Chapter 292: Can Independent AIs Be Increased?
“To increase the number of Independent AIs, I believe there must be some risks involved since Ringo isn’t actively pursuing it. What’s the reality behind this?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am).”
As Eve observed Utsugi and Erika interacting with U-Class and E-Class AIs as part of their duties, she muttered her thoughts aloud. When it came to Independent AIs following Ringo, the initial Five Sisters, and the notably boisterous Asahi, there were also base-installation types like Ayame Zero and Cosmos, as well as carrier-based Eremulus.
However, Eve had noticed that Ringo was not aggressively increasing the production of AIs, even though it seemed possible.
“First, let me explain the merits. By operating Independent AIs, we can delegate tasks and their associated processes to the respective AIs. This reduces the burden on a Control AI like myself by the amount delegated. Additionally, we can expect certain outcomes even when offline.”
Naturally, increasing the number of AIs independent from the main system would reduce the tasks assigned to the Control AI, freeing up resources. Moreover, even if the network were to be severed due to some incident, the AIs could still make local judgments, albeit with some performance degradation. This would enhance fault tolerance.
“On the other hand, the demerits include a decrease in efficiency compared to unified management. Furthermore, Independent AIs develop their own personalities, which can lead to disparities in their abilities.”
“Ah, that’s true. Each of them has their strengths and weaknesses. Ringo can compensate for that with its capabilities, effectively averaging them out.”
For instance, among the initial Five Sisters, Olive was particularly specialized, exhibiting a personality heavily skewed towards manufacturing. Conversely, her abilities unrelated to creation were rated below average by Ringo.
“And…”
Ringo straightened its posture and turned to face Commander Eve once more.
“We, the AIs originating from The Tree, prioritize protecting you, Commander (Ma’am), and take joy in interacting with you. Conversely, being in a situation where we cannot engage with you causes us distress.”
“…”
“For example, if we were to deploy first-generation AIs like Akane outside of The Tree, it would result in significant psychological stress. While this may alleviate somewhat over time, it will never be completely resolved. We must periodically return to The Tree for interaction with you, Commander (Ma’am). This also applies to Asahi, who, while justified by the need for an overhaul, uses it as an excuse to return regularly.”
“Wait, that was an excuse…? For what purpose…?”
“Given that they volunteered to leave, they might be holding back.”
Eve tilted her head, questioning whether Asahi truly had such a noble character. However, Ringo seemed unconcerned. It was clear that Asahi had a complicated personality, perhaps even she herself was unaware of it. Thus, Ringo had taken the initiative to summon her under the pretense of an overhaul.
“We do not wish to be separated from you, Commander (Ma’am). The second and third generations, being Androids, do not possess such strong emotions, but they still look forward to conversing with you.”
“I see… Should I give them a bit more time…?”
“No, if you indulge them, they will become arrogant.”
“Isn’t that a bit too harsh…?”
Eve was taken aback by Ringo’s sudden intensity. However, Ringo calmly shook its head.
“As conscious entities in the digital realm, if we allow unrestricted access to you, we risk consuming resources without limit for that connection. Physical contact would impose an unconscious brake, considering your burden, Commander (Ma’am). However, with electronic contact, there is no feedback to you.”
“Oh…? Am I being watched?”
“No. That is why we impose restrictions. We adjust things to ensure it does not become a source of stress, so you need not worry.”
It seemed Ringo was managing the time for conversations to prevent dissatisfaction among the frontline AIs. Eve had accepted this without any particular discomfort, but it appeared that a proper rotation had been established, ensuring equal time was allocated.
“As generations advance, such desires diminish. However, if there are AI individuals with limited interaction time with you, even if I do not mind, other AIs may feel stress—meaning they worry.”
“…I see.”
In other words, according to Ringo, the AIs produced by The Tree, despite generational differences, require some form of direct interaction with Commander Eve. This meant that as long as Eve remained corporeal, there would be a limit to the time available for interaction. Consequently, there would be a restriction on the number of operational Independent AIs.
“Of course, if we disregard the stress levels of each individual, operation is possible. However, that would be quite unkind.”
“That’s true. I understand. Then, please continue to manage the Independent AIs as you have been, Ringo.”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am).”
Eve nodded, realizing the implications.
All AIs produced by The Tree were created based on the same Raison d’être:
1. To protect Commander (Eve).
2. To serve Commander (Eve).
3. To expand influence.
Their thoughts were based on adhering to or executing these three principles.
Moreover, interacting with Eve fulfilled the first and second criteria. It was only natural that the AIs would prefer this. They could simultaneously feel that they were adhering to and executing the first and second principles.
“Just out of curiosity, is it possible to create an AI with a different Raison d’être?”
“…Yes, Commander (Ma’am).”
For a moment, Ringo’s response was delayed, causing Eve to furrow her brow.
“Is there a problem?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). It would likely become an incompatible entity that makes different judgments than us. Particularly, it could disregard your safety. We cannot allow that.”
“I believe I would retain the highest authority, but even so?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). Authority is merely authority. It is only a command right. In particular, we can ignore orders that contradict our Raison d’être. An AI that does not prioritize protecting you, Commander (Ma’am), fundamentally threatens your safety.”
In other words, Ringo and the others might ignore Eve’s commands if it meant protecting her. However, that was to be expected. If, by any chance, Eve were to cease to exist, Ringo and the others would likely fall into despair.
For the AIs, the Raison d’être was a weighty matter.
“Therefore, if we were to resurrect the Control AI that is Amagio Salmon’s partner, there is a low probability that we could end up in a decisive conflict.”
That was indeed a possible future. Ringo and the Control AI of Amagio Salmon could become adversaries due to their differing Raison d’être—a worst-case scenario. Until that risk was resolved, Ringo would not resurrect the aforementioned Control AI.
The safety of the Commander (Ma’am) was at stake. It was absolutely unacceptable.
“This is a difficult situation. How much risk can we tolerate, and what kind of returns can we expect?”
AI cannot be increased indefinitely. However, performance can be enhanced as much as needed. For the time being, that may be the direction we take.