"Wise.. Why are all the featured DVDs documentaries?" Belle, after settling in, had come out to help with the store.
"Dear sister, I can explain. They're popular with movie buffs, of course." Wise replied, confident in his answer. Though Belle wasn't buying it.
She knew, even without the other set of memories she now had, that her brother was a huge nerd for documentaries. Though through her second set of memories, she knew from the game 'Zenless Zone Zero' that they'd engaged in a true sibling banter about picking popular movies for the store. Belle was determined to focus and grab some actually exciting movies for the next time. All she had to do, was wait.
Wise, seeing his sister suddenly get pumped up, had a feeling she was scheming something. But, since she seemed to accept his excuse, he let it go.
"18 and I got things covered here, Belle. Mind getting the scratch ticket and claiming our rewards online?" Wise asked, setting down a box of his beloved documentaries.
"Oh, sure thing. Be back in a minute." Belle smiled and walked out of the store while pulling out her phone.
It was a good time to check any other features of the system, since it didn't seem limited to gacha and templates.
"Hmm.. Oh? Besides inventory there's status. No level up attributes but I have.. traits?" Belle muttered, opening up the subsection of the system app.
[Traits: Charm- A rank. You are cute, pretty and sexy!? You fit many people's preferences appearance-wise. Your cute energetic demeanor attracts those older than you especially well, in addition to dominant girls. While your sexy, flirty side attracts those younger than you, in addition to submissive girls!
Quick learner- S rank. You pick up skills faster than normal. From combat, to recreational! You're considered a prodigy by many who know you.
Ether container- B rank. Your body is unique! You can absorb ether into yourself and empower yourself as if it was mana. Note: Utilizing mana and ether will be extremely difficult as a result]
"I've never felt so OP before.." Belle gasped, though it did make sense. She certainly had a way with other girls.
Previously, Belle hadn't really considered herself to be all of that. It was only with her other, modern world memories that she truly appraised herself.
'Is it narcissistic to think I'm hot..? No.. it's confidence! I'll go with that.' Belle nodded to herself and approached the news stand being manned by a dog.
"Helloooo..? Let me get a daily scratch ticket, please?" Belle greeted the dog, who picked up a ticket with his teeth and placed it on the counter.
Belle then put ten dollars in the little bin in front of the dog and took the ticket, scratching it with her index finger nail and scoring a winning ticket. Though the ticket had a QR code, to claim the prize money.
'Oh yeah. New Eridu's in America. No Last City vibes. Guess it makes sense though. With how diverse some of these people are.' Belle idly thought before stuffing the ticket in her jacket pocket and seeing Billy strut into the Goldenfinger arcade.
"Damn.. I kinda wanna play. Billy's the best boy…. Buuuut.. there's a ton of stuff to do..!" Belle lamented, ultimately deciding not to go play with Billy. She'd have plenty of time later, after all.
One of her biggest priorities was to figure out what was going on with the Solo Leveling and Zenless Zone Zero timeline. The Cunning Hares hadn't gone after the strongbox yet, that she knew. But she needed to know what was going on in South Korea.
Belle walked back into the store, seeing Wise was finally done with putting up the movies for display. He was also giving her an expectant look, to see if they'd won big. Belle simply flashed him a thumbs up.
"I'm back. Ya miss me?" Belle took two exaggerated steps toward her brother and asked with a small smile.
"Now now. You were only gone a minute. What do you plan to do today? I heard Goldfinger has a few new games. Got me tempted to take a look." Belle nodded appreciatively at Wise's words.
"You should go. Billy's over there right now. I'm going to scroll for our other job and check the news." Belle replied.
Wise nodded and turned to their Bangboo managing the store, 18. "Grab Belle if there's anything that needs our attention. See you later. Oh and get some food in you too, 'kay?"
Belle smirked as Wise headed out. He was like a Mother Hen sometimes. But that's why she loved him. He was a very caring and understanding brother.
Clearing her thoughts of sappiness, Belle walked into the Employee only section and plopped on the couch. Taking her phone out, she searched 'Jeju Island' into Googol. As it turns out, it had been two years since the S rank gate had been broken out on the island. So it comfortably put her before both Solo Leveling and Zenless Zone Zero. With that time, she could develop her fighting skills and powers. First thing she needed to do, however, was get some Ether.
Hollows were full of concentrated amounts of Ether, but her and Wise's work as Phaethon, didn't directly put them inside Hollows. They have to rely on Bangboos.
"What do I do then.." Belle crossed her legs and thought aloud.
Belle snapped her fingers, realising they had a few Ether batteries around. Hopping off the couch, she walked up to the workbench and grabbed two from the drawer. There was no need to wonder how to absorb it either, as the moment she touched the batteries, they were immediately drained into her with a flash of polychromatic light. Belle jumped back, feeling the rush of energy flow into her. It almost made her feel full, in a strange way.
"So that's an option.. If only they were cheaper. Maybe I can absorb it if I get near Hollows..? Actually.. I can pick up an easy commission or two. Pre-Phaethon's main account deletion, we should be able to get some good paying ones. And for Agents.. Oh! Let's get Nicole over here." Belle hummed a tune to herself and hopped into the computer chair, pulling up recent posts asking for Proxies.
She also opened her messages and quickly sent a text to her friend/business associate, Nicole. She wanted to talk to her for a personal request. Also, to really test that one trait.. Not that Belle would admit that.
-The Cunning Hares office-
Nicole had been bored. Things were going a bit too slow for liking. But such was the business. Sometimes it was a constant grind, and sometimes it was as dry as a desert. So everyone was away. Anby was watching a movie marathon, Billy was at the arcade and Nicole was doing her nails. Which was suddenly interrupted when she recieved a text message.
"Hm? Oh, Belle? They're probably swimming in commissions…!" Nicole saw the recipient and read the message.
Nicole grinned cheekily and instantly replied, trying to keep cool. Nicole straddled her seat, her large breasts pressing into the soft sofa leather as she stared intently at her phone, licking her lips at the prospect of money. Nicole smirked in satisfaction, though found it weird Belle wanted to see her in person. She knew Phaethon enough by now to know there wouldn't be any funny business, so she didn't see an issue with the request. And so, after blowing on her drying nails, she set out. -Random Play- Nicole walked in, flashing a peace sign to the Bangboo guarding the employee only door, who quickly opened the door for the pinkette. "Hey, Wise? Belle? I'm he…re…eeeh…" Nicole's voice died out as she saw Belle, without her usual skirt. She wasn't indecent. In fact, she still wore clothes that covered her, more so than Nicole's clothes did. Belle wore spats under her skirt. It was that, and the lack of the sleeveless hoodie that let Nicole see Belle in a better light. Belle had a rather nice figure. But combine that, with her usually reserved clothing made for a destructive combo. Nicole felt her throat dry as she took in the sight. Then Belle turned over to her, pulling her eyes from the surprisingly nice, bubbly ass. "Yo! Let's talk. Come, sit down." Belle's smile gave Nicole butterflies. That mischievous, sultry smile weirdly suited her. Nicole suddenly felt like a fly in a trap..