World Description and NEW Updates

Cotox is a nation where security measures are almost nonexistent. The citizens, having grown accustomed to living in an environment of absolute safety, trust their surroundings without question. This unshakable sense of security stems from Cotox's mastery of Neuraforma, a groundbreaking technology that reconstructs human biology and psychology. For generations, the people of Cotox have lived without encountering anything “bad,” and as a result, the very concept of danger has faded from their collective memory.

While Cotox offers its citizens a paradise-like existence, it exerts control over other nations through colonization and technological dominance. These oppressed nations, stripped of their freedoms, labor under Cotox’s hegemony while its citizens remain blissfully unaware of the cost of their utopia.

Ren and the Resistance

Ren is part of an underground resistance group fighting against Cotox’s oppressive rule. Tasked with uncovering the cracks in this so-called "perfect" society, he begins living as an ordinary Cotox citizen. To achieve his mission, Ren marries Kaede, a native of Cotox who dreams of a peaceful and idyllic life. However, this seemingly straightforward plan forces Ren to confront his own morality and question the shadows of his past.

The Fourth Robot Age

The era in which this story unfolds is known as the Fourth Robot Age, but its origins trace back to the early 20th century during the First World War.

In 1914, Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz pioneered the lobotomy technique. However, the British intelligence service covertly adapted his research into a secret project aimed at “mind control.” Instead of severing neural connections, the project sought to manipulate the brain’s chemical balance, revolutionizing warfare. This technology, later named Neuraforma, became the cornerstone of England’s military dominance.

By 1916, England successfully deployed Neuraforma against Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, collapsing the German resistance and bringing an early end to the First World War. The aftermath of this technological victory saw England gain unparalleled control over global power dynamics.

Historical Impacts

The Reshaping of Wars:
In the 1930s, Neuraforma evolved beyond the battlefield, becoming a tool to influence political leaders. By manipulating decision-making processes, wars that could have devastated entire nations were replaced by calculated diplomacy. Yet, the moral boundaries of this technology were quickly blurred.

The Rise of Cotox: In 1945, England established the Cotox Confederation, a superpower that wielded Neuraforma to dominate other nations economically and politically. Cotox’s promise of a world without war came at the expense of free will and individuality. Oppressed nations were transformed into subordinate states, their autonomy erased.

Resistance and the Global Order

Today, Cotox governs the world as a hegemonic force. However, small nations and resistance groups that reject its influence continue to fight for their independence. These rebels challenge the moral implications of Neuraforma, advocating for humanity’s freedom. Ren is a pivotal figure in this struggle, infiltrating Cotox to dismantle its control from within.

Technological Eras

The First Robot Age: Following the Industrial Revolution, the widespread use of machinery transformed labor and production processes.The Second Robot Age: Beginning in the 1910s with the discovery of Neuraforma, this era saw the development of mind control technologies for military purposes. Neuraforma’s ability to manipulate thought processes marked a significant leap in human innovation, shifting the nature of warfare.The Third Robot Age: By the 1980s, artificial intelligence and genetic engineering merged, leading to the complete automation of the workforce. Robotics advanced rapidly, and all industries transitioned to automated systems.
In Cotox, all production, maintenance, and even demolition operations are handled by robots. Every household has at least one robot assistant. With robots performing all tasks, the concept of "work" has disappeared. The only responsibility of Cotox citizens is to live happy and healthy lives, engaging in hobbies and pursuits that suit their personalities and nature.The Fourth Robot Age: In the mid-21st century, the invention of genetic revival technology, known as Revivogen, created unprecedented biodiversity. Revivogen reconstructed extinct species from DNA, making Earth home to its richest ecological diversity in history.
While this technology theoretically allows the resurrection of deceased individuals, ethical concerns have prevented its widespread application.

A Society of Change

Cotox is defined by its relentless pursuit of change. Its citizens do not see themselves as perfect but believe in perpetual growth and transformation, viewing the process of change as the ultimate form of perfection. This philosophy justifies any means necessary, even exploitation. To Cotox, actions taken against non-citizens are always framed as beneficial to the nation and its people.

Daily Life and Infrastructure

Power plants, administrative centers, and production facilities are located far from residential areas and designed as towering skyscrapers to minimize their environmental footprint. The population resides in spacious, detached homes, and population density continues to decrease over time.

Transportation in Cotox relies solely on stratospheric flights and a nationwide underground metro system. Roads and sidewalks as we know them do not exist, as walking is preferred for shorter distances.

At birth, every individual receives a neural implant, allowing direct access to the internet without external devices. This chip enables information to be downloaded directly to the brain and is activated via a small button near the right eye. As a result, devices such as televisions, phones, and computers are now obsolete.

Education and Social Life

There are no schools or similar institutions where children gather. Until the age of 15, individuals download their annual curriculum from the government’s website and upload it to their brains incrementally to avoid overwhelming them.
Children form friendships in local play and entertainment centers and generally stay at home with their families. Virtual games are also considered a significant form of socialization.

An Inherent Flaw

If Cotox has one glaring flaw, it is the lack of self-discovery and a sense of purpose. Those who spend excessive time consuming mindless internet content or engaging in social media reminiscent of earlier eras are known as Anchio. These individuals fail to fully develop their personalities during adolescence or adulthood.

Currently, there is no treatment for this condition. Anchio individuals comprise 8% of the population, a relatively high number. They are more prone to suicidal tendencies, a behavior distinct from modern depression that cannot be treated with serotonin-based interventions.

Due to high demand, euthanasia is legal in Cotox and can be administered upon request at healthcare facilities. While not every Anchio opts for euthanasia, it remains one of the reasons for the steadily declining population.

 

"This story is an alternative interpretation of historical events and does not aim to glorify any real events, figures, or their actions. It is a work of fiction created to explore alternate paths in history and discuss different possibilities for the future."