Shiki looked around the lab, his eyes scanning every piece of equipment and data with his unique ability to see any kind of information. Among the myriad of technological marvels, one thing captured his attention: an energy core secured in a heavily guarded chamber.

SHIKI: Is that core the same as mine?

Dr. Kimura, standing beside Shiki, turned to look at the core.

DR. KIMURA: No, Shiki. That core powers the megacity. It's the heart of our city.

Shiki gazed at the core in awe, mesmerized by its brilliance. He stared at it for several minutes, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Dr. Kimura opened a panel on Shiki's chest and injected a blue-colored liquid into his core, enhancing his cognitive abilities to boost his self-improvement.

DR. KIMURA: You're done and ready to return to your normal learning life.

Shiki thanked her and stood up, checking for any abnormalities in his body. Just then, Emma entered the room, her face pale with worry.

EMMA: Shiki, let's go home.

Shiki nodded, sensing her urgency. They left the lab together, making a quick stop at the administrator's office before heading home.

When they entered the administration office, a young blond man was sitting at a desk, speaking with an older man. The young man glanced at Shiki and asked, "Is that the boy you were talking about?"

Emma nodded. "Yes, his name is Shiki, the first artificial human."

The young man stood up and extended his hand. "I see. Nice to meet you, Shiki. I am Leon."

SHIKI: Nice to meet you too, Leon.

Leon picked up a sword resting beside him. "It seems you have business here, so I'll take my leave. I'll see you around, Shiki." He smiled at Shiki with an intrigued expression before leaving the office.

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As Leon walked out, Shiki scanned him, revealing that Leon was a student with exceptional skills.

SHIKI: It seems like he is very skilled at fighting.

The older man at the desk replied, "He is one of the candidates for the Royal Battle Tournament, which is why he is so skilled."

Shiki turned to Emma with a curious look. "What is this Royal Battle he mentioned?"

EMMA: The Royal Battle is a tournament where the greatest academies send their three best students from around the world to compete. The winner is rewarded with an SSS-grade weapon, which is only produced in our country. Additionally, they get the opportunity to join the special squad organized by our country, a privilege most nations could only dream of.

The older man interrupted proudly, "Not only that, the winners get the chance to meet Dr. Kimura, the greatest scientist in the world, a rare honor no matter who they are."

Shiki's eyes widened in surprise, and he was about to speak when Emma quickly covered his mouth. She leaned in and whispered, "Shiki, don't say anything about yourself or Dr. Kimura."

Shiki nodded, and Emma released him. She turned to the man at the desk and said, "Enough with the chit-chat. Where is the item I requested?"

The man picked up a suitcase and pressed a button in the middle. "Here’s the viburnum you asked for." As the suitcase opened, a fog emerged, revealing a glowing container inside. The container was imprinted with the word "འཇིགས་སྣང," which means "feared."

Emma picked up the container, opened Shiki's panel, and attached it to his core. Shiki immediately felt a surge of new energy, and his eyes glowed. He looked at Emma curiously. "What was that thing you put inside?"

Emma replied with a proud smile, "It’s a nano energy specially designed for you by me. It will give you more power and energy in tight situations. But only use it in emergencies."

Shiki nodded confidently. "Okay, I will use it only in emergencies."

Shiki and Emma took their leave and started heading home. On the way, Emma turned to Shiki with a somber expression. "Shiki, I’m sorry for hiding the fact that you were created as a weapon, even though I was one of the people who voted for you to be a weapon."

Shiki replied with a genuine smile, "Emma, you did what you had to, and I understand that you never meant any harm to me."

EMMA: What? Aren’t you mad or disappointed that I hid it from you?

SHIKI: No, instead I’m grateful for what you’ve done for me. It was also your duty, wasn’t it? So don’t feel bad about it.

A tear fell from Emma's eye, happy that Shiki had forgiven her. "Wow, you’ve learned how to be kind now, huh? I’m happy for you, Shiki. Thank you for understanding me."

Shiki smiled. "You’re welcome."