Shinra Ren sat on the curb outside the AI Conduit store, the chilly evening air biting at his skin. The neon lights from the store cast a soft, pulsating glow on the sidewalk, illuminating the sleek devices on display inside. They were works of technological beauty, each one promising to pair with an AI combatant capable of changing the course of a fight. These devices were the key to unlocking a career in the competitive world of AI combat sports. But for Shinra, they were just another dream too far out of reach.
He stared longingly through the window at the shiny devices mounted on the walls of the store. He had done this for weeks now—showing up every day before work, sitting outside for hours, watching people enter the store, only to walk out with their devices. Some of them were even able to choose their AI combatants right there, walking out with their new companions, ready to enter the arena. But Shinra was still here, empty-handed.
"Maybe next time," Shinra muttered to himself, rubbing his thumb across his phone screen as he checked his bank balance for the umpteenth time. It hadn't changed much. The cheapest AI device still cost more than he could afford, and the way things were going, it wasn't looking like that would change anytime soon.
Shinra knew the game. To even be considered for an AI combat contract, you needed a device. And even then, the competition was fierce. It wasn't just about having the skill—it was about having the right connections, and most importantly, the right gear. No device, no shot.
He sighed, pulling his jacket tighter around himself as he stood up. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the city's streets were alive with lights, people, and the bustle of late-night activity. He glanced at the store one last time before heading toward the alley that cut through the back of the building.
As he walked past the entrance, he heard the faint chime of the door opening. It was then that he saw the shop owner step out, looking a little flustered.
"Hey! Get back here with that!" The owner shouted, his voice sharp with panic.
Shinra's eyes snapped to the alleyway, where a hooded figure was darting away from the store, clutching a bag in his hands. The owner ran after him, but the thief was already too far ahead.
"No way," Shinra muttered under his breath, before he did something he didn't fully think through. He dashed toward the alley, cutting across the narrow path to intercept the thief.
The thief heard him coming and quickened his pace, but Shinra was faster. He reached out and grabbed the man's arm just as he tried to turn into the side street. The thief yanked his arm back, but Shinra wasn't letting go.
"You're not going anywhere with that," Shinra gritted out, as he yanked the man around, using his momentum to slam him against the alley wall. The bag fell to the ground with a soft thud, the sound of metal clicking against the concrete.
The thief let out a groan, his hood falling back to reveal his disheveled face. He was smaller than Shinra had expected, but he still struggled, trying to break free.
"What's wrong with you, man? I'll call the cops!" the thief hissed.
Shinra wasn't in the mood for negotiations. He shoved the thief aside, grabbed the bag, and walked back toward the store. The shop owner was just rounding the corner when he saw Shinra with the stolen goods in hand.
"You got it back?" The owner asked, a surprised look crossing his face.
Shinra nodded, handing the bag back to the older man.
"Yeah, he wasn't going anywhere with it. You alright?"
The owner looked over the bag, checking to make sure everything was intact. Once satisfied, he looked back at Shinra with a grateful expression.
"I owe you one, kid. Seriously. Not many people would've stepped up like that."
Shinra scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit awkward. "It wasn't a big deal. I just did what anyone would do."
The shop owner shook his head. "You'd be surprised. But listen, I don't usually do this... but I've got something here that might interest you. Something special."
Shinra blinked, confused.
"What do you mean?"
The owner stepped inside the store, reappearing moments later with a sleek, black AI device in hand. Its design was smooth, polished, and surprisingly compact. On the back of it, there was a symbol—the Japanese character for combat (闘)—etched into the surface. It gleamed under the fluorescent lights.
"I've got a couple of extra units that aren't meant to be sold just yet. You helped me out today, so I'm gonna give you one."
Shinra's jaw dropped. "Wait, are you serious?"
The shop owner nodded. "Yeah. This one's on the house. Consider it a thank you for saving my merchandise."
Shinra hesitated, his fingers tingling with disbelief as he reached for the device. "But... I can't afford it. I don't have the money to—"
"You don't need to pay. This is your chance, kid. If you can get by with just the device, you're one step closer to making it in the game. But don't waste it, alright?"
Shinra looked at the device in his hands, feeling the weight of it. This wasn't just any device—it was an opportunity. He couldn't afford to screw this up.
"Thanks... I won't forget this," Shinra said, finally finding his voice. His heart was racing, and he felt like he might pass out from the rush.
The owner waved him off. "Just make sure you make it count, kid. The world of AI combat is tough. But with the right partner, you'll go far."
Shinra nodded, clutching the device tightly in his hands as he walked out of the store. The weight of it was heavier than he expected. His future had just been handed to him, but now came the real challenge. Getting the AI combatant.