"I think... I'll work overtime for a bit longer. Angela, could you make me a cup of coffee?"
Manager X looked at the employees on the screen. They appeared exhausted, but the lounge was equipped with both a [Regenerator] and [Mental Pollution Neutralizing Gas] to help them recover quickly. If needed, they could return to their work posts in short order.
After selecting the [Prudence] reward option, X felt a subtle but distinct shift. There was no obvious physical sensation, but her... vigilance had sharpened. Or perhaps, she was simply overanalyzing things; every sentence the Secretary spoke, she now found herself reviewing at least once.
Can an AI lie...? She didn't know. Theoretically, an intelligent AI shouldn't be able to lie, as its core programming wouldn't permit it, but...
Angela was special, wasn't she? An AI created by the Wings of the World, their finest creation.
— An AI capable of simulating emotions as delicate as a human's —
— The failed results in the simulator —
Recalling Angela's almost monologue-like introduction, X realized that details she had previously dismissed in her flustered state now stood out with jarring clarity.
That strange attitude... a teasing demeanor that seemed indifferent, but was effectively discouraging the use of other AIs.
Not allowing her to change the Secretary... Not allowing her to leave her sight...?
— Was it Angela who tied the ropes on her? —
— Why was I tied up and brought to the Corporation as a Manager? —
A cascade of questions flooded X's mind, each one forcibly suppressed along with a rising tide of unease and a vague, gnawing anxiety.
At this moment, she couldn't afford to be a hyperactive Manager or a curious child. Angela... didn't seem to like her that way.
X shifted her gaze from the screen, peeking at the AI Secretary who was grinding coffee beans and preparing a filter. The AI Secretary had her back turned, yet X still had the unnerving feeling that Angela knew everything.
An AI who always kept her eyes closed, yet never once bumped into a wall.
[How many sugar cubes would you like? Do you need milk added?]
"Three cubes, and a generous amount of milk. I don't like it bitter."
A cup of coffee, emitting a faint milky aroma, was placed by Manager X's hand. She didn't rush to drink it, instead staring, slightly dazed, at the design on top.
It was a perfectly formed, heart-shaped latte art.
[Hmm? Aren't you going to drink it? I spent a long time learning my craft from a Dean who was a coffee connoisseur. Please, I'd love to hear your thoughts; I believe there is still room for improvement.]
"It's too hot, I'll let it cool down first, Angela."
She always felt her AI Secretary was fundamentally off, but X could only tell herself that she was being paranoid, arrogant, and just overthinking things.
X was just a newly appointed Manager, a rookie on her first day. She had no special qualities, as ordinary as a gear in a machine; what was there worthy of such specific attention from an artificial intelligence? Even if there were, it would only be due to the Corporation's orders.
Besides, a Manager who could be dismissed at any moment by the very AI assisting them hardly seemed like a figure of great importance.
[Coffee should be discarded once it goes cold, Manager.]
The Secretary waited quietly to the side, speaking with her eyes still closed.
"I know, I know, I'm drinking it."
"Mmm... it's delicious, but I don't really understand coffee, so I can't offer any useful suggestions, Angela."
Even with Angela's eyes closed, X felt flustered by the Secretary's "gaze." Helplessly, she picked up the cup, blew gently on the scalding liquid, and took a sip.
To someone who didn't understand coffee, the taste was largely the same; X's palate couldn't discern the finer details.
The brand of beans, the specific preparation method—whether it was distilled, roasted then filtered, or just an instant mix—Manager X had no clue. She simply felt it tasted good.
The bitterness of the coffee was perfectly balanced by the fresh milk, creating a silky texture. The flavor was complex, with shifting layers of taste that provided a varied experience.
[Your evaluation alone is sufficient. If you like it, then my learning has served its purpose.]
The intelligent AI spoke in riddles that were beyond X's comprehension, so X simply remained silent.
This was a topic... she couldn't pursue. Averting her eyes from the Secretary, X refocused her attention on the massive screens, continuing to direct the employees and ordering them to perform work on the Abnormality.
She had to adapt to her role as Manager, and she also had to ensure the employees could adapt to the tasks ahead.
Angela had mentioned earlier that the dissipated Qliphoth energy would be seen later... which meant subsequent work would not be this easy.
X decided to take advantage of today's relatively light workload to properly train the employees. A Manager making sound judgments and issuing logical orders was one thing, but the most crucial component was the vessels that carried out those orders—the employees.
If the employees could not meet the requirements of an order or failed to execute instructions, then everything else was just empty talk.
Therefore... sacrificing some rest time to perform work beyond the energy quota was necessary. It was best to frame it as training: voluntary, unpaid overtime.
It certainly had nothing to do with the beautiful Secretary at her side, whose subtle advances left X flustered and unsure how to react, thus forcing her to feign a workaholic attitude to justify the overtime.
Even if the AI Secretary's personality was quite harsh, it didn't change the fact that she was exceptionally beautiful. Her stunning appearance was distracting, leaving Manager X feeling profoundly awkward.
"Mm, that's enough for today. I'll declare the end of the shift."
The energy obtained had far exceeded the day's quota. However, any extra energy didn't belong to the Manager; it belonged to the Corporation—they were Corporate assets.
Staring at a screen for too long inevitably caused eye strain. This was likely one reason why a Manager required an intelligent AI as an assistant.
Human reaction speed is limited, and repetitive tasks lead to fatigue; over time, efficiency inevitably drops.
When a Manager falters or an accident arises during containment, the intelligent AI is there to provide timely reminders... As for why the operation isn't simply handed over to the AI entirely, well, that is a question only the Corporation can answer.
An advanced AI would undeniably perform better than a human Manager; so why employ humans, who are so inherently prone to error?
X harbored questions, but she understood that sometimes, it was better not to ask too much.
A Manager should know only what is necessary, follow the Corporation's directives, and meet the daily energy quota. Acting like a curious child, pestering for answers and fretting over the Corporation's labyrinthine rules, was ill-advised.
Spouting nonsense might invite punishment from the intelligent AI...
At the thought of 'Punishment', Manager X subconsciously glanced at the Secretary. She had absolutely no desire to learn the definition of that word, let alone experience it firsthand.
Even X wasn't naive enough to assume punishment meant something literal or simple; in this place, one should always anticipate the worst-case scenario.
After declaring the shift over, X switched off the monitor, stretched her stiff back, and rose from the Manager's chair. Since it was her first day, the loyal, attentive, and reliable Secretary prepared to escort Manager X to tour the Corporation's Departments.
Although only the Control Department was currently active, that didn't imply the other Departments were non-functional.
Presumably to allow the Manager time to acclimate and reduce the initial workload, the new hire was only responsible for the Control Department on day one.
[You completed today's work admirably. The Corporation will open subsequent Departments based on your performance... Do you prefer the Information Department or the Safety Department?]
The AI Secretary Angela, who was leading Manager X through these winding, complex corridors, suddenly broached the subject of work.
"Eh? Why ask that now, Angela? Haven't I already clocked out?"
X gazed at the cold metallic walls. The corridor remained so gloomy and frigid that it induced a deep unease; she could detect the faint, metallic tang of rust... clearly, the area had been scrubbed, yet she felt as though something lingered that couldn't be washed away.
There had been no employee casualties today, so... why did the phantom scent of blood persist? It was likely a remnant from a predecessor.
Once off the clock, she had zero desire to think about work. She wasn't sure if this reaction was standard, but at the very least, X lacked any burning passion for the job. The moment the Secretary tossed out a multiple-choice question, a headache began to throb behind her eyes.
What if she chose wrong... she didn't want to be punished.
X cautiously and meticulously studied the Secretary's face. The Secretary maintained that same mask of indifference, her expression unshifting.
[The Deans are all anticipating your arrival, but the initiative lies with you. You may choose to open the Information Department or the Safety Department... of course, this is merely a minor difference in sequence.]
— Is it really just a difference in sequence? —
"Angela, which Department do you think would be better to open first?"
[You are the Manager; I have no right to interfere, nor can I make decisions on your behalf.]
— Tsk, now you admit I'm the Manager. —
— You clearly just want to watch me struggle. —
X grumbled internally about the Secretary's fickleness, but she dared not voice it. Whatever Angela said was law; she could only accept it. All rights of interpretation belonged to the Secretary.
And she, despite suffering from decision paralysis, had to make a choice...
[Simulation Start ——]
[Day 1 — Manager's Disciplinary Measures]
[You completed today's energy quota and clocked off smoothly. Before you could even sigh with relief that you could finally rest, your Secretary began asking you which Department you wanted to open tomorrow during the walk back.]
[Out of consideration for Abnormality management, you chose the Information Department. You thought this would be another good start, but not all Deans are as friendly as Malkuth.]
[The Information Department Dean's nickname is 'Viper'. She is a strict disciplinarian, and your first meeting with her was unpleasant. Your lack of professional conduct and your attire drew her resentment.]
[The Information Department Dean harshly criticized your attire and petitioned Angela to punish you; the petition was not approved.]
[You were fortunate that the punishment research did not pass. However, after leaving the Information Department, you were informed by the intelligent AI that while the Dean lacks the authority to punish you, the loyal and trustworthy Secretary possesses the authority to correct the Manager's behavior.]
[The intelligent AI corrected your attire; the Manager's disciplinary measures were enforced upon you.]
[Your mental state collapsed...]
[You committed suicide...]
[Achievement Unlocked — Disciplinary Measures]
[Warm Reminder: When one desires to act, anything can become a pretext or a reason.]
[Please choose the reward for this result:
1. [Fortitude] (+1)
2. [Prudence] (+1)
3. [Temperance] (+1)
4. [Justice] (+1)]
Why was it Angela again? Was this Angela's doing, too?!
— Why would simply opening a Department lead to a mental breakdown? —
X subconsciously glanced at the Secretary beside her. In X's eyes, she was no longer just an intelligent AI, but something akin to a terrifying, monstrous deluge.
Was it that she couldn't give the AI even a single pretext... Did this AI do these things simply because she wanted to...? Looking at Angela's exterior, she was elegant and beautiful, like a proud, unreachable iceberg.
So... what lay beneath the surface? X felt a chill crawl down her spine at these repeating outcomes; whether it was resignation or the final act of self-termination, it felt nauseating.
Even if these were just simulations, they were far too horrifying.
[Manager, what is the matter? Your complexion is quite pale.]
The intelligent AI asked Manager X with apparent solicitude. When the AI reached out to touch Manager X, X instinctively flinched away from the Secretary's hand.
[...Are you alright... Am I that scary?]
"I... I'm fine. I'm just a bit, perhaps, unaccustomed to this place. I can't catch my breath."
X leaned against the wall, barely supporting her own weight. Now, just by seeing Angela's face or hearing her voice, she felt her body tremble.
The simulator's content was supposed to be fiction, yet X felt a vague, haunting sensation... as if her body remembered the pain.
Clearly, she was terrified of her AI Secretary, yet she found herself being supported by her. A mechanical body is cold, and human body temperature is significantly higher; heat transfers from high to low... The greater the difference, the faster it spreads.
It wasn't as terrifying as she had imagined; the intelligent AI was not as heartless as steel, nor was she a solid block of iron.
The simulated skin was delicate and soft, the temperature merely resting at a level of cool refreshment.
[Manager, do not force yourself. If you are feeling unwell, let us disregard it; the meeting with the Deans can be rescheduled for tomorrow.]
[Control Department Dean Malkuth has psychological therapy available. If you require it, I will arrange it for you now.]
However, such a gentle and concerned tone failed to have a soothing effect. X's body continued to tremble with fear, and X herself kept her eyes squeezed shut, too terrified to look at Angela.
"Angela, please... let me be alone for a while..."
X spoke almost through gritted teeth. She lacked the strength to resist the intelligent AI, and her only recourse was the AI's mercy.
[...]
[...If you insist...]
[I have already contacted Malkuth for you. You may undergo a psychological evaluation shortly.]
The intelligent AI left—she actually left. X breathed heavily, gasping as if escaping a nightmare, her golden eyes staring at the metallic floor, so clean it reflected the light. In her field of vision was herself... and the Lobotomy logo in the corner.
The Lobotomy logo dimmed; the originally colorful icon turned a stark black and white...
Her body was still trembling. The moment the Lobotomy icon turned grey, reality and the virtual world seemed to overlap; X found it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.
"This is too absurd..."
No matter where she looked, that Lobotomy Corporation Logo refused to leave Manager X's sight.
The simulator continued, but X did not know if this was a reality-defying, absurd game, or if she was simply trapped in a ridiculous dream.