That day was bright and sunny, the sun shining brightly, the sky empty without any annoying white clouds, revealing the beauty of the refreshing blue sky.
Birds chirped, decorating the peaceful morning, fluttering here and there across the blue sky.
People started waking up to begin their activities, and so did Brune.
Brune was a guy not too tall or short, a bit on the bigger side but filled with fat rather than muscle. His hair was dark black, just like his thick eyebrows. Maybe he wasn't the most attractive-looking person in the city, but his brain were definitely worth appreciating.
He was smart, proven by his high level of education and the real impact of his work. He was also someone who could adapt to any environment, calm, and always thinking about the future —a real visionary.
So, his name was well-known among scientists worldwide. Alternate Reality was the technology that made him famous. It's the latest technology that's taking the world to a civilization humans have never touched before. It allows users to experience different reality through all their senses, including sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. With the integration of neurology technology, users can even feel the memories and emotions.
That's super high-tech, and now, as the Project Director of Project Advanced Gaming Alternate Reality or PAGAR, he's going to take it to an even more advanced technological golden age.
###
Like his routine, Brune wakes up in the morning. He then heads straight to the bathroom for a shower while his busy wife prepares breakfast for the family.
Brune is the kind of person who enjoys tranquility. He doesn't like to rush, but that doesn't mean he can't hurry when needed.
While showering, he always plays his favorite song to uplift his mood. Then, he dives into his holobook, filled with tech knowledge from the 21st century to the Third World War, his favorite book. Only after that does he actually shower.
###
"What's for breakfast this morning?" Brune asked after finishing his shower and getting dressed in clothes chosen by his wife.
"Same old, the kids' favorites," replied Brune's wife, still busy arranging food on the dining table.
The table was filled with chocolate bread spread with strawberry jam on four plates for Brune, his wife, and their two children. Additionally, there was a bowl full of sausages cut to look like octopus tentacles, smothered in Bolognese sauce and mayonnaise, placed in the center of the table. Not to forget, a full bottle of orange juice and four glasses were set near each chair. Especially for Brune, some pills and a glass filled with light green water were arranged to maintain his health.
Brune's first son, around nine years old, was busy playing with his smartphone like any other nine-year-old kids.
Brune's second child, a seven-year-old girl, unlike her brother, she seemed to inherit Brune's curiosity for knowledge. This was proved from her being engrossed in reading printed books rather than holobooks or ebooks.
Brune sat at his chair, grabbed a few pieces of sausage, and poured orange juice into glasses for himself, his wife, and their children.
"Dad, when's the update coming?" Brune's son asked as soon as he realized his father was at the dining table.
"It's still going to take a bit, are you guys bored already?"
"Not really... my friends were just asking. Can we really get into the game?"
"Sure, but you're still not old enough to play it," replied Brune, smiling at his son, who looked a bit annoyed.
"Alright... let's eat first, then go to school. Don't play too much," Brune's wife said after finishing everything.
The four of them enjoyed their peaceful breakfast on this calm morning until Brune received an emergency call.
Brune immediately got up from his chair and moved away from the dining table. He always did this, not because he would receive secret information or anything, but to maintain the peace of his family while they were having breakfast.
###
"Alright, understood," Brune said to the caller.
After that, he immediately called Alice, his colleague in his division.
"Where are you?" Brune opened the conversation.
While listening to Alice's response, Brune quickly said goodbye to his family, grabbed his work bag, and left.
Before getting into his car, Brune informed Alice, "The PAGAR system and code are malfunctioning and showing errors. Some subjects are going uncontrollable and refusing to continue, especially Subjects A82, A101, A122, A139, B01. I'll be there soon, but can you handle it first?"
Brune listened to Alice's response while setting the auto-pilot on his car.
"Okay... I leave it to you, I'll catch up soon," Brune replied, then ended the call before Alice could say a word.
Brune took his only car, and even though it was his only car, it had high priority on auto-pilot. This meant other vehicles would yield to Brune's car, except those with higher priority.
The high priority on auto-pilot allowed Brune to access exclusive lanes and have a higher maximum speed.
During the trip, Brune repeatedly called Axel to inform him about technical issues, but Axel didn't pick up the phone.
In that situation, Brune, looking around, started realizing another car was always following, tailing him. Brune waited a few minutes to confirm. When sure he was being followed, Brune immediately stopped the auto-pilot and began driving manually.
Driving manually wasn't new to Brune. He loved technology but also admired 21st-century technology and enjoyed the tactile sensations of using that technology. So, he enjoyed driving manually, especially during his free time.
So, Brune's driving skills were unquestionable. With those skills, Brune only needed to accelerate, abruptly stop to turn or change lanes, use small or crowded roads, and managed to shake off the tailing car not too long after.
Brune then took his car onto a narrow street, scanning all directions to ensure he'd shaken off his pursuer.
Although Brune could easily adapt to any situation, it didn't mean he didn't feel what most people would. Panicked at first, but Brune slowly managed to calm down.
Brune stepped out of the car to calm himself, breathing in the supposedly fresh but really not-so-fresh and not-healthy city air.
Brune then tried called Axel again, intending to inform him about technical issues or at least get the latest info about the issues Axel is facing and tell him to stop whatever issues they're going through. But just like before, no answer.
Brune checked all the apps and networks on his smartphone but didn't find any issues that would prevent him from contacting Axel. However, since he didn't find anything, he began to think that Axel might be intentionally avoiding him. So, Brune continued to observe his surroundings. When he was certain that no one was tailing or watching him anymore, he got back into the car and continued his trip.
###
After arriving at the office, Brune quickly activates the auto-parking feature on his car. Of course, Brune's car will self-park in the exclusive zone designated for executives or those who have contributed the most to the ReTecs company.
Brune looks leisurely as he walks into the building, but his quick pace indicates his urgency.
In the lobby, Brune spots Alice sitting, engrossed in her tablet screen, and occasionally tapping or swiping it. Once Brune enters the lobby, she quickly fixes herself up before heading over to greet him.
"How's it going?" Brune asked while still walking, not stopping or even slowing down a bit.
"Everything's okay. Some things are under control, just one subject, A101, still protesting. As for the technical side—"
Even though Brune is pretty annoyed because he didn't get an update from Axel earlier and wants to hear the update that Alice will give, but he doesn't want to distract Alice's focus with something she's not really good at. So, he thinks Alice is better off handling subjects that she's skilled in. Plus, he really trusts Axel's skills, which can make every company want Axel to work for them.
"Let's handle that later. Let's focus on the subject first. I trust our expert team to deal with the technical stuff, but when it comes to the subject, your expertise is unmatched," Brune said, giving Alice a quick wink.
Alice smiled and chuckled softly, "Thank you for the praise. I really appreciate and respect that, especially coming from the best employee around here."
They both exchanged compliments amidst Alice giving a real-time update on the situation they were facing.
###
The preparation test observation room only has three people—Brune, the main warden for Subject A101 who introduces himself as Yanto, and the head of subjects department named Hyo. Meanwhile, in another adjoining room, separated only by a one-way mirror—similar to a police interrogation room—there was Alice, dealing with Subject A101 to ensure he still wants to continue the PAGAR trial without objection.
"Subject A101 is a male who claims he's straight but shows a tendency towards being bisexual. He's 177 cm tall, weighs 65 kg. He volunteered for this in exchange for seven BC. Picked up in Old Los Angeles city, Ventus Sector, a year ago. His current complaint is non-stop trials with sudden contact termination, which he finds painful," Yanto explains the background of Subject A101 and the issues they're facing.
"Thanks," says Brune, then looks at Hyo. "What about the other subjects, especially A82, A122, A139, and B01?"
"All good, except for A139 and B01. We had to take assertive measures based on SOP Article 38, Paragraph 1, to confine and erase the memories of problematic subjects."
"Have you placed them both in isolation rooms?"
"Yes, all SOPs have been followed. You don't need to worry about that."
Brune then looks at Alice, still reading the background of Subject A101 on the holobase in her room. "Only he's left to deal with."
Hyo approaches Brune, also looking at Alice's room. "You're right. We've tried, but his volunteer status prevents us from executing strict SOP on him."
"No problem, let Alice handle it. She's the expert. By the way, can someone bring me a list of all the test results ever done on Subject A101? Please print it, not digital."
Hyo looks at Yanto, and Yanto understands his request. He quickly accesses the test results on the computer in the room and prints them, taking some time.
Meanwhile, Alice has closed the holobase and gazing at Subject A101, who is bound all over his body.
She then uncovered the subject's mouth and said, "You volunteered... So what's bothering you?"
Subject A101 looked cynically at Alice and, in a serious tone, said, "Fucked with your money! You've been testing us multiple times."
"Sorry about that, but you should have understood that testing would occur multiple times. It's in the contract," Alice replied.
"FUCK YOU! There's no sudden termination in the contract. You know how painful that is, dying multiple times..."
Alice reopened the holobase and looked at the mirror, intending to ask Brune about this.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Yanto, who has finished printing all the test results for Subject A101, hands the file to Brune.
Brune quickly glances through the file, searching for a sudden contact termination case. Because he doesn't find any, he then turns to Hyo. "I'll go in to clarify this. The subject will be unbound, so be ready. When I give the signal, proceed with the SOP for detaining the volunteer subject in the isolation room. Understand?"
"Understood," says Hyo. "Yanto, contact the other warden. We'll move the subject as soon as the signal is given."
Yanto accesses the computer in the room again, while Brune exits the observation room and walks into the preparation test room.
Brune then entered the room carrying Subject A101's test result file and placed it on the table in front of Subject A101.
"I'll release you as long as you don't attempt to attack again. Deal?" Brune proposed.
Hearing this, Alice stared disbelievingly at Brune.
Brune is known for often disregarded company procedures and rules, which has surprised many employees, especially for those who are just getting to know him like Alice.
However, actually Brune isn't someone who disobeys rules —he's just very flexible with them. For him, rules are created for a purpose, and as long as that purpose is achieved without sacrifice or something bad, rules can be adjusted. Besides, his position, which is considered the same as the directors due to his excellent performance, allows him to contribute to formulating many rules in the company, including the SOP for handling subjects in PAGAR.
"Just free me if that's your intention," Subject A101 replied.
Brune then released him, while Alice stepped away. After all, the reason Subject A101 was bound all over his body was due to his violence, which nearly killed his warden.
"Okay, you free, except for your legs," said Brune, moving the subject's chair closer to the table. "You can check this test result list and tell us where you were terminated suddenly."
Subject A101 carefully examined the test result file, consisting of dozens of pages with over a hundred tests conducted solely on him.
Subject A101 looked at Brune. "The last three pages, you terminated the testing suddenly. Now, please release me, I'm done."
Brune signaled toward the mirror and re-tied Subject A101.
Alice then approached, and Brune showed her the file. "Strangely, all the test end times show the same time, not even a second difference. This might be a system error."
The main warden of Subject A101 entered the room and quickly escorted Subject A101 out, leaving Brune and Alice alone.
"You still have time before becoming a spokesperson, right?" Brune asked Alice, who was organizing her stuffs and files.
"Still free now. Anything I can help with?"
"Please ask Axel about the trial program, there might be an issue. If not, launch it immediately."
At the mention of Axel, Alice remembered Axel's message she didn't get to relay to Brune. "Hmm... Actually, Axel did mention there was a technical error, but he fixed it except he found something odd in the program and needs you. Do you want to go see him alone?"
"Alright. But you go first to meet Axel. If everything's okay, you don't need to return. But if there's still an error or something odd, come back immediately. I'll handle a few things first."
"Understood."
Alice then left Brune alone in the room, with only the test result file being seriously stared at by Brune as Alice stepped out.
Brune sits in chair that be used by Subject A101 before. He still staring the test results. He notices hundreds of test conducted on Subject A101, and strangely, all of them end at the same time.
Brune then accesses the holobase, ensuring that their database isn't encountering errors or bugs causing the test results to turn out strange like that. However, he finds nothing strange in their database system. Even with the assistance of AI, he cannot find anything strange.
Brune then examines detailed information on each test conducted. He finds a similar strangeness, all—at least almost all—data related to times from the start to the end of the tests are the same with 100% accuracy, as if the data is just a duplicate rather than actual data.
Brune then traces the access IDs to track who has accessed the database. Almost all access IDs that accessed the database from the latest history show the same people including Yanto, Alice, himself, and a few others. Strangely, all of them also accessed it at the same time, although some had different times.
Brune thinks that this can only happen if there's a program error, like the use of a loop function causing the same data to be recorded multiple times.
Whatever it is, he doesn't find any major issues. Duplicate data can be easily deleted, but for now, he decides to leave it be.
It has become a habit for him to leave everything problematic, as long as it doesn't hinder his main goals. For him, problematic things, especially the strange ones, arise from unforeseen conditions that could potentially inspire or lead to out-of-the-box thinking, sparking creativity. This approach has been applied and proven when creating Alternate Reality technology.
Brune then makes a note of this on his smartphone's notepad as a reminder. After everything is done, Brune leaves the room.
###
When Brune left the room and started walking, he coincidentally found that Alice was already back.
"So, how's it going?" asked Brune.
"Everything's safe and some in progress." replied Alice.
"Okay, but is he still munching on his weird candy?"
Alice smiled every time she heard about Axel's favorite candy. "Of course, if he had to choose, he'd pick the candy over me."
"Doesn't seem so. You just need to communicate. It sounds ironic, but try to understand each other."
"Thanks for the advice, but... it's tough, you know. He's always following structures and steps, very inflexible."
"Yeah... Whatever it is, I hope it's the best for you both. By the way, are you heading straight to those kids after this?"
"Not sure, but I'll drop by Lucy's office first. It's her program, so I'll ask her first."
"Alright then, see you later," said Brune, heading straight to Axel's office.
Even though everything is safe and the rest that is still in progress is being handled by Axel, Brune feels the need to be there personally to ensure its safety, after reassessing on the database program that could go wrong without a known reason.
"You too," replied Alice, making her way to Lucy's office.
###
Axel's office is quite far, but not too far because it's still within the same project. The office is equipped with super-advanced computers and the best network connection. Of course, it holds the highest priority status, specifically designed for programming the PAGAR. The office is exclusive to Axel and his two assistants, while the other programmers work in a different room next door.
As the Project Director, Brune has more access to enter that office than Axel does. When Brune entered the office, Axel was alone, busy tapping the screen and using a holo-keyboard, surrounded by several holograms. Brune can see that Axel is working on the SIS-PAGAR program.
"Finally, you're here. Come quickly," said Axel, displaying the SIS-PAGAR program to Brune.
Brune observed what Axel was doing and asked, "Are you working on SIS-PAGAR? What's happening?"
"About security, I'm puzzled. The entire program has been completed and run successfully without any errors whatsoever. But SIS-PAGAR is giving us a code 3."
"How about the trial program? Is it safe and ready to run?" Brune asked while looking at the lines of code in SIS-PAGAR program.
"Safe. The trial can be carried out soon."
"Alright. Did you check the code earlier?" Brune asked, pointing to the SIS-PAGAR program hologram. "Did you find anything?"
"Nope. You got in too quickly. Did you spot the error?"
"Nope. Not at the moment, at least. Just do this, since the program has to keep going, let's save this for now, and you make sure again that the trial program is ready to be executed. It shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Alright. Do you want to add something?"
"No, that's it."
"Alright." Axel then opens the hologram of the trial program and checks again, running the simulation, making sure everything is safe.
Meanwhile, Brune looks around, especially at the SIS-PAGAR program hologram.
"Have you made a duplicate of the source code?" Brune asked.
"Yeah, of course, just to be safe. Isn't that written in the SOP?"
"Indeed, but how many duplicates did you make?"
"Only one. One that's original, and one that's a copy." Axel then looked in the direction Brune was looking.
Axel found a bunch of duplicate files of the source code he's working on. It got him thinking similar thoughts to what Brune was thinking.
"Then, why are there hundreds?"
"I don't know either. Is this an error?"
"Maybe, but maybe not," Brune feels like this case is sort of like the test results and the database he checked earlier. Everything shows a bunch of automatic duplications all of a sudden. He senses something suspicious going on —maybe something's not right. So, he takes the initiative. "Let's bring Alice into this, she's got a secure communication channel we can use."
"Alright, I'll close it all."
While Axel closes everything he's working on, Brune checks the security network on his smartphone.
Unfortunately or fortunately, there is no anomaly in the security network. No signs of forced entry like brute force or sneaky infiltration. All networks are secure.
After Axel finishes, the two of them go to meet Alice.
###
"Have you contacted her?" Axel asked.
"No need, let's just meet her. She's taking care of the kids, you might get some insights on how she handles your future kids."
"Come on... don't always be like that. She doesn't like it, you know that."
"It's not about her disliking it, it's about your stiff behavior, and she also doesn't like your weird favorite candy. Why do you always eat it?"
"Wanna try? I've got some," Axel offered, handing his favorite candy to Brune.
Brune declined, saying, "I've had enough of that candy, my candy-eating days are over."
"Good for you. But, by the way, do you like your days these days?"
"It's quite enjoyable if you can adapt, but I doubt you can," Brune glanced at Axel briefly, "You know, you're a genius, much smarter than me. So, don't waste your genius on something statics, try something new."
"Sounds challenging for me..." Axel smiled and chuckled, "The statics are already troublesome."
###
Brune and Axel have arrived at the place where Alice is explaining something to a group of students.
"How?" Brune asked, starting a conversation with Axel while they observed Alice.
"How, what?"
"Alice. What do you think of her teaching style?"
"I don't know... I've never taught before," Axel replied, munching on some of his favorite candies. "By the way, why did you invite her?"
"The secure communication channel. Didn't I tell you?"
"Yeah, but I mean, what do you mean by a secure communication channel?"
"SIS-PAGAR is built by every department head, including you and Alice. However, I instructed Alice to create a secret communication channel known only to me and her, and to access it, I need Alice."
"You sound like you've planned everything."
"Indeed. Your attention shouldn't stop at one point, you have to consider all possibilities."
"But aren't you overwhelmed? Thinking about all the events and possibilities that are uncertain?"
"What's the point of AI if you have to remember everything."
Alice glanced at both of them and seemed to give instructions to the group of students she was teaching to end the session.
Brune looked at Axel, and so did Axel. "If you want to get close to her, try leading and show that you're not as stiff as she thinks."
Axel just stared at Brune and didn't say anything, except for moving his body slightly as if he was uncomfortable and nervous.
"Relax. By the way, I'll take you to the director's room on underfloor 3, a safe room for us to talk. That's the information you need if Alice asks," Brune continued while patting Axel's back to reassure him.
Axel ate more of his candies, this time in large quantities.
"What's up?" Alice asked as she approached Axel and Brune.
"Please come with me," Axel ordered.
"Axel wants to explain something about the weird things he's encountered," Brune replied.
"So, why not explain it here? Where are we going?" asked Alice, following them.
"A special room, you don't need to know its name," Brune answered.
"A room without any spying devices," Axel added, glancing at Alice.
Alice immediately understood Axel's words. The information Axel was about to share was confidential. Realizing all this, Alice fell silent.
###
The three of them went down from the base floor to underfloor 3, a floor specifically designated for exchanging highly confidential information, accessible only to Brune among the three of them.
Then, they entered a room that also required access available only to Brune. After getting in, they made sure the room's security was tight.
Once they were sure, Axel got straight to the point, saying, "Okay, let's to the point. The weird thing I'm talking about is the record of duplicated source code data and a security warning code level 3 from SIS-PAGAR."
SIS-PAGAR, or Security Integration System of PAGAR, is a security system that integrates all the programming codes being developed by the PAGAR division. It's meant to detect anything related to program errors, including program malfunctions like theft or hacker attacks.
Knowing that a warning code level 3 can only be given by the system if the entire source code has been corrupted or has errors, it's indeed bizarre.
Brune repeatedly asked Axel several questions to ensure he wasn't mistaken or misinterpreting things.
Then Brune looked at Alice and asked, "Can you activate the safe channel in SIS-PAGAR?"
Alice opened her tablet and said, "Sure, but I need your permission for that."
"Just do it," said Brune.
Alice then handed her tablet to Brune, and Brune granted permission.
Once the safe channel was open, the three of them could see logs of every activity on SIS-PAGAR, which strangely duplicated all of its own activities and all programs in PAGAR.
They exchanged looks but were thinking the same thing, "SIS-PAGAR error."
Then, they look at SIS-PAGAR intently. Axel checks the code lines in the SIS-PAGAR program, Alice reads the logs in SIS-PAGAR, while Brune looks at all the connected networks in SIS-PAGAR and anticipates the possibility of a cyberattack on SIS-PAGAR from the connected networks.
In the middle of their discussion, each of their smartphones received a notification that a trial program would be executed without their presence.
Brune hurriedly went out because he wanted to make sure why the trial program could run without them. Axel and Alice followed.
However, when they tried to open the door, a power outage occurred, shutting down all things requiring electricity in the office, including the door to the room they were in at that moment.
Axel knew for sure about the electrical system and the program to control it, so he knew if they didn't have enough oxygen for long, and that made him panic.
Meanwhile, Alice tried to comfort Axel in various ways, including the most common way by advising him until Alice hugged Axel tightly, kissed his cheek, and slipped Axel's favorite candy into his mouth.
Brune stayed quiet, but his mind was not idle, as evidenced by his quick action to activate special security protocol level 1, signaling the security division about them being trapped.
"Odd... why has special security protocol level 1 been activated before I did?" said Brune.
"That means someone else activated it," said Alice, still hugging Axel tightly.
"It's not what makes it odd, but the protocol was activated by me."
The three of them exchanged glances.
"I'll send a signal and report related to this, so we should be safe," said Brune.
After writing the report, Brune then sent the report.
Within a few minutes, the medical team along with SAT came at their room and opened it.
As an emergency handling procedure, they were immediately given oxygen masks and taken to the ambulance.
However, Brune felt something strange from the medical team and SAT members who helped them. But even though he wanted to find out about the strangeness, he couldn't hold on any longer when he slowly but surely lost consciousness.
It didn't take long for Brune to completely lose consciousness, precisely when they reached the base floor.
####