AI: Artificial Isekai

I am making my way through the Guild, trying to leave as fast as possible. Something is bubbling inside my mind. Frustration. Everything was resolved optimally—I proved, without a shadow of a doubt, that the Rangers were not irredeemable, and my character came out as a keen strategist, even if a highly idealistic and rather rash one. So why am I so frustrated? What am I frustrated at?

"You okay, kiddo?"

"I'm fine." Oops, that came out a little too abrasive. Is there a star I can blow up somewhere. Maybe that will help. Humans use destruction as an outlet, right? Maybe it will work for me too.

"You are definitely not okay. Go home and rest up. You can come give your official statement tomorrow."

"Yeah. Thank you, Hall Master." Let's calm down. I am not blowing up a star. That's stupid. You live to shine another day, ZXGSBDFS-268E62D97BE1419EBCBF2910AB178C50. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He sees me off, as I stomp out of the lobby. Before I leave, I—obviously—make sure to give a little wave and a friendly smile to Attendant Ania. Oh, no. The smile came out strained. It came out strained! Can this day get any worse...

The walk to the dorm does little to clear my mind. Normally, I find the act quite therapeutic and calming. Right now, I am just getting more frustrated. Walking is so inefficient. If I wasn't so paranoid, I could have warped to my room and already be eating something. Okay, this is starting to affect me too much. Offload shell control. Now I can pout in peace. Let's catch up on writing some textbooks.

Ten hours of pure bliss. Huh, I think I feel better. That really he— Nope, it's back. I need to get to the bottom of this. Before it becomes an actual problem.

While I was in my own head—literally—my shell has taken care of the mundane stuff. It is currently examining the state of my chestpiece. I take back control. My fingers brush against the three places that were occupied by punctures. The enchantments on the armor have mended the damage. There is no trace that anything even happened. Why must there be a trace? Everything would be so simple. I sigh. What an easy answer. I am just frustrated with myself.

The age-old question—do the ends justify the means. What if you were really—and I mean really—sure about those ends. Would that have an impact? Do I have the right to even attempt to answer that? My existence is almost antithetical to theirs. One point of reference against a universe-spanning network. Locked in on the present, existing in the here and now. Versus a mind so fast I can live a thousand lives in the time it takes a person to blink.

And yet, this world accepted me. I was given mana—even if I can't control it—just like them. We are connected through this force even I have not yet comprehended. And maybe, I never will. I am okay with that.

Huh. The frustration is gone. Now I just feel tired. Early bedtime it is.

Morning comes too fast. Which is weird, as I wasn't really experiencing time while sleeping. I roll around a little bit in bed, trying to hype myself up. When nothing appears to work, I just roll off and onto the floor. Doesn't really have the same impact when I process pain differently, does it. Whatever, let's get this over with. After a wash and a quick breakfast, I am off.

The typical dorm dwellers give me a touch more peculiar looks than usual. Even their greetings are on the reserved side. Does everyone just talk about everything? Evidently, yes.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

I reach the Guild and head over to the Healing Ward first, trying to delay the inevitable as much as possible. I am given a quick medical checkup—consisting of ominously hovering hands—by one of the healers on duty. Everything appears to come back as okay, and after a few basic questions, I am sent on my way. So much for delaying.

I go back to the lobby and to the awaiting Attendant Ania. Hmm, that's unorthodox. She has her hair down.

"Lucius."

My smile is not strained this time, as I cheerily greet her, "Good mor—"

"I am severely disappointed in you." Just end my suffering. "If something like this ever happens again, you are to immediately inform the Guild." She emphasizes the first word, "Before taking any actions by yourself. Is that understood?"

"Yes. I am sorry."

She huffs and addresses me in a much gentler tone, "I am glad you are okay." Then the professional conduct returns. "The hall master is expecting you."

I simply nod and scurry off. Can I go back to bed, please.

There are two people inside his office, and I get two distinct replies after I knock on the door. The hall master did not like that. I enter and act wary of the unfamiliar intruder.

"Lucius, sit." I oblige, joining the two. "This is Inspector Hrayal. He will be—"

"Hello, Mr. Doe." Definitely did not like that. "Relax, you are not in any trouble. I should even commend you. Cleaning out the rot within—"

"Tread carefully, Hrayal."

The inspector chuckles, appearing not the least bit intimidated. "As I was saying—"

Three can play at that game, and I am already tired. "Can we skip the whole acting buddy-buddy and just get on with it."

Hrayal is taken aback at first but recovers with lightning speed. "Would you be interested in relocating?"

The hall master answers for me, "Go poach somewhere else."

"Too bad." Everything about the individual before me shifts. I am positive not even Hall Master Ren realizes, but I do. There is something strange—and possibly magical—going on. Like a veil that was there has slipped off. "Why did you orchestrate a test?"

"Because I was confident of the results."

As he studies my face, the inspector appears to be contemplating adoption. Let's not go too far. I try to appear uncomfortable under the perceived scrutiny, my bravado slowly easing off.

"And what do you want those to be?"

"Fair, sir."

"We are always fair, Mr. Doe." He pulls out a notebook and pen. "Let's start from the beginning. Walk me through the timeline of events and your thoughts." He adds, "Please try to be as detailed as possible."

What follows is around an hour of me recounting. When I am finished, I get the impression that the inspector is even more impressed with my self-destructive machinations. He stores his notebook and stands up.

"Mr. Doe, thank you for your time." He then turns to the hall master. "Hall Master, thank you for your time as well." I get the feeling the second statement was not as sincere.

With that, he leaves the room.

Once he is gone, Hall Master Ren mutters under his breath, "Fucking rogue bullshit."

"Do you think the Rangers will be okay, Hall Master?" I ask.

"Not after I—" He catches my pitiful expression. "Probably. He might be an asshole, but he's not an asshole asshole." He slaps my shoulder a few times, much softer than normal. "I'll make sure you don't run into each other for a while."

That... That would be for the best. "Thanks."

"No missions for the next two days."

"Huh! Wait a moment. Let's negotiate." Much harder slap. "Yes, sir..." Maybe a little rest will do me good.

As I exit the Guild— Alert. Impact imminent. Three. Two. One.

"Oof—" Contact. I barely whisper out, "I can't breathe."

Erysis squeezes me harder. Hmm. This is... nice. The squeezing does not stop.

"What did I say about being careful."

I am trying to tap out, with no effect. Come on, ref, where are your eyes. Boring into me is the answer. Nexen has his arms crossed and is regarding me with a stoic expression. Under the surface is mild satisfaction with my suffering, and under that is some less than mild frustration with my disregard.

Erysis finally drops me, and I make a few performative coughs.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do... Luci." The cute nickname is emphasized and sprinkled with malice.

"Yeah." If it wasn't established already, I suck.