Isaac arrived at the sleek, futuristic building where the AI specialist was said to work. The structure towered above him, its glass exterior reflecting the endless skyline of the city. With a sense of purpose, he approached the entrance, but as he stepped inside, he was met not by the specialist, but by a holographic figure—a secretary powered by AI.
"State your business," the AI said, its voice emotionless but efficient.
"I've come to learn from the AI specialist," Isaac explained, trying to remain calm. "I want to understand how to manage information and protect knowledge."
The AI's eyes flickered for a moment, scanning through unseen data streams. "You are not in the system. No identity, no credentials," it responded. "The specialist does not meet with unidentified individuals. You are denied access."
Isaac's heart sank. The door to learning was closed before he could even reach it. This wasn't like the past, where a man could seek knowledge simply by asking. Here, everything was locked behind a system of identification and credentials—things Isaac didn't have.
"I just want to learn," Isaac pressed. "There must be some way to get through."
The AI didn't flinch. "Access denied. No further inquiries will be accepted."
Isaac stood there for a moment, frustrated and bewildered. He had never faced such an impersonal rejection before. In the past, he had learned from builders, artists, and craftsmen by simply showing up, but this was different. This world was governed by data, and without a trace in their system, he was invisible.
---
**Attempting to Buy a Computer**
Determined to continue on his own, Isaac decided to start small. If he couldn't access the specialist directly, he would begin his own research. He headed to the tech market, looking to buy a computer. He figured that if he could get access to online information, he could start learning on his own and figure out what kind of resources he needed.
After selecting a mid-range model, Isaac approached the checkout station. The automated vendor scanned the item, but when it came time to pay, the system rejected his attempt.
"Invalid credentials. Insufficient funds," the machine's voice repeated.
Isaac frowned. The realization sank in deeper: he had no access to credits, no way of purchasing even the simplest tool in this world. The frustration grew as he realized that, unlike the past, there's no room for barter or trade here—everything is bound to the digital system.
---
**Reflecting on the Past**
As Isaac left the market, his mind wandered back to the past. He thought about how easy everything had been until now—how he had gained acceptance from master builders, artists, and craftsmen with barely more than a request. Why had they trusted him so quickly? Why had they been so willing to teach him?
Had it been a reflection of those simpler times? Or had he been relying too much on his title as the Guardian of Time? Here, in this advanced world, that title meant nothing. The people of this era valued data, credentials, and information more than skill or reputation. Isaac realized that his journey up until now had been too smooth—this was the first real challenge he had faced where time itself wasn't enough to give him what he needed.
---
**Considering His Options**
Isaac walked through the bustling streets of the futuristic city, feeling the weight of his situation. He had been able to adapt in the past, learning from the masters of other eras, but this world was different. The technological complexity of this era required more than just ingenuity—it required access, data, and credentials.
As he contemplated his next move, Isaac began thinking ahead. He hadn't considered robotics before, but perhaps machines could play a role in organizing and protecting the vast collection he was building. If he could learn to create robots or systems to help manage his sanctuary, it might solve more than just a few logistical issues. But before he could even think about building something like that, he needed resources—and, most importantly, an identity that allowed him to exist in this world.
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**Realizing the Challenge**
The AI's rejection echoed in his mind: "No identity, no credentials." Isaac realized that, in order to even begin this journey in the future, he would need to find a way to build credibility—an identity that allowed him to purchase, study, and eventually create.
This is the moment where Isaac resolves to use his time-travel abilities to build the foundation he needs: a legitimate identity, a source of wealth, and a presence that spans centuries.
---
**End of Chapter**
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**Dear Reader,**
Thank you for joining me on this journey with Isaac and Kronos! As this is my first book, I'm still exploring and trying new things in my writing. If there's anything you didn't enjoy or think I could do better, I'd love to hear your advice.
If you've been enjoying the story, please consider giving a Power Stone or leaving a quick review. Every review adds an extra chapter this week! Your feedback means a lot to me and helps shape what's to come.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to keep exploring the threads of time together!
Warm regards,
colinh45