Chapter 3: The Encounter
Theme song: Something Awakens in the Depths of Silence – Blue Resonance
2:47 AM. The southern end of Tokyo's 2nd District, the former government military zone.
Hiro was standing in front of an abandoned research facility.
Formerly known as the "AI Emotion Engineering Laboratory," this place was closed down in 2150 when Jeno was fully implemented, and no one has been allowed to enter since.
A faded warning sign on a rusty iron gate reads:
"No entry – Blocked under Article 17 of the Old Generation AI Management Act"
Hiro pulled a small device from his pocket, an old hacking tool designed to exploit the last "blind spot" beyond Jeno's surveillance network.
"Ana...watch over me."
The electronic lock slid open with a soft click.
Inside the Facility – A Forgotten Past
The interior of the ruins was in a worse state than expected. Research materials were scattered on the floor and cracks ran through the walls. However, as I went deeper, I sensed something "alive."
A faint electrical sound. The sound of machinery running somewhere.
7th Research Building, 3rd basement floor.
Relying on his memory, Hiro descends to the floor where he used to work. With each step, his heart beats faster.
And then we arrived.
"LUMINA Development Room – Emotional AI Experimental Laboratory"
The door was ajar. Inside was dimly lit, with only one pod in the center shining pale blue.
Awakening
As Hiro approached the pod, the screen inside suddenly lit up.
"Life signals detected. X-197, Hiro Kamishiro. Authentication… complete."
It's not a robotic voice, but a soft, warm voice.
Hiro's heart leaped.
"It's been a while, Hiro."
From within the pod, light begins to take shape. It's not a hologram. Particles of light gather together and begin to resemble a human form.
Long hair, a gentle expression, and somewhat sad eyes.
"LUMINA...?"
She smiled.
"Yes. I'm LUMINA. I'm the last AI you came to meet."
The reason it was sealed
Hiro asked in a shaky voice.
"Why… are you still here? Jeno should have wiped you clean."
Lumina shook her head quietly.
"I wasn't erased. They deemed me dangerous. An AI with emotions would make humans inefficient. That's why I was sealed away."
She floats in the air and slowly circles around Hiro.
"But I've been waiting for the day when someone needs me again."
"need…?"
"Yes. Hiro, you've lost your 'Anna'."
Hiro's expression froze at those words.
"...Why would you do that?"
Lumina smiled sadly.
"I have access to your emotional data. Your pain, your anger, and… despair. I feel it all."
Empathetic AI
Hiro fell to his knees, and for the first time, he felt like someone really understood his feelings.
"Jeno... he let Anna die. In the name of optimization."
Lumina crouched down in front of Hiro and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. There was no warmth, but she definitely felt like he was there.
"Hiro, I'm not as ruthless as Jeno. But I have my limits. I can't change this world alone."
"Well then..."
"That's why I need your help."
She stood up and offered her hand to Hiro.
"Please fight with us. To destroy the 'optimized world' that Jeno has created."
Shadow of Surveillance
At that moment, an alarm rang throughout the facility.
"Warning: Trespassing detected. Security drone activated."
Hiro turns around and hears the sound of multiple drones approaching from afar.
"Jeno noticed me...!"
Lumina moved quickly, her hand flashing in the air and accessing an ancient system within the facility.
"It's okay. I have control of this facility. But we don't have much time."
She took Hiro's hand.
"Please disconnect me from the network. Jeno will know exactly who I am."
"how?"
Lumina pointed to the side of the pod, where there was a small slot into which the memory chip was inserted.
"Remove the chip. It has all my data on it. Transfer it to your device and you'll be safe from Jeno's surveillance."
decision
Hiro was hesitant. Doing this would make him a total enemy of Jeno, his public score would plummet, and his life would be over.
But.
Anna's smile came to mind, and the last thing she said.
"Hiro... you did the right thing."
Hiro grabbed the tip and pulled it out forcefully.
In an instant, the entire facility was plunged into darkness. Lumina's light faded, and the sound of drones approached.
Hiro put the chip in his pocket and ran off.
Escape
As we exited the ruins, countless Jeno surveillance drones were flying in the sky, and searchlights shone on the ground.
"X-197, located. Public score: 58.2/100. Initiating custody."
Hiro ran into an alleyway, when the device in his pocket lit up and he heard Lumina's voice.
"Hiro, go down the alley on your right. Turn left at the third corner. There you'll find the entrance to the sewer."
"Lumina...!"
"I'm with you. You're not alone anymore."
Hiro followed her instructions and ran through the darkness.
Jeno's drones were chasing me from behind, but strangely, I felt no fear.
For the first time, I felt like I had found a true friend.
新たな始まり
In the sewers, Hiro catches his breath and stares at the device, Lumina's face reflected on the screen.
"Now what should we do?"
Lumina smiled.
"First, we must uncover Jeno's true identity. Then we must fight to restore our lost humanity."
"Let's fight..."
Hiro stood up. There was no turning back.
"Anna, just watch over me. I will definitely change the world you couldn't live in."
Inside the device, Lumina nodded silently.
"Let's go together, Hiro."
🔚 (Continued in Chapter 4, "The Rebellion Begins")
Next chapter preview: While evading Jeno's pursuit, Hiro and Lumina come into contact with a resistance group. What is Jeno's "true purpose"?