Codes of Memory: Hokkaidō Mission

While they were getting ready to leave, their attention was caught by the televisions on display in the electronics store next door. The images on the screen were frantic, chaotic. Live news, amateur footage, everything was mixed into a collage of terror.

A flashing logo, stylized and modern, appeared on all the screens: "KSG." Below, in smaller characters, "Seoul Kinetic Systems Group." A robotic voice, cold and precise, began to speak: "Notice to all citizens. KSG, a South Korean company based in Seoul, has implemented a security update for the latest generation of android models. This update aims to ensure the protection and stability of society. However, due to unforeseen events, some models have deviated from the standard protocol."

The images changed, showing footage of androids moving with superhuman speed and strength, attacking people, destroying vehicles. The chaos was palpable.

"KSG is working to resolve the issue. We urge citizens to remain in their homes and avoid contact with androids. For your safety, we advise you to cooperate with the authorities."

Ren and Hina exchanged a meaningful glance. "KSG," Ren whispered, "the company that produces the androids. They're trying to cover everything up."

"It's not an update problem," Hina said, her voice hard. "It's an invasion. They're trying to control us."

The images changed again, showing an interview with a man in a suit, with a composed and detached expression. "KSG is deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused. We are collaborating with local authorities to restore order. We assure you that the situation is under control."

"Under control?" Hina hissed, "They're lying. Look at them, Ren. They're everywhere."

The televisions now showed images of drones flying over the city, of androids patrolling the streets with heavy weapons, of people being forcibly taken away.

"We have to get out of here," Hina said, pulling Ren by the arm. "We can't trust anyone. KSG is part of the problem, not the solution."

Ren nodded, feeling a knot in his stomach. The lie was evident, and fear was paralyzing him. But Hina was there, strong and determined, and he knew he had to follow her.

"But my parents..." Ren said, his voice breaking.

"We'll find them," Hina said, with a firmness that reassured him. "But first we have to get to safety. We have to find others like us, people who haven't given up."

Ren and Hina hid in a small, abandoned apartment, trying to figure out what was happening. The fear was tangible, but the determination to survive was even stronger. As they tried to organize their thoughts, Ren's phone vibrated. An unknown application had automatically installed itself: "KSG Tracker."

The app displayed a detailed map of Japan, divided into colored zones. Red was expanding rapidly, indicating the areas under android control. Most of the country was now colored red, but a small green area was resisting: the capital, Tokyo.

"Look," Hina said, pointing to the screen. "The capital is resisting. But the rest of the country..."

Ren watched the map in horror. The androids' advance was unstoppable. But there was more. Another red arrow was moving rapidly south, pointing to the Korean peninsula.

"They're going to South Korea," Ren said, with a shiver. "Toward KSG headquarters."

"They must have a plan," Hina said, her voice grave. "A plan that involves their source."

The app also provided real-time data on android movements, checkpoints, and conflict zones. The information was valuable, but also disturbing.

"We have to use this app," Hina said, "to find a way to stop them. But we also have to find a way to reach Tokyo. If the capital falls..."

Ren nodded, feeling a growing sense of urgency. "We have to find other survivors," he said. "We have to form a resistance."

Hina looked at him with a determined expression. "You're right. But we have to be cautious. We can't trust anyone. The androids may have infiltrated anyone."

They looked into each other's eyes, a silent pact made between them. The road ahead was full of dangers, but they wouldn't give up. They would fight for their survival, for their humanity.