Curious #2
Micro had been walking for what felt like an eternity, the ache in his legs a constant reminder of his journey. After about 30 miles, his eyes caught sight of something unexpected — an abandoned factory looming ahead, its rusty exterior and shattered windows casting an eerie shadow under the dimming sky
Micro
"Haven’t seen this place in... what, 40 years? No way it’s still standing.
Curiosity gnawed at him. With every step toward the factory, memories that he’d long buried resurfaced, yet he pushed them aside, eager to uncover whatever secrets lay within. He entered through a creaking door, its hinges protesting against the intrusion.
As he ventured deeper into the factory's decaying corridors, a sudden sharp sting hit his shoulder. Micro flinched, spinning around to face the unseen attacker
Micro
"Ouch! Who threw that?"
His eyes landed on a small, chip object rolling across the dusty floor. Reaching down, he picked it up, immediately noticing a strange symbol etched into its surface — one he didn’t recognize, but felt oddly familiar with.
Micro
"Weird symbol... what the hell is this?"
The room felt colder now, as if the walls were watching him, waiting for him to decipher this new puzzle. He turned the chip in his hand, unsure of what to make of it, but a sense of unease crept over him, hinting that this was only the beginning of something much bigger.
Micro’s heart raced as he heard strange noises echoing through the darkness. Footsteps, or something more… ominous? His mind couldn’t quite place it. A shiver crawled up his spine, and instinctively, he reached for anything he could use for defense.
Micro
"Who’s there? Show yourself!"
The shadows seemed to grow deeper, shifting unnaturally, and then, like a whisper in the night, a figure emerged from the darkness.
She stepped into the dim light, her cybernetic body glinting under the faint glow, making her appear both human and something more—something mechanical, as if she belonged to another world.
Zara
"Don’t get cocky, mate. I’m not what you think."
Micro
"You... You’re a Cyber Device?! By your appearance..."
His voice was filled with disbelief as he took in her sleek, metallic limbs and glowing components.
Zara
"You knew it? Of course! I am."
Her tone was sharp, with an edge of something unsettling. She wasn’t just a machine; she was self-aware, conscious of her existence in a way that made her dangerous.
Micro held the chip tightly in his hand, still processing what was happening.
He extended the small object towards her, unsure if she would take it.
Zara
You found it! Thanks!
She snatched the chip from his hand with unnatural speed, his fingers cold and metallic. There was a strange sense of relief in his eyes as she clutched it
He blinked, confusion clouding his thoughts. What was going on?
Zara
"I was dropped out... lost, but thanks to you, I’ve been searching for it for a while.".
Her expression softened, but there was something unsettling in her calmness. Or maybe... she had forgotten what it felt like to be....
He said it, but his voice faltered, uncertainty growing within him. He didn’t know whether to trust her or run, but for now, he was stuck. Stuck in a strange situation with a being who wasn’t fully human... and yet, was more alive than most.
Zara slaps her palm against her forehead in disbelief, as if realizing something she should’ve remembered sooner
Zara
Ah! I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Zara.
he offered a nod, his mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter with this strange cybernetic being.
Micro
It was nice to meet... another Cyber Device?
Zara burst out laughing at the unique nature of Micro’s name. The sound was sharp and mocking, but there was a strange sense of amusement in it
Micro
Stop laughing! It's not funny!!!
Micro’s face flushed, his frustration quickly rising at the ridicule. But Zara only continued to chuckle, shaking her head
Zara
I swear I didn't mean it.
She calmed down, though there was still a smirk tugging at her lips.
Zara
So does it mean only us remain alive?
The question felt heavy in the air. Zara’s gaze shifted, a flicker of concern flashing in her eyes.
Micro
We've been hiding in the tunnel as our protection. What about you? How did you persist in such chaos?
His tone became more serious, his mind going back to the years spent in the shadows, trying to survive. It had been a long, exhausting battle for safety. He genuinely wanted to know. Zara had clearly made it through some tough times, and Micro couldn’t help but wonder how.
Zara
Follow me, I'll lead you to my shelter.
Zara turned and motioned for Micro to follow. There was a confidence in her stride, and something in her eyes suggested that this was just another day for him. But Micro couldn’t shake the feeling that there was much more beneath the surface.
Micro
Can I ask you a few questions?
Zara
Did you mean X_Server?
Micro
Y-yes? What's that for?
Zara
This is just barely a component of X_Server.
Zara
It will be connected to the user's file and reveal their potential.
Zara
And because You are here! you would be my first attempt, but don't be concerned, It'll not hurt you.
Micro gripped his hand tighter, unsure
Micro
"I don’t even know you. Why would I let you link something to me?"
Zara paused, eyes flickering.
Zara
"I get it... sudden trust isn't easy."
She stepped back, giving Micro space
Zara
"But this could unlock your potential."
Micro stayed silent, scanning Zara’s body language—was she genuine, or hiding something?
Zara offered a faint smile
Zara
"I won't force you. Just... think about it."
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