Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter
Kai leaned against the counter of the hobby shop, scrolling absentmindedly through his phone. The rain tapped gently against the windows, creating a soft, rhythmic sound. The shop was unusually quiet for an afternoon—no customers, no noise, just the faint hum of the lights above.
He glanced up briefly at the display case where several Frame Knights were displayed. They were sleek, humanoid robots, each with a different weapon—swords, spears, and even gauntlets. The small, intricate robots were about the size of an adult's hand, designed for combat, but also for fun. Or at least that's what everyone said.
Everyone except Kai. To him, they were just toys—small, lifeless figures that didn't interest him. The whole Frame Knight craze was all anyone seemed to talk about these days, but he couldn't find the appeal. Who cared about a miniature robot with a sword? It wasn't like they could think for themselves. They were just… machines.
"Hey, Kai! Are you really not going to watch the tournament?" Yuji's voice cut through his thoughts. He leaned in, practically vibrating with excitement. "This year's tournament is going to be insane! They've got new models—some of them can actually talk!"
"I'm good," Kai muttered, still staring at the screen of his phone. "I've seen enough Frame Knights. They all look the same to me."
Yuji sighed dramatically. "You're missing out, man. They're more than just robots. These things are alive, in a way. They can think, feel, even choose who they want to fight for. It's crazy!"
Kai raised an eyebrow but didn't reply. Yuji wasn't the first person to tell him that, but it still didn't change his mind. Frame Knights were just machines—small ones, sure, but machines all the same.
The shop door opened with a soft chime, and a man stepped inside, shaking the rain off his coat. He scanned the room before his eyes landed on Kai.
"You work here?" the man asked, his voice gravelly, like he had been up all night.
Kai nodded slowly. "Yeah. Can I help you with something?"
The man looked around the shop. "I'm organizing a Frame Knight tournament down the street, and I need someone to help set things up. I'm short on volunteers. Can you give me a hand? It's not too hard—just moving some equipment and making sure the robots are ready."
Kai shrugged. "I guess. It's not like I have anything better to do."
The man smiled, clearly relieved. "Great. Follow me."
They walked down the street to a gymnasium where the tournament was set to take place. Inside, the venue was bustling with activity—people unloading crates of Frame Knights, setting up arenas, and making sure everything was in place. Kai had heard about these tournaments but never imagined they involved so much work behind the scenes.
The man led him to a back room, where rows of Frame Knights were waiting to be tested. Unlike the ones in the display case at the shop, these robots were ready to fight. Some were equipped with swords, others with spears, and a few had gauntlets for close combat. They all stood still, almost like they were waiting for something.
"Alright," the man said, turning to Kai. "I need you to check these out. Move them around, test their systems, make sure everything works. They're all ready for the tournament, but I want to make sure they're responsive."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "You want me to test these things?"
"Yeah, just make sure they move, and see how they respond to commands," the man explained. "They're all programmed with advanced AI, so they'll act like real competitors."
Kai sighed but picked up the closest Frame Knight—a slender model with a katana strapped to its back. He activated it, expecting the usual stiff, lifeless motions. But what happened next surprised him.
The robot blinked its eyes, glowing a soft blue, and then spoke in a clear, calm voice.
"Hello. I'm your partner. Ready to test my abilities?"
Kai froze. The Frame Knight... it spoke.
"I—what?" he stammered, not sure how to respond.
"I am programmed for combat, but also for companionship," the robot continued. "Please give me a command, and I will follow your instructions to the best of my ability."
Kai felt a strange jolt of confusion and curiosity. He had expected to control a lifeless machine, but this... this felt different. The Frame Knight wasn't just a robot—it was like it had a mind of its own.
The man grinned, watching Kai's reaction. "See? They're not just mindless bots. These Frame Knights have advanced AI. They can think, feel, and interact with their chosen user. Some even form bonds with their partner."
Kai hesitated but then decided to test it. "Okay, um... move forward."
Without missing a beat, the Frame Knight raised its sword and stepped forward, gliding across the floor with precise, fluid movements. It didn't just walk—it seemed to glide, like it was alive. Kai couldn't help but be impressed. It felt almost like she was aware of her own actions.
"Good," Kai muttered under his breath, feeling more intrigued than he expected.
As the Frame Knight finished her movements, she turned to face Kai again. "Do you wish to test me further? I am capable of more advanced combat techniques."
Kai's mind raced. This was unlike anything he had imagined. A Frame Knight that could talk, that could think... it wasn't just a toy. It was almost like a partner.
The man nodded, sensing Kai's growing curiosity. "You're getting the hang of it. Here's the thing, Kai—I've got a special offer for you. You've been helping out today, and I've got a Frame Knight just for you. You can pick any one of these models to take home with you."
Kai blinked. "You want me to choose one? For free?"
The man nodded. "Yep. As a thank-you for your help, you get to pick one to keep."
Kai looked at the row of Frame Knights. They were all unique in their own way, each with different weapons, styles, and personalities. But one model stood out among the rest: a sleek, silver Frame Knight with elegant features. Unlike the others, this one had a more sophisticated design and a distinct aura of strength. Her sword was simple but precise, and her eyes seemed to gleam with intelligence.
This Frame Knight was different from the others, and Kai could sense something more beneath the surface. She wasn't just a robot—she felt alive in a way that the others didn't.
"I'll take her," Kai said, his voice more certain than he expected.
The man's eyes widened slightly, but he smiled. "Ah, you've picked the one with the self-developing AI system. She's a unique model. Very smart, but a bit more… independent than the others. She'll be a challenge, but I think you two will get along just fine."
Kai stared at the Frame Knight in his hands, feeling a strange connection. She was more than just a robot—she had her own personality, her own potential for growth. As he left the gym with her in hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that something important was about to begin.
Kai wasn't sure what it meant, but one thing was certain—this Frame Knight would change everything.
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End of Chapter 1