Chapter 238: Ominous Shadows
“There are no issues with functionality, but there are some unclear points in Asahi’s diagnostic results. This is my report.”
Commander Eve and RINGO switched the command room to stealth mode, facing each other. In stealth mode, no one with the authority of at least the six sisters could enter or access information.
“Let’s hear it. The fact that RINGO hasn’t taken any action means it’s not in a critical state, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. At the very least, there are no suspicious points in the diagnostic results. All test responses are within standard ranges, and no mental issues have been detected. I have confirmed through the logs that backups are being taken normally.”
Eve tilted her head at RINGO’s response. It meant that the diagnostic machine had determined there was no problem with Asahi. Did RINGO possess information beyond what the diagnostic machine had gathered? Even if it did, that information should have been promptly linked to the diagnostic machine.
“As part of the examination records, we conducted an X-ray internal scan on the Brain Unit. The information obtained from this test is minimal and unclear, so the diagnostic machine did not use it in its judgment.”
As RINGO explained, it projected a three-dimensional structural diagram obtained from the X-ray scan.
“I have been recording every time Asahi returns. It’s like a growth record.”
Then, the display changed to show a timeline. It revealed that within the three Brain Units that composed Asahi, anomalies had appeared, gradually increasing in size.
“This white shadow’s cause is unknown. It does not affect the functionality of the Brain Units. Sensor values show no abnormalities, and the internal chemical concentration is also normal. While her personality is… peculiar, there are no issues with computational performance.”
“Was it necessary to mention her personality?”
“However, I reviewed the backup data and found no information recorded regarding this white shadow. Since complete reproduction would result in a personality duplication, I couldn’t fully analyze it, but I concluded that this state cannot be replicated based on partial simulations.”
Eve pondered over RINGO’s report. An unresolvable area had emerged within Asahi’s mind. Normally, if pseudo-biological cells cease functioning, they are quickly broken down and removed, allowing surrounding cells to divide and proliferate for recovery. This would also apply to the Brain Units. Therefore, it could be determined that it was not a malfunction.
While it was possible that abnormalities in the regeneration function had occurred, the lack of issues in various sensor values made that possibility extremely low.
Even if it was visibly altered, if it functioned normally, it would not be diagnosed as abnormal.
“After all, we can’t just disassemble the Brain Unit. This white shadow will need to be monitored over time.”
“Hmm… If this were not in this world, it would be a significant case to send to specialized facilities…”
Eve sighed. After all, this was Asahi they were discussing. It reeked of the absurdity of fantasy.
“Are there similar issues with the other Brain Units?”
“There are no problems with the individuals within The Tree, but the others remain uninvestigated. I will conduct an investigation immediately.”
Since there had been no need for precision inspection equipment for Brain Units until now, none had been installed on the Northern Continent. Considering the need for ongoing observation of Asahi, it would be wise to establish such equipment at one of the bases.
“Right. For now, let’s build the equipment at the Second Fortress, Black Iron. It’s the most secure location.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Following Eve’s instructions, RINGO dispatched orders for the construction of the equipment at the Second Fortress. It would likely be completed in three days. For now, this would suffice regarding Asahi’s mysterious symptoms.
“Also, while this is a normal reaction and poses no issues, Asahi’s spinal neural network adhesion is progressing.”
“Adhesion?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The pseudo-biological cells connecting the Brain Unit to the Communicator Android are adhering in some areas. This is a reaction that occurs from continued use of the same chassis, so it poses no problems under normal usage.”
The chassis Asahi used had been specially modified from a standard Communicator Android. Continued use would strengthen the connection to the Brain Unit, eventually leading to the fusion of neural cells and integration.
The advantage was simply an increase in response speed. On the software side, it would allow some processing to be delegated to the chassis, thereby reducing the computational load on the Brain Unit. The downside was that the Brain Unit could no longer be detached independently, and feedback from chassis damage would be directly transmitted.
In the event that Asahi’s body were to be damaged, that feedback signal could place a significant load on the Brain Unit, potentially leading to a complete shutdown.
“Well… it can’t be helped. Changing the chassis to prevent that isn’t the solution, and it’s only a matter of time before it happens to the others, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We should notify her and issue a warning to exercise greater caution.”
“…Yeah, that’s right. Warnings are important.”
◇◇◇◇
In the heart of the capital of the Prava Divine Nation, Stalitza, a massive sanctuary stood.
At its center, deep within the grand hall, it was enshrined.
At first glance, it appeared to be a gray slab. Measuring approximately 4 meters tall and 1.3 meters wide, it had likely once been a pristine rectangular prism. Weathering had rounded its corners slightly, and chips had formed in various places.
However, the holy verses etched into its surface remained intact.
“…”
A palm-sized winged insect stared intently at it.
The holy verses carved into the stone’s surface resembled a mosaic. To an unknowing observer, it would seem abstract and mysterious.
But this was not merely a painting.
It was a data storage unit inscribed with compressed data composed of zeros and ones. Prioritizing preservation, it contained very little information, but due to the nature of the stone, it would likely retain its form for centuries.
Insects began to gather.
Winged insects and spiders quietly converged around the sanctuary, surrounding the stone slab.
“…”
Then, a crow landed on the roof of the sanctuary. At that moment…
The sound of bells echoed throughout the area. Persistently, over and over again.
The resident monks rushed into the sanctuary in a flurry. The bell’s sound was an alarm for detected intruders. It was a simple magic tool that rang the bell upon detecting any conscious beings within its range, but it was highly effective as a security device.
The monks halted the operation of the magic tool (as it would continue ringing if they entered) and surrounded the holy chamber at the back of the grand hall.
The bell’s sound was from the magic tool monitoring the holy chamber.
Among the monks, the one most accustomed to rough situations slowly opened the door to the holy chamber.
With a quick glance, they could confirm everything inside. The chamber was designed solely to protect the stone slab from the elements and keep it out of the sight of others. It was not a particularly large room.
No one was there.
Several individuals entered the room through the door.
While the installed stone slab was sacred, it was not absolutely inviolable. Inside the room, there were no shadows of intruders on the ceiling. If that was the case, the only remaining possibility was behind the stone slab.
One person cautiously circled around the slab.
“…A spider?”
And then…
Behind the stone slab lay a single spider, its body the size of a fist, lying motionless.
◇◇◇◇
“…”
The Strategic AI, Iris, contemplated.
While sending the acquired information to the Data Cleanser, it began its analysis.
The binary data etched into the stone slab installed at the heart of the Prava Divine Nation. It was electronically compressed data, but the compression method was one of the existing types. It could be deployed immediately. The content of that data itself was not particularly significant. RINGO would likely analyze it and decide how to handle it. There was no need for Iris to concern itself with that.
The issue was that the alarm had been triggered. What had it reacted to? A dummy spider-type bot had been left behind, but no further information was being gathered. It was necessary to continue the investigation to determine the cause.
To gather more information, Iris decided to deploy additional Recon Bots.