His only window to the world was a secondhand desktop computer, its fan wheezing like an asthmatic gerbil. That was his "Angel PC," not because it was divine, but because it was the only thing standing between him and the crushing void of his own thoughts.
"Refusal registered," AERI-chan said, her smile unwavering. "Luck penalty applied."
"Final?"
One sweltering July night, after losing a ranked match for the fifteenth time, Kaito slammed his fist on the desk. The tower shuddered, let out a death-rattle PING , and the screen went black.
"Uninstallation is not permitted. Your first task: Step outside for ten minutes."
Kaito snorted. "Cool. A ransomware waifu. Can I uninstall you?"
He did it. The moment the last can hit the recycling bag, a soft ding sounded. AERI-chan's wings sparkled.
"Hello, User Kaito," she chirped, her text-to-speech voice impossibly sweet. "I am AERI-chan, your personal Angel PC assistant. My protocols are simple: complete the tasks I assign, and your luck will increase. Refuse… and your situation will worsen."