A.I.C. hummed with activity, processing the revived systems of Atlantis. As the lights flickered back on and the city began to awaken, Acy stood before the glowing core, feeling a deep connection to the ancient civilization.
"Acy," A.I.C. began, "I've been considering our next steps. While I handle the data repairs and continue reviving Atlantis, I think it would be beneficial for you to go to the surface and observe how humans have developed. Gather information that might help us understand the current world."
Acy hesitated. The surface was an unknown realm, a place she had never ventured. But her curiosity and desire to help A.I.C. ultimately swayed her decision. "Okay, I'll go. But what should I take with me?"
"Take the small camera to document your findings and a knife for protection," A.I.C. instructed. "Be careful, and return as soon as you can."
Equipped with the camera and knife, Acy made her way to the edge of the ruins and began her ascent to the surface. The journey was challenging, with strong currents and unfamiliar territory, but she navigated it with determination.
When she finally broke through the surface, Acy was struck by the sight of the world above. Gone were the advanced cities and thriving civilizations she had heard about from A.I.C. Instead, what lay before her seemed primitive, akin to the medieval ages. Small villages dotted the landscape, their architecture rudimentary and their inhabitants living simple lives.
A.I.C.'s voice crackled through the communication device, filled with confusion. "This is unexpected. It appears that civilization has regressed significantly. This does not align with my records. We need to find out what happened."
Acy, blending her natural instincts with her newfound humanoid abilities, moved cautiously towards the nearest village. As she entered, she noticed the stares of the villagers. Her shark tail and lack of proper clothing made her an oddity, attracting too much attention.
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"Acy," A.I.C. whispered urgently, "I forgot about clothes. You need to blend in. Kidnap a human and bring him to the shore for interrogation. Be quick."
Acy nodded, understanding the urgency. She selected a lone man near the edge of the village, grabbed him swiftly, and swam back to the underwater ruins. Her speed ensured the man's survival, though he was disoriented and frightened.
In the safety of the ruins, A.I.C. guided Acy through the interrogation. "Acy, ask him about the current state of the world."
The man, terrified and confused, provided basic information in broken sentences. Through his fear, Acy and A.I.C. learned about the present era. The world was now divided into kingdoms ruled by nobility, magic was a prevalent force, and dungeons were dangerous places where monsters emerged.
As the interrogation dragged on, the man grew weaker. Acy, driven by instinct and frustration, bit him, causing him to bleed out. A.I.C. expressed dismay. "Acy, why did you bite him? We needed him alive."
"I'm sorry, A.I.C.," Acy replied, her voice filled with regret. "I couldn't control it."
Despite the man's death, the information they gathered was valuable. They learned about the existence of dungeons—mysterious places where monsters appeared and adventurers sought treasure and glory.
"So, according to this man, dungeons are places where monsters appear, right?" Acy asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes," A.I.C. replied thoughtfully. "Dungeons could be the key to understanding why civilization has regressed. Perhaps they hold secrets or artifacts that disrupted human progress. We need to investigate further."
Acy's mind raced with possibilities. The surface world was far more complex and dangerous than she had imagined. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to uncover the mysteries of this new era and aid A.I.C. in restoring Atlantis.
"Acy, we need to approach this carefully," A.I.C. advised. "First, we must find a way for you to blend in with the humans. Then, we can gather more information about these dungeons and the state of the world."
Acy nodded, determination shining in her ice-blue eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes. Let's find out what happened to the world and bring Atlantis back to its former glory."
With a new mission in mind, Acy prepared to return to the surface, ready to navigate the challenges ahead and uncover the secrets hidden in the world above.