Dr. Kimura, a brilliant scientist with an air of pride, stood before the large, futuristic containment chamber. Inside, the young man named Shiki stirred to life, his eyes fluttering open. The chamber, bathed in soft, glowing lights, seemed to hum with a quiet energy as Shiki took his first breaths. Emma, a skilled technician, monitored the process from a nearby control panel, her eyes fixed on the readouts.
"Emma, it's working! Shiki is coming to life!" Dr. Kimura's voice held a note of triumph.
Emma's fingers danced over the controls. "Yes, Dr. Kimura. All vital signs are stable. He's perfect."
Shiki's gaze swept the room, confusion evident in his eyes as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.
"Where am I? Who am I?" His voice, though steady, carried a hint of bewilderment.
Dr. Kimura stepped forward, her expression one of warm welcome. "Welcome to the world, Shiki. I'm Dr. Kimura, and this is Emma. You are the first of your kind—a new beginning for humanity."
Shiki's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Emma's voice was gentle, explanatory. "You're the very first artificial human created with a nano core. This core enables you to function just like a human..."
Dr. Kimura interrupted, her tone enthusiastic. "But superior to any human. Your existence will open up new possibilities for humanity."
As Shiki tried to process this, words and information began streaming into his vision, detailing his nature and purpose.
"I see... So, I'm just a tool for humanity? Will I be discarded once I've served my purpose?" His voice trembled slightly.
Dr. Kimura shook her head. "No, you won't be discarded. You'll live a normal life under Emma's supervision."
Emma placed a reassuring hand on Shiki's shoulder. "You're not a tool, Shiki. You represent hope for humanity's advancement."
"I see..." Shiki's tone was contemplative, his mind racing to understand his new reality.
Dr. Kimura's expression softened. "How do you feel, Shiki? With your nano core, you should be able to experience and understand emotions just like a human."
Shiki hesitated, then spoke with a hint of wonder. "I think I feel... happy."
Dr. Kimura smiled approvingly. "That's a good start. Emma will help you learn about common sense and human emotions."
Emma's eyes sparkled with warmth. "I look forward to working with you, Shiki!"
Shiki's response was filled with enthusiasm. "Yes, I'm looking forward to working with you too."
In the days that followed, Emma took Shiki to her home, where she introduced him to the intricacies of human behavior and common sense. As the weeks passed, Shiki adapted to his new life, learning to live without constantly thinking of his origins as an artificial human.
One bright morning, Shiki bounded into the kitchen, his excitement palpable. "Emma, what are we doing today?"
Emma, with a playful smile, replied, "Today, we're heading to the lab for a check-up on your body."
Shiki's excitement faltered slightly. "Do I really have to?""Yes, it's necessary," Emma answered.
Shiki's internal thoughts revealed his apprehension. Wow, that sounds daunting. But I suppose I have to go, even if it's uncomfortable.
Emma chuckled, sensing his unease. "Looks like you're really not a fan of check-ups, huh?"
Shiki nodded, a sheepish grin on his face. "Yeah, they're not my favorite, but it's for my own good."
Emma's smile was reassuring. "You've learned so much already. I'm sure Dr. Kimura will be proud of you. Let's head to the lab and meet her."
They boarded a sleek, flying car that soared effortlessly over the cityscape. As they traveled, Shiki noticed a group of protesters holding banners that read "Justice," being pursued by police. A pang of sympathy crossed his face as he watched the scene below.
Eventually, they arrived at the lab, a towering structure surrounded by a flurry of drones and flying vehicles. Emma and Shiki used a verification card to enter. The metal door scanned them before sliding open, revealing Dr. Kimura waiting with a smirk on her face.
"You two took your time getting here. Any explanation for that?" Dr. Kimura's tone was tinged with irritation.
Emma's face flushed with embarrassment. "There were protesters against the government, and I got caught up in it... Sorry."
Dr. Kimura sighed, shaking her head. "You always get sidetracked by unnecessary things. How are you doing, Shiki?"
"I'm doing fine, Dr. Kimura," Shiki responded, his tone steady.
"I see. Well, follow me," Dr. Kimura instructed, leading them deeper into the lab.
Shiki stepped into the lab, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him. In the center of the room stood a large containment unit, its transparent walls revealing a human figure suspended inside. The room buzzed with activity as scientists moved about, some engaged in heated discussions over resources for the project. A surge of shock and curiosity washed over Shiki as he used his abilities to scan the information about the figure in the container, realizing he was not the only one of his kind.
SHIKI: "What is going on here?"
Dr. Kimura turned to face him, her expression softening with a sigh. "Yes, Shiki, that human is similar to you, but there's a crucial difference. He possesses both a human heart and a nano core."
SHIKI: "A human heart?"
Emma, who had been quietly observing, spoke up with a hint of distress. "I thought we were going to discuss this after Shiki had adapted."
Dr. Kimura managed a weary smile. "Yes, we were. However, the government's pressure is immense. If we don't comply with their demands, they'll take custody of Shiki."
SHIKI: "But why would they do that?"
Dr. Kimura's voice grew heavy. "To transform you into a living weapon for war."
Emma's eyes widened in horror. "He doesn't need to know that!"
Dr. Kimura, calm but resolute, replied, "Well, it's too late for that. He already knows."
Emma's face mirrored her shock and hurt. "Wha...what!?"
SHIKI: "Yes, I was aware that my creation's purpose was to serve as a weapon for war."
Emma looked at Shiki with a pained expression. "I'm sorry, Shiki," she said, her voice trembling. She turned and left the lab, needing time to collect herself. Her duty was clashing with her growing attachment to Shiki.
Dr. Kimura watched Emma's departure with a sad smile. "It seems she has grown attached to you, Shiki. You should know that despite being created for war, you have your own will and freedom. I never intended for you to be merely a weapon. To me, you are like a son. I will ensure that nobody interferes with your life."
SHIKI: (with a sense of warmth) "Thank you, Dr. Kimura. I've learned about the concept of a mother, and since you created me, you are my mother."
Dr. Kimura's eyes softened with emotion. "And you, Shiki, are my son."
The bond between them deepened, and Shiki, driven by a burgeoning resolve, became increasingly determined to understand human relationships and emotions. As he grappled with these new sensations, he discovered layers of feelings within himself that he had never anticipated.
Emma's inner turmoil was evident as she reflected on her feelings. I was assigned to oversee Shiki, but now I find myself growing emotionally attached to him. This attachment feels like a betrayal of my duty, and the weight of it crushes my heart...
Emma had originally believed she was protecting Shiki by concealing the truth about his purpose. Now, however, she faced a profound moral dilemma, torn between her role as his supervisor and the affection she felt for him.
Meanwhile, during a routine medical check-up and core maintenance, Shiki's curiosity led him to scrutinize the human in the containment unit. His intrigue was mingled with an unsettling sense of empathy and concern for the fate of this individual, engineered for war.
SHIKI: "Will he be alright if he learns he was created solely for warfare?"
Dr. Kimura's response was intense. "No. Upon discovering his purpose, he will lose his emotional capacity and become a mere instrument, executing orders without question."
Shiki's thoughts turned inward, a sense of dread settling in. He'll be discarded once his usefulness is over. Even though I don't know him, the thought of his fate feels like a wound inside me. It's as if the very idea of his future is eroding something within me...