Shinra walked down the street, the sleek black device gripped tightly in his hands, his heart still racing from the events that had unfolded just moments ago. The night air was cool, but it didn't matter to him; he felt the heat of excitement and anticipation building inside. This was it. He had the key to the game. But he still needed an AI Combatant.
As Shinra turned the corner, heading toward his small apartment, a voice called out from the shadows.
"I see you just got yourself a device, kid."
Shinra froze, his senses immediately heightened. He turned to see a man, his face hidden beneath a low hood, his posture leaning against a nearby alley wall. The stranger's voice was smooth, almost too smooth, as if he were sizing Shinra up.
"I bet you're lookin' for an AI Combatant now, huh?" The man's eyes glinted under the hood, his grin barely visible. There was something off about the way he spoke—like he was making a deal he knew couldn't be passed up.
Shinra instinctively took a step back, his grip tightening on the device.
"What's your angle?" Shinra's voice was cautious, but curiosity tugged at him. He couldn't ignore the possibility—if this man had a way to get him an AI Combatant, maybe he wouldn't have to go through the usual channels.
The shady man chuckled lowly, pushing himself off the wall and stepping closer, maintaining a calm demeanor.
"No angle, kid. Just trying to help you out. See, getting an AI Combatant ain't cheap, right? Not the good ones, anyway. On average, you're looking at 100,000 credits or more just to get something decent. And that's not even the top-tier stuff. If you're not looking to throw away that kind of money, I can make a deal with you. I've got a few... rare AI Combatants in stock, a little more affordable, if you catch my drift."
Shinra hesitated, his mind racing. He knew the prices for AI buddies were astronomical, but hearing it from this man made it feel more real. The thought of getting an AI Combatant, especially one that could help him in the ring, made his heart beat faster. But could he trust this shady offer?
The man seemed to read Shinra's mind, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping to a lower, more persuasive tone.
"I know it's a big decision, but think about it, kid. You're not gonna get anywhere without one. And besides... there's no harm in getting started a little early, right? What's the worst that could happen?"
Shinra looked down at the device in his hands, weighing the options. He had the device—he just needed the AI. Maybe this was the shortcut he needed to break into the scene. Sure, it felt risky, but what choice did he have?
After a few moments of silent deliberation, Shinra finally spoke.
"Alright... What's the price?"
The man's grin widened, like he'd been expecting this. "A steal at 25,000 credits for a solid pick. I'll even throw in a few bonuses if you're quick to seal the deal."
Shinra knew he couldn't afford 25,000 credits, but the man's offer felt like the break he needed. The urgency of his situation overrode his better judgment. He had to get in the game, and this might be the only shot he had.
"Fine. I'll take it," Shinra said, trying to sound confident as he handed over what little money he had left.
The shady man gave him a quick nod, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a small, sealed card. He handed it to Shinra with a knowing look.
"Here. You won't regret it. Just load it up when you get home, and you're good to go."
Shinra took the card, feeling the weight of his decision sink in. He had no idea if this was the right move, but there was no going back now.
Back in his cramped apartment, Shinra set the device down on his table, his fingers trembling slightly. He had everything he needed—now all that was left was to load up the AI and hope he hadn't made a mistake.
He slid the card into the device's input slot and watched as the screen flickered to life. A loading screen appeared, followed by a short processing sound. As the data transferred, Shinra held his breath, waiting.
Suddenly, the screen flashed, and an image began to materialize. A figure took shape, outlined in glowing blue data, until it solidified into a sleek, ninja-like form—an AI Combatant.
The figure stood tall, a mask obscuring its face, with dark, armored clothing that seemed designed for speed and stealth. Its body exuded confidence, like a warrior ready for battle.
A soft mechanical voice came through the device, breaking the silence. "Name: Raizo. I am your AI combatant."
Shinra's heart skipped a beat. "Raizo...?" He whispered the name, testing it on his tongue.
The figure of Raizo moved slightly, as though acknowledging Shinra's presence. "Yes. I am Raizo. Are you ready to begin?"
Shinra's mouth went dry, and a mix of excitement and nerves flooded him. This was it. The beginning of his journey.
"Yeah... Let's do this."
The device powered up fully, and Shinra felt the connection to Raizo solidify, the interface now fully engaged. He had his AI Combatant. The first step had been taken.