After Nicole came to terms with everything, her mood improved considerably, and a smile reappeared on her face.
Anyway, she wasn't some easy woman. The reason she chose this method of repayment was because she had promised before.
Besides, the other party was Wise, and they'd built a solid relationship. Since she'd already made up her mind to leave once the debt was settled, there wasn't much point in overthinking it.
Then again, self-deception had always been the simplest escape, and deep down, there was more going on in her heart than she wanted to face.
"By the way, Nicole, since you arrived so early, I'm guessing you skipped breakfast, right? Want to stay and eat? After all, you just exercised for so long," Wise said with a knowing smile, causing her face to flush crimson instantly.
"You! Hmph, of course I'll eat! Make plenty, I'm starving!" Nicole retorted.
After what they'd just done, getting teased about it by Wise made Nicole feel pretty embarrassed, and her emotions running high left her legs feeling a bit shaky again.
Even so, Nicole was determined to get back the energy she'd just burned. She refused to let this turn into a loss.
Wise noticed but said nothing. Nicole had always been like this. As for the Dennies she owed him, he had no intention of collecting them.
At the rate she was paying things off, it'd take forever to clear the debt, and it was just going to keep piling up.
Moreover, he'd heard that she'd been donating to the orphanage, which was also why Cunning Hares was in the red every month.
So instead of watching her drown in debt, why not engage in something mutually enjoyable that actually meant something?
As for if Belle asked, he would just use the Emotional Value obtained from Nicole to exchange for some Dennies in the Emotional Value store.
But speaking of exchange...
'System, haven't you finished updating yet?'
He'd already noticed the system was updating a few days ago while going on dates with the girls.
Though he wasn't sure exactly when it started, according to the display, it should have finished by now.
While cooking breakfast, Wise called out to the system in his head. It took ages before it finally answered, clearly a bit flustered.
[I'm very sorry, my dear Host. Because I was preparing a gift for you during the update, I ended up running a little late. I truly apologize.]
The system sounded gentle and apologetic, like it really didn't want Wise thinking it was some unreliable companion.
Which, honestly, wasn't completely inaccurate sometimes. But that could wait.
'A gift? What kind of gift?' he wondered inwardly.
Wise felt a flicker of curiosity, yet a trace of unease followed close behind. Knowing his system's personality, he doubted it would be anything truly serious.
[After this system update, the rewards generated by the girls you have fully captured previously will be reissued, Host.]
The announcement left Wise momentarily speechless, though the system paid no attention to his surprise and immediately began listing the rewards.
[Fully Captured Target: Koleda]
[Reward Generated ⭢ Transformer (S): Just as the name implies. You may choose the model yourself, Host. Additionally, all Transformers produced by the system possess no self-awareness and will obey only your commands.]
[Note: Master may be able to find an intelligent AI to operate them.]
[Fully Captured Target: Rain]
[Reward Generated ⭢ Code Programming (B): Functions synergistically with Mechanoid Brain.]
[Note: This ability can be evolved into Ether Programming.]
[Detection: Master has fully captured two Thiren females. Reward parameters adjusted accordingly.]
[Fully Captured Targets: Ellen and Nekomata]
[Reward Generated ⭢ Thiren Hunter (S): Encompasses hunting in every conceivable sense. All actions you initiate, Host, whether combat-related or otherwise, receive a 50% effectiveness boost, while simultaneously reducing incoming damage from opponents. This perfectly addresses scenarios where Thiren companions might inadvertently cause you harm.]
[Fully Captured Target: Fairy]
[Reward Generated ⭢ Form Datafication (S): Enables complete digitization of your physical form, allowing network-based transmission to remote locations. Functions synergistically with Mechanoid Brain.]
After going through all the rewards, Wise just stopped completely, his hands freezing over the food he was making.
The rewards themselves were excellent, no question about that, but what caught him off guard was Fairy's inclusion, and more surprisingly, the system had actually provided a Transformer body.
Glancing at the note once more, the implication was crystal clear: this was meant for Fairy.
Not that it mattered, he would've given it to her regardless of whether the system suggested it or not.
Having a genuine artificial intelligence beat out some mindless machine that blindly followed orders any day.
As for the other rewards, Form Datafication increased his mobility.
In the future, if his Bangboo were dispatched to follow agents into the Hollow and anything unexpected happened, he could arrive directly and provide assistance through this talent. No longer would he be forced to watch from the sidelines, helpless to intervene.
About Thiren Hunter, even if it only worked on Thirens, Ellen would definitely think twice before trying to bite him again.
And that note about Code Programming upgrading to Ether Programming? That would definitely be very handy.
After reading the descriptions of all the talents, Wise felt very satisfied and couldn't help but praise the system.
'System, the gift you prepared is really good. It wasn't in vain to wait for your update.'
[Thank you for your praise, Master. Wait, gift, what gift? This isn't...]
Before the system could finish speaking, Wise heard Belle's voice behind him, and his attention instantly shifted.
When he turned around, he saw his sister chatting happily with Nicole. However, Belle's eyes carried a subtle scrutiny as she looked at Nicole from time to time, which made the latter visibly uneasy.
Naturally, there was a reason for it. After a strenuous session of exercise, Nicole had skipped her shower, and the scent of sweat still clung to her.
Given Belle's keen sense of smell, it did not escape her notice.
While talking, Belle would sometimes glance at Wise. He felt awkward but acted like nothing was wrong.
Even if he had already been caught, it was better to play dumb for now and deal with it later.
"Wait, do you guys eat like this every morning? Isn't this a bit too extravagant?" Nicole asked.
Her eyes lit up as she looked at the breakfast spread on the table. The rich aroma alone was enough to make her swallow unconsciously.
Though swallowing only reminded her of that weird sweet taste from earlier.
'Damn it, I should have rinsed my mouth first!'
Nicole quietly stuck out her tongue, and Wise, noticing this, understood the reason but still subtly replied, "Normally, it's not like this. Today, because of Nicole, I made a little extra."
"Ah? Oh, so it's because of me?"
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-> To have access to more than 35 extra chapters, go to:
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Novels Available:
-> Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street. (Translation)
-> Azur Lane: Don't Fight! You're All My Wives! (Translation)
-> Zenless Zone Zero: Death in White. (Original)
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