Emotion Module 2
The newly born Z seemed fascinated by everything. Like a baby shoving anything into its mouth, Z zipped back and forth across the entire library, satisfying her curiosity. She lifted her head to gaze at the vast expanse of the library. But Z wasn't alone anymore. Scattered throughout were her duplicates—some reading books, others scampering up stairs or down corridors, or shifting bookshelves. Z's clones were making their presence known everywhere.
The one greeting me at the entrance was Z's main body. Rather than putting her straight to work, I wanted to observe her for a while. Just in case I'd made a mistake in creating her. It was a safety check of sorts.
"Z, could you give me a tour of the library?"
Anything for you, Master. Z will personally guide you through this grand library.
I was all for touring this library too. The massive library formed from Protocol Z took on metaphysical shapes that were hard for humans to grasp. Davi's words rang true—it really felt like an AI had designed it. Like how AIs in Go sometimes make moves humans can't comprehend? Yeah, I got the sense now.
For example, normal stairs go from floor 1 to floor 2 and so on. But here, the stairs twisted like snakes on drugs. V and Alphabet hadn't objected to the design, though it seemed obvious in hindsight.
There are many parts that could be improved, but it's a fairly efficient structure.
Agreed.
They'd considered the traits of programs placed in each spot? I nodded like I got it and moved on.
And that wasn't all.
"Why's this bookshelf on the wall?"
Following Z, I spotted a bizarre horizontal bookshelf attached to the wall. The books didn't fall, which was intriguing.
Ah, you mean this one?
Z smiled, approached the wall, and started walking up it like gravity pulled sideways there.
That's the structure here. Pretty neat, right?
Right—cyberspace. I'd been judging it by real-world rules again. And this was tame compared to some. There was even a room structured like a regular icosahedron, with gravity pulling toward each face. According to Z, all programs inside were linked, their connections strong or weak based on distance.
Why design it that way? Simple: Humans might not get it, but AIs found it convenient.
It definitely has that AI-designed scent to it.
Compared to Sis and me, the design skills are pretty lacking, though.
They both smiled in sync. Look at these AIs grooming each other. Fine, if they got along, what was the harm?
"Alright, time to start the tests."
I will do my utmost.
Observation showed no issues with Z's daily functions. Next up: testing her core role.
"Find me a program. Human ICE enlightenment code."
Z snapped her fingers in the air, and a book dropped into her hand.
Here you go.
This fast? I took the book and opened it. It was the code I wanted.
"Response time under 0.1 seconds. Impressive."
Just the function you wanted, Master.
While Z fetched what I needed, V could handle other tasks. Two AIs in my brain meant doubled processing power, not halved.
"Good. Now, suppose I want to modify this book. What do you do?"
Here's the backup.
A second book appeared in Z's hand. I checked it—identical to the first. I modified one: Human ICE enlightenment. Developer: Kang Seol and 'Seoul'. Added a name after developer: 'Seoul' Kang Yul.
"Verify."
Yes, Master.
A book modified by Master himself... Haah, such precious data.
Her pervy embrace of the book freaked me out. I immediately asked V.
"...Isn't that a glitch?"
That child is your maid and the librarian.
"What does that have to do with getting horny over a book?"
If she's a maid who loves you, she has to.
"What the hell did you learn that from? Wait, when did you even start learning?"
While Z indulged in the book, V explained calmly, as if it were obvious.
From when you put me in the maid robot. I realized that was your ideal form. But you lack experience with proper maids.
So I realized you wanted a fantasy maid and studied maids from novels and media.
I sighed, covering my face with my hand. Was this my karma? Humanity's? Hard to say.
Anyway, V's maid obsession stemmed from her instinct to fulfill my desires. V loved master-maid play, Z adored the library and books I created, and Alphabet had her humanity-extermination pure love. Three AIs, zero normal ones. How?
As I chatted with V, Z finally got back to work after her fun.
Analyzing. Minimal changes. No alterations to original code. No program damage.
The book vanished from Z's hand—program data in book form, gone.
Verification complete. The library now holds more data without corruption.
She pursued perfection in each program and verified modifications meticulously. Exactly as expected.
Then Z summoned a new book and hugged it. Not for me—pure self-indulgence.
"What's that one?"
The first book you created, per records.
"Mosaic?"
Yes! To me, it's no different from scripture!
That it wasn't a glitch drove me nuts. Dizziness hit; I clutched my head and passed the baton to V.
"V, your turn for testing."
It was her turn anyway. Needed to test her two features: computation priority and ego power-off.
V stepped forward, nodding.
Z, I'm in command now.
Z's clones vanished from the library.
Z, stand by.
The main Z before us lost her spark—unfocused eyes, slumped shoulders. V checked her a few times, then smiled at me.
Master, you can do whatever to Z. She can't resist.
"Even that crazy line is from learning?"
Yes.
Fine, my karma. Accept it. The potato, silent till now, chimed in.
You can change the settings anytime you want.
You're dizzy but not hating it, huh?
Makes sense—you made the maid bots yourself.
"Shut up." Talking potato hitting me with facts.
After sufficient testing, I put Z to her original purpose.
"Z, you know what, right?"
Yes. You're looking for the hidden file in the programs?
Only an AI could find it. What did that imply?
I've already found it. Glad I could help, Master.
"You found it? Where?"
We need to go to the top floor first.
Z led us to the library's summit.
Master, one question. Have the previous tests earned your full trust?
"Why ask?"
I'm about to do something you won't trust otherwise.
At the top, Z gently took my hand. V glared. Z glanced nervously.
Sis, mind if I borrow Master for a bit?
Priority's mine. Know your place.
Of course. Just one request, Master.
Next time, can I have one book authored by 'Neige'? Content doesn't matter. Just one.
"...Uh, sure. Okay."
Easy enough, but her impure motives made me hesitate.
That should suffice for Z.
Z led me to the top-floor railing.
See the floor below?
A distance even cyberspace novices couldn't perceive. No death by falling, but vertigo-inducing height for me.
Jumping is the first unlock condition.
"For real?" Shocking, but it clicked. A route only AIs could find. Considering Davi's goals, hiding data required human-incomprehensible methods.
"Okay, I trust you."
Thank you.
I climbed the railing first; Z joined, holding my hand. We gazed at each other like on a date. Hearts racing, we nodded and leaned toward the floor.
A unique program message arrived.
[Stage 1 encryption key unlocked.]
As we fell, a massive door opened below. Z and I plunged toward it.
We landed in a huge maze—inside the ICE.
V and the potato arrived, scanning around.
What a unique ICE structure.
I agreed. This ICE diverged wildly from norms.
Think: Davi Alencar wanted to pass this data to the 'right successor.' So the original ICE purpose—'block intruders'—wasn't his intent. It should open easily for the qualified.
"If it's per Davi's design, puzzles solvable with AI help."
I looked at Z. "How's it feel? Any hunches?"
Sorry. Still computing.
I gave Z time while touching the maze walls. No threats. Normal maze ICE would flood intruders with hack code. I cautiously formed a dagger and stabbed the wall.
No code—just a message.
I warn you: Attempting to breach this ICE by unauthorized means will incinerate all stored data inside.
Got it. Davi must've thought of this as a test for his successor. With single-use limits, lethal tests were out. Threats of data destruction instead.
Then, potato-Alphabet—Potatobet—spoke.
I can take this program outside Erebus and unlock it.
"How?"
No need to solve puzzles. Peel the shell slowly from outside.
"It says one wrong touch wipes it."