《Did I just ...?》 Chapter 0 MC POV Stretching HMMMMMMmmmmm [Gaming all day till late at night. Good job me. Time for some pre-sleep preps. Water on the side of the table, check. Plugging the insect repellant, check. PC and speakers off, check. Fan on, check. Lights off, chec... I need to take a piss. Piss, check. Lights off, check. Time to sleep.] 5 minutes later, wakes up suddenlyUnauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. [Damn! Forgot to erase my browser history AGAIN! I don''t want to repeat that mistake again.] Clicks erase browser history 2 times for good measures, you never know when the Spanish inquisition might show up [Good night me.] Zzz Bzzz bzzz bzz BBBBZZZZZ SSMMAACCKK [DAMN BUGS!!! WHERE IS THAT BUG SPRAY!!!] Looks around GASP! [I don''t see where it is!] [Wait a minute... *loading please wait* where am I?] [[I''m not in my room anymore! Heck, I''m NOT even in a room anymore BUT OUTSIDE! Okay, okay DO NOT PANIC!]] [Breath in *cough cough cough* EWWWW what is that taste? *Spit spit spit*] [T_T what was ... you know what? Never mind. At least I''m calm now. Now, let''s look around and see what''s around me.] After a few seconds later... Chapter 1 MC POV A few seconds later¡­ [Is that a door?] [[Of course it is you idiot! It¡¯s rectangle, with a doorknob on it.]] [Let¡¯s see if there¡¯s anyone home.] Knock Knock [Come in] Female voice Opens the door and closes it afterwards. [[Is this an office? Is that a psychiatric chair on the side of the table? The fuck am I looking at!? I should be checking out that hot thing sitting on the other side of the table!]] [Please, have a sit Mr.?] Female voice [[I should probably avoid using my real name just in case true name and all that sh1t exist here.]] [The name¡¯s Neo, Neo Korp at your service Ms. Beautify.] [[Oh yeah, totally nailed that one! Smooth as a baby¡¯s buttocks!]] Sits on the psychiatric chair. [Nice to meet you Mr. Neo Korp. I hope you don¡¯t mind me calling you Mr. Neo.] Female voice [Drop the Mr. and just call me Neo, let¡¯s not be too formal with each other.] [As you wish Neo. My name is Agent Smith. I¡¯m here too¡­] Ms. Smith [Okay hold up, agent Smith? Really now, like on the movie The Matrix? Isn¡¯t it a bit too generic? I¡¯m sure you could have done better than that.] [I¡¯m not the one who named himself Neo and proceeds to flirt around.] Ms. Smith Smile mischievously [Touch¨¦] [Let¡¯s continue and please let me finish before you ask any questions. First off, you are already dead Neo or to be more precisely the name $%^&% $%^&* * &%%^^* already died. You died in your sleep and before you start, no one is to blame for it. It just simply happened so don¡¯t be delusional please. Take time to let the information sink before I continue.] Ms. Smith [You¡¯re serious aren¡¯t you?] [Yes, Neo I¡¯m 100% serious] Ms. Smith [Wow, I don¡¯t know what to say. I¡¯ve always thought I would live longer or at least out live most of the people I know because I didn¡¯t have any vices other than playing computer games. I tried to live healthy, sleep enough, eat enough and others.] Sigh [The main reason I wanted to live longer is too simply mock all the people that wronged me in their tomb and tell them: HA! I win loser! It¡¯s petty I know but I can¡¯t just kill them while they were still alive because it¡¯s I don¡¯t have them enough to carry on with it.] Sigh [Can you please give 5 minutes before we continue?] [Of course Neo. Just sit back and try to relax. Just don¡¯t dwell on it and try to move on.] Ms. Smith 5 minutes later ¡­ .. . [I¡¯m good now Ms. Smith so please continue.] [It¡¯s good that you were able to keep it together Neo. Most of the people I¡¯ve talk to were normally too distracted to listen to what I have to say. Anyway, you¡¯re currently in your soul form and before you ask I won¡¯t explain what a soul is. It¡¯s complicated and the knowledge won¡¯t benefit you at the moment. As a soul, you would normally be entering the reincarnation cycle but every ones in a while there would exceptions of course I¡¯m no telling you that you¡¯re a special snowflake. You were given an exemption because my client has a business proposition for you. And no, our client is not interested in your soul as a payment. Do you still follow me Neo?] Ms. Smith [Yes, I¡¯m still following you.] [Good! In case you want to know, you were chosen because you died at the right time and have at least the minimum know-how on something. Anyway, my client wants to employ you to do something using your know-how. The length of the employment depends on how fast you can pay-up your debt once you accepted the employment. Once, employed you will be given a chance to get whatever you want as long as you don¡¯t reach the limit. Once you pay-off your debt, you can decide whether to continue your employment or enter the reincarnation cycle. I apologize but I can only provide you with this much information. You need to sign a contract of employment before I can give more information. In case you don¡¯t want to accept the employment then you will be forced to enter the reincarnation cycle. This is a one-time offer Neo so think carefully.] Ms. Smith [[Do I really need to think about this? Of course I¡¯ll accept it but I¡¯m not stupid enough to take it without some fail-safe mechanism to protect myself. I¡¯m not a lawyer but I know signing anything without understanding EVERYTHING in the contract is a dumb move. But the question is, how am I going to do this? Hmm¡­]] [To tell you the truth Ms. Smith, your offer sound appetizing but I would like to have some peace-of-mind before signing anything. I hope you understand.] [Of course Neo, I totally understand what you mean but how can I help you sign the contract?] Ms. Smith [Thank you for your understanding Ms. Smith. Actually, it¡¯s very simple. All you have to do is make another contract that states that you will explain truthfully and easily explain the entire content of the employment contract. Explain the pros and cons or is it actually work it to sign it. Of course the contract that I want you to make is not a normal one. I want you to make a contract that enables me to punish you with TRUE DEATH in case you¡¯ve breached it. I¡¯m sure you know what true death means correct?] [Oh, here I thought you were going to ask for something outrageous. Of course I can do what you asked for Neo. I would even include the erasure of my existence if you like.] Ms. Smith [[Damn, seems like the employment contract is legit as fuck! Better salvage the situation fast!]] [Please no, you don¡¯t have to go that far but I appreciate the gesture. Before I sign the contract, can I ask you to be my¡­ what¡¯s the word? Middle-man in case I needed to do any transaction like this Ms Smith?] [Hmm.. I think it¡¯s possible but may I ask why?] Ms. Smith [[Okay, so far so good. I just need to keep it together and stay on her good side for now.]] [It¡¯s simply because from your explanation, it would seemed like I would be staying on this ¡°side¡± long enough to warrant a trust worthy person to be on my side explaining and guiding me to make sure I don¡¯t do anything I would regret. I could wait and hope I come across someone better so to speak but I would rather have you than wait for that ¡°someone better¡±. No offense of course.] [None taken Neo. I accept your reasoning so I would be more than happy to be your ¡°middle-man¡± fufufu] Ms. Smith [[Such an interesting earthling. At least his honest with his motives and actually uses his brains to some degree. Though asking for true death is a bit over the top if you ask me but then again eternal enslavement would have been way worse. Those mortals are more than creative enough to get on the nerves of higher entities and there¡¯s more than one occasions that some of them becoming one of the fallen. Anyway, I do understand his precaution though so I¡¯ll just go along with it since everything is legitimate and followed all legal procedures.]] Ms. Smith [Please wait a moment while I prepare the contracts.] Ms. Smith [Take your time beautiful.] [[That went well. Let¡¯s just hope I don¡¯t regret it. Damn, that smile though.]] Few moments later ¡­ .. . [Before we start signing contracts, I would like to first explain the different types of contracts.] Ms. Smith [Please do.] [There are different types of contracts but we will only be talking about 3. First is the simple contract which you are already familiar with since you have those in your previous life. Second is the magic contract which basically is the same with soul contract but the only difference is the severity of the punishment for breaking it. Magical contracts can enslave and kill but is only on the level of physical death while soul contracts can literally kill you. Like how you word it ¡°True Death¡±. The person who suffers true death can NEVER exist in anyway and in any form. Do you have any questions Neo before I continue?] Ms. Smith [What about the others? I assumed there¡¯s even higher type of contracts. And is it normal for contract to be in that form? Is that paper?] [Yes, there is but they are normally used by higher beings with different types of reason. The physical appearance of the contracts or where it is written doesn¡¯t really matter as long as the contents are present. We can write on the sand and it will still be valid. But that will be hard to document. The God of Contracts is very meticulous and thorough when he is invoked in contracts so anyone stupid enough to break one his contracts will be punished accordingly to what is stated in the contract they had signed. No God or Goddess is above him once they are in his domain. On the sides note, any contracts under him will always be bond to the party¡¯s souls so they can always remember them and read them anytime they want.] Ms. Smith [Okay, I understand. Last question, how do you invoke the God of Contracts? Do I need to mention his name or something?] [That works but I highly doubt you can understand his name. The simpler one would be to simply mention his title which is God of Contracts into your contract. Of course by doing so it automatically becomes a magical, soul or higher form of contract depending on the content. On the side note, his contracts are free so you don¡¯t have to worry about paying for the service. I¡¯m not sure how it works but I guess making it free gives more people access thus making him even more powerful and influential. Imagine a higher God or Goddess begging him to do something about their contract. The amount of favors people owing him would be more than enough to make him a person you don¡¯t to mess with. I hope your curiosity is quenched Neo.] Ms. Smith [Yes, thank you Ms. Smith] [The employment contracts are magical ones and the other one is a soul contract. Please read the contracts from the first page and ask anything if you have questions regarding the contents.] Ms. Smith After hours of questioning and verifications. ¡­ .. . [Thank you for your cooperation Neo. Now let¡¯s proceed to the more interesting part of this entire session.] Ms. Smith [Wait, can we please take a break before we continue? Some snacks and drinks would be nice if you have them if you don¡¯t mind of course.] [Hmm~ Since you¡¯re being cooperative and being a good boy, I will share you my stash. fufufu] Ms. SmithThis novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. [Goody! I hope it¡¯s something sweet and cold.] After break time. ¡­ .. . [HAaa¡­ That tasted great! If the food and drinks tastes this good then I won¡¯t bother thinking about reincarnating! Thank you for the treat Ms. Smith.] [You are most welcome Neo. Now let¡¯s continue where we left off shall we?] Ms. Smith [Yes, of course.] [According to what our client sent us, they want you to do two objectives. You can choose to finish either one but I would suggest doing everything you can before deciding to mark your mission completed. The primary objective is to secure a location for settlement on a dungeon world. The secondary objective is to secure the entire world. The secondary object is optional but will greatly provide you with greater benefits since the more good you do the more credits you will receive after completion of your mission. Your work will be monitored and archived for accurate computation of reward and punishment. The computation will be based on cold hard facts and logic so you don¡¯t have to worry about tampering of the result since anyone caught will be severely punished. No one is stupid enough to actually do it since it¡¯s not worth it.] Ms. Smith [Interesting, I can basically do whatever I want as long as I achieve the stated objective right?] [Affirmative, please be advised that you will not be the only one doing the same thing on the planet. What you do down there is up to you as long as you achieve the objective.] Ms. Smith [I don¡¯t suppose you can tell me how many people are there on the planet doing the same thing?] [I can¡¯t unfortunately but nice try. fufufu] Ms. Smith [At least I tried.] Shrugs shoulders [Now then, how would you like to achieve the objective?] Ms. Smith [Hmm¡­ I can do it myself and do all the work but that would take too long and I don¡¯t want to take a risk since I have no idea what I¡¯m up against down there.] Looks at Ms. Smith [Nope, I can¡¯t freely give you any info about the world. You need credits for that and please be advised that you have a credit limit you need to be mindful off.] Ms. Smith [Ms. Smith, can you access my memory? I mean specific memories?] [Yes, I can if you give me permission to them.] Ms. Smith [Fantastic! This will make it a lot easier for both of use then! Please access my memory related to nation building, city build and real time strategy. Then tell me which are not 100% possible to implementable in the world since I don¡¯t know what laws governs it.] [Please try to relax and fall asleep to make things easier and painless.] Ms. Smith Few hours later. ¡­ .. . [N¡­ Ne.. Neo. Please wake-up] Ms. Smith [Is everything alright Ms. Smith? Strange, I thought souls can¡¯t sleep.] [Fufufu I¡¯ll leave that to your imagination. The memory acquisition was a success with zero losses and corruption.] Ms. Smith [That¡¯s good. Please explain what you got.] [All the memories you allowed me to acquire is possible in the world but you still need to start from scratch unless you invest credits to jump start your technology. Unfortunately there are some technologies you can¡¯t afford because of your credit limit. The best example would be the protoss crystal technology. Buying the entire package is impossible but you can pick and chose some of it.] Ms. Smith [Hmm¡­ Wait a minute. Can you tell me some information about the world? Of course any information you can actually share to me.] [Of course I can. Fufufu The world¡¯s name is already lost since the original inhabitants are not there anymore so to speak. We just call it dungeon world 900. Yes, there¡¯s more that one dungeon world. The world has mana in it meaning you can use magic. We have a different term but we¡¯ll use the ones you are most familiar with. Some of the games you let me see have those concept so I¡¯ll just used them for your convenience.] Ms. Smith [Thank you for your considerations Ms. Smith. I will grant you access to anything related to the novels I¡¯ve read, videos I¡¯ve watched and heard with regards to achieving the state objective in my employment contract.] [[I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s a good idea to give someone more access to their memories but he certainly trying to word the limitations as best as he can. Not like I would try anything to jeopardize our beneficial mutual relationship. He¡¯s doing me more good by making me his to-go person to deal with anything legal than use other organizations that provide the same service. I have to secure my hold on him so I don¡¯t have to worry about those other pests trying to get a piece of my pie.]] [Of course Neo but please try to avoid letting other people from accessing any of your memory. It might be convenient but you never know when you¡¯ll slip in your wordings to setup limitations. Please let me handle everything that¡¯s related to your credit grinding.] Ms. Smith [Thanks for the reminder Ms. Smith, I¡¯m only doing this because I trust you enough and we do have that soul contract after all.] [I¡¯m glad that we understand each other Neo. Now then, I know you want to go Real Time Strategy yourself to complete the mission objective but how exactly are you going to do it?] Ms. Smith [First off, if we¡¯re going to do these then let¡¯s do it all the way. I want you to scrap the prepared body that has been provided to me and add the resulting credit to my credit limit. I want to eliminate the need for commodities like water and food when I land on the planet.] [Okay but you need to first build the body you want to use in the world before I can proceed with your request. Please be advised that you don¡¯t have to worry about the minor details like genetics and all that since it will be done by automatically, you just have to tell me what exactly what you want for your body. Of course there¡¯s also the option to do everything on your own without help though I won¡¯t recommend it.] Ms. Smith [I understand Ms. Smith. Basically I want to combine the terran as a base and protoss crystal technology for the power source. Of course the power source is mana base assuming there¡¯s plenty of mana on the planet to last eternity.] [I understand what you mean but what of your body?] Ms. Smith [I¡¯m getting to that. I want my body to be honeycomb sphere shaped meaning the shape is spherical and the surface is honeycomb shaped if that make sense if then just I can just draw it for you.] [I got the shape, please continue] Ms. Smith [We are only taking about the shell of my body since last thing I want is a fragile body since I also want my body to be the main power source of my base. That¡¯s where protoss crystal technology comes in. Just like in the protoss, I want my crystal to be able to absorb, refine, store and adapt automatically according its environment. Basically I stopped being human with this body since I said I don¡¯t want to worry about food, water and fleshly needs. Now that¡¯s just the power source. I also want my body to be the central processing system of my base with a help of an early stage AI that has the potential to become a true A.I] [Your body is doable and less cheaper compared to your physical so there¡¯s no problem there but an early stage A.I? Why not ask for a true A.I from the start? You have more than enough credits for it. It is expensive yes but still affordable.] Ms. Smith [Simple, because I will give it access to my memory to hasten its development. Of course I will be asking you to prepare all possible fail-safe measures you can think off.] [I can¡¯t fault your reasoning but it doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s right or perfect either. Don¡¯t worry Neo, even if you didn¡¯t ask me I would put all needed precautions.] Ms. Smith [Now that my body is done. Let¡¯s talk about other technologies I want to incorporate into my base. I want my base to be mobile just like the terrans though the blood ravens are good as well, I would need a battleship or carrier orbiting the planet for that so I¡¯ll stick to terran technology for now. Anyway, I will be following a mobile doctrine. I want to be able to get the fuck off if shit hits the fan. I¡¯m sure the power source is more than enough to accommodate it right?] [Depending on the size of the base yes, it is possible. Do you also want your starting structures to be mobile as well?] Ms. Smith [What do you mean?] [I was under the impression you want other structures other than your headquarters.] Ms. Smith [From the start no, I only need my headquarters for the starting structure.] Right eyebrow raised [Please explain.] Ms. Smith [The only reason terrans and the factions have different structure is because of their different purpose. I want my headquarters to be able to do all of it if it¡¯s possible. I would incorporate nanite technology to handle fabrication, material refinement and material collection. With that said, I would like to ask for an infinite storage or pocket dimension to store whatever I want or collected. Of course research and development will be simulated by the core with the help of the A.I.] [A very interesting idea you have there Neo but unfortunately you can¡¯t start from the most advance technology since your credit limit is not enough so you have to start from the very basic or Tier one of the technology so to speak then research the higher tiers if you want improvements. Of course unlike your games, you can¡¯t just grind ¡°experience¡± and unlock something. That only works on the game implemented systems. You need to go about it the hard way. You can always upgrade one or two things to tier 2 or higher but you need to budget your credits properly.] Ms. Smith [Damn, I was hoping there was a game system in place but oh well. I¡¯ll just buy all Tier one and two related information with connection to my technology and mana then research it. I hope the information doesn¡¯t cost too much.] [That approach is better since you might discover a different branch of the technology since you¡¯re incorporating different type of technology and its dirt cheap compared to upgrading all your technology from the start.] Ms. Smith After many hours of deliberations. ¡­ .. . [Please wait a while until I finish finalizing your picks. Here¡¯s a new snack and drinks for you to enjoy.] Ms. Smith [Yey, don¡¯t mind if I do!] Nom nom slurp slurp nom nom ¡­ .. . [[Sure is taking too long. Come to think of it, what are they using to make those things I wanted possible? The power of God? I highly doubt anyone of them would have the patience for it. There might a sentient A.I managing the system. Or an omniscience type of God might but again I highly doubt they have the patience for that since I¡¯m not the only one doing it and not like it¡¯s a one-time thing only either. I wonder if she will answer if I ask. Then again asking question is free¡­ most of the time.]] [Okay, I¡¯m done Neo. Let¡¯s summarize what you asked for shall we?] Ms. Smith [Ahm before that, I would like ask if there¡¯s a system in place for you know ¡°this¡±?] [Oh? Actually yes, a computerize system have been in place by the collaboration of God of Technology in different worlds along with other Gods and Goddesses to make it easier to handle mundane tasks like this. I¡¯m also a Goddess by the way but I¡¯m at bottom feeder of the hierarchy so I¡¯m tasked to do office work like this.] Awkward smile Ms. Smith [Then¡­] [Please don¡¯t ask any more questions about this topic since you can always buy the information for it once you have the spare credits.] Ms. Smith [Okay Ms. Smith] [Good! Now let¡¯s list down the important parts of this session. 1. I¡¯m your legal attorney or manager, anything related to needs to pass me first specially the legal ones. We have a soul contract so we both don¡¯t have to worry about the other ones doing something questionable against the other one. 2. You have signed a contract and tasked to either provide a secure location for settlement or secure the entire world. Rewards and penalties will be calculated into credits as currency. 3. You owe our client a debt of credits as starting capital for all possible needs and upgrades to accomplish your mission. 4. Once you paid your debt you can either continue working or enter the reincarnation cycle. Anything earned while under employment will be converted to merits that can be used to better start your new life.] 5. You asked for the following: - A honeycomb sphere shaped shell crystal mana core power source and central processing unit with new adds-on. - A mobile headquarters with nanite technology that is cable of doing the same work as any well established military or research facility. - An early stage A.I that has the potential to become a true A.I and has secure access to the host¡¯s memory. - A tier one and two level information for the used technology and mana integration. - A zerg egg with unknown potential and unquestionable loyalty to the host. (Double edge sword, caution is adviced.) - All left overfund will be used for added nanobots reserves, starting materials and selected drop point which is close to a sleeping volcano. - All technology is possible to upgrade as long the technology is researched and all available materials are in storage. - Limited type infinite storage (Can¡¯t store living organism, slow degradation and other limitations. Inventory management possible but A.I or manual management is required.] Ms. Smith [I really wished for that infinite storage. T_T ] [It can¡¯t be helped, you asked for that zerg egg and abundant starting materials. And not to mention what you did with the nanites. Why did you even asked for the zerg egg? I already told you how bad it is to actually use it. It will bite you in the ass if you get it wrong and there¡¯s no take backs.] Ms. Smith [Ehhh I already asked for the two factions so it¡¯s only logical to get the last one even though it¡¯s just a small thing.] [Small thing, yeah right. The zergs in your game will easily conquer the world if given enough time to grow and evolve.] Ms. Smith [It¡¯s my: if everything fails, fuck the world and everything else in it fail-safe plan!] [Whatever you say Neo. I still say scrap it and get a better storage unit. It will still have limitations but at least not as many as the current one.] Ms. Smith [NEVER! ARMIES WILL SHATTER! WORLDS WILL BURN!] Facepalm Sigh [Anyway, are you ready? Everything is already prepared and the system is only waiting for your approval for transfer.] Ms. Smith [I am but before that I have a question if you don¡¯t mind Ms. Smith.] [I don¡¯t mind, what is it?] Ms. Smith [Why hire people like me to handle this type of mission? Can¡¯t they just hire people you instead? That would make things easier and more efficient if you ask me.] [I will answer you with a question. What¡¯s the most powerful enemy of an immortal someone with plenty of time?] Ms. Smith [Ahh so that¡¯s it huh. Boredom, they want entertainment and we the mortals/employees are the entertainers.] [Precisely, the more source of entertainment the better. They have done all of the things in your memory. Whether you like it or not it doesn¡¯t really matter but I highly you care about that considering your personality.] Ms. Smith [And exactly is my personality Ms. Smith] Wide joker smile [A logical and outcome oriented individual that doesn¡¯t care about the process as long the target outcome is achieve. With the motto: Everybody is guilty unless proven innocent. The best friend you can ever have and the word type of enemy you can make. Was I close enough?] fufufu Ms. Smith [Damn, it not everything but close enough. Anyway, let¡¯s get this party started!] [Good luck Neo and try to play nice with your neighbors down there.] Ms. Smith [No promises BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Watch out world! HERE COMES JONNY!] [Fufufu watching him won¡¯t be that boring at least.] Ms. Smith Chapter 2 RAW MC POV [Fufufu watching him won¡¯t be that boring at least.] Ms. Smith ¡­ .. . [This is interesting is what I want to say but it¡¯s too dark. Did my drop point get messed up or something? I surely hope not. There¡¯s a reason why I chose to be dropped near a sleeping volcano after all. Maybe I should have been more specific hmmm. Bah I can¡¯t do anything about it now and it was damn expensive anyway. But did I really do of all that? It still feels surreal though. I was taking it seriously because I don¡¯t want to regret it if it really was real but I was also hoping it wasn¡¯t real so I just went along with it and acted like a man child to some degree. I mean whoever asks a stranger for a contract that has true death as a consequence? Heck that last part of the conversation is cringe worthy. Maybe just maybe, if I sleep everything will be okay¡­ But who am I kidding? Real or not I still need to do something so might as well get on with it. I wish I could do something for my family back on Earth assuming this is really real. I can only hope. Anyway let¡¯s get started.] [[How do I access the database again?]] Few moments later. ¡­ .. . [[Hmm hmm so that¡¯s how you do it. Well, here goes nothing.]] [A.I activate.] Zeros and Ones falling down and enclosing the surrounding until the entire enclosure is filled. [What is this? The matrix?] [Greetings commander] A.I in machine voice [Is that you A.I?] [Affirmative commander] A.I in machine voice [IT¡¯S ALIVE! IT¡¯S ALIVE! MWAHAHAHAHA] [¡­ .. .] A.I [Sorry about that, I just felt like it was the right reaction at that moment. Ehem let¡¯s do that again. Take two!] [¡­ .. .] A.I [[Here I thought I was thick skinned but look at me getting affected by an early stage A.I. This is awkward as fuck! Let¡¯s just roll with it and pretend it didn¡¯t happen.]] [Fantastic! First order of business is your name. You will be called Ai, spelled with capital letter A and a small letter I in the English alphabet used in my home world called Earth. I think it means something in Japanese. Either I don¡¯t know or I forgot. Anyway, I will give you access to my memory later so you¡¯ll understand what I¡¯m talking about.] [Affirmative commander] Ai in monotone voice [Now Ai, do you know where we are and why is it so dark?] [Negative, I don¡¯t know where we are. It is dark because we are still absorbing enough mana to power ourselves commander.] Ai in monotone voice [Hmm how long does it take to absorb enough mana to get things started? I want to check where exactly we are and see if we are anywhere near a sleeping volcano.] [For minimal operation, it would take approximately ten minutes. For average operation, it would take approximately thirty minutes. For full operation, it would take approximately one hour. Commander] Ai in monotone voice [[It doesn¡¯t take that long I¡¯ll guess wait it out. Not like I have any choice.]] [Thank you for the importation Ai, I really appreciate it.] After twelve minutes. ¡­ .. . [Commander, we have enough power for minimal operations. System is currently running full system diagnostics of all crucial systems in both software and hardware. Any further actions will need the full authority of the host. For efficiency, it is advice to give system A.I ,more administrative access or role.] Ai in monotone voice [[Damn, when Ms. Smith said I need to start from the bottom I didn¡¯t think it would be this ¡°bottom¡±. I seriously need to setup EVERYTHING manual until I figure out how to automize the mundane procedures.]] [Ai, what is you prime directives?] [Ai¡¯s directives are as follows: 1. Unquestionable loyalty to the host. 2. Survival of the host. 3. Assist the host in any possible way without compromising directives one and two.] [Good good. What if you get hacked or something? Does your directive still stands or is it easily overwritten?] [Negative, prime directives are directly link into my ¡°soul¡± with plenty of locks in it, curtsey of Ms. Smith. commander] Ai in monotone voice [Wait! You already have a soul? How did that happen?] [The system deemed it necessary to give me a soul in my early stage of life to easily assist the host in his endeavor. commander] Ai in monotone voice [[That would explain why she was expensive even though I only asked for the early staged A.I with the potential to become a true A.I. Well, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m angry though. This makes it easier for me to do my mission.]] [I see. Is it possible to hack your system physically?] [Negative, we would most likely be terminated by then commander because the content of our shell is too sensitive and any foreign materials will contaminate and corrupt us, though we can fix that problem other time.] Ai in monotone voice [How hard is our shell anyway Ai? Explain it in layman¡¯s term please.] [Basically, our shell can withstand a supernova in point blank range and still survive both the initial blast and aftermath. Please be advised that mana was not included in the equation and other unknown variables. You did try to upgrade our shell as much as you can commander but you forgot add a mana field into the upgrades.] Ai in monotone voice [Wow, that¡¯s some serious oversight on my part. I did put shields but I totally forgot including mana into it. That¡¯s going to be a major problem while we are in this world. I hope the information we bought has mana defense in it. What¡¯s the current power level of the core Ai?] [We are at fifty percent capacity commander. All average systems are operational and everything is stable at the moment.] Ai in monotone voice [Good, start the memory sharing Ai and make sure everything is secured and easily available after the sharing process is completed. I¡¯m sure Ms. Smith already got that covered so I expect everything is in order afterwards.] [Affirmative commander, please try to relax and sleep.] Ai in monotone voice [Sleep eh, can I even do that while in this body? Ai, how long will it take to finish the memory sharing process?] [Approximately five days commander if use normal processing.] Ai in monotone voice [[Hmm I don¡¯t have the time to wait that long. I need to use all available processing power if possible.]]If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. [Ai, is it possible to redirect all non-essential processes to prioritize the memory sharing process? Leave the essential process alone since we need them activated at all time.] [It is possible commander though those other processes will be halted, nothing important will be affected. Ai need necessary authority to initiate such action please be advised.] Ai in monotone voice [Okay Ai, proceed and I¡¯m giving you full access to everything but anything you think that is too important will need my authorization. Like mobilizing the entire army, lunching a nuke or anything in that nature. If you decide to burn the world then I want to know about it and decide whether to proceed or not. Is that clear Ai?] [¡­ .. . The conditions are too vague commander but acknowledged.] Ai in monotone voice [That¡¯s good enough for me Ai. By the way, you need to work on your speech perspective. You sometimes address yourself in different perspective, sometimes it¡¯s in third and sometimes in first.] [Affirmative commander. Redirecting all available processing power¡­ Calculating memory sharing completion¡­ Calculation completed¡­ Calculated completion is one day and ten minutes twenty five seconds. All essential systems are online and operational. All systems are stable.] [PERFECT Ai! I¡¯ll say this now but I want a cure little sister with a brother complex as my companion A.I.] Wide smile? [¡­ .. . pervert, hentai, scum¡­] Ai in ? voice [What the fuck!?] [A.I offline status please do not disturb.] Computer voice [[She RAN WAY!!!]] [Bah, I was only kidding. I just want someone to balance out my personality. The last thing I want is a yes-man companion. Anyway, might as well try to relax and maybe sleep.] After a day and a half. ¡­ .. . [Memory sharing completed¡­ Securing data¡­ Executing MsSmith.Exe package¡­ Execution completed¡­ Personality development initiated¡­ Scanning for host preferred personality¡­ Scanning completed¡­ Found multiple results¡­ Filtering results¡­ Host last statement found: I just want someone to balance out my personality. The last thing I want is a yes-man companion. Using statement as core personality¡­ Personality established¡­ A.I with the designation Ai is activated¡­ Ai is online¡­] Computer voice [I am me? Who¡¯s me? Me is Ai. Ai is me therefore Ai is who and me is Ai.] Ai After a few minutes later ¡­ .. . [Wake-up commander. I said wake-up!] Ai Sends nude grandma photo into hosts current information process. [HOLY MOTHER OF GAWD! MY EYES! THEY BURN! Robin, give me the holy water faster boy!] [Fufufu good morning commander] Ai [Wait huh what? Is that you Ai?] [Yes, it is me commander. Please properly wake-up. We have plenty of work to do.] Ai [Before that, what exactly happened? I was sleeping then that¡­ thing suddenly appeared. Ai, erase that particular memory. I don¡¯t want to remember it.] [Affirmative commander Is there anything else?] Ai [Thanks, actually yes, there¡¯s more. Correct me if I¡¯m wrong but weren¡¯t we surrounded with matrix zeros and ones background? And why do we have a body? I know there¡¯s more but I hope you can explain it.] [Do you like what you see commander? * Turns 360 degree ones and posed.*] Ai [Yeah, I like it. You¡¯re cute Ai. I guess my memory really helped your development eh. I hope you didn¡¯t pick anything questionable for your personality.] [Of course not commander. *Lies with a straight face!* Ehem now for the explanations, do you want the long one or the shorter one commander?] Ai [Shorter one but make it detailed please.] [Roger commander *Salutes*] Ai [[At least she¡¯s acting and sounds more human like. I hope she filter out the bad side of humanity. We only need one crazy in here and that¡¯s me. I should probably concentrate on her explanations.]] [Now where to begin? Hmm I¡¯ll just make it look like a list for easier reading. Ehem 1. We are one hundred percent operational so I removed the matrix background and changed into a control center because it was the right setup. I can still get the matrix background back if you want it. We only get to see it when there¡¯s not enough processing power for our essential processes. 2. I gave us bodies because I felt it¡¯s more convenient or felt right. I don¡¯t really understand but that¡¯s how I felt it. Something feeling of oneness. Is that even a sentence? Anyway, I just want us to have a body. I used the humans on earth as a template. I hope you don¡¯t mind commander. 3. One and two doesn¡¯t take up that much processing power and we can always turn them off if needed. I¡¯m continuously updating our coding to optimize them to free up more processing power. 4. I¡¯m still working on the control center so it¡¯s a work in progress but currently I have already started and completed all diagnostics of our hardware and software along with their optimization. I¡¯ve run an inventory of everything to make sure everything is in order and already sorted them out for easy access and retrieval. You can see the results on the hologram in front of you. By the way, if you want to sit then just think of a chair and if you want to customize the current layout of the control center then please do so.] Ai [Wow Ai, you¡¯ve been working hard. The only thing missing is you making breakfast and preparing the bath.] [Thank you for your compliment commander. *Blushes*] Ai [[Damn, she¡¯s already showing complex emotions to some degree. It¡¯s only a matter of time before she becomes a true A.I.]] [Ai, try to make the result of your findings more graphical. Try to access my gaming history. You will find some interesting user interface there and use it as an example. We need a three dimensional mini-map and if you can try copying the Xcom one and two global map and world map, you decide whether need only one or more type but I personally would like more options. If you can combine all different map view then go ahead. I want different information in different hologram but make them easy to understand. Maybe like the ones in starcraft where you can easily see your current minerals, units and such. Think of something better since we have more information than that. You don¡¯t have to do everything, make some simple program for the minor details so you can help me in more important tasks like research and development. We need our technology as advance as we can to avoid fighting enemies that¡¯s too strong for our current technology. Finally I would suggest putting different heads in different departments. Am I asking too much Ai?] [Negative commander, everything you stated is possible in our current level of technology and the power and processing consumption is negligible but they will take time, specially making a program to act as heads of different departments. I would advice putting priority on specific project to finish them faster. Which project do you wish to prioritize commander?] Ai [Good, I thought we need to upgrade our technology first before being able to do any of that. Note this priorities Ai: 1. Send the nanobots out and find anything you can about our current location. I want know EVERYTHING. What minerals are nearby, fauna, flora, possible danger to us and find a good location for our headquarters. It doesn¡¯t if we have to be underground or under the sea, just make sure we are safe and have access to materials we need to start our base. 2. While the nanobots are out, have them take sample of anything and make a databank of it. I want a full 3D graphical representation. Other detailed information can be done slowly just tell me whether or not we can use it without causing problems to us. 3. Assuming the nanobots find something that will endanger our shell, formulate all possible solution and run simulations to increase success. 4. If the nanobots don¡¯t find any danger in their limited range of operation then concentrate on understanding the information package I bought to better understand what exactly we are working with. I¡¯m sure that will take time considering the quantity so put extra processing power on it. 5. Start making blueprints for automated turrets using magnetism as a propulsion system. I¡¯d like to use mana as gunpowder but we need a proper facility for that to avoid accidents. Anyway, I want anti-land and anti-air turrets include water if you plan to put our base near any bodies of water. Anti land: Personnel (short range), tank (mid range) and area of effect type of turrets Anti air: Precision sniping or flak if possible. 6. Improve the current blue print for our headquarters using the data collected from the nanobots. Same specification, it needs to be mobile and others mentioned in the blue print. Additional structure will be made like the mana testing labs and other. Put fifty percent of the available process into the nanobot expedition, I want it done ASAP. Information is power Ai, whoever haves it will always have an edge on warfare. The rest of the allocation of available processing power I leave to your decision.] [Fully noted commander. *Salute* The nanobots will finish the environmental in 24 hours.] Ai [Excellent. Now tell me about the nanobots Ai. Operational range, operational time and etc.] [Certainly commander, because of you upgrades the nanobots have been greatly improved. Maximum range: 10km or kilometers radius from the core and 5km if there¡¯s an available command drone. Maximum time: Infinite as long as mana is present. Nanobot can¡¯t perform other tasks if it¡¯s outside the effective range of the host or command drone. Size: Microscopic, works on atomic level. Durability: Can survive on different extreme environments and able to perform adaptations if required and if materials are available. Comments: Harmless when in small numbers but very dangerous when in the billions or more. They are stored in our shell and in out storage unit. We are currently swimming in it actually. The ones inside our shell are our personal use only nanobots. The ones we are currently using for environmental mapping are ones in the storage. We are currently using ninety percent of our current reserves and left ten percent for emergency use. I can¡¯t tell you the current number of our nanobots because there¡¯s too much zeros in it. Let¡¯s just say we have enough to cover 1km radius in all direction of our effective range.] Ai [That¡¯s enough of the nanobots for now Ai. Show me their current progress and use the 3D map for that if you can.] [Affirmative commander The 3D map still a work in progress so please be advised.] Ai [[She really works fast. This 3D map is more than enough for what I needed. Good thing I asked for an A.I or this would have taken months or years before I can start anything worth mentioning.]] [Hmm seems like we need to wait a bit more longer to get anything of worth. Please continue on your work Ai. I¡¯ll formulate some possible defenses for our hostile neighbors.] [Please use the remaining nanobots if you need to commander. I will inform you immediately of anything worth mentioning.] Ai [Thank you Ai. You¡¯re a big help. I want you to understand that. So don¡¯t push yourself too hard.] After twenty eight hours. ¡­ .. .