Probably part of the simulation, [ Root says easily. ] It needs us all on a relatively even playing field to make an effective experiment.

[ That's her hypothesis, and she hasn't seen anything to disprove it yet. But Root's more interested in learning about Koharu than rehashing the same tired complaints about being stuck in an A.I.'s playground. ]

What's that look like? Working as usual. I've never met an agent of the goddess of love before. [ That's a little cheeky, but just Root's usual sense of humor, self-aware of how absurd things can be. ]