"A-After I was freed from that serum… the voice of my father that used to echo in my head… it's completely gone now..." said Gens with a tone of despair.
"Eh?... W-What do you mean?" asked Yananaig.
"The serum Kioni made… its ingredient was my father's dead body. So… maybe it affected my brain. But now, all of that might be disappearing…" Gens answered sadly, remembering that moment.
"Huh? From your father's body you say? Ah, right... if I'm not mistaken, I briefly read the side effects of the serum! It said the user might hear the whispers of the person used as the ingredient! That must be what you meant, Gens! And if that's true... then the other effects must have really worked too, huh?" said Yananaig, thinking hard.
"Ahaha, maybe you're right. Back then it was proven—I could suddenly control everything… I mean, I could control all the AI robots there. I managed to win. My thinking ability also increased drastically. But now... HAHAHAHAHAH, damn it, I'm back to being the same old idiot I was!" said Gens, deeply disappointed.
"Ehhehehe, so your intelligence… was all just from the serum, huh? Ah… please forgive me, Gens, but I think this is actually good for you," said Yananaig, trying to ease Gens' worries.
"Ah… don't worry, Yananaig… Honestly, it's kind of funny how I feel disappointed. Doesn't that just show I lack confidence in myself? By the way… isn't the name 'Yananaig' kind of long? Is there a shorter way to call you? Hehehe," said Gens, his mood finally settling.
"I'm glad you're saying that, Gens. As for the name… just call me Yan. Or 'bro' is fine too!" Yananaig replied.
"Hmm… if I call you 'bro'... it feels a bit too close, Yan. Hahaha!" Gens joked.
"Haha, you're ridiculous!... (Thank goodness, he's smiling again... now I can relax)," said Yananaig.
After the talk about Gens returning to normal, Gens started asking Yananaig deeper questions—like what he thought about Gens' goal. Was it truly the right thing?
"So, Yan… what do you think about the current state of the world? I mean… with someone like me and my current abilities, isn't it too much to aim for such a crazy goal?" Gens asked.
"Huh… if we look at the state of the world now, yeah, I'd say it's gone too far... hahaha. I don't even know what the point of living is anymore. Just imagine, Gens: we're born, we grow up, and then we die… that's it. But this is humanity's fault too. If they hadn't developed AI and robots to this extreme, people would still have individual life goals… at least jobs. That's why… I want to support you, Gens. You're the only regular human left in this world—besides the Geniuses—who actually has a purpose," Yananaig answered.
"You're right, Yan… If AI hadn't become this advanced, people would probably still be striving at their jobs… sweeping, cleaning, sewing, building homes, farming, trading, teaching, filming, animating, writing, cooking, opening restaurants, designing machines and electronics… I can't even name them all anymore… because I was born into a world like this. It's all just theory to me, like fiction," Gens said, raising his head to the sky.
"Haha, the past is in the past. Honestly… I think your goal is valid, Gens! Sure, some people won't agree—but is that wrong? We have free will! When I heard there was someone out there aiming to destroy AI robots, I was shocked! And I immediately went looking for you, Gens! I'll support you to the very end. But… how do you plan to accomplish your goal?" asked Yananaig, calmly.
"I-I'm going to build a time machine! And turn back time! Then once I'm in the past, I'll do something," Gens replied, only partially revealing his true plan.
"Whoa! You… really are crazy, Gens! But I'm kind of disappointed… why are you holding back a little from me? Haha, but it's fine, Gens! You're the second person I know with such a crazy, impossible dream—after me!" Yananaig said, smiling at Gens.
"Eh… what do you mean? You—" Gens tried to say something.
"GENS! For now… this is all I can give you! Use it well, and train for one year—or more if needed! Then… return! Reunite with your group—SHAYAN! I'll be there too," Yananaig said, handing Gens several items. After that, Yananaig vanished from sight without leaving a single trace.
"Heii! Ugh, damn it, where did he go? What is this? A robot… but it looks really strong. And a book? And this paper—what is it?" said Gens, opening the sheet. It was a letter from Yananaig:
---
"Gens...
I'm sorry for not starting this letter properly. I just wanted to say something to you. With the robot and book I gave you… study and train… for at least one year or more. After that—come back!
That book contains knowledge that will help you and your mission.
Don't neglect your martial arts training!
You can use the robot I gave to help with that!
Work hard! Keep fighting!
Read the book to the final page, and you'll find something you truly need.
For now… I'll take care of Fesly and the others.
Stay strong, Gens! ^^"**
---
"Haa, what's he thinking? But… he's right! With my current ability, I really can't do much… But what is he planning, then? Does he want to be the father of my and Fesly's children?" Gens muttered to himself.
Gens followed Yananaig's instructions. He opened the book—and was both shocked and thrilled by what he read. It was filled with useful knowledge, including secret formulas for developing new abilities. First, he learned a technique to hide his presence from AI signals. He successfully tested it—and that gave him new motivation to study and train on his own.
Meanwhile, in a tense atmosphere, Fesly informed the SHAYAN members that Gens had left them. But at that very moment, someone came to Gens' house.
Sfx: tuk tuk tuk
"Ah! Could that be Gens?" said Fesly, hurrying to open the door.
"Yo! Fesly Okaza… daughter of Kioni Bhrsa!" said Yananaig, standing at her doorstep.
"Y-You!..." Fesly said, eyes wide in shock.
To be continued...
Author's social media:
@navypemula
@giansugiana357
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