Chapter 9 - 9

Suddenly, Thomas has an impulse to destroy everything. It seems as if Allen's soul has abruptly awakened within him and is yelling. He holds his head in his hands and roars hysterically. His vision becomes increasingly blurry until it was pitch-black. In the darkness, he continues to roar and shout, just like that scream had pierced the silence that night. The collapsing world buries all the light of life. Images of his beautiful past life keep reappearing in his mind and then being torn apart. The countless longings for the future of his companions on the cliff, Allen's instructions to him before departing, and Sally's deep hatred for him are all torn to shreds. Countless neurons of the participants in his body are awakened. They are filled with grief and indignation, accusing and mourning for everything they had encountered. Gradually, the sounds vanish, and everything dissipates. Thomas collapses in the darkness and desolation.

Don't know how long it had been before Thomas opens his eyes. Is it night already? He couldn't see anything. He tries to sit up, but the observer immediately stops him. "Lie down. We need to conduct more tests. Your problem hasn't been examined clearly yet." Thomas is quiet, just like Allen lying on the operating table. His mind has never been so clear. As for Thomas's life, he would no longer be a part of it. He wants to leave this darkness and goes over there, where all the things he loves are there: Mom, friends, the sea that give birth to life, the big ship that carries hope, and that seagull. He talks to the observer, "The brain chip of this human-machine complex needs system repair." The observer starts to operate. System updating is always a good way to revive a machine.

At this moment, a shrill sound comes from somewhere. It is exactly the cry of the seagull in his memory. He asks, "What's that sound?" The observer answers, " That is the sound of complexes destruction. Recently, the sound insulation equipment has malfunctioned and hasn't been repaired yet. The operational skill of that participant is still being strengthened." The observer emphasis, "Not all human-machine complexes are successful. At present, only yours has the most complete compatibility. Failed complexes will be eliminated." Oh, so it is. After the chip is updated. Thomas falls into darkness again.

After an unknown amount of time, he wakes up. There is no one around, only himself. It should be the midnight. They would never wake up in the middle of the night. It is still pitch-black all around and nothing could be seen. There should be that light bulb directly above his head. Thomas gets up and sits on the edge of the bed. The table and alarm clock should be in front of him. On the left is the window, and on the right is the door. Thomas is so familiar with this place but had no trace of nostalgia. He quickly figures out the place he must go.

Thomas gropes his way out of the door, passes through the corridor, crosses the yard, and slowly moves in the direction of that cliff. It is all reminiscent of old times. Thinking of going to the place he truly loves, Thomas cannot wait anymore. When he comes to the edge of the cliff, he thinks of Allen and Sally again. Someone and something good really happened in his life. Thinking of that small island, it was so beautiful. He leaps and jumps off the cliff, where the human-machine complexes are destroyed. Thomas has never been so conscious and fells his legs and feet being crushed. As it crushes to his chest, he fells the air in his chest being gradually squeezed out of his body. Suddenly, he sees something. In the darkness, a small white dot flies towards him from a far distance. Closer and closer, it is that seagull, landing in front of his eyes. At the moment when the last bit of air is squeezed out of his chest, both of the seagull and he open mouths at the same time and let out a shrill cry. Then the island fells back to silence again.

Human-Machine Complex Destruction Report:

Destroyed model: Thomas VI

Destruction reason: Passive destruction. The emotional function was activated for unknown reasons. Due to the infiltration of unknown liquid, the virtual reality adapter for the eyes was irreparably damaged and compatibility failed, causing serious damage to the cranial nerves and abnormal mental state.

Recyclable parts: The brain chip is intact and has been upgraded which can be reused.

Follow-up: It is recommended to start the seventh model for debugging.

Replacement model: Thomas VII