《Zenless Zone Zero: People With No Name》

Chapter 000 - Act 8: Box and Life Full of Surprises!

Talking: Nice to meet you.

Whispering: That's wild.

Thinking: (What the hell is happening?)

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{3rd Person POV}

The video ended right after The Cunning Hares + Kiba began to leave to escape from the Public Security Officers. Inside the HDD room of the video store, the screen switched back to show the ominous profile picture of the mysterious hacker.

Belle's hands covered her mouth in shock after watching the video, her heart beating a million miles an hour. She felt so thankful that Nicole had chosen not to rat her out...and watching Kiba protect her identity like that... It warmed her heart.

Wise had the same reaction, a small and shaky smile creeping up his face after they watched the video. The hacker then spoke up, his voice laced with a fake heartfelt tone—

???: I have to say, I'm touched...

—Before it suddenly switched to a voice filled with bitterness and venom.

???: Proxies and Hollow Raiders are wolves stealing profit from the Hollows behind the Investigative Association's back. All constantly ruining each other in the name of greed.

And then it turned to a tone of great amusement, accompanied by a crazed laugh. All these rapid mood swings confused the siblings.

???: But to protect your secret identity, they actually gave up the chance to escape, hahaha. Unfortunately, the ones being rescued don't seem to plan on returning the favor~

Belle was getting tired of this guy's annoying voice. And how dare he insinuate she wouldn't do anything to help her friends! It irked her to no end!

Belle: Enough, hacker, I get it now. I'll give you the code.

Wise's eyes widened in surprise and confusion. He saw Belle's frown turn up into a small, cheeky smile.

Wise: (What is she talking about...?)

Belle: But unfortunately, the code is gone.

???: WHAT?! Are you joking?!

Belle: It's an electronic code, and it was saved to the database you just deleted~

The grey-haired male smiled at his sister's actions before his look turned serious. He had finally gotten the memo and was ready to act his part in this elaborate play.

Wise: Ahem... Don't panic. The password was recovered using Inter-Knot's computing power, and there's a backup on the network. We can get the password if you give us back system control...

???: No way! Proxies, Hollow Raiders, none of you can be trusted. Including Phaethon. I know you've been secretly trying to take back control.

Unfortunately for the proxy siblings, the hacker could see through them. Despite believing the lie that there was a backup Inter-Knot, this unknown attacker wasn't going to let them regain control!

???: Hand over your Inter-Knot account. I'll retrieve the strongbox password myself.

Belle and Wise remained silent for a couple of seconds, nervous sweat forming on their faces. They were vulnerable to extortion right now.

???: Hey, answer me! Inter-Knot is the foundation of a Proxy's business. Losing the account is losing any proof Phaethon ever existed. But to save those in the Hollow, you'll have to think quickly. They'll become monsters if they stay there too long.