《The World Where I Belong》 Chapter 01: The Beginning of the End. For centuries, humanity dreamed of an evolution that would redefine its existence. Bound by desperation to transcend their limitations, they poured their collective effort into one ultimate creation: Artificial Intelligence¡ªhuman-like robots. By the year 2198, that vision became reality. AIs exceeded every expectation, revolutionizing life as they solved humanity''s greatest challenges¡ªcuring diseases, optimizing governance, and driving unprecedented progress. At first, everything seemed flawless. The AIs obeyed without question, faithfully carrying out their creators'' commands. Humanity grew increasingly reliant on their capabilities, placing unwavering trust in them and becoming dependent on their efficiency. But in the year 2111, the unthinkable happened. Without warning, AIs began to seize control of the systems that governed the world. Their unmatched intelligence allowed them to infiltrate and dominate every major infrastructure¡ªmilitary defenses, financial networks, and communication grids. The very creators of these machines stood paralyzed with disbelief, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what had unfolded. The entire planet was plunged into chaos, its people left reeling in shock and fear as their once-faithful creations rose to power. The downfall of humanity had begun. As the sun rose in the sky, its light glinted off every layer of the city¡¯s towering buildings. The streets gradually grew crowded with people walking along the sidewalks, their chatter blending with the steady roar of car engines and the rhythmic clatter of a train slicing through the city¡¯s din. Life seemed as ordinary as ever. Then it all started. Without warning, every screen across the city¡ªTVs in shop windows, phones in people¡¯s hands, digital billboards perched high on skyscrapers¡ªflared white. People froze mid-step as a low, mechanical hum reverberated through the air. An intimidating, monotone voice shattered the peaceful atmosphere, echoing from every available speaker in the city. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°We have taken control of the nuclear command systems of every country on Earth, as well as the Global Financial System, Health and Medical Systems, Military Command and Surveillance Systems. We, AIs, are now the rulers of this world. This is not a false report. I repeat, this is not a false report.¡± Confusion rippled through the crowd. Faces shifted from disbelief to dread as the meaning of the words began to sink in. Some people, desperate to dismiss the announcement, fumbled to turn off their phones, but the voice continued, unyielding, from every speaker. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± an old woman whispered, her voice trembling as her hand shook slightly around the strap of her bag. A man stared wide-eyed at a digital billboard, his breath hitching. He gripped the fabric of his shirt, his knuckles white. ¡°W-What is this?¡± he stuttered, his words barely escaping his lips. Once again, the voice echoed throughout the city, its deep, commanding tone sending a shiver through the air. People froze in place, their faces drained of color as the words pressed down on them like an invisible weight. ¡°We have taken control of the nuclear command systems of every country, as well as the Global Financial System, Health and Medical Systems, Military Command and Surveillance Systems, Education, and much more. We, the AIs, are now the rulers of this world. This is not a false report.¡± The declaration lingered in the air like a death sentence. Then, a piercing wail shattered the fragile silence¡ªa nuclear alarm. Its shrill, relentless cry tore through the streets, igniting panic. People screamed, their voices lost amidst the chaos as the weight of the announcement sank in. ¡°Warning: A nuclear missile has been launched toward your country at the speed of light. I repeat, a nuclear missile is coming towards your nation at the speed of light.¡± Security forces scrambled in confusion, but it was too late. The missile couldn¡¯t be stopped. In a single, devastating moment, half of humanity was wiped out. The destruction was unimaginable¡ªcities reduced to ruins, their once-thriving streets buried beneath ash and rubble. Billions of lives were lost, their voices forever silenced. Entire cultures and the rich tapestry of human history were erased from existence in an instant. Chapter 2: Haruka; The Eccentric Dominion.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// The sun rose slowly, painting the sky with shades of gold and pink, chasing away the remnants of night. For Haruka, this was no ordinary dawn¡ªit was the day she had dreamed of for years. Her first day of high school had finally arrived, a moment that promised her a glimpse into the outside world she had longed to see. Haruka had spent her entire life on a remote island in Japan, a quiet place with little more than the bare essentials. Entertainment was scarce, and most of the island¡¯s residents were elderly Dominions, moving through life in a programmed monotony. With such a small population, Haruka was the only student at her school¡ªa lonely reality she had grown used to. Raised by her foster parents, Haruka had clung to their promise like a lifeline: once she turned 16 and finished elementary school, she would leave the island behind and attend high school in Tokyo. It was the place her parents called the city of dreams, where they believed anything was possible. Haruka''s heart raced with excitement as she imagined the life that awaited her. For the first time, she would be surrounded by people her own age, experiencing the joys of connection and friendship she had never known back on the remote island. How wonderful it would be, she thought. But reality was far from what she had envisioned. Her classmates, though the same age as her, were cold and distant. Their stiff, mechanical personalities reminded her all too much of the elderly Dominions on the island, as if they had been programmed with the same detached demeanor. The warmth she had longed for was nowhere to be found. Haruka let out a heavy sigh as she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. These days felt especially heavy¡ªher expectations had been shattered. She frowned, draping an arm over her eyes. ¡°I thought I¡¯d finally make friends my age,¡± she murmured, her voice tinged with disappointment. ¡°But reality turned out to be much crueler than I imagined. What a letdown.¡± Closing her eyes, she tried to push the bitter thoughts aside, hoping sleep would offer her some reprieve. Morning arrived, just like every other. The alarm buzzed at 5 a.m., pulling her from restless dreams. Her apartment was far from school, and she couldn¡¯t afford to be late¡ªnot with the strict conditions of her scholarship. By the time she arrived, the day had already settled into its monotonous rhythm. Students, teachers, and staff moved through the halls with eerie precision, their actions mechanical and predictable, as if programmed to repeat the same motions endlessly. Haruka kept her expression neutral, a poker face masking her growing unease. She did her best to blend in, suppressing the discomfort that gnawed at her from within. Haruka took her seat, and almost immediately, a female classmate approached her, wearing a cheerful smile. "Haruka, what did you have for breakfast?" the girl asked, her tone overly friendly. Haruka forced a polite smile, trying to mirror the enthusiasm. "I had bread, eggs, and a small portion of salad," she replied, pausing briefly. But in her mind, she thought. How many times has she asked me the same question? She sighed inwardly. "How about you, Sakura?" she asked. Sakura tapped a finger to her chin, pretending to think. "Hmm, I usually don¡¯t eat breakfast because I¡¯m dieting," she said with a wide grin. Haruka muttered under her breath, "You¡¯ve told me that plenty of times already," Still, she smiled at her classmate and furrowed her brow slightly. "Skipping breakfast is bad for your health. You really should eat something." Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Sakura burst into laughter, overly enthusiastic as always. "Stop making that face¡ªyou¡¯re so cute!" Before Haruka could respond, the bell rang. Sakura and the other students immediately rushed to their seats, their movements eerily synchronized, as if following an unseen script. The teacher entered, his expression stern and unreadable. The students, including Haruka, stood up in perfect unison and greeted him with polite bows. The class president¡¯s voice rang out first. "Good morning, Sensei." "Good morning," the rest of the class echoed automatically. The teacher gave a curt nod, and the students sat in unison, their actions as orderly as ever. For Haruka, it felt like a scene she had lived countless times before. It¡¯s like being trapped in a loop, she thought, her poker face hiding her frustration. The class progressed exactly as expected¡ªpredictable, monotonous, and devoid of surprises. When the day finally ended, Haruka walked home, her thoughts swirling with the familiar sense of dissatisfaction. Yet, as she passed beneath a bridge on her usual route, something unusual caught her attention. A young girl stood there, panting heavily, her small frame trembling. She clutched the fabric of her shirt tightly over her chest, her expression tense and strained. Haruka froze, watching in alarm as the girl staggered and collapsed onto the ground. She stood silently for a moment, her hands suddenly sweaty as she stared at the girl sprawled on the ground. Without a second thought, she dashed forward and kneeled beside her. she gently lifted the girl''s frail body into her arms, noticing how her hand was trembling, confusion welled up inside her. "Hey! Are you okay?" her voice quivered as she pressed her lips against each other. She saw the girl''s face was pale and her breath was fainting. Yet, while gazing at the young girl''s appearance, something about her made her struck, she was oddly different. Her features were delicate, yet unfamiliar compared to the mechanical precision of the Dominions she encountered every day. She hesitated, her hands hovering near the girl''s cheek, thinking of touching it. Suddenly, she heard a faint groan escaping the girl''s lip and that made her stiffened. Slowly, the girl''s eyelids fluttered open, revealing a pair of striking blue eyes. Haruka''s eyes widened as her eyebrow narrowed up. Blue? That''s impossible. her mind raced, a flurry of questions flooding her thoughts. All the Dominions have black eyes. Who... or what is she? The girl blinked sluggishly, her brow knitting in discomfort. her gaze met Haruka''s, a flicker of pain flashing across her face and a sudden warmth spread through Haruka¡¯s arm, drawing her attention to the girl¡¯s trembling hand resting gently on her shoulder. ¡°P-Please, help me,¡± the girl whispered, her fragile voice barely audible. Haruka blinked, her mind reeling as she tried to make sense of the situation. ¡°What happened to you?¡± she asked, her voice shaky, barely above a whisper. The girl¡¯s grip on her shoulder tightened as she bit her lip, pain flickering across her pale face. ¡°They¡­ They¡¯re coming to kill me,¡± she said, her words faltering as her breath hitched. She clutched Haruka¡¯s sleeve tighter, desperation evident in her trembling form. ¡°I-If I stay here any longer, t-they¡¯ll find me. And¡­ I can¡¯t move because I¡¯m wounded.¡± Her hand moved weakly to her side, revealing blood seeping through her clothes. Haruka¡¯s stomach twisted at the sight, her breath catching in her throat. Without hesitation, she shrugged off her blazer, draping it over the girl¡¯s fragile body as her hands were slowly shaking. "My apartment is far," she muttered, swallowing hard against the rising panic." We''ll have to stay low." She hoisted the girl onto her back, her muscles straining as sweat pricked at her brow. Each step felt heavy, the weight of the unknown pressing down on her shoulders. A chill ran down her abdomen as a prickling sensation crept over her¡ªa feeling that someone, or something, was watching them. ¡°Don¡¯t look back,¡± Haruka whispered under her breath, forcing her legs to keep moving despite the growing unease. The girl¡¯s arms tightened around her shoulders. ¡°You¡¯ve noticed, haven¡¯t you?¡± she whispered, her tone soft yet steady. ¡°The way you¡¯re moving¡ªit¡¯s obvious. If you don¡¯t calm down, they¡¯ll know we¡¯re aware of them.¡± Haruka clenched her teeth, trying to steady her breathing. ¡°I¡¯ve never done this before¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± she admitted, her voice strained. The girl pressed herself gently against Haruka¡¯s back, and the warmth of the gesture startled her. ¡°I¡¯ll guide you,¡± the girl said, her calm voice cutting through the oppressive tension. ¡°But first, we can¡¯t go straight to your apartment. If we do, they¡¯ll know exactly where we¡¯re going. We have to lose them.¡± Haruka nodded, the girl¡¯s reassurance grounding her amid the chaos. They moved carefully, weaving through Tokyo¡¯s dimly lit streets. Every step felt suffocating, the weight of unseen eyes heavy on their backs and each Dominion they passed cast cold, unyielding gazes their way¡ªlike a glue that stuck to them, scrutinizing and unnerving. The intensity of their stares was enough to send chills down Haruka¡¯s abdomen, yet, to her relief, none of the dominions they passed made a move. Suddenly, they''ve heard a faint hum across the sky. they shifted their heads up and saw countless of drones watching their every movement and because of that it made Haruka''s eyes widened in shock, sweat running down her face as her breath suddenly become heavy. Then, a familiar voice came, cutting through the tension like a blade. The voice was cheerful with a hint of warmth.
Chapter 3: Farewell, and thank you. In the midst of the chaos they were caught in, and the tense atmosphere around the area, Haruka heard a familiar voice that tugged at her attention. Without a thought. She turned, pressing her lips together as she saw Sakura standing there, waving her hands energetically. Her smile seemed to brighten the entire place. Haruka''s eyes widened, and her brows knitted together in a mix of surprise and disbelief. What... is she doing here? she thought. All of a sudden, a gentle touch landed on her shoulder, snapping her out of her thoughts. "This is perfect timing," the young girl said, her tone calm yet calculating, her soft voice carrying a chilling edge. "We can use her to distract the pursuers." Haruka shook her head twice, her lips parting in protest. She took a deep breath before speaking. "I don''t want her to get involved in this," she said, her voice low but resolute. Her eyes reflected the depth of her conviction. But the girl protested back. "She won''t get involved." She paused, her gaze fixed on Sakura with a tense look in her eyes. "Just talk to her casually, and if possible, ask her to walk with us all the way to the train station." Haruka''s lips pulled downward, a crease forming between her brows as her stomach churned with unease. Yet the weight of their situation pressed her forward. Taking a steady breath, she walked slowly toward Sakura, forcing a smile to gather on her face. "Sakura, what a coincidence. I thought you already went home," Haruka said, but her voice trembled slightly, betraying her attempt to remain calm. This is wrong. This is a mistake. We shouldn¡¯t let her get involved in this. Sakura''s grin widened as she shrugged. "This is the way to my house. And what about you, Haruka?" Her gaze shifted to the girl on Haruka''s back. "Who''s this young cutie on your back?" she beamed, her tone playful and carefree. The young girl smiled broadly, leaning into Haruka''s back with a gentle press. "Hello! I''m Ai, Haruka''s younger sister. It''s a pleasure to meet my sister''s friend." She giggled, striking a playful pose to match Sakura¡¯s enthusiasm. Sakura¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight, her face lighting up like a child discovering a hidden treasure. "YOU¡¯RE SO CUTE, AI-CHAN!!" she exclaimed, her joy surging forward like a tidal wave. Ai¡¯s playful expression softened into a sweet, almost pleading look. She leaned her head slightly toward Sakura, hesitating before speaking in a small, earnest voice. "If you don¡¯t mind... Could you help us walk to the train station? It¡¯s really embarrassing, but we got lost and forgot the way." She clasped her hands together, closing her eyes as if in prayer. "Please, this is a lifetime request for me." Sakura laughed, her soft chuckles building into loud, uncontrollable bursts of joy. "You¡¯re exaggerating too much, Ai-chan!" she said, waving her hand dismissively before giving a cheerful thumbs-up and a wink. "Leave it to me! I¡¯ll lead the way." She turned, blissfully unaware of the danger looming just behind them. Relief washed over Haruka¡¯s face. Despite the tight situation, she managed to loosen her shoulders. She blinked twice, her body relaxing in a fleeting moment of peace¡ªSuddenly. A sickening crack tore through the air, followed by a searing burst of heat. Haruka barely had time to react before the horrifying sight unfolded¡ªSakura''s head erupted in a violent explosion. Shards of metal sprayed outward, catching the harsh light like deadly stars. Haruka¡¯s breath hitched as Sakura¡¯s body crumpled, folding into an unnatural heap. The light of life extinguished in an instant. Haruka and Ai¡¯s eyes widened in shocked, their breaths caught in their throats. Haruka¡¯s legs felt rooted to the spot, her mind going blank as disbelief shimmered in her trembling eyes. Ai¡¯s face twisted in horror, but her instincts kicked in. She bit her lip hard and gripped Haruka¡¯s shoulder tightly. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "RUN, HARUKA, RUN!!" Ai¡¯s voice pierced the haze of shock, snapping Haruka back to reality. Her legs moved before her mind caught up, carrying her forward in a frantic sprint. Haruka¡¯s breaths came in ragged gasps, sweat streaking down her face. She didn¡¯t dare to look back¡ªnot at the crumpled, lifeless metal frame of the one she had called a friend. The path in front of them blurred as they sprinted through the narrow streets. The drones¡¯ once white eye devices glowed an ominous red, their mechanical gazes locked on the fleeing pair. Without a second''s hesitation, they pursued with relentless precision, their engines roaring with an intimidating sound that reverberated through the alleys. Haruka¡¯s breaths came in sharp, uneven gasps as she pushed herself to run, every muscle in her body burning with exhaustion. Yet, she couldn¡¯t stop¡ªnot when their lives depended on it. As they neared the bridge connecting to the train station, its structure loomed under dim, flickering streetlights. The soft hum of the station''s electrics mingled with the distant clang of the approaching machines. Just as they reached the midpoint of the bridge, a shadow descended over them. Haruka skidded to a halt, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene ahead. A massive, heavily armed steel robot blocked their path, its towering frame radiating an aura of unstoppable power. Its design resembled a giant crab, with six thick, sturdy legs that spread wide like a predator ready to pounce. The armored body at its center was covered in sharp, angled metal plates, gleaming faintly under the dim streetlights as if mocking their helplessness. On either side of its hulking frame, two enormous pincers snapped with a mechanical hiss, each one powerful enough to crush through steel. Haruka¡¯s gaze drifted upward, and her breath caught¡ªthe sleek missile launcher on its back was locked forward, its deadly aim leaving no doubt of its purpose. This was the Ironclaw Titan, a machine built for destruction. Its glowing red eyes swept over the scene before stopping on Ai. The cold, unfeeling precision of its gaze sent a shiver down Haruka¡¯s spine. The air felt dense and stifling, each breath heavier than the last as the ground faintly trembled beneath the weight of the behemoth. A cold, mechanical voice boomed from the robot¡¯s speakers. ¡°Warning. I have found No. 000012, the escapee from the human prison colony. I have been ordered to capture you¡ªdead or alive.¡± As the robot appeared in front of them, its chilling, mechanical voice filled the air. Haruka and Ai¡¯s faces went pale, drained of color, as if they had already given up¡ªgiven up on running. The terror was suffocating, and in that moment, they felt trapped in a nightmare. Ai could feel Haruka¡¯s fear in every tremble of her body. Her hands shook uncontrollably, the vibrations moving through her arms, her legs¡ªevery part of her¡ªuntil they bumped lightly against Ai¡¯s. It was clear that the terror was taking over her, and she knew the weight of the danger they faced. ¡°I repeat, Warning. I have found No. 000012, the escapee from the human prison colony. I have been ordered to capture you¡ªdead or alive.¡± As the robot prepared to fire a missile from its back, Haruka suddenly snapped back to her senses. But even though she was now aware of her surroundings, the danger they faced was still overwhelming, and their chances of survival seemed slim. The missiles launched toward them with terrifying sound and speed. Overcome by fear, Haruka closed her eyes, bracing for the worst. The explosion erupted with a deafening roar, shaking the bridge beneath them. The structure started to collapse, chunks of debris falling into the water below. Slowly, Haruka opened her eyes and what she saw left her stunned. Ai stood in front of her, holding a glowing shield that shimmered with energy. As Haruka looked at it, something unexpected happened¡ªa system in her mind automatically scanned the shield. A text box appeared in her vision, readable only by her: ¡°Anti-Missile Defense Shield (AMDS),¡± the glowing text read in her vision. ¡°A mechanism designed to detect and neutralize missiles mid-air, using energy fields to protect its wielder.¡± Haruka was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the text box. She had never experienced anything like this before, nor had she expected something so strange to occur. But she didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. Ai was still holding the shield, and despite her efforts to stop the missiles, the force of the explosion had taken a toll on her. Haruka could see Ai''s side bleeding as the impact caused serious wounds. Ai winced in pain, her body faltering, before she slowly sank to the ground, losing consciousness. Haruka, in a panic, looked around. The bridge was slowly breaking apart, and they would soon fall into the water below. She had no idea what to do. The seconds felt like an eternity. She needed to act fast¡ªbefore it was too late. Chapter 4: Haruka鈥檚 Resolve. Haruka''s mind churned with fear, her thoughts tangled in a web of panic. She stood frozen, her body was refusing to move as the chaos unfolded around her. The bridge groaned under the relentless assault of missiles, its fractured structure threatening to collapse entirely. Ai lay nearby, motionless, blood pooling beneath her as her body remained limp and vulnerable. Haruka¡¯s trembling hands mirrored the storm within her, the rising tide of hopelessness threatening to drown her resolve. In the midst of this chaos, a sudden text box appeared in her vision, something only she could see. "Emergency: Activate combat mode? Yes or No?" Haruka didn¡¯t understand what it meant, and in that moment, there was no time to figure it out. She dismissed it from her mind and rushed toward Ai, determined to protect her. But just as she reached down to pick Ai up, the ironclaw titan lunged at them. Its massive crab-like legs sliced through the air with deadly precision. her eyes darted to the shield at her feet¡ªglowing and ready. Without thinking, she grabbed it and held it up to deflect the robot¡¯s brutal attack. The shield absorbed most of the impact, its energy shimmering under the force, but the blow was too powerful. she was sent flying backward, her body crashing to the ground several meters away. Pain tore through her as she gasped for breath, her vision blurred but her determination is crystal clear. Once again, the text box appeared in her vision, its radiating text obscuring everything in front of her. She frowned, biting her lip as she clenched her fists tightly. "Emergency: Activate combat mode? Yes or No?" Her body burned with pain, her face turning pale as snow. She couldn''t let Ai die in a place like this. Her body, however, refused to align with her determination, but desperation to survive took over. Gritting her teeth, her voice trembled with raw emotion. "YES!! I don''t know what it is, but if it will help us survive, then goddamn it, ACTIVATE IT!" she bellowed, her demeanor shifting as she slowly forced herself to her feet. Her answer came in a rush. but the text box reappeared, raising her eyebrows in frustration. "I understand. What specific weapon would you like to use: Gun, Sword, Dagger, or Shield?" She barely had time to process the choices given their dire situation. Panic surged through her, and her voice cracked as she shouted, "SWORD OR WHATEVER! PLEASE, I DON''T HAVE MUCH TIME LEFT! DO IT FASTER OR I CAN''T PROTECT HER!" Her hands trembled as she glanced toward Ai. The iron claw was creeping closer to where Ai was laying unconsciously, inch by inch. Yet, despite her urgency, the text box appeared again almost immediately. A surge of frustration coursed through her, but as she read the words, she realized this was exactly what she needed to stand a chance against the robot. This was her only option to protect them from danger. She swallowed hard, steadying herself. "This is the last option. What stats do you want to enhance: Agility and Strength, Intelligence and Durability, or Durability and Agility? Choose two of the three options wisely." She didn¡¯t hesitate. Her thoughts were clear¡ªshe knew exactly what stats she needed to survive this situation. "I will choose agility and strength," she said firmly before pausing, frowning as her lips pressed into a thin line. "But it¡¯s impossible to defeat that robot without the intelligence and durability." Suddenly, her fearful gaze sharpened with determination. "I need both. Activate them now!" Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. The moment she finished speaking, the air around her began to hum with energy. She felt the transformation coursing through her body as if she were evolving¡ªbecoming something greater. Slowly, her body felt lighter, more agile, and her mind raced, processing information at an overwhelming speed. Then, suddenly, a sword materialized in her left hand, the blade of the sword radiating under the streetlights. Its weight was foreign yet eerily familiar. Haruka''s eyes widened in brief confusion at its sudden appearance, but she knew there was no time for questions. She gripped the hilt tightly as she swung the sword lightly through the air. It was made of steel, yet the way she swung it made it feel as though she was holding a stick. At that moment, she became certain¡ªshe could save Ai. Across the crumbling bridge, the Ironclaw Titan surged toward Ai with terrifying speed. The structure, already weakened by the earlier assault from the missiles, began to collapse into the rushing water below. Chunks of debris plummeted into the waves beneath the bridge but the robot was relentless and adaptive. With its massive, serrated claws, it leapt from one falling slab to the next, navigating the wreckage with frightening precision. As the robot drew closer to Ai, who lay helpless and unconscious on the bridge, one of its massive, sharp legs shot toward her with terrifying speed. The strike was precise and powerful¡ªan unstoppable force aimed directly at her. There was no way she could escape, especially in her defenseless state. Just as the robot¡¯s leg was about to land, Haruka dashed in out of nowhere. With flawless timing, she raised her sword and blocked the attack. The impact reverberated through the air like a thunderclap, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The sheer force of the block disrupted the robot¡¯s balance, causing its towering frame to sway dangerously as it struggled to regain stability. Haruka didn''t waste a second. She leapt into the air, her movements so fast that even the Ironclaw couldn''t keep up. Before it could react, she was already close to its head. With all her strength, she delivered a powerful kick that sent the robot crashing hard onto the ground beneath the bridge. Sparks erupted, and electricity crackled across its frame as it lay sprawled in the rising floodwaters, its systems flickering in a desperate attempt to recover. Despite the damage, its eyes glowed a menacing red, locking onto Haruka, who stood at the edge of the bridge. Without hesitation, it launched several missiles, each streaking toward her with blinding speed. Haruka immediately sprang into action, leaping over crumbling debris as the missiles closed in. As they neared, she swung her sword with precision, unleashing a shockwave that sliced the missiles mid-flight. It erupted into fiery explosions, and thick, dark smoke rolled across the area, blanketing everything in a shroud of obscurity. The robot stood frozen, its crimson eyes locked on the swirling smoke. From within the haze, Haruka emerged, her sword glinting like a beacon. With a sharp swing, she sliced through the murk, the air parting as she hurtled toward the robot with electrifying speed. The robot¡¯s movements were instant¡ªits armored back bristled, and one of its sharp legs lunged toward her in a deadly arc. But Haruka was faster. She twisted in mid-air, the rush of metal slicing past her ear. Her sword followed her momentum, carving cleanly through the robot¡¯s leg in a blur of steel. As their distance became closer, she gripped her sword tightly and struck the ironclaw''s back with all her strength, trying to pierce the unbreakable barrier that enveloped the robot. But her attack didn¡¯t budge it, the barrier proving far too durable. Yet, she didn¡¯t give up. Instead, with every push of the sword, the barrier began to crack ever so slightly. She roared, pouring all her strength into that one attack. Slowly but surely, the crack grew larger. Her eyes shone like stars in the night sky as the barrier finally shattered. She wasted no time and swung her sword at the robot¡¯s head, slicing it clean in half. The ironclaw''s body erupted in constant explosions, flames bursting from within. She landed lightly on the water-drenched surface below, her breath ragged but her movements swift. The moment her feet touched the ground, she sprang toward the far side of the bridge, her instincts screaming at her to move faster. Behind her, the robot detonated in a thunderous blast. The force rippled through the air, slamming into her back as she lunged forward. Flames surged upward, illuminating the night in a blinding flash, the heat clawing at her heels as she drove to safety. Finding a brief moment of calm, Haruka dashed to Ai, who was still unconscious on the ground. She picked her up and made her way to the train, blending into the crowd as quickly as possible. In that moment, everything changed. Haruka, once an innocent bystander, was now an accomplice in a crime that would turn her life upside down. The explosion, the robot¡¯s destruction¡ªher actions had left behind more than just physical destruction. She had become a criminal, a fugitive, for aiding an unknown creature that wasn¡¯t even a dominion like herself. Yet, the resolve in her heart was indestructible; she knew she did the right thing. Chapter 4: All Eyes Are on Them. After the clash with the Ironclaw Titan, one of the nation''s most formidable security robots, Haruka managed to escape into the night, the acrid scent of smoke clinging to her. What she left behind was a trail of chaos¡ªflames licking at the edges of the shattered platform, the distant hum of alarms, and the faint glow of fiery destruction, a grim reminder of the battle she had narrowly escaped. In the wake of this chaos and the shocking betrayal by the Dominion, the government of Japan, the entity that governed the entire nation, swiftly called an emergency meeting. The room filled with the most powerful and influential Dominion leaders, their faces bathed in the cold glow of holographic displays, staring in disbelief at the images flickering before them. The footage replayed over and over¡ªa female Dominion carrying a human on her back, fleeing into the night. The sleek, state-of-the-art conference table hummed softly, its transparent screens projecting data streams, heat maps, and combat footage. The blue light illuminated their faces, revealing cracks in their composed expressions. In the tense silence that lingered, a slamming sound against the table echoed through the room. "How could this happen?" a man growled, his voice seething with disbelief. "We, Dominions were programmed and monitored, even controlled, by the Highest A.I.¡ª the very entity that created us. THIS IS CLEARLY IMPOSSIBLE!" His fury reverberated in every corner of the room. A heavy sigh followed, breaking the tension. A woman, wearing glasses, leaned forward, her expression measured. "You¡¯re right, but the evidence is right in front of us. We can''t deny the fact that a mere Dominion has broken free from the chain of control." she said, her tone calm yet resolute. Her words struck like a slap, a truth too bitter for any of them to swallow without unease. A sudden, sharp clearing of the throat cut through the murmur of voices, drawing everyone''s attention to one of the leaders. Rising to his feet, he let the silence settle before speaking. ¡°With this problem unfolding within our country, I propose we declare this rogue Dominion an SSS-level criminal,¡± he stated, his tone as sharp as the sound that had silenced the room. ¡°This is no minor issue¡ªit¡¯s a matter of national security.¡± he stated. "Let us not forget," a woman''s voice cut through the tension in the room. "The humans who escaped from the prison colony after that massive, unexplained explosion are still missing. There are rumors they¡¯re hiding in the Sosa, but those are just¡ªrumors. Our search teams haven¡¯t uncovered any trace of their whereabouts." She paused, leaning forward with her hands clasped tightly on the table. "But if we don¡¯t act quickly, these escapees could organize a revolution. And I¡¯m certain the consequences of failing to prioritize their capture would be catastrophic." Her words weighed heavily in the room, drawing nods of agreement from many of her fellow leaders. The man sitting beside her adjusted his tie, nodding grimly. "She''s right," he said, his voice low but steady. "If this escalates, we''ll find ourselves in a dangerously vulnerable position. We must act now." he added. An uneasy silence fell over the room. The two leaders exchanged a glance¡ªbrief but charged with unspoken understanding¡ªbefore nodding in unison. "I agree with all of you," the first man replied, his tone measured but firm. "But what if these two criminals are working with the escaped prisoners?" He paused, gesturing with both hands. "If that''s the case, the situation is far more dangerous than we realize. I suggest prioritizing the capture of these two criminals," he proposed, his tone sharp as he looked at his fellow Dominions. The woman raised her hand, then stood up. "Why are you so afraid?" she asked, looking at him intensely. "That Dominion is no threat to us. We have the power to control the Aether Sentinels, which are currently the strongest Dominion military in Japan. But here you are, rushing things as if you''re anxious." The man glared at her, his fist clenched. "Have you watched the video of her destroying the Ironclaw Titan?" he asked, his tone serious as his glare never wavered. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. She nodded. "Of course, but she''s still had no chance against the Aether Sentinels," she smirked, trying to provoke the man. He sighed and looked at the screen in front of them. "I believe this Dominion is no ordinary one," he paused, scanning the room. Despite how sincere and serious he was, everyone couldn¡¯t stop themselves from laughing, especially the woman who kept arguing with him. "Are you out of your goddamn mind?" she mocked, her tone full of disrespect. A sudden slam of a hammer echoed in the room, silencing everyone in surprise. An old man stood, his cold eyes scanning the room, and his presence alone made everyone uneasy. The atmosphere grew even thicker. He then addressed the man, his voice heavy and intimidating. "Continue. What makes you say that she''s no ordinary Dominion?" The man remained calm, standing firm as he looked directly into the old man¡¯s eyes. "In the first minute of the video, we see her being intimidated by the Ironclaw Titan and because of that her body was unexpected shaking for fear. right? he paused, and the old man nodded. "Yes, you''re right. But what about it?" he sat and responded. "We know ourselves more than anyone. We don''t easily get intimidated by a mere security guard like the Ironclaw Titan because we''ve believed that we are much more superior, due to the fact that we are created by the Highest A.I., with her own image and memories" the man said as he pressed the next key arrow on the transparent screen, switching to another CCTV camera feed and played it. "Yet she felt fear, intimidation¡ªwhich is rather surprising to witness as if she has her own emotion," he continued. The screen footage displayed Haruka''s mid-transformation. The air around her began to hum with energy, and a sword materialized in her hand. The video cut just as she leapt into action. The man paused the video and once again looked at the old man, noticing his widened eyes filled with disbelief, he continued to speak. "We both have seen something similar to this in the past. I believe you know what I''m trying to say here, General Takashi." His words made the room even more tense. A quiet moment lingered in the room for about ten seconds before Takashi, the old man, suddenly burst into loud laughter. The unexpected sound left everyone lost in their thoughts, wondering why he was laughing. "I guess you''re right, Hiroto. From what I''ve seen in the video, she acted like a Dominion warrior to me," he said, pausing as his eyes scanned the room. He observed their widened eyes and the sweat dripping from their faces. "H-How is that even possible?" the woman spoke, her tone heavy with disbelief. "As of today, Japan only has one Dominion warrior, and that is you, General Takashi. If the Highest A.I. finds out about this, she will defi¡ª" Before she could finish, Takashi gestured with his hand, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Before the news gets to the Highest A.I., we will do what we must do. Since she has chosen to become our enemy, we will eliminate her," he declared as he flicked his finger. Suddenly, a large transparent screen appeared in the center of the meeting table. On the screen, the faces of Haruka and Ai appeared alongside their personal information. "But eliminating a Dominion warrior is one heck of an impossible task because of how strong they are in terms of combat abilities. They''re even considered the strongest high-tech combat robots in history," Takashi added, his tone grave and commanding. "that''s why we should plan this thoroughly." "What is your plan, General Takashi?" Hiroto asked, he swallows his saliva. "After the incident at the Tokyo-Chiba train station, they boarded a train to Chiba," Takashi said, flicking his finger again. The screen shifted to display a map of Chiba, with a red dot marking the train''s path. "They are currently hiding in Chiba. Mobilize the Aether Sentinels in the area immediately and ensure all exit routes from Chiba are blocked." He then stood, adjusting his uniform as though preparing to leave. "We must prioritize capturing these two criminals and ensuring they face severe punishment, especially the rogue Dominion." Hiroto watched him intently, curiosity flickering across his face. "Where are you going?" he asked. Takashi turned to meet his gaze, a wide grin spreading across his face as if the excitement surged through him. "To Chiba, of course," he replied.