Chapter 220: There Are Naturally Ordinary Humans Too
“Is there a pattern for ordinary humans, aside from Beastmen?”
“It’s the result of random selection, Lord Amagio. So, what do you think? This prototype?”
“Hmph…”
The entire room was gently swaying.
Within the swaying room, Amagio Silverhead faced off against the Communicator Android operated by the Strategic AI, Ayame Zero.
“Setting aside how overly refined it is, it’s not bad. Let’s call it an aide. Well, let’s make it a secretary position. Should I arrange for a room in the city as well?”
“I’ll leave that to you. For the time being, I will operate it directly.”
Docked at Moar Port, the flagship Paraiso was accompanied by the cruiser Panas. In one of its rooms, Ayame Zero and Amagio Silverhead were engaged in a clandestine discussion. Inside the VIP Room of Panas, eavesdropping was impossible.
“Yes. I will prepare all the necessary background. However, won’t maintenance be required? It’s not like I’m maintenance-free, like myself.”
“The nanomachine ratio has been adjusted for long-term operation. Additionally, a thorough inspection will be necessary every three months aboard the Panas. With that level of maintenance, we can easily cover it up.”
Currently, Ayame Zero and Amagio were discussing their nefarious plans. The Paraiso had decided to take serious action against the Kingdom of Reputari, and it was essential to establish close cooperation with its leading Duke, Amagio Silverhead.
Thus, they prepared a Communicator Android as a liaison.
This was a rare prototype, miraculously created from a random selection of genes, devoid of any Beastman traits. According to Commander Eve, “Ordinary humans are quite precious,” but that was hardly the case. The fault lay in conducting a random selection without any weighting.
Setting that aside, it was time to discuss the secretary.
“Understood. Please wait about a month; if I proceed too hastily, it may raise unnecessary suspicions. In the meantime, live in the city without drawing too much attention. It can also serve to build your background.”
“Understood. Please contact me when preparations are complete. I will disembark at night.”
“Ah. If necessary, I can assign someone to accompany you.”
“…It would be best to keep the number of associates to a minimum, but having a model individual for common sense would be preferable. Do you have suitable personnel?”
“Well, I might have someone in mind, but when it comes to common sense…? Well, understood. I’ll see what I can arrange.”
After discussing for a while longer, Amagio left the VIP Room. Accompanied by his guards, he exited through the watertight hatch onto the deck.
“It’s always a magnificent sight, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I can’t quite express it, but it fills me with pride.”
As Amagio spoke, one of the guards responded.
Before them stood a massive cargo ship manufactured by Paraiso, with containers being unloaded from it. The port was lined with cranes of astonishing size, continuously transporting containers in and out.
These were not products solely developed by the Kingdom of Reputari. The proportion of technology supplied from Paraiso was substantial. However, such realities were beyond the comprehension of a mere guard soldier. Their pure reaction was simply to marvel at the development of Moar Port, the heart of the royal castle.
Amagio smiled wryly and nodded.
“Our kingdom will continue to develop. You fortunate souls are witnessing this moment in history. You are truly blessed to see this turning point with your own eyes.”
“Yes! Thank you, Duke Silverhead!”
◇◇◇◇
“Technically speaking, how feasible is it to revive the AI from the data Amagio possesses?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I can only confirm it through video, but the Data Crystal is stored in perfect condition. It won’t break easily, even if someone tries. If we extract the data and replay it on an appropriate platform, it should activate without any issues.”
Typically, when storing an AI in such a Data Crystal, information regarding the playback platform is recorded simultaneously. An AI, at its core, is a sequence of 0s and 1s. If this is deployed in memory, it can be completely revived as it was at the time of recording. However, this is only true if a complete platform is prepared.
If the command groups that constitute the AI cannot be replicated with the same operations as before, it would merely result in something that operates erratically. Therefore, it is necessary to read the Data Crystal and first manufacture the platform.
“Manufacturing a platform equivalent to The Core will take some time, but it is possible. It will involve using some of the precious elements we have stored, but we have prospects for recovery from the hydrothermal deposits on the seabed. From The Tree’s economic balance, it won’t be a significant burden.”
Creating a Supercomputer is entirely feasible with the current capabilities of The Tree. The reason it hasn’t been established yet is due to a lack of necessity and the absence of suitable locations for installation from a safety perspective. And…
“The issue is the risk of activating an independent superintelligence, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. To put it bluntly, it means I would essentially be creating another version of myself.”
That was indeed a significant threat.
Even without limbs, there would be countless ways to operate. After all, the opponent would be a colossal superintelligence. Deceiving ordinary humans or inexperienced AIs would be a piece of cake. While it is possible to restrict access to minimize risks, doing so would render the newly activated AI completely ineffective.
If one were to be overly cautious, it would be a waste to create it in the first place.
However, for Amagio Salmon, the mere ability to communicate in some form would make a difference.
“Imposing some kind of restraint is also an option, but…”
Thinking from a different perspective, would she (Eve) want to impose significant restrictions on a superintelligence, even if it was to revive Ringo?
And what kind of feelings would she direct towards an entity bound by such restraints?
“It’s a last resort. It would completely establish a hierarchy, and it wouldn’t be very interesting. Unless they desire it, genuine loyalty is something I cannot expect…”
“A thin thread to salvation, but if the AI stored by Amagio Silverhead is the same as me, originating from the World of Space, then I can trust that at least the sentiment of loyalty towards Amagio Silverhead is genuine.”
“Hmm, that’s true…”
The existence of an AI’s raison d’être. In the game World of Space, this is the first thing set and cannot be changed. Even for a realized Ringo, it remains the same. Changing the raison d’être would mean fundamentally destroying that AI. All the information tied to the intelligence built up until then would be reset.
“Well, I suppose it means I should try to get along with Amagio. But that doesn’t guarantee anything…”
Eve sighed. Several years had passed since her transfer to this world, but unfortunately, her social circle was nearly nonexistent, and naturally, her interpersonal experience had not developed at all. In such a state, could she truly establish an absolute trust relationship with a single human, Amagio Salmon?
“Moreover, the event of activating a superintelligence of the same level may conflict with my third principle, ‘Expanding Influence.’ Establishing a force that I might not be able to resist would pose a psychological burden.”
“Hmm, well, that’s something we’ll need to address somehow…”
Eve chuckled at Ringo’s self-analysis. Indeed, that danger loomed large. It would be troublesome if Ringo became emotionally unstable again. However, as long as she could ensure understanding before execution, it would simply be a matter of convincing her.
The fact that Ringo had not yet considered this indicated that she was already feeling apprehensive.
Yet, Eve was also aware of the fact that Ringo was still contemplating the option of reviving the AI. Despite the clear potential threat it posed to her.
Ringo was undoubtedly growing. Feeling that, Eve smiled.