《Loop: Infinite》 Brune A 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¡ªa 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. Stolen novel; please report. 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. ### "Whatever you''re gonna do, don''t! It''s an order, you have no idea how risky that is," Brune told the caller. "Axel, don''t! We could be stuck here forever." Brune kept saying that over and over, but the caller seemed to ignore Brune''s orders and warnings. Being ignored, Brune quickly said goodbye to his family and left, not even grabbing his work bag. 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 stop whatever he was up to, 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 calling Axel again, intending to ask or even plead with him to stop whatever he was will doing. 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 called Alice, and the call connected. "Where are you?" Brune opened the conversation. Observing the surroundings, Brune listened to Alice''s answer. "Axel... He is about to do his plan, and we need to stop him. But I''m in trouble now, so can you stop it? Also, ask Hector for help," Brune instructed. Brune, still observing his surroundings, felt uneasy, he thought filled with worry that whoever had been tailing him before might have found his location now. "Okay... I leave him to you, I''ll catch up soon," Brune replied, then ended the call before Alice could say a word. 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. Unfortunately, as soon as he opened the car door, Brune felt a hand grab his hair and violently push his head against the car several times. Brune had no chance to fight back or even to defend himself. Blood gushed from his badly injured head, and in just a few seconds, Brune lost consciousness after his blurred vision faded into darkness. Brune fainted on that narrow street, without a single person watching what was happening. #### Alice A 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 Alice. Alice is a tall, slim woman with beautiful white skin, blonde hair, and thin black eyebrows. She might catch the eye of many people in town because of her looks, but apart from that, her communication skills are something to admire too. Alice isn''t super smart, but she''s not stupid either because she managed to work at ReTecs, known for its tough selection process. She passed the selection because of her ability to understand others, which is useful for comprehending ReTecs'' product users and bridging different divisions or teams at ReTecs. Alice is what you''d call a social butterfly. Working at one of the world''s largest tech companies is Alice''s dream, as she loves tech-related things, even though she''s not as smart as the experts at ReTecs. At least, being part of the Project Advanced Gaming Alternate Reality (PAGAR) as a Project Communications Manager is a huge pride and honor for Alice. Moreover, she believes that PAGAR can bring significant impact to the world, not just in the video game industry. ### Alice woke up a bit late that morning. As usual, she had to make sure the communication channels between divisions were secure and check for any leaks about the ongoing project in her division from spreading in public spaces. Just like her routine, she lay in bed, playing on her smartphone. Checking social media, news sites, and the company''s internal communication channels was more of a hobby for her than just work. Once she fully regained her awareness, she got up from bed and went to her kitchen to cook something simple like a sandwich with bread, ham, some vegetables, her favorite sauce, and of course, making coffee to stay fresh for the day at the office. She had her breakfast in the kitchen, not because her house lacked a dining room or table, but because she preferred eating there. It saved her the hassle of moving the food to the dining table and then back to the kitchen for washing up. While having breakfast, Alice also continued her task, given her recent recognition as one of the 100 Best Employees of the Month. This time, she focused more on reading news about PAGAR, which had been making waves in the public after its announcement a few months ago. While engrossed in reading and enjoying her breakfast, she received a call from Brune. Alice could tell from Brune''s voice that something was wrong. "Still at home, what''s up? Is there a problem?" Alice replied to Brune''s question. Alice quickly finished her breakfast and packed up her stuff for the office, while Brune explained what was happening. "Okay, I''ll do what I can. See you soon," replied Alice, locking her house and getting into her car. Brune continued speaking a few more words, but Alice barely listened as she was busy setting up her car''s autopilot. When Alice wanted to respond, the call had already been ended by Brune. Since the call was cut off by Brune, Alice activated the autopilot and started contacting several people, including her subordinates, to address the issue. ### Alice finally arrived at the office without any problem. She immediately set her car on auto-pilot for auto-parking in the office while she rushed a bit to enter the office building and head to the lobby. Once in the lobby, she set up her tablet to check the real-time situation reported by her subordinates. Not long after she arrived at the office, Axel came as if to greet her, offering a snack in the form of coffee-lemon-flavored candies. It was an odd combination for Alice, but one that Axel liked. However, Alice declined. "Have you heard the report?" Axel asked. "Brune already informed me, but you can tell me the updates," replied Alice, still looking at her tablet screen. "Not much progress. There are still many system and program code errors, some I''ve fixed and are waiting for processing," said Axel, enjoying his favorite candy. "And for the subjects, they are all upset, but there''s one person who stands out. Subject A101." Alice glanced at Axel still munching on that candy, "Why do you like that candy so much, isn''t it weird-tasting?" "At first, it was. But what can I do? Coffee keeps you from falling asleep, and the lemon keeps you awake because of its acidity. You know, programmers need something like this because we get so sleepy from staying up all night to manage the program." Alice just smiled seeing Axel''s expression while eating the candy, looking like someone forced to take bitter medicine mixed with the face of someone eating a lemon. Doing it out of necessity. "Thanks. I''ll let Brune know as soon as he arrives, which shouldn''t be long," said Alice, then sitting on one of the benches in the main lobby. "Alright, oh... I almost forgot," replied Axel, about to leave but not quite, "can you tell Brune to meet me in my office soon? I think I found something strange, and for some reason, there''s a comment from Brune with random characters." Alice looked at Axel''s face and asked, "Sure, but is it urgent?" "Not really. But at least he should meet me today." "Okay, I''ll pass it on." Axel once again offered his favorite candy to Alice, but Alice still refused it for the hundredth time. Refused, Axel left. Meanwhile, Alice was still waiting for Brune. ### It took less than twenty minutes before Brune finally arrived in his high-priority car. Alice spotted Brune entering the office building from afar and heading to the lobby, so she quickly fixed 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¡ª" "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 room only had two people, Subject A101 and Alice. Meanwhile, in another adjoining room, separated only by a one-way mirror ¡ªsimilar to a police interrogation room¡ª there were Brune, the main warden of Subject A101, and the head of subjects department. "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..." Alice briefly skimmed through Subject A101''s background on the holobase before closing it 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, "F***** 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. "F*** 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. However, she found no sudden termination in the test results on the holobase. "Could you explain what you mean by sudden termination? Our data doesn''t show any sudden termination," Alice said to Subject A101. Subject A101 remained silent, breathing heavily as if he''d just run around the city before saying, "F***!" 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. It wasn''t the first time she''d seen this. Brune often disregarded company procedures and rules, it always makes Alice surprised and disbelieving that it was done by someone who is the company''s best employee and is even considered on par with the directors. "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. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "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. Also, he mentioned if you gave comments on his program with random characters. 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. ### 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 Communications Manager, Alice has limited access to enter that office. When Alice entered the office, Axel was alone, busy tapping the screen and using a holo-keyboard, surrounded by several holograms. Obviously, Axel was fixing a program. Noticing Alice, Axel break for a moment after saving every change he had made. "How? Did you inform Brune?" Axel asked. "I did. He sent me to ask if everything is under control or if he''s still needed," replied Alice. "Some parts of the program are secure, now I''m working on the rest. But still, there''s some weirdness I can''t explain for sure, so I need Brune to make sure," Axel explained. Looking around, Alice smiled. "Just looking at all this makes my head spin. How do you manage to stay sane?" Axel pulled something out of his pocket and showed it to Alice. "With this candy, of course." Alice just smiled and stifled a laugh. "But that doesn''t help you get a girlfriend, does it?" "Come on... I''m already stressed with all of this, let''s not talk about girlfriends anymore. Please," Axel pleaded. Alice still smiled and then left. However, just before the door slid closed, she winked and said, "Fighting." ### Alice walked back to the test preparation room to report to Brune. She could have just called Brune, but all the networks on that floor were locked down, so no network could go in or out. This was Brune and Hector''s initiative to ensure PAGAR''s security against hacker attempts to steal the source code or other malicious activities. As she was almost there, she coincidentally found Brune already leaving the room. "So, how''s it going?" asked Brune. "Everything''s safe and some in progress. But Axel still needs you," replied Alice. "Before that, 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. "You too," replied Alice, making her way to Lucy''s office. ### When Alice arrived in Lucy''s room, it was already filled with some people from the socialization program led by Lucy. Alice just stayed quiet and followed Lucy''s instructions that were going on. After Lucy finished giving instructions to all her team members, Alice finally approached Lucy, who was organizing some files. "So, how was it?" Lucy asked. "I''m in. But only if you want to tell me about that," Alice replied. "In that case, we''re in agreement," Lucy replied while handing some files to Alice. "These are Ghiovani group''s files. I don''t know why they picked that name for their group. But most importantly, this group will be your responsibility, and their current schedule is to learn about AR and AGAR, which your division is developing." "It''s Giovani, not Ghiovani, just a correction," Alice replied with a smile. "Whatever." "So, what should I do?" "Just do whatever you want. The main thing is you have to tell them about AR and AGAR and answer their questions. It doesn''t have to be precise, but don''t sound too silly." "Alright. By the way, what do you want for lunch?" "I don''t know. I''m on a weight gain thing, so maybe a fatty steak, if you''re paying." "Don''t be silly... You still owe me." "Don''t be like that. How about I treat you to lunch, and you forget about that debt. Deal?" "Nope." Alice then walked out of the office with the files given by Lucy. "I might skip lunch today, I have a bad feeling about it." Lucy laughed sarcastically. "If your feeling is right this time, I''ll treat you for a lifetime." "Just pay your debt. Bye." ### The Giovani group consists of seven students and one accompanying teacher. Alice approached the group, who had been waiting in the lobby for a while. As per Lucy''s assignment, Alice took on the role of a guide, explaining nearly everything about AR and AGAR and answering a few enthusiastic student''s questions, while the rest were busy with their own things. In the midst of the activity, Axel and Brune came. They seemed to be discussing something as Alice noticed. Seeing that, Alice immediately ended the Q&A session and told the students to take a break. She then went over to Axel and Brune, who seemed to be waiting for her, standing at a distance and chatting. "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, and he couldn''t trust anyone but them two. Also, he felt like the room might have been bugged, so they were heading to a safe special room. 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. And, the weirdest part is the random character comment with Brune''s ID." 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. "Wait!" Brune looked at Axel, who shouted, and so did Alice. "Wait, wait... you''re going to make a report, right?" Axel asked, who had released himself from Alice''s hug and walked towards Brune. "Yes, why?" "Can we add the exact same message as the comment with your ID?" "You mean that random character?" "Yeah. If we leave a trace, maybe we can trace it back later. What do you think?" "Will you track it? If you do it alone, I''ll include it." Alice looked into Brune''s eyes, "No. If he does it alone, SAT might come after him." "Don''t be afraid of SAT, they might just ask a few questions. But once they know it''s related to security, they''ll actually be very helpful because they''ll investigate the company''s network thoroughly," Brune emphasized, "So, are you going to do it or not?" Alice still stared at Brune, "Why don''t you track it?" "Of course, I''ll track it, but it''s better to share the tracking." "You''re up to something, aren''t you?" Axel asked Brune. "Of course," Brune looked at Axel and then Alice alternately, as if affirming to them to trust him. "Okay then, put in the message ''from Axel,''" Axel said, smiling at Alice. "It''s up to you all." 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, strangely, Alice felt that the more she breathed in oxygen from the mask, the worse her vision became, and her head also felt increasingly dizzy but light. Alice had a bad feeling as soon as she saw the SAT members staring at her. It didn''t take long for Alice to completely lose consciousness, precisely when they reached the base floor. #### Axel A 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 Axel. Axel was a guy quite short but filled with muscle rather than fat, especially in his arms. His hair is black, but anyone can see a few gray hairs on his head, and his eyebrows are thin and black. He might be interesting to some people, but the outfit he always wears seem to suggest he never changes them. Not because he never changes his outfit, but it''s always the same outfit. Axel is a pretty smart guy, proven by his achievements like getting through the tough ReTecs selection with the highest score. He''s also got experience working at ReTecs on various big projects. His programming skills are like, no question about it. In fact, all the ReTecs employee have the list of the top 10 developers, and Axel''s chilling at number three. However, it aligns with the risk Axel takes by not getting enough rest since he always has to monitor the program he''s working on. Working at one of the world''s biggest tech companies is surely Axel''s dream, considering his passion for all things tech. Furthermore, being able to join the Project of Advanced Gaming Alternate Reality, or PAGAR, as the Lead Developer is a source of pride and a great honor for Axel. ### His rare good sleep got disrupted by Frank ¡ªhis assistant¡ª calling about their program receiving error code and a security warning code level 2 from SIS-PAGAR. Knowing that level 2 security warnings code only happen if most of the source code is messed up or has errors. so, it''s an emergency. Without needing to shower or have breakfast, Axel quickly rushes to his office, which is not far from his sleeping place. As a good developer, Axel has to make sure he''s always on standby all the time. That''s why he often sleeps in his office or in one of the office rooms, and occasionally stays in a hotel located about a ten-minute walk from the office. Upon arriving at the office, Axel heads straight to his room and then to his desk. Every time, he never forgets the step-by-step process he needs to follow. People often call him a robot because he is extremely organized; it''s impossible for him to miss a single step in his routine. After arriving at his desk, he always opens the drawer first and grabs a box of ''CanCoff'' candies with coffee and lemon flavor, his favorite. He munches on some of those candies before starting work, he believes it helps shake off sleepiness and keeps him focused on the tasks. Not scientifically proven, but at least it works for Axel. After freshening up with the help of that candy, Axel quickly tackled his error program. His experience and skills might be on par with three other senior developers. Because it doesn''t take him long to spot the issues in each department''s program, he immediately tells all his department members to fix those problems in detail so it doesn''t leave confusion among them. This is what makes him liked by his team. Axel is quick and can swiftly spot the source of issues, think of solutions, and explain them in detail for them to execute promptly. After finishing giving instructions and guidance, Axel then goes back to his own program and starts fixing it. The error code displayed on the program can disappear in just a short while, and the security warning code level 2 quickly turns off once Axel finishes fixing his program. However, his tasks don''t stop there. There''s something Frank missed when informing him about the issues in the program. Well, it''s not a problem for now since this part of the program won''t be run yet, but later when the entire program runs, it''s gonna be a big issue. That''s why Axel fixes it. Axel realized that there was something odd about it. A program typically consists of a line of commands, known as syntax, made up of several characters to execute a specific function. However, what Axel found was just random characters that didn''t represent any syntax in any programming language at all. And it gets weirder because Axel is confident that he''s a structured person and unlikely to input random characters that could cause errors in his program. Some random characters might accidentally slip in due to human error, but this time, there are way more characters than usual. Axel carefully looks to see if there''s a chance of a specific password, code, or sign in that random set of characters, but unfortunately, no. The random characters just spell out ''sdghjkl;TAY5SFYHIK''auewsfnl;''. Axel intended to delete it, but because there''s one more person who has access to his computer, which is Brune as his boss, he left it for now until he can get confirmation from Brune. Finally, he decided to head to the cafeteria because his stomach was starting to demand food. ### Axel only grabs simple food like a sandwich and a bottle of soda, and, of course, he doesn''t forget to buy his favorite candy as a backup. Axel is a practical person; he only eats food for the energy, not for enjoying the taste. So, he quickly finishes the sandwich and soda he grabbed. After getting his energy back, Axel goes to the lobby to check if Brune has arrived or not. ### Upon arriving in the lobby, Axel noticed that Alice had just arrived at the office. Without much thought, Axel approached her and offered his favorite candy, even though he knew Alice didn''t like it. However, Alice declined. "Have you heard the report?" Axel asked. "Brune already informed me, but you can tell me the updates," replied Alice, still looking at her tablet screen. "Not much progress. There are still many system and program code errors, some I''ve fixed and are waiting for processing," said Axel, enjoying his favorite candy. "And for the subjects, they are all upset, but there''s one person who stands out. Subject A101." Alice glanced at Axel still munching on that candy, "Why do you like that candy so much, isn''t it weird-tasting?" "At first, it was. But what can I do? Coffee keeps you from falling asleep, and the lemon keeps you awake because of its acidity. You know, programmers need something like this because we get so sleepy from staying up all night to manage the program." Alice just smiled seeing Axel''s expression while eating the candy, looking like someone forced to take bitter medicine mixed with the face of someone eating a lemon. Doing it out of necessity. "Thanks. I''ll let Brune know as soon as he arrives, which shouldn''t be long," said Alice, then sitting on one of the benches in the main lobby. "Alright, oh... I almost forgot," replied Axel, about to leave but not quite, "can you tell Brune to meet me in my office soon? I think I found something strange." Alice looked at Axel''s face and asked, "Sure, but is it urgent?" "Not really. But at least he should meet me today." "Okay, I''ll pass it on." Axel once again offered his favorite candy to Alice, but Alice still refused it for the hundredth time. Refused, Axel left. Meanwhile, Alice was still waiting for Brune. ### Notifications on his smartphone pop up, saying that the program he ran went smoothly without any errors. Axel gets this message quite often, usually just on the first run of the program. His incredible attention to detail and understanding of programming truly impress many people. Axel quickly picks up his pace toward his office. As he passes through his department room, he gathers the attention of all his department members and asks about their progress. Unlike Axel, they are way slower, but it doesn''t mean they can''t work or are bad at it. Actually, all members of his department are top graduates and experts in their own fields, proven by their performance being ahead of other developers in different divisions or companies. However, it still doesn''t match Axel''s skills, which are way superior compared to all of them. Because Axel''s next program can''t run if his department''s program isn''t finished yet, Axel finally decides to help them. Indeed, the skills of his department members are unquestionable, but it doesn''t mean they all really love their jobs like Axel does. Each person''s motivation varies. Some are motivated just to learn from their jobs, some are motivated just to make money from their jobs. Some intend to do their jobs seriously, some intend to be lazy. So, they all already know about Axel''s behavior because of his stiff routines and personality, and this causes some members of his department to intentionally not do their works or just laze around, waiting for Axel to help with their works. Axel would surely complain about this, but because of the secrecy of this project, it''ll be really tough to find a replacement, especially if there''s a chance that information might leak from those who are replaced. After Axel finishes helping, he quickly goes back to his office and starts fixing his own program. Just like before, it didn''t take Axel long to realize the main issue, find a solution, and, of course, fix it right away. While busily fixing things by tapping the screen and using a holo-keyboard, while glancing at various holograms around him, Alice suddenly entered the room. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Noticing Alice, Axel break for a moment after saving every change he had made. "How? Did you inform Brune?" Axel asked. "I did. He sent me to ask if everything is under control or if he''s still needed," replied Alice. "Some parts of the program are secure, now I''m working on the rest. But still, there''s some weirdness I can''t explain for sure, so I need Brune to make sure," Axel explained. Looking around, Alice smiled. "Just looking at all this makes my head spin. How do you manage to stay sane?" Axel pulled something out of his pocket and showed it to Alice. "With this candy, of course." Alice just smiled and stifled a laugh. "But that doesn''t help you get a girlfriend, does it?" "Come on... I''m already stressed with all of this, let''s not talk about girlfriends anymore. Please," Axel pleaded. Alice still smiled and then left. However, just before the door slid closed, she winked and said, "Fighting." After fixing the program successfully and Axel went back to his department room to make sure all the programs his team was working on had also been finished, Axel then told them to run it. And the program runs perfectly. So, the next task is to code the next program. Axel goes back to his program and he sees something strange. The program did run successfully, but SIS-PAGAR gave it a security warning code at level 3. This warning usually happens if the entire program has some issues like errors or is missing. Axel then double-checks all the programs that he and his department members have worked on. Axel is quite meticulous, so it takes a bit of time, but even with his attention to detail and the time given, Axel still doesn''t find any errors in the program. "This is really weird," thought Axel. If there''s no error in the program, then it''s impossible for SIS-PAGAR to issue a security warning code at level 3 unless the only thing that could make it happen is an error in SIS-PAGAR. Axel then goes through every line of code in the SIS-PAGAR program that he can access. As the Lead Developer, Axel is certainly involved in building SIS-PAGAR, but his position isn''t high enough to get full access, which is only granted to Brune and their top leaders. Attention to detail behavior plays a crucial role in this search, but even the most meticulous person can get messed up if disrupted by external factors. Just like what happened to Axel, who was concentrating on examining the SIS-PAGAR programming code but got interrupted by Brune, just as Alice did earlier, appearing out of the blue. Since Brune has arrived, Axel took a break from looking for SIS-PAGAR errors ¡ªif any¡ª and started chatting with Brune. "Finally, you''re here. Come quickly," said Axel, closing the SIS-PAGAR hologram program. Brune observed what Axel was doing and asked, "Are you working on SIS-PAGAR? What''s happening?" Axel opened a few new holograms with his programs. "Later. Let''s go one by one, starting from the beginning." "Okay. What do you have?" Brune agreed and approached Axel, checking out the lines of code in Axel''s program. "You can see the code, right? Everything is fine, all the syntax is also right, nothing strange except," Axel pressed and swiped his hologram, zooming in on the hologram to show it to Brune, "This random character. Strangely, it''s not a comment but code, and you know me. I wouldn''t write that. So, is this you?"
Brune looks at the hologram, and there are clearly random characters displayed ''sdghjkl;TAY5SFYHIK''auewsfnl;''. Those random characters obviously aren''t syntax and make no sense at all. Brune and Axel are well aware of that. "Are you sure it''s not you who typed this?" Brune asked Axel. "Of course. This character is so random."
"Have you checked the security? Maybe someone''s trying to hack into it." Axel opens a few more holograms, "About security, I''m puzzled too. 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, make that random character a comment. It shouldn''t be a problem, right?" "Alright. Do you want to add something to the comment?"
"No, just give my ID, so I know it''s commanded by me."
"Alright." Axel then turned those random characters into a comment and gave Brune''s ID to the comment.
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. Let''s bring Alice into this, she''s got a secure communication channel we can use." "Alright, I''ll close it all." "Don''t forget about the comments, they might be clues for us next time." "Already done." After Axel finishes closing all the programs, he then locks those programs, as well as the trial programs. Then, 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. And, the weirdest part is the random character sequence in the main program of PAGAR that I have no idea who inputted." 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.
After activating the level 1 special security protocol. 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, Axel, who already trusted the medical team and the SAT, just gave in and stayed silent when he slowly but surely lost consciousness. It didn''t take long for Axel to completely lose consciousness, precisely when they reached the base floor. #### Brune B 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 ¡ªa 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¡ª" 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¡ªBrune, 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¡ªsimilar to a police interrogation room¡ªthere 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. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. 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 ¡ªhe''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¡ªat least almost all¡ªdata 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 ¡ªmaybe 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.
#### Alice B 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 Alice. Alice is a tall, slim woman with beautiful white skin, blonde hair, and thin black eyebrows. She might catch the eye of many people in town because of her looks, but apart from that, her communication skills are something to admire too. Alice isn''t super smart, but she''s not stupid either because she managed to work at ReTecs, known for its tough selection process. She passed the selection because of her ability to understand others, which is useful for comprehending ReTecs'' product users and bridging different divisions or teams at ReTecs. Alice is what you''d call a social butterfly. Working at one of the world''s largest tech companies is Alice''s dream, as she loves tech-related things, even though she''s not as smart as the experts at ReTecs. At least, being part of the Project Advanced Gaming Alternate Reality (PAGAR) as a Project Communications Manager is a huge pride and honor for Alice. Moreover, she believes that PAGAR can bring significant impact to the world, not just in the video game industry. ### Alice woke up a bit late that morning. As usual, she had to make sure the communication channels between divisions were secure and check for any leaks about the ongoing project in her division from spreading in public spaces. Just like her routine, she lay in bed, playing on her smartphone. Checking social media, news sites, and the company''s internal communication channels was more of a hobby for her than just work. Once she fully regained her awareness, she got up from bed and went to her kitchen to cook something simple like a sandwich with bread, ham, some vegetables, her favorite sauce, and of course, making coffee to stay fresh for the day at the office. She had her breakfast in the kitchen, not because her house lacked a dining room or table, but because she preferred eating there. It saved her the hassle of moving the food to the dining table and then back to the kitchen for washing up. While having breakfast, Alice also continued her task, given her recent recognition as one of the 100 Best Employees of the Month. This time, she focused more on reading news about PAGAR, which had been making waves in the public after its announcement a few months ago. While engrossed in reading and enjoying her breakfast, she received a call from Brune. Alice could tell from Brune''s voice that something was wrong. "Still at home, what''s up? Is there a problem?" Alice replied to Brune''s question. Alice quickly finished her breakfast and packed up her stuff for the office, while Brune explained what was happening. "Okay, I''ll do what I can. See you soon," replied Alice, locking her house and getting into her car. Brune continued speaking a few more words, but Alice barely listened as she was busy setting up her car''s autopilot. When Alice wanted to respond, the call had already been ended by Brune. Since the call was cut off by Brune, Alice activated the autopilot and started contacting several people, including her subordinates, to address the issue. ### Alice finally arrived at the office without any problem. She immediately set her car on auto-pilot for auto-parking in the office while she rushed a bit to enter the office building and head to the lobby. Once in the lobby, she set up her tablet to check the real-time situation reported by her subordinates. Not long after she arrived at the office, Axel came as if to greet her, offering a snack in the form of coffee-lemon-flavored candies. It was an odd combination for Alice, but one that Axel liked. However, Alice declined. "Have you heard the report?" Axel asked. "Brune already informed me, but you can tell me the updates," replied Alice, still looking at her tablet screen. "Not much progress. There are still many system and program code errors, some I''ve fixed and are waiting for processing," said Axel, enjoying his favorite candy. "And for the subjects, they are all upset, but there''s one person who stands out. Subject A101." Alice glanced at Axel still munching on that candy, "Why do you like that candy so much, isn''t it weird-tasting?" "At first, it was. But what can I do? Coffee keeps you from falling asleep, and the lemon keeps you awake because of its acidity. You know, programmers need something like this because we get so sleepy from staying up all night to manage the program." Alice just smiled seeing Axel''s expression while eating the candy, looking like someone forced to take bitter medicine mixed with the face of someone eating a lemon. Doing it out of necessity. "Thanks. I''ll let Brune know as soon as he arrives, which shouldn''t be long," said Alice, then sitting on one of the benches in the main lobby. "Alright, oh... I almost forgot," replied Axel, about to leave but not quite, "can you tell Brune to meet me in my office soon? I think I found something strange, and for some reason, there''s a comment from Brune with random characters." Alice looked at Axel''s face and asked, "Sure, but is it urgent?" "Not really. But at least he should meet me today." "Okay, I''ll pass it on." Axel once again offered his favorite candy to Alice, but Alice still refused it for the hundredth time. Refused, Axel left. Meanwhile, Alice was still waiting for Brune. However, before he could go far, three people from the SAT or Security Audit Team approached them and told Axel to stop. Alice moved closer to hear what they were talking about, but she was denied by the SAT members. As the Project Communications Manager, Alice insisted on listening to what the three SAT members had to say to Axel, who was still in the same project with her. "Okay, if you insist," a spokesperson for SAT, one of the three, allowed her. "Both of you, follow us." The SAT spokesperson and the other members escorted Alice and Axel to a seldom-passed corner of the lobby. After that, two SAT members stopped a bit farther to make sure no one approached them. "I''m Ghito from SAT. Our system, the special security protocol, is the most confidential security system and can only be accessed by a few employees, understand?" SAT spokesperson asked Alice and Axel. "Of course. So what''s the problem?" Axel asked. "The system is designed with separate networks and power to maintain independence in case of an attack on the main security system. Both of you, as the heads of each department in the priority project, the project of advanced gaming alternate reality, have access to level 1, designated ONLY for crucial situations that could disrupt the smooth progress of your project. Do you understand?" Ghito asked again, emphasizing certain words. Axel nodded, while Alice said, "We understand that. We know you have to dictate the special security protocol allocation according to SOP to us, but there''s currently an issue in the project that we need to address immediately. So, can we get straight to the main of the problem?" Ghito glanced at Alice and then shifted his gaze to Axel, "Sorry, the core issue is our system found a report coming from the director''s room in underfloor 3, specifically designed to your boss, Brune Salmith. The report should only be generated when security protocol level 1 is activated. The problem is, our system doesn''t show that security protocol level 1 has been activated. Also, the report content is just random characters that don''t mean anything except for the last message that says ''from Axel.'' Did you intentionally activate and deactivate it or do something to the system?" Alice and Axel exchanged looks. As a SAT member, Ghito had received training to read facial expressions and body language, so he carefully observed the movements and expressions of Alice and Axel. Alice and Axel did the same, their faces frozen for a moment, as if frozen gas had been sprayed on their faces when Ghito was explaining the issue. Their bodies reacted similarly. Their faces froze and didn''t show any brief expressions that could arouse suspicion that they were hiding something, somewhat proving that they also didn''t know what was happening. "Uh... I don''t know, sorry," Axel said nervously when Ghito gave him a sharp look to intimidate. "Are you sure there''s no issue with the system or maybe it''s a false report?" Alice asked. Even though Ghito gave her the same sharp look, she seemed unfazed. "No. We''ve made sure of that," Ghito replied. Axel tried to calm down as he was about to speak again and somewhat shifted his attention to not directly stare at Ghito. "You''ve checked thoroughly. You can examine the ID that accessed or provided the report. Besides, you can track when the report was issued. You can also do a comprehensive trace with level 2. I''m sure your boss, Hector, has access to level 2. He should check everything." "Like I said, we''ve confirmed it," replied Ghito. "You seem to know the loopholes in the security system." Alice, seeing Ghito intimidating Axel, quickly came to the rescue. "Of course, Axel and Brune are part of the design of the security system. Ask Hector." Axel looked at Alice, who smiled at him, then turned back to Ghito. "System errors can be seen from the results provided, not just from AI warnings. Whether the report is compiled using the correct mechanism or, if you look closely, maybe you can find errors like the use of non-standard characters in the system, or incorrect formatting, or wrong IDs. Also, for level 1, it might be inactive due to a system override. If so, you can check from a higher level. If they''re active, there''s a possibility that''s why level 1 is inactive." Alice was just stunned, listening to Axel''s rapid words when he was talking about programs, something that was Axel''s expertise and her weakness. Meanwhile, Ghito opened his tablet and checked it while listening to Axel''s words. "Wait here for a moment," said Ghito, then walked away from both of them. Meanwhile, the other two SAT members remained on guard. "Do you get it perfectly or are you just saying things?" Alice asked with a low voice, making sure only Axel could hear her. Axel looked at Alice, "Are you saying I lied?" Alice winked her left eye, "You know what I mean." "No, I really explained it. There''s something strange I found this morning, something-" "Okay, Hector told us to let you go. But do you know where Brune is?" Ghito interrupted Axel''s whisper, slightly surprising both of them. "What did Hector say? Is it an Error?" Axel asked, knowing his old partner would think the same as him. "System error, currently Hector is checking it. The clues you provided match what Hector found. Now, do you know where Brune is?" Axel shook his head, "No." "Brune will be here soon, is there also a problem with Brune?" Alice asked, checking the time on her smartwatch. Ghito looked at Alice, "Are you waiting for him?" "Like I said, we have an issues." "Sorry, but can I go? There''s a program I have to work on," Axel interrupted. Ghito didn''t shift his attention but replied, "Sure. You have been cleared from our suspicions. But Alice, we will stay with you until you meet Brune, Hector''s orders." Axel touched Alice''s hand to get her attention, "Don''t forget." "Don''t worry," Alice replied to Axel, then she turned to Ghito, "Okay, I''ll wait for him in the lobby. If you guys have nothing to do, you can wait, but don''t disturb me. This is a priority project and we need to finish it quickly." Ghito grinned, "Sure thing." Axel then went to his office, while Ghito instructed the other two SAT members to return to their offices. Alice and Ghito walked back towards the main lobby and waited for Brune. ### "Do you know anything about Brune?" Ghito asked, interrupting Alice who was busy dealing with an issue on her tablet. Without looking at Ghito, Alice simply said, "I told you not to disturb me." "Sorry... but have you noticed anything strange about Brune? Wha-" Ghito asked again as if he had nothing else to do except bother Alice. Alice smiled at Ghito and said, "Are you new here or do you not know him at all?" His question was answered with another question from Alice, leaving him confused. Ghito just said, "Sorry." "If you say something strange about Brune, there''s a lot. He''s someone free from the strict rules of the company, and that alone is a strange that I still can''t figure out to this day." "Sorry, what do you mean by free from the strict rules of the company? I don''t understand." "Are you a newcomer? Everyone who has been working here for a long time knows exactly what Brune''s true personality is like. Adaptable and flexible, he can even bend the rules." "Meaning, he''s not bound by rules and acts as he pleases?" "More or less, but more precisely, he''s the rule-maker. Most SOPs are created by him or at least he''s involved in it. Including the security SOP you''re currently running. So just keep quiet and ask Brune directly if he has an issue with security. I have to ensure that the PAGAR subjects stay in line and don''t cause trouble, or your workload will pile up." Alice explained, then went back to her tablet. "But-" Ghito''s words were stopped by Alice''s hand, which raised to cover his mouth. Without being given a chance to ask, Ghito returned to his tablet. Ghito is indeed a new employee promoted from ReTecs'' subsidiary. Even though he had achievements and respect in his previous company and also at ReTecs, according to SOP and direct orders from Hector, the SAT leader, not to disturb the heads of departments and PAGAR division leaders too much because of the privileges they have, Ghito couldn''t do much. Alice and Ghito are waiting for Brune again. While Alice is busy with her work, Ghito is occupied reading the security issue handling SOP for the highest-priority project on his tablet. ### It took less than ten minutes before Brune finally arrived in his high-priority car. Alice spotted Brune entering the office building from afar and heading to the lobby, so she quickly fixed herself up before heading over to greet him. Meanwhile, Ghito noticed Alice''s sudden movement, so he also fixed himself up and followed Alice to greet Brune. "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¡ª" "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. Brune also noticed Ghito standing near Alice, patiently waiting for an opportunity to speak. Alice smiled and chuckled softly, "Thank you for the praise. I really appreciate and respect that, especially coming from the best employee around here." Brune kept an eye on Ghito and finally gave him a chance to speak, "SAT?" Ghito replied, "Yes. Ghito from SAT, sorry for in-" "Problem?" Brune interrupted Ghito''s introduction, stopping in his tracks. Ghito glanced at Alice, then back at Brune, "Sorry, but this is confidential." "Just talk, no one cares." "Again, I apologize. I can''t disclose it, it''s top-secret." Ghito said, occasionally looking at Alice, signaling that she shouldn''t know. "He''s under my watch, so share it. If it''s not too important, come to my office later after the AGAR issue is sorted. Maybe tonight," replied Brune, about to continue walking. Ghito reached out his hand in front of Brune to ask him to stop. Brune stopped and looked at Ghito, "If this is important, then share it." Ghito''s gaze shifted to Alice, and Brune alternated, confused about what to say. Finally, Ghito said, "Sorry. I''m just following the SOP for secu-" "I can change that SOP if needed. I''ll contact Hector," Brune replied with a smile. Hearing that, Alice couldn''t help but hold back her laughter and smiled. Meanwhile, Ghito glanced at Alice, as if saying that he now understood what Alice meant earlier. "Actually, Hector himself ordered this," Ghito replied after taking a deep breath. "Security protocol level 2 or higher, if Hector directly intervenes, because only he in SAT has that access, except his special team. Is that right?" Brune asked Ghito straight to the point. Both Ghito and Alice were shocked, each for different reasons. Alice was shocked because she didn''t expect the issue to be so serious, it was the first time she heard about a problem with security protocol level 2. Meanwhile, Ghito was shocked because Brune knew about the problem he kept secret. Ghito stayed silent for a moment before saying, "You''re right. Hector asked you to go to the SAT interrogation room on the floor-" "I already know the room, thanks. But wait a sec," Brune interrupted, turning to Alice. "Send the progress report now. Then, head straight to the test prep room for a discussion and handle Subject A101. Ask Hyo for the instructions. After you''re done, if there''s still time, go to Axel and check on the trial program. If it''s ready, proceed. Got it?" Alice double-checked the orders, "Send progress report, handle subject, ensure trial readiness with Axel. Understood." "Good," replied Brune, then turning to Ghito. "Okay, are you leading, or should I?" "I''ll do it, following SOP," Ghito said, leading Brune to the SAT room. Alice then chose the report she''d sent to Brune and sent it before leaving. ### The preparation test room only had two people, Subject A101 and Alice. Meanwhile, in another adjoining room, separated only by a one-way mirror ¡ªsimilar to a police interrogation room¡ª there were the main warden of Subject A101 and the subject department head. "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..." Alice briefly skimmed through Subject A101''s background on the holobase before closing it 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?" This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. 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 Hyo, the subject department head, about this. However, she found no sudden termination in the test results on the holobase. "Could you explain what you mean by sudden termination? Our data doesn''t show any sudden termination," Alice said to Subject A101. Subject A101 remained silent, breathing heavily as if he''d just run around the city before saying, "Fuck!" "Sorry, please don''t keep swearing. We need your answers to figure out the issue, and we promise to fix it soon. So please cooperate," Alice said in her soft, persuasive tone. Subject A101 glared at her, "You know, FUCK YOU! You guys never solve this issue and keep asking the same thing, what''s really going on, or are you just pretending to be stupid, FUCK YOU! You know that, BIT..." Subject A101 was just cursing and talking nonsense, not answering any of Alice''s questions at all. Finally, unable to take it anymore because she didn''t get the result she wanted, Alice decided to leave the room and head to the preparation test observation room. "How, can you handle him?" Hyo asked as soon as Alice entered the room. Alice took a deep breath and sighed, "He''s really rude," she said with a smile. "Yeah, that''s him. We recruited him in Ventus, OLA, what did you expect?" Hyo replied, also smiling as he offered a cup of coffee to Alice. Alice declined by pushing the coffee back to Hyo, "Thanks. By the way, the subject mentioned sudden contact termination, but I couldn''t find it in the holobase. Did I miss something?" "We''ve checked it multiple times too. But like you, we couldn''t find any sudden termination." "Can I get a copy of the test result to show the subject, so he can tell us himself?" "We''re not sure if that''s allowed. Test results are confidential information, not even subjects are allowed. Unless you get official permission from Brune." "Unfortunately, he''s dealing with his own issues." Alice took another deep breath and sighed, "I''ll go back and approach the subject. If there''s any danger, please protect me." "Understood. Yanto, be ready." Alice then grabbed the coffee Hyo had offered earlier, "I''ll take this. Thanks." Alice then left the observation room and returned to the test preparation room. When entering the preparation test room, Alice was greeted with a smirk from Subject A101, "You''re back, bitch?" Alice ignored the insult and walked up to Subject A101, then offered coffee in front of his face, "Want some coffee? I''ll spoon-feed you." Subject A101 looked at the coffee, then looked at Alice, who smiled warmly at him. "You trying to charm me?" "No, I know you''re upset, so if you drink coffee, maybe you''ll relax a bit." "Is it poisoned? Are you trying to kill me, bitch?" Alice drank the coffee as proof that it wasn''t poisoned, "Want a sip? Or should I finish it?" Subject A101 nodded. Alice then fed Subject A101, but after that, an unpleasant incident happened. Subject A101 spewed coffee on Alice. Alice put the coffee on the table and wiped her face with the bottom of her shirt, "You''re really rough. But I forgive you." Soon, Yanto entered the room and was about to take Subject A101, but Alice stopped him by waving to Yanto and shaking her head. "No need, I can still handle it." "Don''t you ever learn after this keeps happening, you stupid moron." Subject A101 said. Alice knelt to make her face level and moved the chair occupied by Subject A101 so that they could face each other directly. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I''ve used polite ways, but you still don''t want to tell me the problem. So I''ll ask again, what do you mean by the sudden termination because our database didn''t record it? If you keep swearing or not answering, I''ll instruct the guy earlier to take you back to your room. Just so you know, I''m here to communicate; I''m not like those who are rude." Subject A101 just smiled, playing with his tongue, "I can''t wait for you to get killed, and I''ll kiss those sexy lips of yours, bitch." Alice stood up and signaled to Hyo behind the mirror to take Subject A101 away. The main warden of Subject A101 returned to the room and quickly escorted Subject A101 out, leaving Alice alone. Alice reopened her holobase to once again search for the sudden termination mentioned by Subject A101. Shortly after, Hyo entered the room. "Are you still looking into it?" "Did he have any mental issues after the last test?" Alice asked. "According to the test results, everything''s fine. Why?" "He insists on his statement and shows no signs of lying or anything," Alice looked at Hyo, "He believes that it really happened. So there must be a problem with the test." "Do you mean the sudden termination really happened?" "It seems so, or maybe when the test entered another reality, he felt like there was a sudden termination. Can you help identify this?" "Okay, what do you need?" "Not much, just the last few tests, from the start of the testing time, what was tested, and when the testing ended. If there''s an issue, you can inform Brune or me if Brune still can''t be reached. Thanks in advance." "Understood." Alice then left the room, but just before walking away, she smiled at Hyo and glanced at the coffee on the table, "Thanks for the coffee, it tastes good." ### 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 Communications Manager, Alice has limited access to enter that office. When Alice entered the office, Axel was alone, busy tapping the screen and using a holo-keyboard, surrounded by several holograms. Obviously, Axel was fixing a program. Noticing Alice, Axel break for a moment after saving every change he had made. "How? Did you inform Brune?" Axel asked. Alice forgot Axel''s message to her due to the SAT issue involving Brune, so she didn''t have time to tell Brune. She only remembered after Axel asked about it again. "Not yet, but he sent me to ask if everything is under control," said Alice, trying to hide that Brune was having a problem with a special security protocol level 2 that''s secret. "Some parts of the program are secure, now I''m working on the rest. But still, there''s some weirdness I can''t explain for sure, so I need Brune to make sure," Axel explained. Looking around, Alice smiled. "Just looking at all this makes my head spin. How do you manage to stay sane?" Axel pulled something out of his pocket and showed it to Alice. "With this candy, of course." Alice just smiled and stifled a laugh. "But that doesn''t help you get a girlfriend, does it?" "Come on... I''m already stressed with all of this, let''s not talk about girlfriends anymore. Please," Axel pleaded. Alice still smiled and then left. However, just before the door slid closed, she winked and said, "Fighting." But when Axel thought he was finally not bothered by Alice, that''s when Alice returned, shouting to startle him. Axel was surprised, but his surprised expression just froze for a moment before he continued with what he was doing. "Aren''t you startled?" Alice asked. "You''re like a kid," Axel replied. "You''re like a robot," Alice retorted, mocking Axel, and sat in Axel''s empty chair because Axel was busy handling holograms filled with programming that made Alice dizzy just by looking at them. Alice just stayed silent, watching Axel work seriously. Occasionally, she opened her tablet to check reports from her team members or other departments. Hyo had just sent the report Alice requested, and Alice saved it by giving it a star as a sign of priority. However, she didn''t read the report immediately. "What did you want to talk to Brune about, actually?" Alice asked. Axel, In the middle of his hustle, just said, "Be quiet, can''t you see I''m working?" "Sorry." Finally, Alice just stayed silent and didn''t dare to bother Axel anymore. Axel isn''t the type to be strict or easily angered, but he still doesn''t like to be bothered when he''s working. While looking at the report she received, Alice also looked at the holograms displayed throughout the room. The holograms were the source code crucial for the project they were working on. Highly confidential information. That''s why all networks on the floor where Axel''s office was located were locked down to ensure that no network could go in or out. This was Brune and Hector''s initiative to ensure PAGAR''s security against hacker attempts to steal the source code or other malicious activities. The same goes for the tablet used by Alice, which has a special security system with a unique network that can''t ¡ªvery hard to almost impossible¡ª be penetrated by hackers. The tablet was designed by Brune and Hector together with the Jackie siblings for the hardware part. So, only Alice''s tablet can receive information from outside, as long as that information uses the designed unique network. But even so, Alice''s tablet still can''t give any information to other devices while on that floor. This ensures that Alice won''t publish or send anything she encounters to external parties. Not gonna be long for Alice to wait for Axel to sort out some work, fixing the program. After successfully fixing the program, Axel returned to his department room. Meanwhile, Alice stayed in Axel''s office. Alice looked at Axel''s work result, fixing that confusing program in a short time. Deep down, she was like, totally blown away by how awesome Axel is, putting it on the same level as Brune''s achievements. She felt small when she had to face two super geniuses in her opinion, while she didn''t consider herself smart at all. Shortly after, there was a message on one of the holograms being looked at by Alice. The message was a notification that the program fixed by Axel had run perfectly. Not long after that, Axel returned to his office. Then, Axel goes back to his program and he seems to see something strange. The program did run successfully, but SIS-PAGAR gave it a security warning code at level 3. This warning usually happens if the entire program has some issues like errors or is missing. "Is there a problem with SIS-PAGAR?" asked Alice, who also saw the security warning code level 3 alert. "Yeah. And this is really weird, level 3 shouldn''t be issued. It''s only when the whole program has a problem. Strangely, before this, the program ran perfectly," explained Axel. "So, let''s check the program," suggested Alice. "I''m also thinking about it and already doing it." "I mean, let me help. You just tell me what to look for, give me the easy stuff, and you can handle the tough ones. It can save time." ¡°Why don''t you just go back to Brune?¡± Axel asked, staring at Alice. Axel felt Alice''s presence was pretty bothersome while he was trying to figure out what was going on. Alice actually wanted to tell Axel about Brune and SAT, but she was still considering it, so she just said, "Everything''s done, besides, Brune has some business to attend to." There was a moment of silence between them, then Alice responded to Axel''s gaze while leaning towards him and smiling, "Don''t you want my help?" Axel went silent for a moment, then he said, "You understand about program, right?" Alice''s smile widened, she looked cheerful. "Of course, what can I help with?" Axel waved his hand towards Alice, calling her to come closer. Then, after Alice approached, he pointed to the hologram containing the program he was checking. "Just check it. If there''s an error or something wrong, let me know immediately. Don''t change anything. You can also run it to test. Understand?" Alice looked at the program, even though her head was starting to ache, but that was okay. Indeed, Alice wasn''t as skilled as Axel or Brune, but she wasn''t a fool either. Being the Project Communication Manager meant Alice had to build her own communication system, and that also required programming skills to ensure a secure and controlled communication system. So, the task given by Axel could be considered quite easy, even with the skills Alice possessed. Alice nodded, "Check, don''t change, can be run for testing, report immediately if there''s an error. Understood. Then, what do you want to do?" Axel looked at Alice, "I''m pretty sure my program and my department''s program are not wrong and have no errors. I''ve run it and succeeded without any mistakes. So, I think this might be a mistake in SIS-PAGAR. So, I''ll let you check my program while I''ll check SIS-PAGAR." Alice listened to Axel''s explanation, just nodding, and said, "Alright." Axel then stood up and walked a bit away from Alice, then opened the SIS-PAGAR program in a different hologram. Alice carefully examined the program that Axel and his department had worked on. She wasn''t as meticulous as Axel, but she still did her best and paid attention. Even when doubt crept in, Alice did a double-check occasionally. "Sorry, but what are you looking for in SIS-PAGAR?" Alice asked, still paying close attention to Axel''s program. Axel took a slightly deep breath, he felt really bothered by Alice. He preferred a quiet environment when working, which is why he requested a private office, and even in that private office, not just anyone could enter. Without responding, Alice asked again, "Are you listening to me?" Axel closed the hologram of the SIS-PAGAR program and looked at Alice with an annoyed expression while chewing his favorite candy, "Can you be quiet?" Alice glanced at Axel, noticing his annoyed expression, so she said, "Sorry. I''ll be quiet." Axel tried to control himself by taking a breath and chewing more of his favorite candy. After calming down a bit, Axel said to Alice, "Did you find something strange?" Alice looked back at Axel, seeing that his annoyed expression was gone, so she smiled and said, "Not yet. Are you done with your SIS-PAGAR?" Axel approached Alice, "I can''t concentrate if you''re still here, so I''ll just help you." "Sorry," Alice said. Axel, now sitting beside Alice, watches how Alice works. Watched by an expert, Alice feels a bit intimidated and nervous. Alice glances at Axel, "Are you going to keep watching me?" Axel looks at Alice, "Yeah, because I can''t do anything as long as you''re here." Alice, with a pouty face, said, "I must be too bothersome for you." Axel sighs. "When working... only when working. By the way, when will Brune finish his business?" Axel tries to change the topic because he feels uncomfortable seeing Alice''s pouting face. Alice stays silent for a moment, and her gaze shifts away from Axel. "I don''t know. He''s being interrogated by SAT regarding the special security protocol level 2 issue." Alice finally decides to tell Axel after careful consideration. Even though the special security protocol level 2 is a secret, seeing Brune casually mention it in the lobby instead of a secure place makes her believe that Brune intentionally did that. Especially since Brune insisted on having Ghito say it in front of Alice, this is what makes Alice confident to share this information with Axel. Axel''s eyes widen, not because his favorite candy is starting to work, but because of hearing information from Alice that reminds him of something. Alice then shifted her gaze back to Axel and saw Axel''s face, wide-eyed, mouth slightly open, and everything frozen in surprise. "Is there a problem?" Alice asked, then she quickly correcting herself, "Sorry... I know it''s a problem when it involves SAT and the special security protocols level 2." Axel shifted back to attention with Alice''s question. Without answering, Axel immediately closed the program Alice was checking and opened his own program in the comments section. Axel pointed to the comment, although it seemed unnecessary as Alice had already seen it. "Did you read that comment?" Alice read the comment Axel was pointing at. The binary code containing 0s and 1s was understandable to Alice, though it took a moment. After understanding, Alice was also surprised. She then looked at Axel, "You already knew?" Axel still didn''t answer Alice''s question. Axel opened a log on his program to track his own comments and find out who actually wrote that comment. Alice just watched what Axel was doing and didn''t demand any answers from him. After successfully finding what he was looking for, Axel read it carefully. Beside him, Alice, who was watching Axel as if reading, also read what was visible to her. Then the two of them, with held breath, exchanged glances. "Error?" Alice asked. Axel stared back at the hologram. "Maybe. Because there''s still about," Axel checked the time in the bottom right corner of the hologram, "eight minutes before that comment was written." "But when did you get that comment?" Alice asked again, now walking behind Axel who was looking at the hologram and pressing some things on it. "Since I noticed something strange about the program and the comments with Brune''s ID containing random characters." Alice looked at Axel, "Brune''s ID, in the comments? Can you track the time?" A new display opened, and Axel was checking it, "I''ve done it." Alice looked back at the hologram, which had opened a new display. Alice continued to walking behind Axel, "That''s even longer ago." Axel just stayed quiet and opened some comment logs to check their creation time. But only those two comments showed a time from the future. "That''s definitely an error, isn''t it?" Alice asked. Axel finally replied, "If it''s just Brune''s comments, maybe. But my comments really happened, SAT approached us, and now they''re interrogating Brune. If it''s an error, it might be just an error in time, but..." Alice stopped, "If it is indeed from the future, let''s assume that. Can we prevent SAT from approaching Brune by writing a message to be careful?" Axel glanced back at Alice. "What do you mean?" Alice approached Axel and squeezed his shoulders, "I have a weird feeling about this, I can''t explain it. But maybe we from the future are telling ourselves in the past to be careful with SAT. If that''s the case, then we need to clarify the message." Axel just stared at Alice, "You''re joking, right? Something like that is not possible." Alice looked at Axel, "But there''s no wrong in trying. Besides, it''s just a comment and won''t disrupt the program. And even if the comment is found, it might become some kind of easter egg?" Axel stayed quiet for a moment while his shoulder continued to be squeezed by Alice. Shortly after, Axel grabbed his favorite candy again. "It seems like I should try making a new comment to test whether there''s an error in the time format program, or maybe I can spot the mistake." Axel replied with a smile to Alice. Alice, happy and instinctively hugged Axel immediately, "Thank you." After releasing the hug, Axel''s face turned red, and he couldn''t hide it, unless he faced the hologram directly. However, without realizing it, Alice had already caught a glimpse of his face, and she just smiled. "Alright, what do you want me to write? I''ll write it down with my ID and your ID, so I can check if the universal time format is an error or just the time format when using my ID," Axel asked while pressing the hologram in front of him. "Okay, you can write, ''If you''re reading this, it''s from the future. Check the time tracking. Be careful and inform Brune about the problem with special security protocol level 2 before SAT arrives.'' That''s it, thanks." Alice slowly dictated her message to Axel. Axel then wrote down the message, using the exact words Alice had spoken, "Okay, I''ve written it and turned it into a comment." Alice smiled watching how Axel worked. In her opinion, Axel looked very satisfying when working, doing it quickly and smoothly. Axel glanced at Alice, "I''ve done your request. So, what do you want now?" Alice opened her tablet and checked the time on her tablet. She just realized that she was late to meet someone she had promised. "I''m going, you can get back to your work," Alice said with a smile and left. Axel just stared as Alice walked away. Alice was still smiling when she was in front of Axel''s office door. Then, just before the door slid closed, she winked and said, "Fighting." ### When Alice arrived in front of Lucy''s room, it was already filled with some people from the socialization program led by Lucy who were leaving Lucy''s room. Alice just stayed quiet and waited until the crowd ended so she could enter Lucy''s room. As Alice entered Lucy''s room, Lucy was seen organizing some files. "So, how was it?" Lucy asked. "Sorry, I''m late. Did I miss something?" Alice approached Lucy. Lucy looked at Alice and smiled, "A lot, but not important. So, what about the offer?" Alice returned Lucy''s smile, "I''m in. But only if you want to tell me about that," "In that case, we''re in agreement," Lucy replied while handing some files to Alice. "These are Ghiovani group''s files. I don''t know why they picked that name for their group. But most importantly, this group will be your responsibility, and their current schedule is to learn about AR and AGAR, which your division is developing." "It''s Giovani, not Ghiovani, just a correction," Alice replied with a smile. "Whatever." "So, what should I do?" "Just do whatever you want. The main thing is you have to tell them about AR and AGAR and answer their questions. It doesn''t have to be precise, but don''t sound too silly." "Alright. By the way, what do you want for lunch?" "I don''t know. I''m on a weight gain thing, so maybe a fatty steak, if you''re paying." "Don''t be silly... You still owe me." "Don''t be like that. How about I treat you to lunch, and you forget about that debt. Deal?" "Nope." Alice then walked out of the office with the files given by Lucy. "I might skip lunch today, I have a bad feeling about it." Lucy laughed sarcastically. "If your feeling is right this time, I''ll treat you for a lifetime." "Just pay your debt. Bye." ### The Giovani group consists of seven students and one accompanying teacher. Alice approached the group, who had been waiting in the lobby for a while. As per Lucy''s assignment, Alice took on the role of a guide, explaining nearly everything about AR and AGAR and answering a few enthusiastic student''s questions, while the rest were busy with their own things. "Alright... next, we''ll take a look at the prototype of the latest generation AR developed for three years by ReTecs," said Alice, still guiding the Giovani students. ### Alice took them to various places, including the entrance to PAGAR. "This lift will take you to a floor specially designed for the PAGAR division or Project Advance Gaming Alternate Reality. Unfortunately, you can''t enter the PAGAR floor because it''s still confidential..." explained Alice, greeted by the disappointed voices of the students. Most of the students were very excited to discuss PAGAR, the latest innovation they had been waiting for in their favorite games, including popular ones like World of Worlds, Liberty March, and other games. A student raised his hand, and Alice, seeing that, quickly said, "Okay, Patrick, what do you want to ask?" The student named Patrick asked, "When will AGAR be mass-produced and implemented in games?" Alice smiled because Patrick had been asking a lot, especially about technical issues. Alice felt like Patrick was a younger version of Axel. "As for that, we still don''t know, but I''ll spill a little for those of you who seem excited about PAGAR. The development phase is almost done, so probably around two or three years at most." The disappointed voices of the students turned into joyful ones. The question session continued, but Alice received a notification on her tablet that the trial of Project AGAR had been reactivated. "Sorry for your question, Natasha. There''s an emergency call, so you can go back to your place or take a break," Alice said, stopping the Q&A session because she was confused. As far as Alice remembered, neither she nor Brune had asked for the trial to be postponed, so the notification shouldn''t have happened. Unless Axel had postponed the trial, but when Axel did it because she didn''t get a notification that the trial was postponed at all. Confused, Alice immediately used the nearby lift to go to Axel''s office. There was nothing strange or confusing people due to the trial notification being reactivated during Alice''s way to Axel''s office. "Maybe another error," Alice said in her mind. When Alice was almost reaching Axel''s department room, just a few meters away, a power outage occurred, shutting down all things requiring electricity in the office, including the door Alice would use to enter Axel''s department room. Because of the procedure during a power outage that required all employees to leave until the power could return to normal, Alice just followed along. But Alice wasn''t in a hurry like most employees who were running. She casually walked out, but paused for a moment in the corner of the room. Besides avoiding the crowd, she was also waiting for Axel to come out of his room. Unfortunately, within a few minutes, the medical team came to where Alice was and told her to leave immediately. As an emergency handling procedure, Alice was immediately given oxygen masks and taken to the ambulance. However, strangely, Alice felt that the more she breathed in oxygen from the mask, the worse her vision became, and her head also felt increasingly dizzy but light. Alice had a bad feeling as soon as she saw the medical team members staring at her. It didn''t take long for Alice to completely lose consciousness, precisely when she reached the base floor. #### Axel B 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 Axel. Axel was a guy quite short but filled with muscle rather than fat, especially in his arms. His hair is black, but anyone can see a few gray hairs on his head, and his eyebrows are thin and black. He might be interesting to some people, but the outfit he always wears seem to suggest he never changes them. Not because he never changes his outfit, but it''s always the same outfit. Axel is a pretty smart guy, proven by his achievements like getting through the tough ReTecs selection with the highest score. He''s also got experience working at ReTecs on various big projects. His programming skills are like, no question about it. In fact, all the ReTecs employee have the list of the top 10 developers, and Axel''s chilling at number three. However, it aligns with the risk Axel takes by not getting enough rest since he always has to monitor the program he''s working on. Working at one of the world''s biggest tech companies is surely Axel''s dream, considering his passion for all things tech. Furthermore, being able to join the Project of Advanced Gaming Alternate Reality, or PAGAR, as the Lead Developer is a source of pride and a great honor for Axel. ### His rare good sleep got disrupted by Frank ¡ªhis assistant¡ª calling about their program receiving error code and a security warning code level 2 from SIS-PAGAR. Knowing that level 2 security warnings code only happen if most of the source code is messed up or has errors. so, it''s an emergency. Without needing to shower or have breakfast, Axel quickly rushes to his office, which is not far from his sleeping place. As a good developer, Axel has to make sure he''s always on standby all the time. That''s why he often sleeps in his office or in one of the office rooms, and occasionally stays in a hotel located about a ten-minute walk from the office. Upon arriving at the office, Axel heads straight to his room and then to his desk. Every time, he never forgets the step-by-step process he needs to follow. People often call him a robot because he is extremely organized; it''s impossible for him to miss a single step in his routine. After arriving at his desk, he always opens the drawer first and grabs a box of ''CanCoff'' candies with coffee and lemon flavor, his favorite. He munches on some of those candies before starting work, he believes it helps shake off sleepiness and keeps him focused on the tasks. Not scientifically proven, but at least it works for Axel. After freshening up with the help of that candy, Axel quickly tackled his error program. His experience and skills might be on par with three other senior developers. Because it doesn''t take him long to spot the issues in each department''s program, he immediately tells all his department members to fix those problems in detail so it doesn''t leave confusion among them. This is what makes him liked by his team. Axel is quick and can swiftly spot the source of issues, think of solutions, and explain them in detail for them to execute promptly. After finishing giving instructions and guidance, Axel then goes back to his own program and starts fixing it. The error code displayed on the program can disappear in just a short while, and the security warning code level 2 quickly turns off once Axel finishes fixing his program. However, his tasks don''t stop there. There''s something Frank missed when informing him about the issues in the program. Well, it''s not a problem for now since this part of the program won''t be run yet, but later when the entire program runs, it''s gonna be a big issue. That''s why Axel fixes it. Axel realized that there was something odd about it. A program typically consists of a line of commands or syntax and comments serving as notes for programmers but won''t be executed by the program. Indeed, after Axel fixed his program, all lines of command or syntax were correct and ready to run. But still, Axel found it interesting when seeing Brune''s ID comment that only had random characters. And it gets weirder because Axel is confident that Brune hasn''t told him anything about the comments he made. In fact, Brune hasn''t touched Axel''s program for a few days. Brune usually just looks at Axel''s program when Axel explains it. Axel carefully looks to see if there''s a chance of a specific password, code, or sign in that random set of characters, but unfortunately, no. The random characters just spell out ''sdghjkl;TAY5SFYHIK''auewsfnl;''. Because not know the purpose of that comment, and since the comment was with Brune''s ID, he left it for now until he can get confirmation from Brune. Finally, he decided to head to the cafeteria because his stomach was starting to demand food. ### Axel only grabs simple food like a sandwich and a bottle of soda, and, of course, he doesn''t forget to buy his favorite candy as a backup. Axel is a practical person; he only eats food for the energy, not for enjoying the taste. So, he quickly finishes the sandwich and soda he grabbed. After getting his energy back, Axel goes to the lobby to check if Brune has arrived or not. ### Upon arriving in the lobby, Axel noticed that Alice had just arrived at the office. Without much thought, Axel approached her and offered his favorite candy, even though he knew Alice didn''t like it. However, Alice declined. "Have you heard the report?" Axel asked. "Brune already informed me, but you can tell me the updates," replied Alice, still looking at her tablet screen. "Not much progress. There are still many system and program code errors, some I''ve fixed and are waiting for processing," said Axel, enjoying his favorite candy. "And for the subjects, they are all upset, but there''s one person who stands out. Subject A101." Alice glanced at Axel still munching on that candy, "Why do you like that candy so much, isn''t it weird-tasting?" "At first, it was. But what can I do? Coffee keeps you from falling asleep, and the lemon keeps you awake because of its acidity. You know, programmers need something like this because we get so sleepy from staying up all night to manage the program." Alice just smiled seeing Axel''s expression while eating the candy, looking like someone forced to take bitter medicine mixed with the face of someone eating a lemon. Doing it out of necessity. "Thanks. I''ll let Brune know as soon as he arrives, which shouldn''t be long," said Alice, then sitting on one of the benches in the main lobby. "Alright, oh... I almost forgot," replied Axel, about to leave but not quite, "can you tell Brune to meet me in my office soon? I think I found something strange, and for some reason, there''s a comment from Brune with random characters." Alice looked at Axel''s face and asked, "Sure, but is it urgent?" "Not really. But at least he should meet me today." "Okay, I''ll pass it on." Axel once again offered his favorite candy to Alice, but Alice still refused it for the hundredth time. Refused, Axel left. Meanwhile, Alice was still waiting for Brune. However, before he could go far, three people from the SAT or Security Audit Team approached them and told Axel to stop. Alice moved closer to hear what they were talking about, but she was denied by the SAT members. As the Project Communications Manager, Alice insisted on listening to what the three SAT members had to say to Axel, who was still in the same project with her. "Okay, if you insist," a spokesperson for SAT, one of the three, allowed her. "Both of you, follow us." The SAT spokesperson and the other members escorted Alice and Axel to a seldom-passed corner of the lobby. After that, two SAT members stopped a bit farther to make sure no one approached them. "I''m Ghito from SAT. Our system, the special security protocol, is the most confidential security system and can only be accessed by a few employees, understand?" SAT spokesperson asked Alice and Axel. "Of course. So what''s the problem?" Axel asked. "The system is designed with separate networks and power to maintain independence in case of an attack on the main security system. Both of you, as the heads of each department in the priority project, the project of advanced gaming alternate reality, have access to level 1, designated ONLY for crucial situations that could disrupt the smooth progress of your project. Do you understand?" Ghito asked again, emphasizing certain words. Axel nodded, while Alice said, "We understand that. We know you have to dictate the special security protocol allocation according to SOP to us, but there''s currently an issue in the project that we need to address immediately. So, can we get straight to the main of the problem?" Ghito glanced at Alice and then shifted his gaze to Axel, "Sorry, the main issue is our system found a report coming from the director''s room in underfloor 3, specifically designed to your boss, Brune Salmith, along with the activation of security protocol level 1. After our division investigated, the protocol was activated by someone and the report content is just random characters that don''t mean anything except for the last message that says ''from Axel.'' Are you messing around with such crucial security protocols?¡± Alice and Axel exchanged looks. As a SAT member, Ghito had received training to read facial expressions and body language, so he carefully observed the movements and expressions of Alice and Axel. Alice and Axel did the same, their faces frozen for a moment, as if frozen gas had been sprayed on their faces when Ghito was explaining the issue. Their bodies reacted similarly. Their faces froze and didn''t show any brief expressions that could arouse suspicion that they were hiding something, somewhat proving that they also didn''t know what was happening. "Uh... I don''t know, sorry," Axel said nervously when Ghito gave him a sharp look to intimidate. "Are you sure there''s no issue with the system or maybe it''s a false alarm and a false report?" Alice asked. Even though Ghito gave her the same sharp look, she seemed unfazed. "No. We''ve made sure of that," Ghito replied. Axel tried to calm down as he was about to speak again and somewhat shifted his attention to not directly stare at Ghito. "You''ve checked thoroughly. You can examine the ID that accessed or provided the report. Besides, you can track when the report was issued. You can also do a comprehensive trace with level 2. I''m sure your boss, Hector, has access to level 2. He should check everything." "Like I said, we''ve confirmed it," replied Ghito. "You seem to know the loopholes in the security system." Alice, seeing Ghito intimidating Axel, quickly came to the rescue. "Of course, Axel and Brune are part of the design of the security system. Ask Hector." Axel looked at Alice, who smiled at him, then turned back to Ghito. "System errors can be seen from the results provided, not just from AI warnings. Whether the report is compiled using the correct mechanism or, if you look closely, maybe you can find errors like the use of non-standard characters in the system, or incorrect formatting, or wrong IDs. Also, for level 1, maybe it''s activated automatically due to a glitch in the program, not an error but the program itself. If so, you can check from a higher level. Higher levels, like level 2, can give you insights into why level 1 is activated.¡± Alice was just stunned, listening to Axel''s rapid words when he was talking about programs, something that was Axel''s expertise and her weakness. Meanwhile, Ghito opened his tablet and checked it while listening to Axel''s words. "Wait here for a moment," said Ghito, then walked away from both of them. Meanwhile, the other two SAT members remained on guard. "Do you get it perfectly or are you just saying things?" Alice asked with a low voice, making sure only Axel could hear her. Axel looked at Alice, "Are you saying I lied?" Alice winked her left eye, "You know what I mean." "No, I really explained it. I feel there''s something odd about-" "Okay, Hector told us to let you go, Alice. Meanwhile, Axel, we need to investigate your office." Ghito interrupted Axel''s whisper, slightly surprising both of them. "What? No way, try asking-" Alice attempted to voice her objection and protect Axel, but Ghito raised his tablet with Hector''s orders displayed on the screen. It was a high-status investigative directive that even priority divisions couldn''t evade. Ghito smiled while Axel and Alice, after reading the order, exchanged glances and fell silent. "Alright, if there''s no more objection. Alice, please continue with your duty, and Axel, lead the way to your office." Axel remained silent and nodded, then he led the way. Not too far, Alice approached them again. Axel and Ghito saw Alice being held back by two other SAT members. Alice smiled, "Brune will find out about this, and he''ll make a big deal out of it." Ghito responded to Alice''s smile with a cynical one and intimidated her, "Do you think we''re afraid?" Alice''s gaze ignored Ghito; she only looked at Axel. Axel, realizing this, said to her, "Don''t forget my message." Ghito, who also heard that, immediately turned towards Axel with his sharp eyes. Ghito is indeed a new employee promoted from ReTecs'' subsidiary. Even though he had achievements and respect in his previous company and also at ReTecs, according to SOP and direct orders from Hector, the SAT leader, not to disturb the heads of departments and PAGAR division leaders too much because of the privileges they have, Ghito couldn''t do much. But, right now, that privilege is cancelled by Hector after issuing an investigation order to Ghito, and Ghito can return to his duties from his position as a security member. Ghito can be tough and firm with anyone. Ghito gives a hand signal to instruct Axel to continue going to his office, simultaneously ordering the other two SAT members to chase away Alice. The lobby at that time wasn''t too quiet but also not too busy, there were some people doing their own tasks. Out of everyone, a few were at least interested enough to glance briefly at Alice and Axel dealing with SAT. Then, after satisfying their curiosity, they went back to their tasks. Seen by people, Alice stands still, staring at Axel guiding the three SAT members towards the PAGAR-exclusive floor known for its priority and exclusivity. ### When Axel and the three SAT members stepped out of the lift, there were already dozens of SAT members waiting. Ghito held Axel back, who wanted to lead them, and now Ghito was leading. One SAT member from the group that welcomed the four of them walked up to Ghito. Even though he didn''t speak to Axel, Axel still heard what the person said to Ghito. "Report, Neil from the SAT investigation unit. We have received orders from Hector to guard and assist the investigation led by Ghito regarding the alleged abuse of special and limited powers by Axel and the suspected involvement in the project of advanced gaming alternate reality division." "Report received, I''m Ghito from the SAT," said Ghito, then turned to Axel. "He''s Axel, the main suspect. We''re heading to his room, a room only accessible by him. So follow us." "Understood, execute." Neil then ordered the other SAT members to follow Ghito to Axel''s office. After walking for a short while, Axel tried to approach Ghito. "Are you sure there''s no mistake?" Ghito just ignored him. "Listen, our project is a top priority and will have a significant impact on this company and the world. You can''t treat us like this." Ghito still ignored him. "What are you really looking for? Or how about this, allow me to access the program for special security protocols, and I can tell you what the error is." This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Ghito raised his hand, signaling to stop, then stared at Axel. Ghito''s sharp gaze without any other expression was very intimidating. Axel fell silent immediately. "Listen to me, I know who you are and what you''re up to. If you touch the protocol program, it''s super easy to manipulate, so I won''t let you touch anything related to the program, including your own program," Ghito said. Then Ghito signaled with his hand again to command their movement, "Just stay quiet and answer if asked, don''t show off your special status again, because that status has been revoked by Hector." ### "EVERYONE STOP WORKING AND MOVE AWAY!" Ghito shouted, grabbing the attention of all the department members led by Axel. "SAT will take over, please step away from your desks," Ghito continued, moving to the center of the room. All the department members, around 30 of them, followed Ghito''s orders immediately when they saw Axel seemingly captured by SAT. Whispers filled the air as some department members wondered what was really happening. They had no idea, and they never expected that their division, with various privileges, could be investigated by SAT. All this time, they felt immune to company rules under the protection of Axel and Brune. Ghito looked at Neil beside him, "Order your members to investigate all programs and rooms thoroughly, follow the SOP, got it?" "Understood," Neil then turned around, instructing his SAT team members to start the investigation. Neil''s SOP consists of several stages. The first stage is a body check, after which those declared safe will be allowed to leave the investigation site. The second stage is a physical check, which involves checking the items at the investigation site. The final stage is a non-physical check, which involves a thorough inspection of the program, including checking the connected networks. When Neil and his SAT members checked the department members, Axel was instead asked to open his own office. Axel is a person who follows rules, so he just followed Ghito''s command even though he still felt not guilty and didn''t like being treated that way. In Axel''s office, Ghito and two SAT members he brought immediately searched the room. Meanwhile, Axel was tied to one of the chairs in the room. Ghito didn''t need to go through the first stage of the SOP because Axel was already suspected. The main purpose of the first stage of the SOP is to select suspects from witnesses or unrelated individuals. After quite some time and quite meticulously ¡ªalthough not as meticulous as Axel¡ª Ghito returned to Axel. Ghito untied Axel¡¯s hand. "Open your program, then open the security protocol on that program, open the SAT Investigation windows. Do you understand?" Ghito said, still using his sharp gaze to intimidate Axel. Axel was still slightly intimidated, but he did it not because he was intimidated but more to prove that he was not guilty. After struggling a bit because he was still tied, except for some of his hands released to open his program, Axel finally managed to do what Ghito ordered. After that, Ghito pulled Axel''s chair, almost causing Axel to fall. Ghito then typed something using the holo-keyboard. Meanwhile, the other two SAT members were retying Axel. After Ghito finished doing what the SOP commanded, several holograms containing all the programs that Axel had worked on and was currently working on opened up. Ghito, who just saw what he could do, exclaimed, "I like ReTecs. I don''t need to threaten someone to open something. Just with my access ID, I can open all the programs you created, Axel." The SAT investigation window is a special feature that must be present in all programs and computers in ReTecs. This feature allows SAT members who have received orders from high-rank SAT to easily open any program or software on all computers in ReTecs according to the orders they receive. "You won''t like what you did once Brune finds out about this," Axel said, who could only stay still in his room. Although Axel said that, he didn''t mean to threaten Ghito but rather to warn him. But Ghito took it as a threat, "You''re the one who will be fired, I''ll find your mistakes." Ghito and the other two SAT members then checked one by one the programs displayed by all the holograms available in Axel''s office. They did it carefully and meticulously. After investigating for a while, Ghito found something that caught his attention. A comment with Brune''s ID containing a sequence of random characters. Ghito opened his tablet again, looking for the message from the report sent along with the activation of the special security protocol level 1. Then he placed his tablet displaying the message next to the hologram featuring a comment with Brune''s ID. Ghito glanced briefly at Axel who was watching him. Ghito just grinned at Axel and felt happy inside. Meanwhile, Axel noticed something suspicious about Ghito placing his tablet next to the hologram. However, due to the distance and some other holograms obstructing Axel''s view, he couldn''t see clearly to figure out what was shown on Ghito''s tablet screen and the hologram he was reading. Ghito then typed something on his tablet and took a photo of the hologram display. After that, he continued his investigation.$ When the SAT members were busy checking and investigating the programs Axel had worked on in the hologram that appeared and surrounded the room, Alice suddenly entered the room. Noticing Alice, Axel tried to greet her, while Ghito immediately covered Axel''s mouth and approached Alice. Meanwhile, the other two SAT members continued with their tasks. "What are you doing here?" Ghito asked Alice. Alice ignored Ghito''s presence, she only looked at Axel. Even though Axel was silent, Alice seemed to know what Axel wanted to say earlier. "How? Did you inform Brune?" Alice thought that Axel would ask something like that. So, Alice answered, "I did. He sent me to ask if everything is under control or if he''s still needed," Axel smiled hearing Alice''s answer without him needing to ask. Alice''s intuition was indeed unquestionable, not her communication skills that became Brune''s main reason for choosing Alice as the project communication manager, but Alice''s intuition that was useful in understanding someone''s empathy and feelings. Although her communication skills were also a consideration. Meanwhile, Ghito, puzzled about why Alice answered his question with an unrelated answer, just stared at Alice and Axel exchanging glances. "I don''t know if you two can read each other''s minds," Ghito said, waving his hands in front of Alice''s face, forcing Alice to pay attention to him. Alice''s face immediately turned annoyed when she looked at Ghito, "What?" Ghito tried to intimidate Alice with his sharp gaze and emphasized tone, "Why did you come here?" Alice wasn''t intimidated at all, she even challenged Ghito back with her sharp gaze, "Brune told me to. What''s it to you?" Ghito smiled and chuckled softly hearing Brune''s name mentioned by Alice. Meanwhile, Alice was just wondering why Ghito laughed softly like that. "Well... Under the authority given by Hector to conduct a thorough investigation into the project of advanced gaming alternate reality division, I ask you to call Brune, who is identified as a suspect, here along with yourself, also identified as a suspect," Ghito said, tapping his tablet screen. Alice''s expression changed throughout Ghito''s speech. At first, she responded to Ghito''s intimidation with her sharp gaze, then when Ghito was reading the boring SOP, her face looked annoyed and she mocked Ghito by pursing her lips and moving them to mimic Ghito''s words. After that, her facial expression changed again to tense and stiff, with her mouth slightly open and her eyes slightly bulging, not believing what she heard because Brune and she were identified as suspects. Ghito is silent while still intimidating Alice, but this time with his smirk. Meanwhile, Alice stays silent for a moment. Axel, who had been watching them all along, as the distance between them was not too far for him to hear everything, finally spoke, "You''ll regret this if you bring Brune along." Upon hearing Axel''s words, Alice smiled and chuckled softly, "It''s a pity if you, who have just joined ReTecs, have to leave ReTecs dishonorably for daring to bother Brune." Upon hearing Axel and Alice''s words, Ghito was reminded again of the information he got from his friend in SAT regarding Brune and the message from Hector. Brune has his own exclusivity at ReTecs, especially since Hector, his boss and also Brune¡¯s close friend, warned him to be careful around Brune. Alice''s smile and soft laughter also bothered Ghito''s calmness. He now started considering what he had done, and the fear of Brune''s name began to creep in. Alice, aware of Ghito''s uneasiness, took advantage of the situation to leave while saying, "I''ll deliver your message to the suspect Brune, and maybe you should report Brune''s suspect status to Hector." Alice left, and Ghito stayed silent. Shortly after, Ghito approached Axel. "Dyo... do you know or... do you have you seen anything strange lately from Brune?" Ghito asked, struggling to put his words together after feeling guilty for identifying Brune as a suspect. "I don''t know anything. Alice interacts with Brune more often, while I''m more interacts with the program," Axel replied, noticing Ghito''s change but still not understanding. Ghito then showed his tablet to Axel. On the tablet screen, Axel could see the content of the message from the report sent simultaneously with the activation of special security protocol level 1. After that, Ghito swiped the tablet screen and displayed a photo showing Axel''s hologram of a comment with Brune¡¯s ID. The comment content is identical to that in the message content of the report, especially in the random character part. Axel looked at Ghito, "So that''s why you identified him as a suspect?" Ghito closed his tablet and smiled, "Exactly. Isn''t that strong evidence?" Hearing Ghito''s answer, Axel chuckled softly, "I''m not underestimating you, but it seems like you don''t understand programming or, in fact, you''re completely blind to it, right?" Hearing Axel softly laugh, Ghito felt the unease in his heart again, something seemed off. "I get some programming languages and how to program stuff. But what did I miss?"$ "It''s just a comment with Brune''s ID, it''s not an access ID. So anyone with access to the program can use Brune''s ID after getting permission from Brune." "Doesn''t that mean Brune allows that person to write the comment with his ID, which implies Brune also knows the comment''s content?" "Technically, yes. In reality, no. Comment IDs can be easily manipulated, and a hacker who can exploit the program''s security and access it can also use that ID. Also, the permissions can be set by Brune himself to allow some users to always include his ID in a comment. Usually, Brune does that to mark comments he needs to read." Ghito was still trying to grasp it, but he quickly drew a conclusion, "So, Brune may not know about the comment''s content?" "Yeah, more or less. So the evidence you have is weak, even extremely feeble, to identify Brune as a suspect." "What should I do then?" Ghito unconsciously asked Axel. Axel finally understood what Ghito was planning, "You want to trap Brune? Dig up his mistakes." "Shut up!" Ghito then went to the other side of the room, continuing his investigation by examining every detail of the program displayed on the hologram. However, this time his mind was disturbed by Alice and Axel''s earlier words, making it hard for him to focus on what he was doing. Not long after, there was a commotion from Axel''s department room. Ghito and the other two SAT members tried to leave Axel''s room to check out what was happening. But it wasn''t needed because Alice came back into Axel''s room, this time with Brune. "What are you guys doing?" Ghito asked, looking at Alice and Brune. "Stop whatever you''re doing. You don''t have the authority to investigate this secret project," said Brune, approaching Ghito. "Sorry, but we have orders from-" "From Hector? Then call him." Ghito followed Brune''s request, he then called Hector. However, he couldn''t reach him, even the call didn''t connect to Hector. Ghito tried again and failed once more. "Moron. You know this area is specially designed by Hector to block networks in and out. If you knew just this much, you should understand how secret this project is, so get out now," Brune said. Ghito''s gaze shifted to Alice, and Brune alternated, confused about what to say. Finally, Ghito said, "Sorry. I''m just following the SOP for secu-" "I can change that SOP if needed. I''ll contact Hector," Brune replied with a smile. Hearing that, Alice couldn''t help but hold back her laughter and smiled. Meanwhile, Ghito glanced at Alice, as if saying that he now understood what Alice meant earlier. Meanwhile, Axel, who watched from afar, just stayed silent. "Just like this, stop what you''re doing, free Axel, and let''s all head to your interrogation room on underfloor 2. You guys totally have that room, right?" suggested Brune. Since Ghito didn''t know what else to do, especially afraid of making another mistake, he agreed to Brune''s suggestion. Axel was released, and then he closed all the programs that had been opened, both in his room and in his department''s room. Ghito and the other two SAT members, accompanied by Alice and Brune, walked towards the lift. After Axel joined them, they all went down using the lift straight to underfloor 2. ### The SAT interrogation room is rarely used, but the room''s security is always maintained by SAT members at all times. The SAT interrogation room is only used if there''s a problem with high-level security, including problems with special security protocols. In that room now, there are Brune, Alice, and Axel as the main suspects identified by Ghito for abusing special and limited powers by activating special security protocol level 1 with a message of random characters ending with ''from Axel.'' Besides the three of them, Ghito and seven other SAT members are also in the room. They all stay still, watching Brune, Alice, and Axel while waiting for their leader to come. The situation continues for a few minutes until someone comes and sits in the empty chair facing Brune, Alice, and Axel. "Good morning, I''m Anderson, Hector''s main assistant and deputy head of the ReTecs security audit team. I''ve learnt the background of this case, where security protocol level 1 was activated in a non-emergency situation, accompanied by a message written as ''sdghjkl;TAY5SFYHIK¡¯auewsfnl; from Axel,''" says Anderson, looking at Brune, Alice, and Axel. Then Anderson continues, "We suspect this as an abuse of special and limited powers that could potentially cause system damage, system breaches, diversion to hide criminal activities or harm, and several possibilities that could lead to danger or harm to ReTecs." Anderson then opens the tablet he brought and reads the text on the tablet screen, "The main suspect identified is Axel, with Brune and Alice as other suspects. The identification of suspects is done by Hector for Axel and by Ghito for Brune and Alice." Anderson looked back at their three faces before continuing, "The investigation has been conducted, and no evidence pointing to any losses for ReTecs has been found. However, the investigation was halted in the middle of the process at the request of Mr. Brune due to concerns about accessing the company''s secrets illegally. So, that''s more or less what happened. Did I miss anything?" "Anderson, long time no see you, my friends," Brune greeted Anderson warmly. Anderson stared at Brune, "Please be serious, you know it''s dangerous if left unchecked, Brune." "Mr. Anderson, I understand your concern about this issue, but are you sure Axel activated the protocol?" Alice tried to persuade Anderson to reconsider the truth. "Yo-" "Have you checked in detail? I''m sure there''s an access ID that reveals who activated the protocol and sent that message. You can even trace it from the location to the time the protocol was activated," Axel intervened, trying to convince Anderson and cutting him off. Anderson looked at the three of them, "You planned this, confused us, made us rethink, then gave us false information until we changed our minds. A good plan, I must admit, but unfortunately, it didn''t work on me." Axel was still silent, while Alice just smiled because her plan was exposed, and Brune quietly tapped the table. Not long after, Brune leaned forward, his face serious as he looked at Anderson, "You say false information, but we don''t have any information. We have no idea about this protocol issue, our business with PAGAR is complicated enough. Why don''t you show us this information yourself? Proof that Level 1 protocol has been activated." Anderson stared back at Brune, "Sure, we have evidence, quite a lot to make you not so special anymore. But unfortunately, that evidence is confidential." Brune banged on the table, "You''ve already messed with the company''s secrets, the company''s priorities by sending SAT to investigate our program. Then, we can''t see your secrets? Contact Hector, I''ll talk to him." "Hector is securing and auditing the company''s security because of your actions, so he can''t be reached," Anderson said, still staring at Brune and unaffected by Brune''s threats. Axel watched and listened to this, his thoughts going back to when the first time SAT told him to stop. In Axel''s mind, memories raced quickly, trying to recall details of every conversation. Finally, Axel smiled. Everyone''s attention turned to Axel as he started to laugh softly. "Or you don''t want to show it to us because it wasn''t me who activated that protocol. From the first time you stopped me, you never mentioned once that I activated the protocol. You only mentioned if there was a message ending with ''...from Axel,'' it means you actually knew it wasn''t me who activated it, but someone else," Axel said, leaning casually. Anderson stayed and unmoved by Axel''s words, but Alice could see one SAT member behind Anderson, and Ghito, who stood next to that person, showed different signs as if they were hiding something. "Or it''s a system error, but you''re afraid of getting reprimanded by the board, so you decide to blame Axel for this incident, and Hector is busy fixing it," Alice said with her usual face, but with her cleverness, she played with the intonation of her speech, emphasizing some key words that intimidated them all. Anderson, still unfazed, said, ¡°How long have you guys been thinking about that? Pretty good, but now I''ll prove you wrong. Axel is the suspect for activating special security protocol level 1, are you satisfied?" Brune sighed and spoke with emphasis, "Here''s the deal. PAGAR is the company''s priority, and right now, its main programmer is detained, which will disrupt PAGAR and likely infuriate the directors." After ensuring Anderson''s attention was on him, Brune continued, "Release Axel. Let him stop the ongoing program and the other procedures to secure the company''s assets. Then, you can contact Hector, or I''ll contact the directors. Alternatively, you can present the evidence you mentioned earlier, just one piece that proves Axel or one of us activated that protocol. How about it?" Anderson stayed silent for a moment, then stood up and walked away. He, along with Ghito and another SAT member, whispered something to each other. Meanwhile, Brune tapped his fingers on the table rhythmically. Alice approached Axel and whispered, "It''s a code." "Binary. I know what the message is, but what does it mean?" replied Axel. While still whispering, Anderson turned back and saw Alice and Axel. "Are you planning something?" Alice and Axel were startled and trying to come up with an excuse. Brune casually said, "They''re dating, so just ignore them." Anderson squinted his eyes at Brune, "Fine. Ghito and two SAT members will accompany Axel to stop his program, but you and Alice must stay here." Brune casually agreed, "Deal." Two SAT members then lifted Axel and escorted him out of the interrogation room, while Ghito led the way back to Axel''s office. ### When they reached Axel''s office, Axel wasn''t tied up, but he was forced to sit in his chair, with Ghito and two other SAT members standing right around Axel, blocking his way out to escape or do anything suspicious. Axel didn''t need all that guarding because he had no intention of running away or doing anything against them. Axel just opened his program, checked it briefly to ensure all data was safe, then he typed a few things on his holo-keyboard to stop some running programs. Ghito and the two SAT members overseeing Axel were equipped with programming knowledge, so they could watch Axel and make sure he wasn''t doing anything other than stopping the running programs. However, Axel knew that. So, he used his skills to deceive his watchers. Axel''s speed in managing the programs he created was too fast for Ghito and the two SAT members to understand. Thus, Axel created an opening for himself to input a comment in binary form that made it difficult for Ghito and the other two SAT members to understand. The binary code in Axel''s comment read ''Be careful with SAT, they''re after you.'' Besides the binary comment, Axel also inputted the numbers 1s and 0s in some parts that would be deleted automatically. He did this on purpose to make it even harder for Ghito and the other two SAT members to understand what Axel was doing. After Axel successfully made the comment, he actually intended to publish the comment to broadcast it to all PAGAR members so they could be careful with SAT. However, unfortunately, before Axel could broadcast the comment, a power outage occurred, shutting down all things requiring electricity in the office, including the computer Axel was using. Because of the procedure during a power outage that required all employees to leave until the power could return to normal, Axel just followed along. Axel, Ghito, and two other SAT members left the room to quickly exit the building. Unfortunately, the door to exit Axel''s department room was locked. Axel, Ghito, and two other SAT members tried to find a way out. Axel wanted to activate special security protocol level 1 to inform their position, but Ghito prohibited him. Ghito stated that the protocol was under investigation by SAT. There was tension between Axel and Ghito for a moment, but it didn''t last long because Axel just complied. Fortunately, within a few minutes, the medical team came to where Axel was and told him to leave immediately. The same instruction was given to the SAT members. As an emergency handling procedure, Axel was immediately given oxygen masks and taken to the ambulance. However, Axel, who already trusted the medical team and the SAT, just gave in and stayed silent when he slowly but surely lost consciousness. It didn''t take long for Axel to completely lose consciousness, precisely when they reached the base floor. #### Brune C 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 ¡ªa 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¡ª" 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¡ªBrune, 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¡ªsimilar to a police interrogation room¡ªthere 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. 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?" This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. "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 ¡ªhe''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¡ªat least almost all¡ªdata 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 ¡ªmaybe 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. After the special security protocol level 1 is activated. 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. #### Alice C 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 Alice. Alice is a tall, slim woman with beautiful white skin, blonde hair, and thin black eyebrows. She might catch the eye of many people in town because of her looks, but apart from that, her communication skills are something to admire too. Alice isn''t super smart, but she''s not stupid either because she managed to work at ReTecs, known for its tough selection process. She passed the selection because of her ability to understand others, which is useful for comprehending ReTecs'' product users and bridging different divisions or teams at ReTecs. Alice is what you''d call a social butterfly. Working at one of the world''s largest tech companies is Alice''s dream, as she loves tech-related things, even though she''s not as smart as the experts at ReTecs. At least, being part of the Project Advanced Gaming Alternate Reality (PAGAR) as a Project Communications Manager is a huge pride and honor for Alice. Moreover, she believes that PAGAR can bring significant impact to the world, not just in the video game industry. ### Alice woke up a bit late that morning. As usual, she had to make sure the communication channels between divisions were secure and check for any leaks about the ongoing project in her division from spreading in public spaces. Just like her routine, she lay in bed, playing on her smartphone. Checking social media, news sites, and the company''s internal communication channels was more of a hobby for her than just work. Once she fully regained her awareness, she got up from bed and went to her kitchen to cook something simple like a sandwich with bread, ham, some vegetables, her favorite sauce, and of course, making coffee to stay fresh for the day at the office. She had her breakfast in the kitchen, not because her house lacked a dining room or table, but because she preferred eating there. It saved her the hassle of moving the food to the dining table and then back to the kitchen for washing up. While having breakfast, Alice also continued her task, given her recent recognition as one of the 100 Best Employees of the Month. This time, she focused more on reading news about PAGAR, which had been making waves in the public after its announcement a few months ago. While engrossed in reading and enjoying her breakfast, she received a call from Brune. Alice could tell from Brune''s voice that something was wrong. "Still at home, what''s up? Is there a problem?" Alice replied to Brune''s question. Alice quickly finished her breakfast and packed up her stuff for the office, while Brune explained what was happening. "Okay, I''ll do what I can. See you soon," replied Alice, locking her house and getting into her car. Brune continued speaking a few more words, but Alice barely listened as she was busy setting up her car''s autopilot. When Alice wanted to respond, the call had already been ended by Brune. Since the call was cut off by Brune, Alice activated the autopilot and started contacting several people, including her subordinates, to address the issue. ### Alice finally arrived at the office without any problem. She immediately set her car on auto-pilot for auto-parking in the office while she rushed a bit to enter the office building and head to the lobby. Once in the lobby, she set up her tablet to check the real-time situation reported by her subordinates. Not long after she arrived at the office, Axel came as if to greet her, offering a snack in the form of coffee-lemon-flavored candies. It was an odd combination for Alice, but one that Axel liked. However, Alice declined. "Have you heard the report?" Axel asked. "Brune already informed me, but you can tell me the updates," replied Alice, still looking at her tablet screen. "Not much progress. There are still many system and program code errors, some I''ve fixed and are waiting for processing," said Axel, enjoying his favorite candy. "And for the subjects, they are all upset, but there''s one person who stands out. Subject A101." Alice glanced at Axel still munching on that candy, "Why do you like that candy so much, isn''t it weird-tasting?" "At first, it was. But what can I do? Coffee keeps you from falling asleep, and the lemon keeps you awake because of its acidity. You know, programmers need something like this because we get so sleepy from staying up all night to manage the program." Alice just smiled seeing Axel''s expression while eating the candy, looking like someone forced to take bitter medicine mixed with the face of someone eating a lemon. Doing it out of necessity. "Thanks. I''ll let Brune know as soon as he arrives, which shouldn''t be long," said Alice, then sitting on one of the benches in the main lobby. "Alright, oh... I almost forgot," replied Axel, about to leave but not quite, "Can you come to my office before Brune arrives? I think I found something strange, and for some reason, there''s a comment from Brune with random characters, and a few other comments that are even stranger." Alice looked at Axel''s face and asked, "Sure, but is it urgent?" "Yeah. At least before Brune comes, you need to know about this." "Okay, I''ve got less than half an hour." Axel once again offered his favorite candy to Alice, but Alice still refused it for the hundredth time. Refused, Axel left. Meanwhile, Alice followed him from behind. ### When they reached Axel''s office, which was empty at that time because Axel''s assistant was on duty outside, Axel quickly opened the program he was working on. The hologram, which was initially empty, was now filled with a screen containing Axel''s ongoing program. Axel typed and touched the hologram until a display appeared with comments on Axel''s program. "This morning, I fixed the program because of an error, you already knew that. However, after fixing the program, I checked the comments and found all of this," Axel said, showing some comments he meant on the hologram screen. Alice carefully looked at the comments Axel showed. The first comment, with Brune¡¯s ID, only had the writing ''sdghjkl;TAY5SFYHIK''auewsfnl;'' without any other explanation. The second comment, with Axel¡¯s ID, contained a message in the form of binary code. The binary code containing 0s and 1s was understandable to Alice, though it took a moment. But, even though Axel wanted to explain it, Alice raised her hand to ask Axel to be silent and not reveal the answer. It didn''t take long for Alice to figure out the message, which was ''Be careful with SAT, they''re after you.'' The third comment, with Alice¡¯s and Axel¡¯s ID, contains a message. "If you''re reading this, it''s from the future. Check the time tracking. Be careful and inform Brune about the problem with special security protocol level 2 before SAT arrives." Alice glanced at Axel before returning her gaze to the hologram screen to read the fourth comment. The fourth comment, with Alice¡¯s and Axel¡¯s ID again, but with a different message. "We received a message from the future, but the situation we''re facing is different. Check the time tracking." After thoroughly reading all the comments shown by Axel, Alice looked back at Axel. Alice just stood there, silent and confused, not knowing what to say. In her mind, she was aware that something was odd, but she couldn''t explain the oddity. While Alice was still in a daze, Axel said, "I followed the instructions in that comment to check the time, and what I found is even more surprising." "Is the comment''s time really from the future?" Alice guessed, now approaching Axel. Axel nodded, "Yes, you''re right. I''m puzzled too, but it''s likely an error in the time format program." "If that''s the case, we need to inform Brune. At least, if it''s just an error, we can ask Brune for a solution, but if it''s not an error and actually the truth, we can prevent Brune from being visited by SAT." "Alright, if you want to contact him, you can do it outside this floor. Meanwhile, I''ll check a few more things, maybe we''ll find answers or perhaps more weirdness," Axel suggested. Alice moved closer to Axel. "Don''t eat too many candies," Alice said, winking. Axel pulled something out of his pocket and showed it to Alice, "Want some?" Alice just smiled and stifled a laugh, "No, I''m afraid it might mess up your brain, especially with all these oddities." "Please, I''m fed up with all of this, don''t stop me from enjoying this candy." Alice still smiled and then left. However, just before the door slid closed, she winked and said, "Enjoy." ### Alice called Brune when she was one floor down from Axel''s office, but several times the calls went unanswered by Brune. On the fifth call, Brune finally answered. "Sorry to disturb, but there''s something important to relay," Alice said. While listening to Brune, Alice also glanced at her tablet screen, which displayed updated information on several events happening in PAGAR. "This is from Axel, he showed me comments on his program. The comments are quite strange ¡ªthere''s your ID with random characters, Axel''s ID in binary warning to be careful with SAT, and two comments with Axel¡¯s and my ID saying those comments were made from the future," Alice told Brune. Brune continued speaking through the phone connection while Alice kept an eye on her tablet screen. "I know this sounds senseless, but the time tracking confirms it. Maybe there''s an issue with the time format program, that''s what Axel said,'''' Alice tried to convince Brune of the information she was sharing. On her tablet screen, Alice could see that some subjects had been successfully controlled and were ready for the next test, except for one remaining subject. "Alright, understood. I''ll head there right away," Alice replied. After that, Brune ended the call, and so did Alice. Alice took a moment to check a few more things on her tablet before walking to the lift. ### Alice returned to Axel''s office as instructed by Brune. When Alice entered the office, Axel was alone, busy tapping the screen and using a holo-keyboard, surrounded by several holograms. Noticing Alice, Axel break for a moment after saving every change he had made. "How? Did you inform Brune?" Axel asked. "I did. He sent me to ask you to handle this issue on your own first. You''re free to decide whether you want to investigate or take action. Meanwhile, I need to deal with the resistant subject." "Alright, if that''s the order." Looking around, Alice smiled, "Hope you''ll still be sane." Axel could only give back Alice''s smile. After that, Alice left Axel''s office and headed straight to the preparation test room to meet Brune and handle the subject. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ### Right in front of the preparation test room, Brune had just arrived as Alice was about to enter. "How''s it going?" Brune asked, stopping his walk. "Everything''s okay. Some things are under control, just one subject, A101, still protesting. As for the technical side-" "Let''s handle that later. As I said on the call, 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 then entered their respective rooms. Alice entered the preparation test room, while Brune went into the preparation test observation room. ### The preparation test room only had two people, Subject A101 and Alice. Meanwhile, in another adjoining room, separated only by a one-way mirror ¡ªsimilar to a police interrogation room¡ª there were Brune, the main warden of Subject A101, and the subject department head. "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..." Alice briefly skimmed through Subject A101''s background on the holobase before closing it 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. However, she found no sudden termination in the test results on the holobase. "Could you explain what you mean by sudden termination? Our data doesn''t show any sudden termination," Alice said to Subject A101. Subject A101 remained silent, breathing heavily as if he''d just run around the city before saying, "Fuck!" 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. It wasn''t the first time she''d seen this. Brune often disregarded company procedures and rules, it always makes Alice surprised and disbelieving that it was done by someone who is the company''s best employee and is even considered on par with the directors. "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. Also, ask about his investigation findings and the actions he took for the oddities you mentioned in the call before." "Alright. But don''t you want to go see him alone?" Alice answered. "I''ll go. 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. ### 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 Communications Manager, Alice has limited access to enter that office. When Alice entered the office, Axel was alone, busy tapping the screen and using a holo-keyboard, surrounded by several holograms. Obviously, Axel was fixing a program. Noticing Alice, Axel break for a moment after saving every change he had made. "Are you done with the subject?" Axel asked. "I did. And Brune sent me to ask if everything is under control or if he''s still needed," replied Alice. "Some parts of the program are secure, now I''m working on the rest. But still, for the weird comments, I haven''t found a definite answer. It seems I need Brune to make sure." Looking around, Alice smiled. "Just looking at all this makes my head spin. How do you manage to stay sane?" Axel pulled something out of his pocket and showed it to Alice. "With this candy, of course." Alice just smiled and stifled a laugh. "But that doesn''t help you get a girlfriend, does it?" "Come on... I''m already stressed with all of this, let''s not talk about girlfriends anymore. Please," Axel pleaded. Alice still smiled and then left. However, just before the door slid closed, she winked and said, "Fighting." ### Alice walked back to the test preparation room to report to Brune. She could have just called Brune, but all the networks on that floor were locked down, so no network could go in or out. This was Brune and Hector''s initiative to ensure PAGAR''s security against hacker attempts to steal the source code or other malicious activities. As she was almost there, she coincidentally found Brune already leaving the room. "So, how''s it going?" asked Brune. "Everything''s safe and some in progress. But Axel seems to need you," replied Alice. "Before that, 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. "You too," replied Alice, making her way to Lucy''s office. ### When Alice arrived in Lucy''s room, it was already filled with some people from the socialization program led by Lucy. Alice just stayed quiet and followed Lucy''s instructions that were going on. After Lucy finished giving instructions to all her team members, Alice finally approached Lucy, who was organizing some files. "So, how was it?" Lucy asked. "I''m in. But only if you want to tell me about that," Alice replied. "In that case, we''re in agreement," Lucy replied while handing some files to Alice. "These are Ghiovani group''s files. I don''t know why they picked that name for their group. But most importantly, this group will be your responsibility, and their current schedule is to learn about AR and AGAR, which your division is developing." "It''s Giovani, not Ghiovani, just a correction," Alice replied with a smile. "Whatever." "So, what should I do?" "Just do whatever you want. The main thing is you have to tell them about AR and AGAR and answer their questions. It doesn''t have to be precise, but don''t sound too silly." "Alright. By the way, what do you want for lunch?" "I don''t know. I''m on a weight gain thing, so maybe a fatty steak, if you''re paying." "Don''t be silly... You still owe me." "Don''t be like that. How about I treat you to lunch, and you forget about that debt. Deal?" "Nope." Alice then walked out of the office with the files given by Lucy. "I might skip lunch today, I have a bad feeling about it." Lucy laughed sarcastically. "If your feeling is right this time, I''ll treat you for a lifetime." "Just pay your debt. Bye." ### The Giovani group consists of seven students and one accompanying teacher. Alice approached the group, who had been waiting in the lobby for a while. As per Lucy''s assignment, Alice took on the role of a guide, explaining nearly everything about AR and AGAR and answering a few enthusiastic student''s questions, while the rest were busy with their own things. In the midst of the activity, Brune called Alice. Alice immediately ended the Q&A session and told the students to take a break, while Alice moved away from them to answer Brune''s call. "What''s up?" Alice asked when she was far enough from the others, especially the students. While listening to Brune''s words, Alice''s attention focused on finding the lift. After Brune ended the call, Alice quickly walked towards the lift. ### Axel''s office was no longer empty, Brune and Axel were in the room. Both of them were paying attention to the hologram that Alice could guess was the comment she saw earlier. Realizing Alice''s presence, Brune immediately told Alice to sit in the chair near them. Alice then followed Brune''s instructions. "You had seen the comments Axel showed, right? This time there''s a new weird thing, which is the record of duplicated source code data and a security warning code level 3 from SIS-PAGAR," Brune informed Alice, though his attention was still on the hologram screen in front of him. 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. 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. Also, are you sure discussing this here is okay?" "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 examination, Brune said, "The last comment mentioned that the situation is different from the third comment. Could that be because of a time distortion?" "Do you mean they''re reading messages from the future that eventually change their timeline? Do you really believe in that?" Axel replied, looking at Brune. "Maybe. Your attention shouldn''t stop at one point, you have to consider all possibilities." Axel just mumbled disbelief at what Brune said. "Let''s say the future really sends us messages. Why do those who come last still send the same message as the first three comments?" Alice asked. Brune glanced at Alice, "You have a point. If they say the situation is different, they shouldn''t send a warning comment about SAT." Brune then closed the screen in his hologram and replaced it with a screen showing the times when all the comments were made, along with their history. While Alice and Axel watched Brune, they went back to their respective tasks. Not long after, Brune said, "Can you lend me your IDs? There''s something I want to try." "What IDs? What do you want to do?" Axel asked. Meanwhile, Alice just looked at Brune without answering or asking. "I want to see what happens if I really mess with SAT by activating special security protocols level 1 and level 2 with a ''prank'' message. That way, the situation predicted by the second and third comments will actually happen." "Are you crazy? That could be dangerous," Axel replied, approaching Brune. "That''s why I''ll send you a second message, Axel. You have to call me and warn me before I come to the office." "Leaving a trace and conducting an investigation. If your theory is correct, maybe in this timeline, you''ll be kicked out of ReTecs," Axel replied with a smile. "I''ll do it." Brune then glanced at Alice. Alice returned Brune''s gaze, "No. If you do that alone, SAT might come after you." "Don''t be afraid of SAT, they might just ask a few questions. But once they know it''s related to security, they''ll actually be very helpful because they''ll investigate the company''s network thoroughly," Brune emphasized, "So, are you going to do it or not?" Alice still stared at Brune, "Will you track it later?" "Of course, I''ll track it." "You''re up to something, aren''t you?" Axel asked Brune. "Of course," Brune looked at Axel and then Alice alternately, as if affirming to them to trust him. "It''s up to you all," said Alice. Axel then wrote his comments as instructed by Brune and saved them. Shortly after Axel saved his comments, each of their smartphones received a notification that a trial program would be executed without their presence. Axel quickly checked his program, and it had indeed been run, he tried to stop it. Similarly, Brune used a different hologram. However, unfortunately before they could stop it, a power outage occurred, shutting down all things requiring electricity in the office, including the computers they were using. Because of the procedure during a power outage that required all employees to leave until the power could return to normal, they just followed along. Axel, Brune, and Alice left the room to quickly exit the building. Unfortunately, the door to exit Axel''s department room was locked. Axel, Brune, and Alice tried to find a way out. In the middle of his search, Brune said with a smile, "It seems like the right time to activate it." Alice and Axel just exchanged glances when Brune activated the special security protocol level 1 and level 2 with a ''prank'' message in his report. 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, strangely, Alice felt that the more she breathed in oxygen from the mask, the worse her vision became, and her head also felt increasingly dizzy but light. Alice had a bad feeling as soon as she saw the SAT members staring at her. It didn''t take long for Alice to completely lose consciousness, precisely when she reached the base floor. ####