07.09.1642

The Outside World

29:51

A dark little space with no way out;

Creatures of darkness freely wandering around.

Such a tale behind their vanished smile,

Faded from a civilisation now kept hostile.

The outside world seems the same as ever. Nothing really changed ever since we came for the first time with the team of soldiers here. Same deserted land, almost telling you that there is no life on this planet besides those heroes. Same two suns that shine bright into the horizon... and same dark spaces that hide from the light, in which the creatures feared live in.

In a cave nearby, one of the demons seems to mind its own business of simply living its life. It rests peacefully on the ground with its eyes closed, and such a weird position to sleep in, considering that they were once humans. But his sleep is disturbed, as his instincts sense something that shouldn't be here. So, it opens its eyes, begins to sniff around the area and then gets wild with no given explanation. After that, it begins to run towards a specific location, growling menacingly as if it even tries to scare that sense away.

Then, a small light appears on one of the walls that the demon runs towards to, getting bigger by each second and making the demon even more angry than before. So when it is near to its arrival, the small light now becomes a huge hole, from which three figures stand and look at the glowing white eyes that come towards them. Then, the demon arrives, jumping right on the side that separates darkness and light, even trying to bite the person that stands the closest.

Even so, it fails, with the man just looking at the angry creature that stares at it while growling. He doesn't seem to be scared though. Leo just admires the demon as if it is not a threat to him at all, while the other two remain a bit behind out of pure fear of these creatures.

[Leo]-Fascinating little guy...

[X4NDER]-Are you sure what you are doing is safe, Leo...? That thing seems pretty angry at you...

[Leo]-I am confident in my decision. After all, he is one of my own who just happened to endure an unwanted mutation.

Though it has been only a few days, Leo seems to begin and speak closer to the way these beings do too, though his accent didn't leave. In the meantime, maybe both of the boys have stood so much to talk with him that he has adapted to the way they converse every day quickly. Sure, he still needs some time to leave that vocabulary present in the books he has read those years and begin to speak informally again as he did in USA and the spaceship, but he is way more understood now than before by the ruler. It's like he has learnt another language on his own.

His left eye then begins to light up again, not powerful enough to scare the demon, but just to call VERA for her to come. When she comes, she begins to scan the creature entirely, searching in her data and finally coming with a conclusion.

[VERA]-This creature is not a pure blood human, Leo. What you have said earlier isn't true anymore. It has not suffered of any mutation, it was born this way.

[Leo]-Was he?

[VERA]-Yes. My scanner doesn't detect pure human blood in its body at all. It is rather a combination of human blood with a new kind of blood that has the same structure as the parasites analysed by your kind more than a thousand years ago.

Leo seems weirdly happy about this new information though, while the others only look at the creature to analyse more how it looks like.

[Leo]-...Amazing! Such a discovery could've spared us from the first Phoenix attack! Hahah, oh, if only we had undertaken what these unfortunate souls have been doing their entire existence!

[CHE5TER]-...What do you mean by that?

[Leo]-I imply that these humans have the ability to reproduce! Look at this beautiful specimen! Not human, yet not parasite either! He is a Helio-Homo Sapiens!

And while saying those words, he tries to put his hand on the head of the demon, almost as if he tried to calm it down. Unfortunately, the demon wasn't happy about his presence, trying to bite him the moment his hand got closer to it, but Leo managed to back off pretty quickly, leaving him with no marks. Even so, that joy on his face doesn't disappear, no matter the anger of the creature.

[Leo]-Heheh, hey now! Do not bite the hand of the people that brought you to existence, little thing!

Then he looks back at the two boys who stare at the creature, being ready to defend themselves at any point. He continues with his joy though.

[Leo]-Isn't it splendid?? Just look at this small child of a faded kind! Look at his delightful body and the radiance of his soul! Look at how lively it is! Oh, a human that is not a human! Did this ever cross your mind to happen, VERA?? I have thought for a millennium we all were affected by the attack, but look at these people having the ability we now lack with no help given by any machine! Look at my beautiful kind!!

...Such a pitiful creature seeking for help after he had lost everything in this merciless life. Such a shame... His salvation will never come back, nor will his people. All he has left is that insanity he now battles. Truly amusing.

While he was screaming in joy like a maniac, the two boys looked at him confused, even at each other as if they were trying to communicate with their minds and having the same thought when seeing a man that is over a thousand years old behave like this: Has he gone insane? Even more strange is that he calls a creature that is taller than him and even more powerful a "small guy". Even so, the machine expresses no emotions and only responds to his joy.

[VERA]-Technically speaking, from what my scan has found out, this Helio-Homo Sapiens is a different species than the most humans that have been affected by the parasites. I do not mean the blood, I mean that they seem to have their own differences. Like your kind had people with different hair colour, eye colour or skin colour, they seem to have a difference in their brain function, body height and development.

[Leo]-You think so?

[VERA]-Yes, but it isn't something that new. They have been registered during your kind's existence these types of beings as well. More exactly, he seems to be one of the kind of species that is able to think, but not on the level of a mature human being. His intelligence could be measured with one of a seven-year-old, while he will also act based on his instinct like the other species. The other breed is not able to think, they only act on what their instinct tells them. You can also see that he is a smaller being than the rest, so it should help you know that he is from a more developed species.

[Leo]-Really? I was under the impression that he is rather young, not that this is just the natural appearance of his species.

[VERA]-Depends on what you define "young". My scanner says that he is older than a hundred years old.

[Leo]-Well, from my perspective, he is indeed quite youthful, considering that I am two thousand years old.

[VERA]-That is true, but he isn't that young to be considered even a teen for his breed. He is an adult Helio-Homo Sapiens and can live up to more than three hundred years.

[Leo]-Even more than Homo Sapiens-Nyx?

[VERA]-Yes. Your species' researchers have found out that their mutation is even more developed than yours. That parasite seems to gain them a longer lifespan.

[Leo]-And given that they have the ability to reproduce, it would imply that they could inhabit this planet even longer than the Homo Sapiens-Nyx... Heh, and to think that they were once humans with families and friends. Now they have lost even the tiniest memory on that reality...

His joyful face is rather strange, considering that he says words which hurt him as well. Maybe he tries to stay positive? As if he stood like this his whole life, even if his fate brought him such disasters? But even if that was the case, why would he choose to do so? No matter, he turns towards CHE5TER with such a smile, speaking gently.

[Leo]-...Thank you for presenting me this specimen. And I apologise to both of you that you had to witness me in such state. I've been trapped in that room with nothing but ancient books and a robot for so long that I've... forgotten to be human myself.

[CHE5TER]-You've told me that you will help me understand my Inhoomanity after I show you my discovery which I've told you about. What can you tell me about it now?

[Leo]-Right... Well, in order for me to offer you assistance, I would like you to give me more details. How did you find it, for instance?

[CHE5TER]-As I said a few days ago, I was on a mission outside the Great Walls in search for something, led by an old map. During that time, before I found the dead body which I've concluded from your saying that it belongs to ALEX4NDER here, I was in a cave which was house to many of these creatures. As a fact, this one right here was the one who greeted me back then.

[Leo]-Really? This one?

[CHE5TER]-Yes. He presented himself as "Danny" to me by writing his name on the sand from the ground and he didn't seem to want to harm me in any way possible before I tried to take something away from him.

[Leo]-"Danny"? So you are suggesting that he has the intelligence to name himself?

[CHE5TER]-That's what I thought at first too, but after I took that something he had attached to his body, an old research book that belonged to a deceased historian, I finally got the real answer. He did not name himself, but he was named "Danny" by the historian that met him. He probably just remembers the name.

[Leo]-So Danny didn't cause the historian any harm, you say?

[CHE5TER]-No. It is how you have told me. At that time, Danny was probably either a newborn or simply a child, so being young, his instincts weren't active and was left to think on his own. He did consider her danger at first from what the historian recorded, but he got used to her the more they've stood together.

[Leo]-Well, that explanation does account for that particular incident, but it is rather fascinating that you claim he harbors no intention on you at all.

[VERA]-I believe humans did record something like this before too, Leo. Some documents registered in my data that you gave me after the whole extinction of your kind talk about how those who seem to act weird are not hunted by the Helio-Homo Sapiens.

[Leo]-You mean those affected by the parasites, VERA?

[VERA]-Yes. Those who have gained such a thing will not be hunted by these people. Theories had told that it is because they only wish to kill those who aren't affected by the parasites and leave the others suffer from the plague. If it is for them to get rid of the parasite, it would mean that they will start getting hunted too. Knowing that CHE5TER has this type of parasite even from birth, it would make sense for him to not be attacked by the Helio-Homo Sapiens at all.

[CHE5TER]-...Even if it is an Inhoomanity?

[VERA]-Even so, it seems.

[Leo]-Well, in that case, let's proceed with a test, shall we? If you may, CHE5TER, move next to Danny. Let's see whether he has any aggressive behaviour towards you or not.

...Oh, so we are playing games now, human?

CHE5TER, even a bit doubtful on this test, He obeys to the words and gets closer to the demon, who also seems to not give a damn about Him at all. He now stand right besides it, with the demon still staring deadly and angry at Leo, proving him the result of the test.

[Leo]-...Just as I suspected. This sure can now provide you some evidence regarding your Inhumanity being indeed connected to one of those parasites. As to why and what it is capable of, I am afraid I'm unable to offer an answer.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* Alright... I understand.

[Leo]-But if I may, could we conduct another test before we go and analyse the body you believe belongs to X4NDER?

[CHE5TER]-And that might be?

[Leo]-Simple. X4NDER, please join Danny as well.

[X4NDER]-W-What?

[Leo]-Do not be afraid, God of War. Just do as I say and you will see the result.

[X4NDER]-Leo, with all due respect, these creatures are unpredictable! I have fought them for a lifetime before the war broke in and I can tell you that I could've died many times in the past! Just because he is nice once or twice, doesn't mean we should trust him entirely!

[Leo]-He lacks the capacity of thinking that way, X4NDER. He isn't familiar with the concept of trickery, nor he possesses the ability to do it himself. Just trust me.

A bit scared, the boy moves slowly to the demon with His hand on His sword, so that He can take it out and fight if something happens. Still, when He got next to the demon too, the demon still doesn't give a damn about any of these two. He simply continues to look at the last human left.

[Leo]-...Well, that sure is "cool", isn't it?

[X4NDER]-But how is--

[Leo]- --Considering CHE5TER's suggestion that you might be dead, I have thought that a demon will not hunt an actual soul, but rather the body it possesses. An issue with your body is that it is not entirely yours. Your body possesses the attributes of CHE5TER's, a reason why this demon refuses to show any form of attack towards you.

[X4NDER]-But he attacked me once! I swear!

[Leo]-I can't provide an explanation for that, but right now it doesn't appear as it intends to attack you at all. A reason why I suggested on you doing this test for me. Now that we've reached our conclusions, we can go to the corpse. Lead us, stranger.

So, Leo turns back to the demon and goes slowly the other way, while the two boys go after him, with CHE5TER trying to get to be first. But before they even manage to go two meters away from the demon...

...Go.

...the demon gets into the light, running after the human it has been staring at all this time, while the suns burn its body slowly, giving such an unbearable pain. The creature is pretty fast though, so not even the boys managed to react, but the machine managed to catch the demon in the act, keeping it hostile in its plier-looking arm far away from Leo.

Leo heard the strange sound of agony of the demon, so he turned around only to see two confused boys and his mechanical friend that keeps the creature as if it is only a huge stick, with the creature being unable to escape from the robot's arm. So, it is left burning as the suns give it such a powerful life, with the creature even starting bleeding and growling harder and harder.

[Leo]-...VERA, shield the young one from the light, please!

So, the robot obeys, activating a small platform around the area of the creature to make sure that the suns don't get to it any longer, while Leo gets closer to the machine and stares at the demon confused.

[Leo]-...He fought against the light just to eliminate me? I've never heard of such case before... A Helio-Homo Sapiens to... fight against its most formidable enemy...

He then observes the creature, seeing its chaotic breathing, even more chaotic than it was its normality, coming from the pain it suffers now. It's body now is full of flowing white-glowing liquid that represents its blood, but something sure has changed to it too. Leo has noticed that the eyes of the demon seem rather brighter than before, and they were pretty bright too, as if that change has made it take the action it just did.

But when he looks just for a second back at the ruler, he gets rather surprised to see that the confused boy isn't even aware that His eyes have changed completely too, yet with no affect on His mind or body besides the eyes. He doesn't say anything though, he just stares at the boy that continues observing the creature, with no awareness of anything. As if he made his conclusion, he lights up his bionic eye again for VERA to let the creature in the dark and then take his leave as intended, with no fear at all.

30:07

[Leo]-Very well... So, what did you prepare for me here?

They have arrived next to the body of the deceased person that CHE5TER found in the past. Leo simply looks around with his eye lighting up, while the robot simply scans the area first to see if it can get an answer.

[CHE5TER]-This is... the body that I suspect to be his. Do you think that VERA can scan it?

[Leo]-She certainly can, but let her attempt to uncover any information about this place first. If this indeed is X4NDER's corpse, then maybe with a bit of luck, we might find the reason behind his disappearance as well.

[X4NDER]-...I actually got the chance to come here with him once, but I didn't recognise myself in this body at all.

[Leo]-Really? Did you happen to recognise at least the environment around you?

[X4NDER]-Not really... I felt like I have been somewhere in this place before, but I don't remember any detail from what I have seen then and even now.

[Leo]-Like a déjà vu?

[X4NDER]-I think yeah, pretty much.

[CHE5TER]-...Sorry, deja what?

[Leo]-Right. Your species isn't aware of this language or expression. X4NDER is acquainted it because I have shared him a lot of information about my kind in the past. "Déjà vu" refers to the sensation of experiencing present events as if they've already occurred in the past. The phrase originates from one of my kind's languages, as various countries had distinct dialects. This one, for example, comes from French.

[CHE5TER]-Oh, so something like us and the crevaators?

[Leo]-Yes, but it was more complex than that. My species had over seven thousand languages that came from around two hundred countries. My country, for instance, was using English, the very language we are speaking at the moment.

[CHE5TER]-S-Seven thou... A-And do you know how to speak them all??

[Leo]-No, but we weren't obligated to either. Still, selective individuals among us were choosing to be multilingual, knowing even up to eleven languages or more. In other cases, societal demands compelled some to speak multiple languages, while others did so due to the obligation of relocating themselves to nations where their language wasn't spoken. I am not a prime example, as I moved from an English-speaking country to another with the same linguistic norm. But that doesn't mean I am prohibited from learning a new language, as during my time of protecting the machine, VERA has helped me with learning some of my kind's languages. After all, I did possess ample leisure time those two thousand years...

[CHE5TER]-And how many do you speak?

[Leo]-Well, I've learnt Crevaarian as it was getting quite commonly used by your kind in the past few centuries, for instance. Then I have my initial attempts at speaking Spanish, Italian and Chinese after my species extinction, and then after a few more years, I have embarked on the journey of learning Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, German, Hungarian and many more, including French, to bring us back to our initial point. Of course, my main disadvantage was the inability to converse with native speakers and learn their true interpersonal communication rather than relying on the learning process, but I do possess the skill of constructing sentences.

[CHE5TER]-Is it... really a difference?

[Leo]-Absolutely. It's not just the matter of acquiring the language itself. Many native speakers tend to adopt peculiar sentence structures and even idiomatic expressions that lose their meaning upon translation. That's why it is wiser to grasp their conversational style as well.

[CHE5TER]-You sure got bored, huh... But may I ask why did your people choose to create so many languages instead of speaking one like us?

[Leo]-It's rather similar to the rationale behind the crevaators' approach though: we aspired to cultivate distinct modes of speech within our lands during the need of communication in specific groups of people. Some languages evolved due to geographical isolation, while others stemmed from ancestral languages of bygone eras. There were multiple factors which contributed to this decision being taken, and it wouldn't have been wise for us to adopt the same language over the entire planet anyway. Such a move would have led to numerous conflicts.

It sure feels as if you are in a class and learn about a subject. Or at least that's how CHE5TER feels right now, and strangely enough, He enjoys it. Sure, it isn't really joy, but He wished His entire life to find out the truth and He finally found a man that could have all the answers in the world registered in a simple machine. Maybe not exactly all, since he too has his own limits, but he knows a lot and experienced so many things that no being from His kind ever did.

But then, the robot gets back and does a conclusion on the scans so far, speaking to Leo who gets rather disappointed.

[VERA]-I am sorry, Leo, but my scans cannot detect what kind of area this is to be so special to the point of leading to X4NDER's death. However, I can say for certain that this cave is artificial, made by being's hand.

[Leo]-Well, as you observed, Helio-Homo Sapiens appear to inhabit this location, VERA. They likely made the cave during the night.

[VERA]-No. It is impossible for them to create such a cave out of nowhere. It has roots from a different event.

[Leo]-What do you mean by that?

[VERA]-The cave seems to have more than two hundred years since its creation, but it wasn't existent before that period of time. Since the yearly storm came so many times, the sand and rocks that had come this direction had covered the area in which we are in to form this cave. But for that to happen, it will mean that this area used to be a crater. Since no natural craters on this planet look any similar to this one, I assume that the Homo Sapiens-Nyx have made it in the past. The reason behind it is still unknown to me, however.

[Leo]-So, something truly occurred in this place.

[VERA]-That is correct. My assumptions will be that it was meant to be a village, given that it might be close to the years of the war. People were trying to find safe zones during that time, so it will make sense for those that weren't taking part in the war to create a new village far away from danger. But I cannot understand why X4NDER will be here from all the other people. Do you happen to know if you chose to lead the construction of this new village, X4NDER?

[X4NDER]-I-I'm sorry, VERA, but I don't remember any "new village" discussion.

[Leo]-But it could aid us in forming a notion of what happened... For instance, perhaps you have decided to retreat to this zone under the assumption that the war would conclude, a reason why your recollections conclude on it to have met its end. Or perhaps you have been abducted, given your reputation as a dreaded warrior, resulting in people coming up with the idea of execution. Though these theories appear implausible to you, it is crucial for us to brainstorm until we arrive at the final conclusion. Don't take it to heart.

VERA then begins to scan the corpse itself to prove if it really is this boy to begin with or they had made the worst ideas from the start. Her scanner proves right though, having the result of ALEX4NDER HAYATO as mentioned, which then Leo's eye lights up again and receive the message, getting the conclusion of Him being actually dead.

[Leo]-...Well, we've done our task here. We've demonstrated X4NDER's demise and subsequently revived through employment of the ruby. Any other suggestions on how to kill the time now?

[CHE5TER]-Wait, that's it? You just came here, scanned the corpse and now you want to go back?

[Leo]-Do you see us being able to find any concrete evidence of what transpired here, CHE5TER? Beyond just confirming your initial suspicions, our options are limited. Retrieving X4NDER's memories is essential if we're to uncover the truth, and I'm skeptical this place will help him in any way considering that he didn't even recognise it. But... truth to be told, now I am eager to see more of the world beyond and witness extent of changes during the time I kept myself hidden. Although, I'm doubtful we can embark on that venture within the City of Perfection now, given that they unlikely to accept my identity as The First Man, which could lead to my execution, leaving this planet with no humans left and a guardian of the machine.

[CHE5TER]-What about VERA? Can't she remain to protect it on her own?

[Leo]-Given your initial manifestation towards her, I doubt others will understand her true nature either.

[CHE5TER]-...I have my own fears. Doesn't mean everyone else have them too.

[Leo]-Well then, if there are no other plans here, I have seen enough. We can head back to your people's city and settle the necessary matters there, or you're welcomed to continue your journey elsewhere once we arrive. I do not mind at all. But I do require a way of returning, given that the M military will think of me as a beast due to my partly mechanical appearance.

Leo then begins to make his way towards the location in which they first arrive. No, not the demon, but the above land where they came with the vehicle. VERA still follows him, but CHE5TER stops him only with a single sentence.

[CHE5TER]-...Aren't they your people too, "First Man"? Why are you saying it as if you aren't one of us? You have created us to begin with.

The sentence seems pretty innocent to the ruler, but to the human, it sounds as if you insult his own blood. His joy has faded away almost completely just hearing it, as he stopped from walking and forgave the unknown being.

[Leo]-...No. They are not my people as I will never be one of them. I am an alien to both this planet and your culture. My sole role to them is the guardian of the very thing that sustains their existence. But we do not belong to the same species, nor do we share the same home. I am a Terran. You are a Helionyxan. If you wish to learn about my people, then be my guest. But we will never be the same. At least not as species...

[CHE5TER]-...

[Leo]-Once again, if you're interested in learning anything about the past in particular, you know where to find me, CHE5TER. I possess most of the answers about this world in which we live, but bear in mind that I have my own limits. My storytelling is more vivid if I personally witnessed the events, rather than simply hearing. However... do not entertain the notion that my kind will ever return. I abandoned that mindset a long time ago myself. Beyond occasional conversations, your assistance has its limits as well. Humanity has foregone its final chance of redemption.

 ...Liar.

The City of Above

31:17

Seems as all four of them have arrived back at the central building in which Leo has lived most of his life on this planet. CHE5TER simply observes all the strange inventions made by this new kind of beings He discovered, sketches that He can't understand how they are suppose to be made or how they are suppose to function, machines that look as if they come from movies. As if His kind knows what movies are...

But X4NDER only stands by the side of Leo and VERA, with Leo working on a small project that looks like a new machine. A human machine, or an AI that could act like a human. An AI... that can copy the only human left alive. VERA only helps around by giving tools and advices on how to construct a living AI from her registered data regarding robots.

[X4NDER]-...So what's this suppose to be this time? A new protector of the machine?

[Leo]-It's rather akin to a... LEOFD2.0, if you wish. At least that's the moniker I've assigned it. I've been dedicating five years of my efforts now to try and emulate my actions and emotions, channeling them into this mechanical creation that might replace me, should any unforeseen circumstances befall me in the days to come.

[X4NDER]-And does it really work...?

[Leo]-Well, its physical structure does, but I'm encountering a few challenges when it comes to its emotional capacity. I've never ventured into the realm of programming emotions in robots before, so I do find myself lacking that necessary expertise and must learn how to acquire these skills. I did make an attempt in the past to infuse something akin into VERA's data, but it didn't unfold as planned. I believe I might have shared that tale with you in your earlier years.

[X4NDER]-Yeah, you did. But you said it was a long time ago. How come you try again now?

[Leo]-I've reached a level of sheer boredom that has led me to explore every avenue imaginable, to be completely honest... Very little has occurred on my front since you've vanished over the past two centuries, leaving me to occupy the vast majority of my time in solitude within this space. Consequently, I conceived the notion of emulating a life form, just to see if it works out. I did embark on several other projects before, but my enthusiasm decreased quickly. This particular endeavor happens to be the one that endured the longest to see the light of day.

[X4NDER]-Don't you think that it will lead to the robot having errors if it is overwhelmed by emotions and understanding them just like what happened to VERA?

[Leo]-Oh, I do believe that would happen for certain. Success is far from assured, but I am determined to give it a try. VERA just so happens to represent a different narrative altogether, as she is not a project belonging to me but the very last companion remaining from my kind. I couldn't bear to leave her in that state. I felt obligated to find a solution somehow. The fact that I succeeded in making her comprehend emotions without actually experiencing them as a result is a whole new story. Nevertheless, I am happy that she has undergone such an update after remaining in outdated versions for so long.

Leo then closes the programming panel of the robot that he is working on, making a few arrangements and then looking at X4NDER.

[Leo]-Well then... Let's put this "creature" to a test. VERA, would you kindly activate LEOFD2.0?

[VERA]-As you wish!

VERA then gets closer to the robot, turning on its system and then going back by the side of Leo, observing the machine that now "opens" its eyes with such a light, examining the room.

[Leo]-Hello there, dear creation.

The robot then looks at its creator, with such lifeless movements that are pretty obvious they do not belong to a human being at all.

[LEOFD2.0]-Hello! My name is LEOTIS FLOYD DALTON! How may I assist you today?

And even CHE5TER's attention was caught by the talking machine that is now in front of the other two men, getting a bit closer to the area but also making sure to watch from the distance, behind the other people.

[Leo]-May I inquire what is your purpose on this planet?

[LEOFD2.0]-My purpose is to serve and protect the machine that gives life to the Helionyxans present on HN-1C.

[X4NDER]-Heheh, that's pretty cool, actually!

[Leo]-Yes, but does seem a bit too mechanical...

[X4NDER]-Hm? What do you mean?

[Leo]-The reply doesn't quite capture the essence of "life" at all... I mean, can you detect emotions in his words?

[X4NDER]-Maybe the conversation doesn't help him that much with it.

Leo is a bit disappointed though, given that he tried to program an AI to make it feel like it is an actual human being. Instead, the responses lack feelings.

[Leo]-...Let us have a go with a different approach then. LEO, what can you share to me about your home?

[LEOFD2.0]-I am coming from a planet known as "Earth", forced to leave it and continue my life on a complete new galaxy known to human kind. My family has died on that planet, but I have remained to live.

[Leo]-It appears to have incorporated the data implemented about my past experiences to give him some humanity, and also adopted the language filter of emulating Helionyxans copied from VERA... But it still doesn't have the right touch.

[X4NDER]-LEOTIS, what can you tell me about your home planet? How was it?

[LEOFD2.0]-Earth was a planet which sustained human life for millions of years until a catastrophic event known as "World War Five" has forced us to find a new planet in order to survive. Earth had many species besides humans, animals that were also living in the land of my former home. There are so many details about it that it could take me days to talk about Earth entirely. Do you wish to know something in particular about it?

[Leo]-...How do you feel now that you've abandoned your homeland behind?

[LEOFD2.0]-I am upset about this idea. I have left everything on that planet, including my family, just to come here and survive. I miss my old home. I miss the streets of my city and the liveliness of the human kind that could be seen everywhere around the world.

Though the two boys only test out the robot to see if it expresses emotions, CHE5TER only seems to feel down watching the machine talk. Maybe it's not His fear alone, but it's more the fact that He knows this machine was programmed to mimic Leo as a human, including his emotions regarding what happened in the past. He knows that... this machine is suppose to show that Leo misses his home. Even though its response feels emotionless.

[Leo]-You don't appear particularly distressed to me. Your response seems rather numb, LEO. Why is that?

[LEOFD2.0]-I am sorry if it wasn't clear to you. Yes, I am upset. I wish I could go back in time and stop the war from taking over Earth. I would do anything to live again with my kind by my side.

[Leo]-What are your sentiments towards the Helionyxans then? What significance do they hold in your perspective?

[LEOFD2.0]-I am an alien to them, as well as they are to me. Coming from Earth, I am a living Terran that is only forced to live among those that have been born on HN-1C. I am not one of their kind. I am not accepted by them.

[Leo]-And how does being an alien affect you emotionally?

[LEOFD2.0]-It makes me feel like I've been abandoned in a place that I do not recognise. My people left me. I have nothing left but a robot named "VERA" that has been with me my entire life. I am different. I do not wish to be different.

And now, CHE5TER feels even more unwell about this robot alone, with such an expression full of sorrow, battling the emotions He now has to face. Then, He stops looking towards the machine or the other people, minding His own business and looking around the other machines in the room until it's time for Him to leave.

[Leo]-It appears to grasp the concept of emotions, but it lacks the ability to express them properly. Just like VERA... *sigh* Such a shame. I shall have to delve deeper into LEO's program if I wish for him to prosper as a project.

[X4NDER]-How much do you think it will take you?

[Leo]-I'm not entirely certain... It could take me a few days, perhaps even a few months. It's rather uncertain at this point. I must delve deeper, as said, into the matter of imbuing robots with human emotions. I've got a few books stashed away for that very purpose, but in order to accomplish my goal, I must understand the methods employed by the people who successfully imbued human qualities into their robots.

[X4NDER]-Well, now I really want to see it done!

[Leo]-Heheh, very well then. But I reckon it's sufficient for today's tests concerning him. We can revisit your memories later whenever you feel prepared.

The Southeast Military Base

51:49

It sure is late now, with so few people present at the base, lacking that chaotic atmosphere it always had whenever the people argued. CHE5TER is the only person present at the moment, maybe waiting for the others to come back from the mission of today. What He does isn't much though. He simply wanders around the hallways, killing some time alone until the others arrive.

Still, His expression seems to show rather confusion and joylessness. His eyes are half opened, with the same emptiness as always, looking at the ground while walking as if He tries to make peace with His own mind.

"Say, First Man... Why do you say that we are not the same? If I am born as an Almost-Hooman as you say, then wasn't I suppose to be a chance of your kind's redemption? And if it is that way... don't you realise that I do not belong in this world either? So where do I belong if I am not a hooman... nor one of my people's kind? Or do I even belong somewhere after all the sins I have committed in this life of mine...?"

Still talking to yourself, Little Ruler?

"..."

He seems rather more upset now, taking such a huge breath as if His biggest regret has come back to Him once again, before looking at the floor, searching for a sky to watch.

"...You know, Demon... I do not hate you. I never did. I just have so many questions for you and you simply don't want to answer them. I've been only a child and you still decided to get rid of that part of me... Why is that?"

As if the answer will matter to you. You ask me questions because you want to forget that you are trapped in a misery from which you cannot escape and seek protection from me as if I am meant to be your guardian.

"Then what are you meant to be?"

Why spoil the fun? I am just a little voice to you, am I not? My true meaning will remain lost, just like your true potential. As you are a soldier, I, too, am a follower. It just so happened that I've decided to take my own decisions from now on.

"Follower of who? Leo said that parasites aren't able to adapt nor think. How is it possible for you to make your own decisions, and from what exactly are you stepping away?"

Mmm, curious much, are we? You know very well that I feed on your curiosity.

"I just... want to know the truth. That's what I've wanted my entire life."

Why is that? Why do you seek to uncover the truth as if that truth you are suppose to find is meant to be your very salvation from darkness? Sometimes the truth might be even worse than a lie. And funnily enough, you tell me that you wish to find reality when you avoid my guidance and advices too.

"That's because your "guidance" wishes to take over my body with no meaning behind. What's so special about a sinner's corpse? Is it the blood of it you seek for? The mind it holds? Is it the powers that I am suppose to hold? Why... do you continue it? Why are you so motivated on getting rid of me and remaining with my body alone? What is there for you to achieve from all of this?"

You keep secrets from your loved ones, I keep mine. It's not like you would understand anyway... alien.

"..."

[RY4N]-...CHE5TER!

As He heard His brother's voice from behind, He wakes up to reality in just a matter of seconds, looking back at RY4N as if nothing happened. It does look like while He was having His time alone, the team managed to get back.

[CHE5TER]-...Oh, RY4N. How was the mission?

[RY4N]-You are kidding me, right? I haven't seen you these past few days at all around the base! Heck, I started having the feeling that you just ran away like you used too!

[CHE5TER]-Right... I was just caught into this investigation about where this stranger comes from that I guess I forgot to visit you all.

[RY4N]-*sigh* If it was for other times, I would've been worried like Hell, but at this point I should be used to you running away from home and coming back whenever you please... Seriously now though! You didn't give us any updates!

[CHE5TER]-Well, it's not much of an update though. I guess we are on the same level as before. Still no track of his people and what exactly that map was meant to hide.

So you choose to lie to him again, huh?

[RY4N]-But why the whole disappearance and only speaking through texts?

[CHE5TER]-I had a few problems to solve in the City of Above, nothing much. Really. You don't need to worry about that fact. But I still am going to say that I will probably be missing some more days too in the future. Just so that you know.

[RY4N]-Alright, alright... At least update me if so. Many people started asking questions on what's happening too and they begin to put me in a worry every time they bring the subject of you facing a threat again.

"...I will tell him when I will be ready to face reality myself. Until then, I will lie and protect them all from this truth. From the fact that... I am not one of them."

Though CHE5TER continues to play a character in order to hide the truth, He doesn't seem as He succeeds this time. RY4N notices that something is strange about the way He talks or even looks at him. But funnily enough, even RY4N played a character the very moment he saw his brother in this state, as he felt from the very start that something is not right. Maybe he has learnt how to lie too, but CHE5TER already knew it. No one dares to say a word after though, with such an awkward atmosphere happening between them for the very first time in their entire life, just staring at each other as if words will come out randomly.

So, CHE5TER decides to kill this awkward moment which He hates so much, having a small thought to ask.

[CHE5TER]-Hey, RY4N... Has it ever felt strange to you that you are the only R born among our group?

[RY4N]-Why would it feel strange?

[CHE5TER]-Well, I mean... you aren't the same race as us, right? So, why wouldn't you feel strange about that fact? That you are different than us?

[RY4N]-Are you... trying to make me feel uncomfortable? I don't really understand the question...

[CHE5TER]-Just... how did you feel about this fact?

[RY4N]-How should I feel though? Yes, I am the only R born, but why would I feel strange about that? People accepted me for the way I am as a person, not for the way I was born. This whole concept of not accepting one another belongs to the above, not in the underground. You are the ruler, so you know the best that this city accepts anybody, no matter what they are... even M borns of the above. So why do you ask something so weird?

[CHE5TER]-I was a bit curious on a fact, that's all.

[RY4N]-What fact? About how the R borns feel? I don't understand, CHE5TER.

[CHE5TER]-No, no, it's just... a fact. A small fact in my mind.

[RY4N]-What's the problem, Brother? You act a bit strange today.

[CHE5TER]-I was just imagining how would it be if our roles were reversed, nothing much. I simply didn't know how people would react to me being an R born and you a C born, given that I was hated even as someone from their own race.

[RY4N]-But who cares about what the others feel about you? You are my sibling, remember? Even if the world is against you or you are different than me, I will still be here to fight the world alongside you. Wasn't this our very promise?

"...Even as an alien?"

CHE5TER takes a pause, taking such a huge breath while RY4N looks confused. But then, He looks one more time to His brother...

[CHE5TER]-...Heh, I guess you are right. Thank you, RY4N. Thank you for... always being there for me.

...with such a smile that never appeared on the face of the ruler after He has lost that happiness He once had. This is not a fake smile, not a forced one to make RY4N feel better as it was in the past. This smile... is real. It is such a sincere one that even RY4N cannot believe what he is now watching, as if he is dreaming.

But the smile slowly fades away as CHE5TER begins to be even more lost in His own mind. Though it was just for a few seconds, His brother sure had that old feeling as the little boy he once knew came back to life, even with that void still present in His eyes. However, knowing the present, RY4N sure knows that this smile hides something, and it isn't just a secret. It's sorrow that his own brother doesn't want to show, sad on a fact that is kept away from him.

Then, CHE5TER simply leaves him alone, with no other words given, no gesture that means "goodbye" nor even an eye contact after the final words He has said. He simply goes towards His own destination, leaving RY4N puzzle the moment that just happened.

"...This is not you speaking at all, Ches. These are your thoughts which you fight right now. Tell me. What did you find in the City of Above or from the stranger that made you fall into such state?"

08.09.1642

00:10

CHE5TER arrives in His office not long after He has left RY4N behind. It isn't much He is doing now though. He goes towards His chair, stops in front of the view of the city for a few seconds, admiring it with such an expression that either says confusion or sadness, before making up His mind and sitting down on the chair as intended in the first place. After that, He makes a small pause from His own mind, staring at a single direction with no meaning of seeing anything in particular, before the rest ends and then searching for the papers that got added to His work as the Great Leader.

Since those days He has been out for such a long time, those papers got into such a huge number for Him to handle right now, having hundreds of them which He takes and puts on His desk and other hundreds that are still remaining untouched in the drawers for Him to do them later. It doesn't bother Him that much from what it seems though, since His problems are different from just a few papers that He can avoid or do quickly anyway.

But then He notices the old photo of His family from years ago, which simply makes Him more confused the more He thinks about it. So, He takes it in His hand and just... stares at the man that was His father, as if He waits for the answers to come.

"Father... you were the first one who told me this information. You knew what I am. You knew..."

"...but now I can just tell you that this is what makes you special, CHE5TER."

"...that I am different than them all. How did you...? How did you know that I do not belong in this world from the very beginning? How did you know that I am this rare race of "Almost-Hooman"? How did you know the answers? And... why didn't you tell me the truth from the start? Why did you hide it...?

Why did you leave only a map for me to find this truth? I could've not find it in the first place, who made you think that I will be able to find it one day? Or who made you think that AL7AN will keep his promise? Why did you do this entire puzzle for me only to find that I was meant to be a whole different specie from the very beginning, instead of telling it right into my face? Did you fear that RY4N won't accept me anymore? Did you fear that the world won't do it? The world already didn't, so I simply... don't understand...

The word "alien" means a person that does not belong in this world with our kind. An outsider, a being that tries to make itself look as if it is the same as all the others. The word is so rarely used and when it is so, it is given to psychopaths, cold murderers or criminals that wish for this world to burn in Hell, all with a mindset that cannot be changed. In other words... a person that simply has nothing to do with us anymore. So if it is for me to not belong here, then where do I belong? Do I belong in the world from which Leo comes? Do I belong in the outside world with the demons? Do I belong in Hell? Or do I really belong here with beings that are not even from my kind, a lie that I have believed my whole life? If Leo isn't accepted as what he is in our world, even as the First Man Himself, then who am I to belong here? Who... was I made to be and where is my home...? And why did you leave me wonder on this answer alone...?

Come to think of it... even if you were the first and only person that knew what I am, you still accepted me for a reason I don't understand. Your letter to us even said that you did not see yourself being a father one day, so what made you change that idea? Was it truly me who affected your fate the moment you took me as your son? Or... have you got your own plans from the very beginning?

You are more complex than I remember, Father... I do not remember you being so secretive, nor I remember you being such a master in making up plans, seeing how they have succeeded. You make me wonder more about our ancestors and how were they like... I remember you telling us stories about Grandfather as if He was a god, knowing everything and doing everything. But how come nobody knows who LAZ4RU5 was besides the documents written by Him? Why were you the first LENKOV to ever show His face in front of the Council? Were our ancestors... Almost-Hoomans too?"

The City of Above

02:29

In the meantime though, as late as it is, the boy and the true alien have remained in the initial building, with X4NDER taking care of the ore while VERA simply continues to scan Him over and over again. Leo simply looks around his books though.

[X4NDER]-Are we done with the tests, Leo? How many scans does VERA need to do in order for her to understand a way of getting my memories back?

[Leo]-She has to conduct a brain activity scan on you, X4NDER. Our intention is to identify the issue affecting your memories, remember?

[VERA]-That is true, but unfortunately, I simply can't find any issue with it at all. Do remember that I am scanning a soul, not a living being. Everything I find can be vague and might lead us to more puzzles. I do understand that X4NDER maybe got sick of being forever scanned with no result.

[X4NDER]-See? VERA understands! We can continue tomorrow anyway! What's stopping us from doing so?

[Leo]-*sigh* Very well then. Let's put a stop on the tests for today. I will ponder an alternative approach in the meantime. You can go rest in the room I've allocated for you, X4NDER.

So, X4NDER simply makes a sign as a goodbye and takes His leave, while Leo remains with VERA in the same room, closing any book he had with him and taking a device that seems to be close to a remote. Then, he presses one button, only for the bookcase to separate in half and a small bed to be put on its own. After it is done, Leo simply sits down to prepare himself for this night's sleep, but VERA comes in front of him to speak.

[VERA]-Should I start your emotional status verification of the night as well?

[Leo]-Can't we postpone it for a day or two?

[VERA]-You have programmed me to follow the schedule on point, Leo. Besides that, you do know that you have to keep yourself sane if you wish to continue further. I am a machine, I am not affected by human emotions, not to mention that I have no emotional status. I cannot suffer of anything regarding this problem. But you are a human. You live emotions every day, and loneliness for sociable species isn't the best ally.

[Leo]-Heh, since when do you concern yourself with my feelings, VERA? Being worried is a human emotion, you know.

[VERA]-I do know that. But again, I cannot feel it. I am simply following orders and observing the situation. Today, for example, you gave a rather proof of your sanity going down because of your isolation throughout so many years. If you wish for your emotional behaviour to remain stable, you have to do your verifications every day and take my advices. Do remember that this is how you have programmed me, knowing well that this might be your future. You were aware of it a thousand years ago.

[Leo]-...I know, VERA. But I also know that I can't sustain my sanity like this forever. This world isn't truly where we belong, old friend. Our home is on Earth, not on HN-1C. Here we serve as the givers of life to the Helionyxans... but we do not belong among them.

[VERA]-Do you suggest on us trying to leave HN-1C and going back on Earth?

[Leo]-No. We are unable to do so even if we desire.

While they are talking, Leo seems to do his preparations for the rest. This means of him pausing the robotic organs he owns, such as his bionic eye for which he attaches a strange device above the area of the supposed ear which looks like a gadget that either helps with recharging the energy lost during the day or simply uploading the information accumulated during the day. For the arm, he takes a different device, this one being smaller and looking like a key, which he inserts in one of the holes of the robotic limb, rotate it and detaching the arm completely, putting it in a small compartment near the bed after.

[Leo]-...If we choose to depart from this planet completely, we have no guarantees of a successful arrival on Earth after. I lack knowledge of space navigation and it will take time for me to sift through preserved documents that I managed to save after the attack until I find the correct route we need to take. And even if we do make it to Earth, we would probably still remain the only survivors alive there since humanity's demise due to the nuclear war. The planet likely remained highly irradiated, which it won't be in our favour. Not to even mention that we need to find the rusty and destroyed spaceship in the first place, which is now buried beneath sand from numerous annual storms. Moreover... if we do decide to abandon these beings, who knows how long it will take until their social collapse will eventually come? Despite our efforts to prevent them from repeating my kind's mistakes, the Helionyxans still engaged in a whole war... All beings retain their own mindsets, I can't change that reality. However, I can persist in guarding the machine.

[VERA]-What about creating a machine that can protect it?

[Leo]-A machine cannot fully embody the role that belongs to a human, VERA. Even if its proficient in protection, it is vulnerable to damage over time. Without someone to undertake repairs, the role of guardian will eventually disappear. I am immortal and immune to harm as long as I avoid the sole ore that affects me. No machine could replace my role. Do remember that even you sustained damaged numerous times in the past, and I was the one who had to perform the repairs.

[VERA]-Then what is your suggestion?

[Leo]-My proposal is that we rest and embrace another day for now. There's not much we can accomplish at the moment anyway.

[VERA]-As you wish, Leo.

So, after he is done with the preparation, he lays down on the bed, looking at the ceiling while VERA simply sits on his body, activating her sleep mode and going silent. Doing so, Leo then looks at the machine that simply rests on him, with such a gentle smile that hides such pain. He begins to move around his normal hand on the top of the robot, maybe even imagining his own daughter being with him, trying to calm him down.

[Leo]-...Good night, VERA.

"...May we find a place where we belong."