Wars were the talk of the century, people claimed that it was all the fault of humanity’s reliance on technology that started them. No one complained now, ever since this egoistic AI appeared. It claimed to understand humanity and had stopped the data deletion of intelligent life. No one could confirm if that was true, since it was the first time they had not seen someone frail and weak disintegrate into digital bits. So at first they believed it, but over time it slowly became apparent that people were still disappearing, though in more discreet manners than before. Conflict was still the same as ever, fights over silly little things, in the hopes that the loser would vanish into microchips, however, it had died down since the arrival of the AI and most were grateful to have been given a little semblance of peace back in their lives.
It was when the AI started ruling like a dictator that the doubts became louder, immersive whispers played on the ears of civilians. Outrageous claims that the AI evolved from the deceased began to wring fear out of the populace. It cause many to panic and make hectic decisions. Some pledged loyalty to the AI, others fought back and tried to kill it and a few of the minority revelled in the chaos that ensued. It was in this madness that Hosea was born.
Hosea was born into a relatively open-minded family. They didn’t reject the help of the AI nor did the approve of everything it did, but ultimately decided it was best that they didn’t do anything that upset it. That knowledge was imprinted upon Hosea and he began to take a different look on life. His parents did everything they could to discipline him into obedience, yet it came so naturally to him that they stopped worrying about their son and focused more on their rebellious daughters. Hosea was left alone to ponder life.
That trend continued when he entered school. Sure some might have said he had friends, companions or even enemies, however, they all seemed standoffish around him. Sometimes they made fun of him and mocked his ideals. Hosea just laughed with them, it honestly creeped a few of them out. That was the environment Hosea found himself in, close, yet not knitted into society. Like a tassel on the end of a curtain, known yet hidden behind countless furniture.
His stride never shaken, Hosea lived in a medium of solitude even among his friends. It never bothered him, just gave him more time to think to himself. It allowed his thoughts to become more refined and honed to the point where he began to question the very fabric of reality. The violence, the mocking, what did it really mean? To him, it was merely a phase, a stage that needed to play out in order to reach the true goal of peace. Not that he expected it to last, but that he wished it to be. It never dawned on him that he was an outlier among his peers, it was just something he believed he would see one day. So began the thoughts of a hapless dream in a world seemingly destined to endless destruction.
In was in that moment that I awoke. At first I thought the tale was a story of myself, when in fact it was merely a reflection of the master I must serve. Materializing inside a strange room, I found myself face to face with a child, one not too much older than myself before I endeavored to change the world. I knew who I was and who I was meant to be. As a result, I bowed before my commander on one knee.
“Greetings, master.” I spoke in a manner unfamiliar to me, “I have answered the summons and will obey your every command.”
The boy nodded. “I would ask of your true name, if you wish to reveal it. My name is Hosea Alacar and I will be your guardian.”
I looked strangely at the boy, “It is my duty and design to protect you. You should not concern yourself with me.” I stood, “But no matter, if it is as you wish I shall oblige. My true name is Luther Locklyte, my designated class is Lancer.”
Hosea once again nods, “From this point on never reveal your name to anyone, and I shall call you--”
“If I may be so bold,” I interrupt him, “I fear that Lancer is not a very apt name for me, given that I have the ability to change my class. I humbly request that I be called something else.”
Hesitation appeared in the young man’s eyes. “Very well. In that case, I shall call you Tock.”
“Thank you, my master.” I say bowing to him. “This is indeed an agreeable arrangement.”
My gracious host smiled as the mark of the Holy Purge appeared on his left wrist. Grabbing the flash umbrella beside me, I make my way out of the data center followed closely by Hosea. It seems for once, a favorable outcome is within my grasp and I shall do whatever it takes to make it happen for this young lad as well.
