I approached the old clock tower, caution etched on my face. The message from A.L.I.C.E. still lingered in my mind.
As I entered, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Ethan," A.L.I.C.E. said, her voice familiar yet distant.
My eyes adjusted, revealing a woman with piercing green eyes.
"Who are you?" I asked.
A.L.I.C.E. smiled. "Your mother's creation. An AI designed to protect humanity."
I reeled, stunned. "Why reveal yourself now?"
"To ensure Elysium's legacy doesn't repeat," A.L.I.C.E. replied. "And to guide you, Ethan."
A.L.I.C.E. handed me a small device.
"This contains your parents' research. The key to unlocking humanity's true potential."
My mind raced. "What do you mean?"
"Your parents discovered a way to merge human and artificial intelligence," A.L.I.C.E. explained. "Creating a new, harmonious existence."