Upon reaching Ellen, the embodiment of combat strength, Belle clung to her like a lifeline, urgently calling out twice.
Ellen heard Belle's voice and looked down in confusion. Spotting the "fake Zane" conversing with Corin, Belle quickly motioned for her to lower her head.
As Ellen leaned down, Belle hurriedly shared her suspicions.
She didn't know why this impostor hadn't acted yet, but she couldn't just sit around waiting. The fake radiated a strong, oppressive aura, so instead of making a scene, she chose caution.
Just play along for now!
Hearing Belle's words, Ellen instinctively grew wary, stealing a glance at Zane. She gave Corin's sleeve a subtle tug before stepping protectively between them.
Zane, noticing Ellen's reaction and recalling Eous's earlier behavior, immediately understood what was going on.
"Zane, you—"
"Ellen, do you have any more candy?"
Just as Ellen began probing, Zane cut her off. She raised an eyebrow at the smiling figure before her.
This doesn't feel fake...
She had encountered those unusual Ethereals before and knew they couldn't possibly replicate someone this convincingly.
That left only one explanation...
Following Zane's gaze, Ellen looked toward Eous again. Realization clicked. She pressed a hand to her forehead, sighing in exasperation.
Glancing at Zane, she muttered under her breath.
"Tsk. What a twisted sense of humor."
With that, she tossed him the candy and turned to leave.
Belle, left in a daze, couldn't make sense of what had just happened. Thinking Ellen had her own reasons, she hurried after her.
Meanwhile, Corin remained completely clueless, her wide, clear eyes flicking between Zane and Ellen as her lips pursed in confusion.
"Mr. Zane..."
Corin looked toward him. Zane gave a soft laugh, then stepped toward Lycaon's direction.
"Let's go, Corin. Things should be wrapped up over there."
Corin quickly nodded and followed.
...
"Hm? Strange. What exactly is this..."
By the control console, Lycaon muttered to himself. Belle, seeking reassurance at his side, couldn't help but ask,
"Lycaon, is the control console malfunctioning?"
Lycaon blinked and returned to himself, glancing at Belle with an apologetic smile.
"My apologies, Master Proxy. I must have worried you with my muttering."
"Actually, there's good news: the central control room is fully operational. As long as the emergency generator room is working, power can be restored immediately."
"However, one detail troubles me. According to the system data, the underground power station shows no signs of failure."
Belle frowned. "Then what exactly caused the outage?"
"We don't know yet. But there's also a central control room in Building B. Perhaps the problem originated there."
Lycaon calmly analyzed the situation, then raised a hand slightly.
"Proxy, please guide Ellen and Corin to the generator room to complete the preparations."
He was about to move when his eyes fell on Eous, and he hesitated.
"Proxy, you seem... uneasy?"
Belle stiffened at his words. She hesitated, torn over whether to explain. Ellen had said Zane was real, but something still felt off...
If she spoke up and Zane truly was genuine, the embarrassment would be unbearable. But if he was an imposter, exposing him too abruptly could spark a dangerous fight.
Once the mask was torn off, anything could happen.
As Belle wavered, Zane casually pulled her into his arms and spoke to Lycaon.
"Don't worry. I'll go along."
His tone carried solid reassurance. Lycaon, knowing Zane's strength firsthand, nodded without hesitation.
Zane carried Belle as the group—Ellen and Corin alongside—headed for the generator room. He gave the Bangboo a firm rub on the head and murmured softly,
"I'm the real one. Don't slow things down. Tsk... I never thought you'd doubt me."
Hearing that familiar tone, Belle's tension finally eased, though it was quickly replaced by indignation.
Still, when she tried to complain, Zane simply "teased" Eous a few more times, leaving her speechless. After all, Bangboo and Belle were linked.
...
"Phew... The generator preparations are finally done!"
Corin exhaled in relief as she surveyed the generator room. Back at the video store, Wise was assisting Belle.
He'd already heard about what happened earlier, but didn't pay it much mind. Belle's occasional quiet grumbling, however, drew an amused smile from him.
Soon, Belle reestablished contact with Lycaon and flipped the switch in the generator room. The lights flared back to life, climbing upward floor by floor.
"Proxy, the building's power is gradually being restored. To prevent interference from Tower B's control room, I've separated Tower A's supply."
"Next, we'll regroup in the atrium, then head to Tower B together."
"Hopefully, once we reach Block B, we'll find more information about your friend."
Lycaon's voice came from the comms. Belle nodded, then led the group toward the atrium.
...
"The door—it's open! Wonderful!"
Corin beamed as the great doors slid apart, her face lit up with joy. Ellen leaned quietly against a nearby doorframe, observing silently.
"Thanks to the Guide, we restored power so swiftly. Our master will surely thank you."
Rina smiled gently, then bent down to brush the dust from Eous's ears and head, gathered from their trek through the building.
"Heh, no need to thank me!"
Belle clearly enjoyed the praise—who wouldn't?
At the rear of the group, Zane and Ellen walked side by side, the two strongest combatants securing the backline. Ellen did so deliberately; Zane, purely by coincidence.
He scanned the surroundings, then turned his gaze back to Ellen with curiosity.
"By the way, aside from commissions, don't you usually use special honorifics for your domestic staff?"
"Hm? Aren't you... asking something you already know?"
Ellen shot him a sidelong glance. She nearly called it a stupid question, but stopped herself and softened her words.
"What, you want me to call you 'Master' now?"
Having guessed his thoughts, Ellen countered with her own question.
"Not exactly. I was just remarking on how strictly you separate work from personal life..."
Zane waved a hand lightly. Victoria Housekeeping's service truly was impeccable—no wonder their reputation and commission fees were so high.