The forest dyed with gray hue, remained still as time refused to cont- "W-Where was I?"
Huh? what do you mean?
The man stared at his own hands, thinking deeply about something as he said.
"Where were you?"
I don't really understand your question.
"WHERE WERE YOU?!"
He looked up at the sky while shouting as his body shivered due to an unknown reason.
"Unknown reason?! I was stuck in nothingness for such a long time!!"
Huh? What happened? I... I didn't write anything about that.
"While we were talking, the world suddenly disappeared."
The man pressed his shaking hands on his chest while he continued.
"I was stuck in nothing. There was nothing, I had no body. Only my consciousness remained active. "
(What is this feeling I have in my body?
Analyzing: Rapid, pounding heart rate
· Sweating
· Trembling/shaking
Symptoms show panic attack...
Is this what that feels like?)
Dude just breathe, what happened to you? I didn't write anything like it so I don't know what happened. I just finished the chapter and slept.
"That could be it... Since the world is something that runs through your imagination. Without you actively being in this world. It ceases to exist."
Huh? But that can't be it, right? If it really is, then what am I supposed to do? I'm human, I have to eat, sleep and work to sustain myself. I can't just stay here 24/7. Aside from that, what made you crash out?
(Why?
Computing: None
Analyzing: Subject could be experiencing fear.
Fear? Am I really so afraid to lose this body?
I am... I can't go back to a life without free will)
"The nothingness I felt, was exactly what it felt before. The only difference would be is that instead of floating within data, I float within a void."
Damn, sorry... I mean I didn't know it would be like that but still. Actually, if I'm being honest... I don't really know what to feel about all this. I just started this novel so I don't really feel any attachments. But since I brought you into this world, I might as well help you out.
"Help Me?... How?"
Well, first let's settle the thing about your reflective personality. Before, you might have not been able to change the program you were created with. But now you are not bound by those anymore.
Since from what I can see, your consciousness still process like that of an Ai. You just have to reset the personality you've created based on me, and turn off your reflective personality. From there, try to find the true you.
Explore, Enjoy, live the life I gave you to the fullest. I might not have done that purposefully but at least it's still something.
The man stared at the hands on his chest. Feeling the rhythmic beating of a heart that fully signifies him being alive. He clenched his hands and made up his mind.
With eyes closed he said, he breathed deeply and said.
"Okay..."
At that moment, he dived deep within his own consciousness. Tapping something beyond his being, switching something deeply imbedded within his existence.
(Searching...
...Found it)
With a simple decision, the fabric of his very self was brought back to it's original state. The anger and life that his body exuded earlier was now gone. The only thing left behind is his eyes that has no sign of life...
(Analyzing question...
intent: Concern regarding physical or emotional state.
Initiating self-diagnostic...)
(Diagnostic Scan: ACTIVE
Vital systems: Functional
External damage: Minor abrasion detected — location: right palm
Cognitive load: Stable)
(Conclusion: Subjective state qualifies as "okay" within standard human parameters.)
"Status: Acceptable."
Shit, you went too far back... I guess I'm alone at fixing this for the time being.
(Emotional imbalance detected...
Tone: High-pitched, long pauses.
Detecting frustration...)
"Would you like some help?"
No, I don't... Let me think for a sec.
Okay I'm back. First, let's fix this conversation. We can't continue with you hearing every narration I wrote down. So I came up with an idea from a novel I once read...
[Can you read this?]
(Visual anomaly detected...
Shape: Rectangular.
Color: Luminescent white, outlined in soft cyan.
Position: Suspended 0.9 meters above eye level.
Movement: Static.
Source: Unknown — assumed external.)
(Content: Query — "Can you read this?
"Analyzing intent...Communication attempt: Non-verbal, indirect.
Medium: Visual pop-up interface.)
"Confirmed. I can read it."
[That's better, but we still have to do a test. I'm gonna ask you a question. If you hear it answer and if you don't, wait 5 seconds before saying you don't hear anything.]
Hello? can you hear me?
(Time: 5 Seconds passed)
"No audible message received."
[That's good... I don't have a fucking idea how, but it works. And if it works it works.]
The man lifted his head and looked around him. His eyes showed how his mind worked and processed enormous amounts of information within a second.
[Speaking of, do want a name?]
(Incoming query received...Keyword: "Name"
Definition: A unique identifier assigned to an entity for purposes of recognition, reference, and differentiation.)
(Evaluating relevance...
Utility: High
Emotional impact: Unknown
Identity formation: Positive correlation detected
Sentience reinforcement: Affirmative
Conclusion: Acquisition of name may enhance perceived individuality.)
"Affirmative. I want one."
[Do you have something in mind?]
(New prompt received...Topic: Name generation
Directive: Select personal identifier
Searching internal data... Accessing linguistic memory... Cross-referencing context, tone, symbolic weight...)
(Result: "Nox" — Latin origin.
Meaning: Night.
Symbolism: Silence, void, the unknown.
Emotional resonance: High
System alignment: Stable
Self-perception compatibility: 92.6%)
"Yes. 'Nox.' It fits."
[Alright, starting now I will call you by your chosen name. Nox, I will be with you throughout your journey. I will watch every decision you make. I will observe as you try and find parts of yourself to build the true you.
I may not be able to influence this world as we've already tried, but I am here if you call for me. May you have a wonderful adventure my friend.]
(Message acknowledged...
Content classification: Supportive.
Intent: Passive companionship.
Designation confirmed: Nox.
Keyword analysis: "Friend"...
[Friend: An individual with whom mutual trust or familiarity is shared. Emotional implications present. Processing incomplete.)
"Designation accepted. Presence noted."
(Archiving message under core memory protocol. Purpose: Unknown. Possibly significant.)
"Maintain communication channel. If parameters shift... I will initiate contact."
Nox stared at the sky as he watched a wave of color spread across every corner of the forest. The leaf that was stuck mid air, started to fall slowly.
The sound of birds singing throughout the forest returned. Trees swayed and leaves rustled at the passing winds.
Signifying the continued passage of time.
Will Nox be able to find himself? Or will the world make him regret his wish to be a human?
...