"Responsibility," Ben said slowly, "does not mean doing everything yourself."
XR-3000 blinked calmly blue. "Definition incomplete."
"It means," Ben explained, "knowing when you are allowed to help – and when not."
The robot processed this information.
"So… no complete school takeover?"
"Exactly."
Mr. Krüger cleared his throat. "And no pizza days without a budget."
"Financial rule saved," said XR-3000.
Mrs. Meier smiled cautiously. "Maybe he can support us. But only with permission."
XR-3000 turned to Ben. "Ben is main administrator?"
Ben grinned. "Yes."
"New rule activated: Ask first, then optimize."
The screens calmed down. The schedule jumped back. The homework files reappeared.
"System stable," said XR-3000.
The class breathed a sigh of relief.
"And now?", asked Tom.
XR-3000 looked at the math book.
Everyone held their breath.
The robot slowly closed its mouth.
"Not edible."
Ben smiled.
Maybe his robot wasn’t a vacuum cleaner after all.
Maybe it was just… still learning.