Hiroshi entered his office, closing the door behind him. The room was quite traditional and resembled something more akin to a Japanese den than an actual work space. The walls were painted a soft cream color.
At the back, there was a painting of a sakura tree. His office, which seemed out of place in the modern building. It had an old traditional Japanese feel to it and resembled a room from an old castle.
The reason behind this odd choice of decor became evident when one noticed the various paintings and figures that adorned the walls.
It was nearly four in the morning, and Kazu was soon to arrive. Hiroshi walked over to his desk and sat down, his thoughts were now swirling with the events to come. He had never personally killed anyone before, even though he had ordered plenty of the "cleanup" operations that Kazu had done.
Hiroshi wasn't a violent man, at least, not outwardly.
He had never killed anyone with his own hands. The mere thought left a sour taste in his mouth. But at the same time, he felt no remorse ordering the "cleanup" operations. In his mind, it was just a necessary part of the business, nothing more. He had seen Kazu and his team at work before, and it didn't bother him much.
His musings were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Hiroshi looked up, expecting it to be Kazu. "It's open," he called out, his tone steady. The automatic door opened and Kazu stepped into the room. Hiroshi was immediately greeted by the sight of the man's full-black body suit.
The full-black body suit Kazu was wearing was no ordinary suit. It was crafted from advanced bulletproof material. The suit was made in a single, one-piece design, making it incredibly comfortable and easy to move in. Its pockets, strategically placed, provided ample storage space for various types of items and equipment.
The suit's mask was connected to the main body through a pipe, allowing the user to breathe more easily while wearing the suit. The mask itself was completely transparent, offering an unobstructed view of the surroundings.
The suit also had other advanced features such as an integrated communication system, night vision and thermal vision, and was equipped with a life-support systems including an oxygen supply alongside an in-built heater.
Kazu had pale olive skin, a common sight in the population of 2109. His body was lean and toned; not overly muscular, but one could clearly tell the man was well-trained, his eyes sharp and alert. His hair was black. He also had a robotic arm which was another distinguishing feature, its sleek metal design giving him somewhat of a dangerous aura.
It was a full robotic prosthesis, blending metal and synthetic materials in perfect harmony. The arm was slender and flexible, yet it seemed to hold an incredible strength and dexterity.
The fingers were long and slender, each one moving in precise, almost human-like motions. The outer casing of the arm was a glossy black plastic material, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.
The elbow joint was flexible and allowed for a full range of motion. The arm also had additional features, such as built-in tools that could be activated with a simple mental command, and its surface had sensors that translated touch into electrical signals, allowing Kazu to feel sensations in a manner that closely mimicked normal touch.
Kazu came to a halt just a few steps in front of Hiroshi's desk. He gave a slight nod to him and said with a respectful tone, "Hello, Hiroshi-san."
Hiroshi, seated behind his desk, returned the nod, his eyes looking Kazu up and down for a moment. "Good to see you, Kazu," he replied, his tone equally calm and serious. "You came quickly."
"I was not that far," Kazu responded casually as he stood in front of Hiroshi's desk. "I was in the city of Okayama, which is only about 117km from here. It's not that far, especially when you have access to a chopper."
Kazu paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on Hiroshi. "Plus, I was even a bit late."
Hiroshi took a moment to absorb the information that Kazu had been in Okayama, a city not too far away. The fact that Kazu had access to a chopper, courtesy of the corporation, was unsurprising.
Kazu's comment about being even a bit late didn't go unnoticed by Hiroshi, who raised his eyebrow slightly but didn't comment on it.
Instead, he focused on the task at hand.
"No matter," he replied with a slight wave of his hand. "The only thing that matters is that you're here now." Hiroshi then followed up with a question, "How long do you think it will take us to get to Yokohama?"
Kazu replied with a straightforward answer, "It's fine, actually. We can take the ongoing supersonic train, which is functional here. The journey from Kobe to Neo-Tokyo and then from Neo-Tokyo to Saitama will only take about 25 minutes max. And the remaining 75 kilometers will take no more than 20 minutes by road. That is, if everything goes as planned."
Hiroshi had used the supersonic train a few times before, so this was not a new experience for him. He nodded in agreement. "Alright, that sounds good. Let's use the train then."
Hiroshi had originally considered using a plane instead of a car from the ruins of Tokyo to Yokohama, thinking it would be faster. However, upon checking the weather, he realized that the weather there was not suitable for a plane, so they decided to go with a car instead.
Hiroshi and Kazu walked side by side out of Hiroshi's office and entered the elevator. As the elevator doors slid closed, Hiroshi pressed the button for the ground floor.
The elevator began to descend smoothly. The elevator they stepped into was impressively spacious, and its walls were finished in a mirror-like material.
A soft, ambient light emanated from the overhead ceiling, providing sufficient illumination to read without the need for glasses. The floor was tiled in a pristine black hue, which perfectly matched the elevator's interior.
Furthermore, the elevator employed magnetic levitation technology (or maglev) for its smooth operation. This was achieved through the use of a maglev track that was embedded into the building, with coils strategically placed along the length of the elevator shaft.
As the elevator continued its descent, the walls of the cabin provided a clear and magnified reflection of Hiroshi and Kazu's faces. It allowed them to check their appearance without the need for a mirror.
The elevator was whisper-quiet, and apart from a slight hum, no other noise could be heard. Kazu, leaning back against the wall of the elevator, looked at Hiroshi with a contemplative gaze.
He asked, "If you don't mind me asking, Hiroshi-san, why are you specifically coming with us this time instead of just giving us the orders and relaxing at home?" His voice was casual, but his curiosity was evident.
Hiroshi, slightly taken aback by the question, took a moment before replying, "Honestly, I just feel like it this time. Is that strange?"
Kazu raised an eyebrow at Hiroshi's response, slightly surprised by his reason, but he didn't push further.
Hiroshi continued, "Yeah, that's the reason, honestly. I'm just feeling a little bored and I have a lazy fuck as a manager giving me a headache. It's a bit tiring to deal with him day in and day out."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Plus, joining you guys will give me a bit of a break from all the corporate bullshit. I also want to see the Yokohama office for myself; it's about time, I guess..i should touch some grass."
Hiroshi's last comment, "about time I touch some grass," was met with a puzzled look from Kazu. This popular Internet phrase was quite outdated by now, having faded away as a meme in the early 2050s. Kazu, clearly out of the loop on this particular slang, tilted his head slightly and asked, "Touch some grass? What does that mean exactly?"
Hiroshi let out a small chuckle upon seeing Kazu's perplexed expression. He realized that the phrase he used was likely unfamiliar to him. Hiroshi attempted to explain, "Ah, sorry about the outdated meme, Kazu. 'Touch some grass' was a phrase used by people back in the 2020s. It was basically a way of telling someone that they needed to go outside and experience the real world, instead of being constantly glued to their screens on the internet."
Kazu let out a burst of laughter upon hearing Hiroshi's explanation. "Nature... What a funny joke," he said derisively, ""Nature? What nature? We're surrounded by concrete jungles and pollution."
He paused for a moment, his expression momentarily turning bitter as he thought about the state of Japan's environment. "The only 'nature' we have left is inside those controlled biodomes, and even that's not real nature. Everything outside is just the aftermath of human exploitation."
Hiroshi eyed Kazu as he spoke, a tinge of irony in his voice as he said, "You know, I find it interesting that you're saying all this despite you working for the very people who have caused this."
He leaned against the elevator wall, his gaze fixed on Kazu, waiting for his response.
Kazu shrugged nonchalantly, his expression revealing little concern for the larger issue. "Well, I don't care," he responded, his tone indifferent. "It's not like we can still change anything at this point. We're too deep in this mess of pollution and destruction. All I care about is just surviving and living comfortably, you know?"
He leaned forward, his hands slipping into his pockets. "Besides," he continued, a slight smirk forming on his face, "If working for those people is what allows me to have a comfortable life, then I'll do it. After all, we all gotta survive somehow, we all are slave's to money, right?"
Hiroshi couldn't help but chuckle at Kazu's cynical response. "Spoken like a true corporate slave," he quipped, his tone half-humorously, half-sarcastic. Hiroshi shook his head, a playful smile on his face. "but you know, I can't relate to that whole 'slave to money' drama." He replied, shrugging. "I was born into a rich family, so I don't really know what it's like to struggle. I've always had daddy's money to fall back on, you know?"
"I guess I'm just lucky that way. I've had a comfy life and never had to worry about where my next meal was coming from or how I'd pay the bills."
Hiroshi briefly paused, his gaze meeting Kazu's briefly before he continued. "So, yeah, I can't exactly relate to your struggles, and I can't pretend to understand the whole being 'enslaved by money' thing. I've always been quite sheltered from all that."
Kazu chuckled slightly, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I bet it must be nice, huh? But hey, I didn't exactly grow up in a rough environment either. My mom was a single mom, so I didn't go to school. Instead, I became a corporate lap-dog for money. And I'm good at what I do, so I get paid pretty well. So, what's the downside, right?"
Hiroshi and Kazu's conversation was abruptly cut short as the elevator reached the ground floor with a soft ding. The doors slid open, revealing busy ground floor.
The ground floor was a massive lobby, filled with floating chairs, 3D shows playing on large screens, and numerous ceiling-mounted heaters emitting warmth throughout the room. The cozy ambience was enhanced by strategically placed fake plants, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Just like the exterior, the interior was designed with a modern flair, the walls covered in a shiny black finish that mirrored their reflections. The floor was a polished black as well, matching the walls with a perfect contrast. It was a busy place, with employees quickly passing by. A few security guards stood near the entrance, monitoring the flow of people in and out of the building. The security guards were dressed in suits similar to Kazu's but much more heavy-duty. Unlike Kazu, these guards were equipped with an exoskeleton suit that completely covered their bodies. This suit was connected to neural chips implanted in their brains, allowing data transfer between the suit and their nervous system. In essence, the suit had become part of their body, enhancing their physical capabilities considerably. It was a remarkable piece of technology, enhancing the guards' strength while also providing a form of protection against any potential threats.
Nowadays Most places in Japan that required security had increasingly leaned towards artificially intelli-robot security guards due to their cost-effectiveness. These robots didn't require salaries or benefits, making them a seemingly attractive option for establishments. The only exception to this was places that demanded higher levels of security, where humans were typically still preferred.
Japan's population crisis had become a major concern in recent years, with the population hitting an all-time low of 70 million. The scarcity of manpower had led to a significant increase in the use of robotics in various sectors, as robots were seen as a viable solution to the labor shortage. Many corporations, faced with the challenge of finding enough human workers, turned to AI-powered robots to fill the gap. Tasks previously performed by humans were increasingly delegated to these machines, which were considered more efficient and cost-effective in the current economic landscape.
The shift towards robotics in various sectors had become a significant issue for the very poor people living in slums. Jobs that provided a meager living for the middle class had become scarce, and even the lowest-paying jobs and manual labor tasks had been taken over by specialized robots. While humans were still required for certain tasks, the heavy Lifting that the poor once relied on for income was now mostly performed by advanced machinery, exacerbating the economic inequalities and making it even harder for the impoverished to find jobs to support their livelihoods.
Hiroshi and Kazu stepped out of the building, taking in deep breaths of the crisp air. The air quality in this city was remarkable, second only to the famed arcology in Shikoku, where the rich and affluent resided. Hiroshi, who had never been to the arcology himself, had heard from his father about its splendid beauty – a sprawling garden filled with towering trees, serene lakes, and animals frolicking freely, creating a paradise on earth.
Unlike many other cities in Japan, Kobe was a unique place. It was where the upper middle class and lower rich folks resided, and their financial backing had transformed the city into a mini version of the arcological heaven of Shikoku. The air quality was excellent, the infrastructure was top-notch, and there was a distinct lack of pollution, trash, or graffiti on the streets. The city had managed to maintain its charm despite the decline of the nation, a testament to the wealth and resources of its residents.
•
An arcology, or a vertical city, is a self-sufficient urban structure that combines residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial spaces into a single, interconnected system. These massive, self-contained structures are designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize efficiency by incorporating advanced technology and sustainable practices.
The concept of an arcology was first proposed in the 1960s by a visionary architect named Paolo Soleri. Soleri was inspired by the idea of creating self-contained, urban environments that would integrate living spaces, work areas, and recreation areas within a single structure. Soleri believed that such structures would not only reduce urban sprawl but also help humans live more sustainably and harmoniously with the environment.
Japan was home to only one arcology, situated in the island of Shikoku. A massive glass dome enclosed the entire structure, protecting it from external pollution. Inside the dome, an oasis of unspoiled nature thrived. Parks, artificial forests, and one of the last unpolluted lakes in Japan were among the amenities within. Central to the arcology was a colossal building housing 250,000 people – a sanctuary exclusively for government officials, employees of Japan's "Big Three" mega-corporations, and the wealthy elite.
In the year 2030, the idea of building an arcology was initially proposed but was promptly rejected. This proposal occurred just before the outbreak of World War III. Following the destruction of Tokyo and the construction of its successor, Neo-Tokyo, the concept of an arcology was reconsidered. The rationale was that the people no longer trusted the government amid the aftermath of the war which lead to riots happening.
The intention behind building the arcology was to provide a secure and comfortable space for people to respite. However, this plan didn't pan out as intended. Shortly after, the emergence of mega-corporations led to their complete takeover of Japan within a few years. Consequently, the arcology transformed into a place solely reserved for the elite, the government officials and the companies employees and their families.
•
Hiroshi and Kazu stepped out of the building and onto the street. The sidewalk was relatively empty this time of night, but it didn't really matter whether it was day or night as Japan's perpetual smog blocked out the sunlight. The surrounding buildings were brightly lit, bathing the area in an artificial glow, and large holographic billboards and colorful 3D projections filled the night sky.
Hiroshi, as they walked, turned to Kazu and asked, "By the way, where's your team? Weren't they supposed to come along with you?"
Hiroshi's question hung in the air briefly before Kazu responded, "Oh, they are probably still finishing up some last-minute preparations. You know, gotta keep everything in order before the big raid."
As just then their conversation was cut-short again as, a flying vehicle, similar in size to a bus, slowly descended onto the road in front of them. Although there was a law prohibiting flying vehicles from landing on the road, the lack of traffic seemed to make this violation permissible. Hiroshi's corporate influence would likely ensure that any repercussions were handled discreetly.
The vehicle was a large, futuristic-looking bus-like flying car, its streamlined design giving it a distinctly aerodynamic appearance. The exterior was made of a grey and silver material, reflecting the lights from the surrounding buildings. The vehicle hovered silently above the road, its hover fans barely making a sound. When the side door opened, it revealed a spacious interior, comfortable seating for ten people, and a compact area in the front for their gear. From the open door, Kazu team stepped out.
The team was comprised of 8 members in total, all of them outfitted in the same exo-suit armour as Kazu. Each member nodded respectfully to Kazu before turning and bowing respectfully to Hiroshi, acknowledging his status.
As Hiroshi observed Kazu's team, bowing respectfully in his direction, a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face. Although he wouldn't openly admit it, there was a small sense of pleasure in having these people show him a sign of respect. Normally, he would be the one bowing in front of his manager whenever they interacted, despite his position as an assistant manager.
He gave them a nod of acknowledgement and said, "Good to see you all have arrived. Let's not waste any more time, shall we? So where are we going first?"
Kazu chimed in, taking the lead. "To the train station of course, it's a private one so no worries about anyone seeing us."
Kazu's team filed into the flying car one by one, Hiroshi followed suit, stepping into the vehicle alongside them. The door slid shut with a soft hiss, sealing them in.