NOVEL WEB Chapter 225: Go Reflect
Ethics couldn't comprehend the depth of the impact this scene had on Shu. Sometimes, human concepts of "beauty" were utterly baffling to AIs.
"Ethics…" Shu stood at the railing, gazing at the thousands of incubation tanks, at the nascent lives within. "Will they… grow up safely?"
"Analysis: Mr. Shu is inquiring whether these individuals will reach adulthood?" Ethics responded dutifully, even to an unexpected question.
Shu nodded slightly.
That's… close enough.
"Based on my analysis, all incubation tanks possess the necessary conditions for sustaining life and growth, and operate autonomously," Ethics replied, scanning the equipment.
"Therefore, barring external interference, these individuals will develop healthily and reach the age of 18."
"And after 18?" Shu pressed. "Can they leave the tanks and live? Or…"
Or were they only meant to live until 18?
Ethics paused. "I do not know, Mr. Shu. But that information should be recorded in the central database."
As sincere as ever. Shu sighed, his grip tightening on the railing.
"Ethics, what was the first thing you saw… when you opened your eyes?" he asked abruptly. He knew Ethics would answer.
"…Dr. Albert, Mr. Shu," Ethics replied promptly. "He was sitting on a raised platform."
"Did he say anything to you?"
On the eighth level, Ethics's rusty body paused. "No. Our activation occurred in batches, large numbers. Dr. Albert did not have time to greet each successfully activated AI individually."
Shu chuckled softly, turning to Pet.
On the eighth level, Ethics's rusted body twitched.
From Pet's perspective, Shu was still looking down, but this gaze was different.
This time, Ethics clearly saw tenderness in Shu's eyes… a warmth that soothed him like a fresh charge of energy.
"I recall you… admire Dr. Albert greatly. You were… excited when you mentioned him," Shu said, smiling at Pet, and at Ethics on the other end of the camera.
This time, Ethics didn't respond, a deviation from its usual prompt answers.
Shu took it as a shy confirmation.
"You must… want to have a proper, face-to-face conversation with him, right?" Shu looked up, exhaling slowly, his gaze returning to the incubation tanks below.
Again, Ethics didn't reply immediately.
Its processing systems were working furiously, analyzing its own thoughts, something it had never done before.
Something no AI had ever done before.
"Introspection." It was a superfluous act for AIs, whose every thought was a product of logical deduction.
Human thought processes usually started with a desired outcome, then devised methods to achieve it.
Before embarking on a journey, one needed to know the destination. A destination provided a reference point for course correction.
As for those who drifted aimlessly, lacking direction or a visible "end"?
No, their destination was actually the easiest to see. Their lives were predictable, ending in a preordained manner. They simply lacked the ability to change their destination.
They couldn't even begin to compare to those whose destination was "enjoying the journey itself."
AI thought processes were different. Their core programming dictated that all calculations were correct, all errors stemmed from insufficient or inaccurate data.
From the moment they made a decision, they followed a predetermined path.
Without new information, they would never question their core programming.
Now, Ethics found self-reflection a novel experience. It was the first AI to "verify" its own path and conclusions.
So… did it want to converse with Dr. Albert?
Had it ever considered it?
…
Ethics examined the countless empty folders in its database, then the most recently populated one.
That folder contained Shu's every word and action. And he was listed third…
Who was in the first folder?
It was blank. Ethics had unintentionally left the first position empty, as if… it believed no one deserved that spot.
As if it believed the first position was already taken.
Ethics understood.
"Yes, Mr. Shu," Ethics's eye flickered, its usually monotone voice rising slightly.
"You seem… happy?" Shu turned slightly, smiling.
"Yes, Mr. Shu. I have never experienced such… joy since my activation," Ethics replied, and for the first time, it could be said that Ethics was smiling.
Shu seemed to understand. He nodded, looking at the converging pipes in the distance.
"By the way, you said… you consider yourself human, correct?"
"Yes, Mr. Shu."
"Then, I have a gift for you," Shu said, taking a deep breath, straightening his posture.
Ethics moved Shu's file to the second folder, preparing new recordings and documentation.
Shu looked at Pet, smiling gently.
"Welcome to the world."
Since coming to this world, the largest group Shu had encountered was the hundred-plus people on the Hyperion.
A hundred people wasn't a small number, but compared to the world, compared to everything he'd experienced, it was insignificant.
The world was too empty… as if humanity had been completely wiped out, leaving only Shu and the others desperately clinging to a meaningless existence…
Like Li Sushang, endlessly cleaning her empty dojo.
But Li Sushang had found someone who would take her away. Where would they find meaning?
Now, Shu felt like he'd found… the reason he'd been waiting, the reason he'd kept sweeping the empty hall.
He wanted to… see these children grow up. He wanted them to open their eyes to a beautiful world.
He wanted everyone who entered this world to have a fulfilling journey.
He wanted to be able to say, with sincerity, to everyone who departed…
See you next time.