"So in the future, we will collaborate with other factions to produce a substantial number of dolls—vessels for humanity's 'second life'—as preparation for unforeseen circumstances.
These dolls won't be hidden away. They'll be used in daily life and continually improved."
"That Advanced Automaton named Qingyi—or rather, that type of lifeform—does conflict somewhat with this plan. But it's nothing serious. After all, it will still take quite some time before the criminal investigation Advanced Automaton are fully replaced.
What I mean is..."
Professor Muse paused, then chuckled softly.
"You share a close bond with that individual. Whatever ideas you have, we can make them possible.
When it comes to bionic dolls, we are the experts."
Professor Muse's face radiated confidence. This was their field to begin with, and especially his. He dared to say that if he called himself second, no one would dare claim first.
No one could even keep pace with him.
Listening to his confident words, Zane's eyes flickered. He couldn't deny he was tempted—this matter concerned Qingyi, after all.
And Qingyi held a special meaning for him in this world. She was like an anchor point, something steady that grounded him.
Of course, it was only a metaphor.
...
In the corner, since Professor Muse and Zane hadn't lowered their voices, Soldier 11 and Trigger heard everything.
Qingyi?
Trigger blinked curiously, then looked at Soldier 11. She herself had some ties with Zane, though it was more personal between the two of them. Compared to her, Soldier 11 was clearly more involved.
She remembered that Soldier 11 had once even carried out a mission with one of Zane's friends, where she had lent a small hand.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing Trigger's gaze, Soldier 11 looked at her in confusion and asked softly.
"Do you know who Qingyi is?"
Soldier 11's expression froze for a moment. Of course she knew Qingyi. Back when she had endured that hellish training with relentless persistence...
She had first met Qingyi briefly at the cat café.
"Qingyi is Zane's master."
"Hmm... but they don't really seem like master and disciple..."
"Then what do they seem like?" Trigger asked softly.
"I don't really know."
Soldier 11 shook her head. She never paid much attention to such things. Back then, she had only noticed because of Zane.
"Advanced Automaton... and that Zane guy... Tch, what a strange pairing..."
Trigger shook her head slightly, sighing in disbelief.
Beside her, Soldier 11 quietly agreed.
A strange pairing indeed.
...
Leaving aside Trigger and Soldier 11's exchange, at the circular device Zane was still deep in thought over Professor Muse's words.
Muse didn't interrupt him. He simply watched quietly.
Moments later, Zane's eyes flickered as a memory surfaced. He recalled what Qingyi had done with him back in that strange inner world.
He remembered the courtyard, that warm and peaceful place, and the breathtaking Qingyi who had appeared for him that day.
That kind of thing... would Qingyi dislike it?
Zane shook his head and turned to Professor Muse.
Regardless of Qingyi's feelings, he needed to confirm feasibility first.
"Professor Muse, I want to ask you something."
"Can an Advanced Automaton... become human again?"
As soon as Zane spoke, Professor Muse's expression shifted slightly. Clearly, the question had caught him off guard.
He began to explain.
"Mr. Zane, the consciousness of an Advanced Automaton does not originate from humans. At that time, the necessary technology did not exist. Their consciousness was constructed through simulation..."
But seeing Zane's expression, Professor Muse realized something and quickly stopped mid-sentence. He smiled instead.
"Mr. Zane, while I cannot guarantee it with absolute certainty in the name of scientific rigor, I can still give you my word—my reputation as a pledge.
If you wish it, we can make it happen.
The power of technology surpasses your imagination."
After the Hollow transformation, Aelito's technology had advanced explosively. At this point...
He dared to say it, and he could say it.
Professor Muse's eyes shone with conviction. Seeing this, Zane faltered slightly, then let a faint smile curve his lips.
"Then let's prepare for it."
He waved his hand lightly, his tone relaxed. Glancing at Trigger and Soldier 11 watching silently, he added,
"Professor Muse, would you mind if I toured the facility?"
"Haha, there's no secret here for someone of your caliber. Please, help yourself. I'll grant you the highest access clearance."
Professor Muse's smile broadened as he spoke.
It was clear he understood Zane's implication—true collaboration between them was now only one step away.
He couldn't help but feel pleased with his decision. As expected, playing this card had made everything progress much more smoothly.
...
Trigger and Soldier 11, however, were still confused. Trigger glanced at Zane, then stood and followed him out, though her eyes couldn't help but linger on Professor Muse.
Wait—what was going on? They hadn't even discussed the collaboration, and already they were moving on to a facility tour?
And Professor Muse had granted him the highest clearance?
When she had worked here before, Professor Muse had left her with an impression of being stern, decisive, and extremely strict.
To say the least, many in this facility were afraid of him.
"What's wrong?"
Walking beside Zane, Soldier 11 looked at Trigger curiously. Why was this guy acting so startled?
Her outlook had always been simple: if something didn't concern her, there was no need to dig deeper. So even if she couldn't quite grasp what was going on between Muse and Zane, she didn't care much.
"Nothing."
Trigger shook her head, and the three of them left the building together.
Professor Muse moved quickly. By the time the trio stepped outside, Zane's identity information had already been updated. Along the way, sealed facilities opened for them, and previously restricted areas were cleared for his access.
This underground world held countless things to see, but for Zane, his curiosity naturally gravitated toward the Predator series and the Angel series mechs.
Moments later, he stood before one of the mechs.
The staff, having verified Zane's Shin, no longer tried to stop him. Even the construction machinery shifted aside to give him space.
"This texture..."
Zane's eyes gleamed faintly. He raised his arm and pressed his fingers against the mech's cold metal shell. The chill sank into his fingertips, piercing all the way to his core.
"Tch."
He let out a soft sigh and lowered his hand.
Even after two lifetimes, even with his existence now so unusual, it didn't change the fact—at heart, he was still a "passionate youth."