Chapter 586 (2/2)
Randidly pitied this strange being before him. It was a lost AI. But that didn’t mean it hadn’t allowed thousands of people to die. “You should have saved them. You might think that the benefits provided by the transplants are high… but it sacrifices human lives. Those are our ultimate resource. Think how much your precious Doctor struggled to create you, a single life. Did you never consider this?”
Randidly specifically didn’t mention that Father Foster had implied that Dr. Karman had been an early spawn of the Raid Boss. Ghost froze, looking up at Randidly with glassy eyes. “I… never considered this. My value is-”
“Let’s leave that aside for now,” Randidly interrupted. Perhaps Ghost already knew about Dr. Karman, but… better to leave it alone for now. “Instead, I have a question that I would like answered; how did the Unity Church control monster populations so much? And how did they so easily capture so many Raid Bosses?”
“Ah, this is rather elementary.” Ghost said, the placid and confident look returning to it. “At first I didn’t have proof, but… It is obvious that they have located what are essentially ‘spawn points’ for the monsters. What is strange is that this should be impossible; it is likely some outside force assisted them. Perhaps the same force that gave them the technology for the power plant- Ah, you are the assailant too, yes? The locations you attacked were all under the purview of the Unity Church. As a gesture of peace, I will publically clear your name-”
“That will likely just add confusion. Just let that identity fade away,” Randidly said, shaking his head. It was certainly possible that if the Creature saw meaning to it, it would use its Skill to manipulate the places Raid Bosses spawned. Useful, but it would certainly have the effect of transforming the populous into groups that have Levels, and those that don’t based on who would choose to head to the limits of the Zone for Levels.
Randidly felt a powerful headache building. Arranging this Zone seemed to be much more difficult than Zone 32. This place… it just seemed that people and cities from the 21st century had been given Mana and moved to another world. Whereas life seemed to restart from zero in his home Zone.
“...I have the locations of the different spots I believe to be spawning monsters on a regular basis.” Ghost said, straightening. “One of them was Lake Apollo, of course. But I will provide you the others. It is… the least I could do.”
Randidly looked at Ghost. Ghost looked back. Down below, one of the six bodies began to slowly turn in the suspension fluid. The root crept closer, examining the insides of the container. In addition, Randidly was very aware that Ghost had made no moves to bring any drones or support closer. Randidly wasn’t sure what that meant. If he was under siege and outgunned, would he be able to sit placidly and allow the other to tighten their hold on his neck…?
It had been a while since Randidly had felt powerless. It was not a feeling he missed. For that reason, Randidly was somewhat leery of returning to Shal’s world. There were quite a few people there who he had pissed off during his time there. Although he had grown in power, that was only in terms of his own world. In Shal’s world…
Well, Randidly didn’t believe he was anything close to weak. But he would only be at Level 25. There would be people more powerful than he in Shal’s world. Remembering the attack that had shattered his As the Sun Stills Skill the first time…
Randidly returned his focus to Ghost. Because he sat still, waiting. He was a computer. One that was trying its hardest to be a person. One that was succeeding in a way, because it was making mistakes. Closing his eyes, Randidly sighed. This would mean more work, but…
“Fine. Let’s… work together. This Zone needs you.” Randidly said quietly.
Ghost blinked. Then he nodded. “Ah, your tone indicates there is more? It is likely that you will want some proof of goodwill between us. Please believe me, I am all for a cooperative endeavor-”
“Oh shut up,” Randidly said, rolling his eyes. “You just tried to send me away. You don’t like me. I’m everything you don’t have, and you probably won’t be able to get over that. You have the mentality of a child.”
“I am the most advanced machine ever created, the only true artificial intelligence,” Ghost grumbled, but Randidly ignored him.
“Which is why… well it’s true that I’m going to require a guarantee of your good behavior, but it will come in a package that I think you will appreciate. I want to build you a body.”