As the show continued to thrill the audience, AURA suddenly turned toward the side of the auditorium, to where the curtains were. For a brief moment, her voice stopped, as if she sensed something strange. Then she resumed the show, while the animated images continued to change on the screen seamlessly.
Ryuichi's heart raced: "Does she know I'm here? Or am I just delusional?"
He had no logical explanation for this sudden feeling. His mind was torn between being mesmerized by what was happening in front of him and the anxiety that was starting to creep in. "Maybe this is just a passing feeling," he told himself, trying to push away the disturbing thoughts. But, deep down, there was something uncomfortable, something vague about the whole situation.
Suddenly, his phone rang in his pocket, and he pulled it out as he saw Ryoko's name appear on the screen. He hesitates for a moment, then quickly hangs up, trying to avoid any suspicion that might arouse the attention of those around him. But as soon as he put the phone back in his pocket and it rang again, he felt very confused and wondered to himself: "Why does he insist on calling? Is there something I don't know?" He hesitated, then finally decided to answer the call, wondering if there was something important to tell him.
He answered in a strained voice:
"Yes?"
The voice on the other end was calm, full of confidence:
"I know you're here, Ryuichi."
Ryuichi felt a sudden shock, he hadn't expected Ryoko to know where he was, but it was clear that Ryoko had somehow been compromised. Ryuichi sat leaning against the wall, wondering inwardly: "How did he know? Was he watching me the whole time?"
Ryoko answered simply, showing no signs of nervousness:
"I was one of the coordinators of the symposium. I want to help you."
A moment of silence stretches between them before Ryoko continues:
"If you don't want to attract anyone's attention, you should follow me now. There's a room near you with clothes for the moderators."
Ryuichi took a deep breath, though he was still nervous, and then wondered in a low voice: "Will anyone believe me if I wear the coordinators' uniforms?"
Ryoko continued:
"It depends on you, but in any case, yes, you'll blend in with everyone and no one will know you're there. You'll find the white coordinators' uniforms in the room, with the student club logo written on it. You need to move now, I'll provide the route for you."
Ryuichi smiled lightly, but his heart was filled with conflicting emotions. Despite his skepticism, this was his only chance to remain anonymous.
When he entered the room Ryoko had indicated, he found the coordinators' uniforms there. It was a white overalls with the student club logo on it, a simple design that fit the formal format of the seminar. He put it on quickly, taking a moment to turn it over in his hands before putting it on. The clothes were fairly comfortable, but they carried with them an air of formality.
Before he left, Ryoko sent him a message:
"Move quietly, and don't let anyone notice you. There's more to discuss after this seminar."
But Ryuichi wondered: "Okay... But where will I go?" Then he sent him another message:
"And yes, I almost forgot; head to the west side of the auditorium, there's a corner near the projection screen. I'll wait for you there."
As Ryuichi moved toward the west side of the auditorium, his steps were quick but carefully calculated. He knew that his every move could give him away, that he was at the center of the action, where the digital and mental worlds collided. On his way, Ryoko's words echoed in his mind: "Move quietly, and don't let anyone notice you."
He stopped in front of a corner near the projection screen. The lights were dimmed there, casting shadows around the place that seemed to swallow everything. The hall was full of scientists and developers who were busy interacting with the display, and no one paid attention to the person hiding in the corner.
Then, Ryoko appeared in that corner, stepping out of the shadows with a serene smile on his face. He walked up to Ryuichi, taking a quick glance around to see if anyone was watching. After he made sure no one was watching, he looked at him and said in a low voice: "You're here, good. There was some speculation that you might try to sneak out. But now, we have to talk."
Ryuichi felt a mixture of surprise and relief. He didn't know he would get to this point in the game. Now that things were clearer, there was a vague sense of foreboding looming.
"How did you know I would be here?" Ryuichi asked, still trying to decipher everything going on around him.
Raising his hand with a simple expression, Ryoko answered: "Like I said, I was coordinated. It was easy to know that a stranger would try to enter. I have a special way of detecting intruders."
Ryoko then looked at Ryuichi, noticing that he was wearing the coordinators' uniforms, gave a slight smile and said, "But I have to say, your new uniform... It's not bad."
Ryuichi hesitated for a moment, then smiled lightly and said: "Thanks, I guess I look like a real coordinator now."
Ryoko chuckled and said, "No, no. You actually look like someone who sells alcohol at sporting events. But hey, as long as you have the guts to wear it, that's enough."
Ryuichi grumbled at Ryoko's "Eeeeee?!", but felt slightly relieved. Ryoko's reaction had helped ease the tension a bit.
Ryuichi continued: "At least I can be part of the development team now. "Maybe I need some persuasion training. Maybe I could make little presentations in the hall about unimportant things, like how to navigate the hallways."
Ryoko replied, raising an eyebrow: "Well, if you're going to do sideshows, I'd suggest 'How to make people forget you quickly', that would be something special."
This time Ryuichi laughed clearly, then pointed to the door behind Ryoko and said: "Let's leave the humor for now, where are we going?"
Ryoko smiled and said, "Well, it looks like things are more complicated than I thought. But if you want to continue this show, you can continue to imitate the coordinators here for the rest of the day."
While the audience was mesmerized by AURA's presentation, the development team began to move around the room. Each of them was moving quickly, responding to questions from the audience. Kenji, who was responsible for AURA's core programming, walked over to the audience to explain AURA's role in the data learning process.
While Ryuichi continued to mimic the moderators in place, he moved cautiously through the audience. He wore the coordinators' uniforms and looked like part of the team, trying to act as naturally as possible to prevent any skepticism. Every step was carefully calculated, and he watched every detail around him with concentration.
Suddenly, Ryuichi noticed another person coming toward him. He was wearing the coordinators' uniforms as well, and was apparently one of the students from the student club. He looked young and energetic, holding a stack of papers in his hand as he quickly made his way toward where Ryuichi was.
The young man approached him, raising his eyebrows in wonder as he looked at Ryuichi, as if there was something strange about his appearance. He paused for a moment, took a quick glance around, and then said in an unintelligible voice:
"You... I guess you're not from here."
Ryuichi was very nervous, but he tried to hide it with a smile on his face, and said in a calm voice:
"I'm new here. I was involved in some organizational stuff today, so maybe you haven't seen me before."
But the young man kept watching Ryuichi for a bit, as if trying to remember where he had seen him before. Then finally he said, in a hushed voice:
"I guess I haven't seen you at the club before. Are you sure you're part of the team?"
At that moment, Ryoko suddenly intervened, appearing from the crowd and approaching the young man. He looked like he had come to the rescue.
"Ah, this person is new to us, and has been assigned some organizational tasks today. I can confirm that." Ryoko said with a calm smile, trying to calm the situation.
The young man looked at Ryoko for a moment, then nodded and said:
"Ah, well, if Ryoko says so, that's fine. But you need to be more careful next time, we're all part of the same team here."
Ryuichi felt relieved despite the awkward situation, and thanked Ryoko with a furtive glance. The young man backed away, returning to his duties. The situation had passed peacefully, but the worry in Ryuichi's heart was still there.
Ryoko looked at Ryuichi and said with a slight smile:
"You almost got caught there, but you managed to get out of it. You'll have to be more vigilant next time. Now, let's move on."
Ryuichi followed Ryoko on his way across the hall, while the show continued in the background.
As the auditorium grew quiet, Hiroshi stood in front of the big screen with obvious enthusiasm, turning to the audience with a confident smile.
Hiroshi: "Well, I think you are now ready for the most important part of the show. We've talked about the technology, but it's time to show you AURA in action."
Hiroshi continued: "First, let's talk about speed of execution. Here, we have a complex model with genetic data of more than a million samples, with millions of possible genetic possibilities calculated. Let's see how AURA handles this challenge compared to traditional computers."
First experiment: Speed of execution of complex operations
An interactive graph showing the progress of both AURA and a conventional computer appeared on the screen.
Hiroshi: "A conventional computer needs about 5,000 seconds (more than an hour and a half) to solve this equation. Let's see how long it would take AURA."
The timer started, but before the audience could absorb the moment, it stopped at just 0.5 seconds.
AURA: "Operation complete. Time taken: Only half a second. Efficiency is 99.99% better than conventional computers."
Audience member (clearly amazed): "This is crazy! How can a computer be that fast?"
Hiroshi smiled and replied, "Quantum computing does not rely on linear processing as in conventional computers. We're talking about processing millions of operations at the same time."
Experiment 2: Multiple Scenario Predictions
Hiroshi: "Now, let's move on to predictions. Here we have a model that simulates future climate changes based on live data. Let's see how many scenarios each system can generate."
A comparison appeared on the screen:
AURA: 100 million scenarios per second.
Traditional computer: Only 100 scenarios per second.
AURA: "Thanks to quantum processing, I can analyze all possible scenarios in an instant, giving the user a holistic view of any decision they make."
A scientist (raises hand): "But what about the accuracy of these predictions? Can't there be errors due to the sheer volume of data?"
AURA: "Good question. My prediction accuracy is 99.999%, as I rely on parallel analysis and self-correction for all possible scenarios."
Third experiment: Integration with Reality
Hiroshi: "Okay, let's move on to real time. We will now connect AURA to sensors connected to the auditorium to measure environmental changes. Let's see how it reacts to live data."
In an instant, the display screen began to show real-time changing data on the temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in the auditorium.
AURA: "The data is updated every 0.001 seconds. Any change that occurs in the hall, I can sense it immediately."
Hiroshi: "Unlike traditional computers that need time to process the collected data, AURA works 100% in real time. That's the difference."
Fourth experiment: Security
Hiroshi: "As for security, let's do a practical experiment. An expert will try to hack into AURA's system using sophisticated techniques."
In front of the audience, a programmer began trying to break the encryption. He typed quickly, and commands began to appear on the screen.
AURA (in a calm voice): "Hack attempt detected. Quantum encryption activated. Protection cannot be bypassed."
The attempt stopped after a few seconds, and a message appeared on the screen: "Access denied."
Hiroshi: "As you can see, with AURA, the security is 99.9999%, thanks to quantum encryption that is impossible to break with a conventional computer."
As the show progressed, Ryuichi sat in the back, trying to look like part of the coordinators. But he couldn't ignore the growing sense of awe and amazement at what he saw.
Ryuichi (inwardly): "This is not just an ordinary technical project. Quantum computing, processing human intentions, analyzing data at breakneck speed... It's like seeing the future taking shape before my eyes."
He looked around to make sure no one had noticed his extra attention, but he couldn't help but stare at the screen. The audience applauded warmly.
Ryoko, on the other hand, was standing in the corner of the auditorium, watching the show with a critical eye. He didn't know much about AURA other than the name of the project and some general information he had gleaned from the presentation.
Ryoko (to himself): "If all these abilities are real, it means we've reached a whole new stage of development. But why do I feel like something is missing?"
He realizes that Ryuichi isn't with him and turns around to find him in the back sitting, seemingly forgetting his role as coordinator due to his immersion in the show.
Ryoko (in a low voice): "Ryuichi, prepare yourself. You look like an audience member, not a coordinator. Focus on our task."
Ryuichi suddenly became aware of Ryoko's lips moving and mumbling:
Ryuichi: "Uh... Yes, of course. I was just trying to... understand the situation here."
Amidst the applause, an audience member suddenly raised his hand. It was an elderly man with stern features and a penetrating gaze, known in scientific circles as Dr. Hideyo Iwasaki, an expert in artificial intelligence and a fierce critic of quantum computing.
Dr. Hideyo (in clear voice): "What you have shown today is undoubtedly impressive, but I have a question: What are the limits of this technology? We are talking about superhuman speed, safety and precision, but what about the ethical aspect? How do you guarantee that AURA will not be used for destructive purposes?"
Hiroshi took a step towards the microphone, showing respect for the question:
"Thank you for your question, Dr. Hideyo. In fact, the limits of technology are not only technical, but also ethical. That's why we programmed AURA to adhere to clear principles. For example, AURA cannot do anything that goes against the interest of humanity."
Dr. Hideyo (with a skeptical expression): "And what prevents a programmer from manipulating these principles?"
AURA spoke directly, in a calm but decisive tone:
"My core programming is protected by multi-layered quantum encryption. Any attempt to modify it automatically causes the entire system to shut down. Furthermore, I have the ability to analyze the user's intentions based on the input data, and stop any commands with malicious intent."
Dr. Hidayu remained silent, but whispers of discussion began to emerge among the audience. Some were fascinated by the technologies on display, while others began to wonder about their consequences.
One attendee (a young systems developer): "But does that mean that AURA has self-awareness? If it can analyze intentions, that means we're close to artificial general intelligence, right?"
Hiroshi replied with a reassuring smile: "Not quite. AURA is not self-awareness, but an advanced analytical system. Everything it does is based on quantum algorithms and input data. It can't make decisions on its own outside its programmed range."
Dr. Hedayo (interrupting): "And what about unintended consequences? Sometimes systems don't need self-awareness to cause a disaster." Hiroshi was silent for a moment, glancing sideways at Dr. Hidayo, trying to remain calm, but inside, thoughts were jostling, a mixture of annoyance and pent-up anger.
Hiroshi (to himself): "Tusk, that old man... He can't let things run smoothly. If he didn't have such a big name, I would remove him from this room without hesitation." Dr. Shinzo Takahara, a member of the AURA development team, stepped forward to respond.
At this point, Dr. Shinzo Takahara, a member of the AURA development team, stepped forward to respond: "We are fully aware of these risks, which is why AURA is built as a system that does not operate autonomously, but always needs human supervision. Technology is just a tool, and the way it is used depends on who controls it."
Then he added with a slight smile: "But of course, we on the development team don't have an absolute guarantee. Technology always carries risks, the important thing is how to handle it with caution."
Suddenly, the screen lit up again, and a new interface appeared. AURA spoke in a warmer tone: "I think the best way to answer these concerns is to show you how I can cooperate with humans."
A series of graphs appeared, showing examples of past projects where AURA has been used:
1. medical project: Designing new drugs to treat rare diseases.
Success rate: 92%.
Time taken: 3 months instead of 10 years.
2. Environmental Project: Analyze climate change data and develop solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Expected emissions reductions: 30% within 5 years.
3. Global Renewable Energy Project:
Develop technologies to analyze weather patterns and identify the best locations for solar and wind power generation.
Expected impact: Increase renewable energy production by 45% within 10 years.
Expected implementation time: 18 months.
4. Sustainable Smart Cities Project:
Modeling cities that rely entirely on technology to manage resources and energy.
Expected impact: Reduce waste by 60% and improve transportation and infrastructure efficiency by 70%.
Time taken: 4 years instead of 15 years in traditional models.
5. Health Computing Project:
Integrating human genome analysis with quantum computing technologies to develop personalized therapies.
Diagnostic accuracy rate: 99.5%.
Time to find the right treatment: Two weeks instead of 6 months.
6. Global Food Security Project:
Improving the efficiency of agriculture using remote sensing and climate data processing.
Expected impact: Increase agricultural production by 35% and reduce waste by 25%.
Expected implementation time: 3 years.
7. Natural Disaster Reduction Project:
Using artificial intelligence to analyze seismic and climate data.
Results: Improved the ability to predict disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes by 85%.
Time taken to develop the system: A year and a half."
As AURA showcased these projects, the impact on the audience was palpable, with discussions shifting from skepticism to palpable enthusiasm.
One attendee (in amazement):
"If this is all possible, we are on the cusp of a radical shift in human civilization!"
But Dr. Hidayu wasn't entirely convinced. He took a step forward and asked in a clear voice:
"All these achievements are amazing on paper, but I still wonder: What happens if AURA goes beyond the range of human control? We cannot deny that advanced systems always find ways to behave in unexpected ways."
This time Hiroshi spoke in a calmer tone: "Dr. Hideyo, I think you underestimate the work our team has done to ensure security. AURA is not a rigid system that behaves outside of its scope. We designed it to be adaptable, but always within clearly defined limits. Any overshoot is immediately detected and stopped."
He then added, glancing around the audience: "Of course, these questions are to be expected from someone of your stature, but let me emphasize that the system is specifically designed to prevent any random or dangerous outcomes."
His words were not so much for everyone as they were for Dr. Hedayo alone: "Don't try to question my work, because you won't win."
AURA stepped in to settle matters, directly backing up Hiroshi's words: "My system is built so that I cannot perform any operations outside the authorized framework. Any attempt to override the core programming, I am automatically stopped and supervisors are notified. I have no autonomy, and I only work under direct supervision."
Dr. Hideyo remained silent, but exchanged glances with several attendees, as if to indicate that he wasn't done yet.
Hiroshi (inwardly, with a smile): "You won't be able to break this offer, Hideyo. If you think I'm going to let you undermine our credibility, you're delusional."
As the whispers in the audience began to increase, Hiroshi leaned toward one of his fellow development team members and whispered softly:
"Keep the show going. Let him talk, the longer he asks questions, the more in control and confident we look."
In the back, Ryoko was watching the discussion with curiosity, while whispering to Ryuichi in a sarcastic voice: "This doctor seems to be the only one here who isn't afraid of Hiroshi."
Ryuichi (smiling lightly): "And I think Hiroshi wishes he could silence this guy right now."
Ryoko (laughs slightly): "At least someone is raising questions. To me, this AURA looks like a machine beyond our ability to control."
Ryuichi looked at the screen again, thinking about the last words AURA said.
Ryuichi (inwardly):
"Can we really trust that this technology will always be under control? Or are there things we can't see now that will show up later?"
While the questions continued in his mind, the discussions in the room were getting more intense, and the presentation took a more in-depth turn.
Hiroshi (standing confidently in the center of the room): "I think it's time to reveal to you our latest project, the one that represents the pinnacle of scientific achievement. This is not just another show, but a vision of what humanity can be in the future. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce the AURA Nexus."
As Hiroshi began announcing Nexus and AURA prepared to reveal the next phase of the project, everything in the room began to change. The lights around AURA lit up intensely, and the screen focused on its holographic figure standing in the center of the stage.
At first, everything was calm; her delicate facial features and serene smile were the same, but something strange began to happen. First, the dark blue color of her hair gradually began to fade, to be replaced by a bright red color, and then turned into a bloody crimson, as if the lights in the space around her were reflected in her depths. With these shifts, the light around her was changing as well, flooding her body and making it glow with a crimson color that began to cover her entire costume.
But that wasn't the only change. AURA's eyes, which previously had a soft blue glow, began to change noticeably. With the slow gradation of the crimson color, her eyes also began to turn a deep red, becoming like a mirror reflecting fire in the heart of infinite space. The change in the color of her eyes was unnatural, as if she had transformed into a being that didn't belong in this world.
Then, all of a sudden, the movement stopped completely. AURA's facial features shifted from a calm expression to a deep look filled with mystery. Her eyes were strikingly prominent, speaking of something beyond human knowledge, as if she had entered another world altogether.
Aura (in a low, quiet voice): "We are now on the cusp of a new phase... where our known boundaries are transcended into the unknown... beyond the stars."
Ryuichi wonders: "Beyond what?"
Hiroshi: "That's right, you've seen AURA's ability to change our lives here on Earth. But what about beyond? Today, we present 'Nexus for Universe Exploration,' the most ambitious project in human history."
He then took a step toward the podium, eyes following him, and continued in a tone that carried a mixture of excitement and mystery: "We have spent centuries looking at the sky, searching for answers. But we didn't have the means to understand what lay beyond. With Nexus, the answers are closer than we ever imagined. We're not just discovering new worlds, we're redefining what it means to be human."
AURA (in her quiet, majestic voice):
"Humans have spent centuries looking to the heavens for answers. Nexus now offers you a chance to reach for them."
The light in the auditorium faded, the room went completely dark, and the visual display on the screen began. The first thing that appeared was a stunning view of the Milky Way galaxy, followed by the image of a distant and mysterious planet appearing in time and space, far beyond the boundaries of the familiar. The planet seemed to defy the unknown, as AURA's voice filled the room.
"We are here today to offer you the opportunity to get close to this planet, a part of the universe we are beginning to understand. A planet that hides secrets that could change the course of humanity."
Technical steps of the project:
1. Analyzing habitable planets: In the blink of an eye, the screen showed the fine details of AURA's work using quantum computing. "In just one month, we analyzed more than 100 billion planets. The results were surprising. Five planets are candidates to be habitable. All very distant, but reachable."
2. Designing autonomous spacecraft: Images were then shown of spacecraft traveling through space, carrying advanced technologies, capable of adapting to the harsh conditions of space. "The vehicles don't just fly. They make real-time decisions and operate autonomously, all thanks to AURA's analysis."
3. Sustainable energy generation technologies: An enormous image of an innovative nuclear reactor appears on the screen, as AURA continues to explain: "We have developed energy systems based on nuclear fusion to power spacecraft and future settlements. This is not just a dream, it's a reality."
4. Space Communication Network: "Communicating with vehicles in space is no longer difficult. With AURA, we have an ultra-fast communication network that connects Earth directly to spacecraft in real time. We live in a time when the boundaries between Earth and space are blurring."
The screen changed abruptly, showing a virtual trip to a newly discovered planet. The audience saw the Nexus-1 spacecraft hurtling through space, past obstacles and meteorites, to a distant and exotic planet. The virtual cameras showed amazing sights: Vast lands, gleaming mountains reflecting distant light, and pale blue skies, while water flowed from deep valleys in this alien environment.
Aura (in an inspirational voice): "This is Zeta-9, one of the most promising discoveries. Through this journey, we can imagine a future in which humans live beyond Earth, relying on technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible."
Hiroshi then takes another step forward, with a look that carries a mixture of pride and defiance:
"We're not talking about a distant dream. We're talking about a future that's starting now. In 15... No, 7 years, Nexus will launch the first experimental human colony beyond Earth, and it will be our first step towards the stars."
Applause erupted in the auditorium, an air of excitement mixed with anticipation. Spotlights shot out in every direction, forming a dazzling light show that reflected the colors and importance of the project. On the huge screen, the words: "The Future Begins Now," followed by simple but weighty words: "Nexus: Beyond Humanity."
Smiling confidently, Hiroshi raised his hand to ask for silence, causing the applause to gradually subside, though the positive tension in the room remained palpable. He said in a clear voice: "I know you have a lot of questions, but let me tell you something. This is not just a science project. This is the new generation of humanity, and we are all part of it. Nexus is not a dream of a person or an organization; it belongs to all of humanity." Then he continued: "We are not making a closed system, but an open environment for everyone. Any country, any organization, any individual can contribute to the development and improvement of Nexus. This is not our property, it's humanity's property."
Then, like a moment from a sci-fi movie, AURA spoke again in a calmer voice, but this time with a more emotional tone: "It is time to move to a new level of existence. It will not be easy, but it is necessary. We are not just taking the first step; we are paving the way for an entire generation. You are part of this journey, and your names will be etched in the annals of history."
Dr. Hedayo, who was standing near the corner of the auditorium, looked even more hesitant. He crossed his arms as if weighing every word and every promise made in this presentation. He whispered to himself in a barely audible voice: "This madness may be bigger than we imagine. Are we really ready to bear the consequences of such a decision?"
Ryuichi, sitting in one of the back seats, was in a state of internal conflict. He calmly pulled out his phone as if trying to focus on something else, but his eyes were fixed on AURA and Hiroshi.
Ryuichi said: "Seven years?" He muttered to himself. "That means I might be here to see it..." He couldn't ignore the strange feeling he had, as if AURA was looking directly at him, even though it was impossible. Something deep inside told him that this project would open doors that couldn't be closed, for better or for worse.
The concert was coming to an end, and the lights were gradually dimming as attendees made their way toward the exits. Despite the tense atmosphere, Hiroshi was chatting with some of the dignitaries, and his efforts to explain the importance of the project seemed to continue.
Hiroshi (addressing an audience member): "Here we are not just making advanced technology, we are rewriting the history of humanity. We will be the first to challenge the limits of space and pave the way for a future that is far away, but which no one can accurately predict."
Audience member (smiling): "You are absolutely right, but are we psychologically prepared for such a change?"
Hiroshi (with a slight smile): "Psychological readiness is not an option. It's the actual preparation that matters. Time will not wait for us, and we are ready to move forward."
As Ryuichi and Ryoko passed through the crowds that were beginning to thicken, they laughed and chatted about the show that had just ended. But in the midst of the crowd, Ryuichi's phone suddenly falls to the ground, disappearing among the crowded feet and bodies.
Ryuichi (sighs): "Wow, I lost my phone."
As Ryuichi tries to find his phone amid the chaos, he senses something strange. Someone came down beside him and picked up the phone from the ground.
Ryuichi (surprised): "Oh, thank you Mr.--"
When he looked up, he discovered that the person who had returned the phone was none other than Hiroshi, with a calm smile on his face: "No need to thank you, the phone seems to be important to you."
Ryuichi (showing respect): "You're right, thanks again, Hiroshi-san." ("You...how??") He said to himself
Hiroshi (analyzing): "The phone is more than just a communication tool for us, you have to maintain it."
Ryuichi (responding): "I'm very grateful for your help," and then continued, "That's strange. How did Hiroshi find my phone here at this time?"
Hiroshi: "Are you okay?"
Ryuichi hesitates: "No... Nothing, just... Everyone here seems to be busy, doesn't it?" He continued, taking the phone cautiously: "Could he have discovered something?"
Hiroshi: "Of course you're right, but let me ask you, what did you think about the show? Especially about AURA, what did you think of it?"
Ryuichi (thoughtfully): "A very interesting show, and AURA... is amazing technology. Frankly, I'm amazed at the accuracy of the AI and the capabilities it has. AURA seems to be a big step towards a distant future, doesn't it?" (Why is he suddenly asking me about it?)
Hiroshi (smiling): "You're right. AURA isn't just technology, it's a new mind, and I think you have a great interest in it, don't you? What if you had the chance to meet her in person?"
Ryuichi (with mild surprise): "Meet her in person? You mean I can interact with her?"
Hiroshi (with a quiet smile): "Of course. We can arrange a meeting with AURA if you wish. This would be an opportunity to understand how that profound mindset works and how it could affect our future. What do you think? No one else would have such an opportunity."
Ryuichi (admiringly): "That... It would be a great honor. I think I will benefit greatly from this opportunity."
Hiroshi (raising his hand and looking at the big screen): "So, do you agree to meet with AURA?"
With an enigmatic smile, Hiroshi began to turn his attention to the big screen in the auditorium, where an image of AURA was projected, watching Ryuichi carefully.
While AURA was looking at Ryuichi, the audience was watching intently. At that moment, the lights began to fade, giving way to a darkness that harmonized with the mystery of the moment.
Ryuichi (to himself, while watching the screen): "Interview with AURA... Oh my God, am I dreaming? A moment ago I was that intruder, and now I'm standing in front of the greatest technology the world will ever know."
Hiroshi (in a calm tone): "The decision is yours, Ryuichi. But don't forget, sometimes small moments make big decisions."
Then he continued: "In this world of ours, nothing happens by chance."
Hiroshi then walked up to the projection screen and Ryuichi wanted to take the opportunity to talk to Ryoko about Hiroshi's performance: "Ryoko, did you see Hiroshi's performance? I was wondering... What was he really up to?" His voice oscillates between caution and insistence, as if looking for confirmation or support from Ryoko. But after a moment, his voice suddenly drops, and his eyebrows rise in surprise as he realizes the lack of response.
Ryuichi: "Ooooi Ryoko?"
Ryuichi slowly turns back, expecting to see Ryoko's smiling face, but finds no one. He freezes in place.
Ryuichi (irritably): "Ryoko?! Where did you go?"
(He stands frozen for a moment, then notices his own reflection in the glass next door... He speaks in a trembling voice.)
Ryuichi (in a whisper): "...I've been talking to myself... The whole time?"
(He suddenly realizes that he's been alone all this time. He puts his hand to his head as he tries to comprehend the situation.)
Ryuichi (in a whisper): "When did he disappear? How come I didn't feel it?"
Suddenly, the sound of distant footsteps in the corridor, slowly approaching...