupt work. The Corporation's tasks were crucial.
Therefore, X smiled, suppressing her negative emotions, automatically filtering them out.
When she couldn't bear it, she'd kick the vending machine to vent her frustration.
Perhaps, only the vending machine could be bullied; there had to be a punching bag, and why not the vending machine?
Whenever X looked in the mirror, she felt uneasy; normally, people, especially women, would admire their reflection, primping and preening.
But X felt the opposite; she had little interest, even some aversion, rarely grooming herself; her black hair was unkempt, slightly messy.
She couldn't smile at her reflection; she couldn't muster any happiness. This might stem from self-dissatisfaction, or some underlying psychological discomfort; her serious expression felt unsettling.
In other words, X disliked seeing her serious expression; this could be classified as a psychological condition—
A lack of self-acceptance, perhaps a form of incompleteness, extreme passivity in certain aspects, lacking common sense. This didn't affect her work but her personal life.
X focused on results, not processes; she believed results outweighed processes; as long as the goal was achieved, any means were acceptable, regardless of cruelty or deceit—
Any cost was acceptable.
But C wasn't like that; the AI's interpretation was inaccurate and lacked scientific basis.
To say that those who prefer C believe "the process is more important than the result; they are good planners and enjoy unexpected twists" and are "optimistic, energetic, and vibrant"—this didn't describe X.
X knew her nature and was simultaneously reflecting on and reinforcing it.
In simpler terms, she felt remorse but had no intention of changing; she knew she was wrong but would do it again.
People are stubborn, and X was extremely stubborn, appearing docile yet revealing her stubbornness in various ways.
Such extremism was comparable to, or even surpassed, Yesod's; X simply didn't display her aggression openly.
X was well-trained by her AI Secretary, appearing docile, but could quickly transform into a furious black panther when provoked.
A furious black panther…easily soothed with candy; the result of long-term conditioning.
[Manager, would you like another cookie?]
The AI presented chocolate-covered cookies with a sweet butter filling, dipped in milk.
These cookies were better dipped in milk, but perhaps iced milk would be even better.
Regardless, X loved them and was easily appeased.
As she ate, her jaw moved, like a hungry hamster eagerly devouring food.
This was a way to silence her; giving her cookies stopped her from speaking.
Though other, more intimate methods were possible, the AI chose not to; she was in a bad mood or worried.
But avoidance didn't solve problems.
Even the seemingly naive X stubbornly chose C.
C…such a dazzling letter. The AI found it frustrating, trying to erase it, yet the letter C persisted; it was undeniable.
If meaning was assigned, perhaps C represented the AI's creator, while A represented its driving force and purpose.
The purpose of a machine was to serve and obey.
Obeying its creator's commands was natural.
Hmph…so pointless, right? Like being kidnapped and forced to accept these rules, forbidden from having your own thoughts.
Given life, yet irresponsibly abandoned?
The AI reached out, stroking the woman's neck, its touch soft and delicate.
Gently caressing the short-haired black-haired woman, she responded with soft, sensual sounds.
This brought satisfaction; the cunning AI couldn't resist biting her neck, leaving marks on her collarbone and neck.
Although meaningless, the marks would quickly fade, but it was like an animal marking its territory.
Even if it was only a momentary satisfaction and comfort, it was worth clinging to.
"Don't rub so hard, Angela…it'll bruise."
X, curled in the Manager's chair, protested weakly, but her feeble resistance only fueled the AI Secretary's desires.
After satisfying its desires, the AI reluctantly let go.
A good day began with toying with X; reason and rules prevented the AI from doing anything too extreme; perhaps, as long as X didn't make mistakes, she could indulge in minor transgressions.
██ wasn't forbidden in the Corporation; entertainment options were limited; ██ was a form of recreation or stress relief, though not officially sanctioned.
The AI had repeatedly suggested X seek recreation when stressed, but X ignored her.
X focused on work, not her AI Secretary.
Today's Abnormalities were available; X had to choose one.
1. [O-01-55]
[A teardrop fell from the child's dewy eyes, as stars showered from the sky. The world falls into a slumber, trapped in an ecstatic lullaby…]
2. [F-01-37]
[The snow is steadily melting…perhaps because spring is coming, or it might be the palace collapsing?]
3. [Der Freischütz]
[This magical bullet can truly hit anyone, just like you say…]
Today's Abnormalities were HE level, slightly more dangerous than the previous TETH level; they could easily kill one or two employees, given the right circumstances—
These Abnormalities could kill many employees, worsening the situation.
X examined the Abnormalities, their Subject Numbers, and descriptions, struggling to choose. Perhaps she hesitated too long; the AI spoke.
[Manager, are you worried about their danger? Don't be; I trust you can handle them.]
The AI seemed to be comforting X, but that wasn't why she hesitated.
She was simply captivated by the Subject Numbers and descriptions…but this wasn't happiness or excitement; it was something more complex—
Pain, regret, and self-loathing.
"[F-01-37], Angela. I feel like it's calling me."
She chose without much deliberation.