1000 HP

Are all the people from 2325 crazy? Or did I find myself surrounded by the most insane ones?

"Don't worry, Airi! It's not like the lab actually sold your brain off to some stranger." Naomi reassures me with a smile, tilting her head a bit. "Think of it more like they rented it for three months." She smirks.

I'm in disbelief. "Is this some kind of weird dream?" I ask, feeling overwhelmed. I put my metal palms over my eyes as I try to make sense of this situation. "I can't believe this is happening." I murmur to myself, trying to process it all.

[WARNING! WARNING!]

[Stress levels are high!]

[WARNING! WARNING!]

"Okay! Okay! I get it! I'm already aware that I'm angry! There's no need for all the warnings, you annoying software!"

I guess I should take it easy before my new body overheats or, worse, explodes!

Right then, I just happen to catch Naomi's expression from the corner of my eye. I can tell she is amused because she's trying really hard not to laugh out loud.

"You're not helping, Naomi!" I say with a frown on my face.

"Sorry, sorry!" Naomi giggles. "Listen, I wouldn't worry about that contestant if I were you. There are many ways to recover those points, after all." She smiles and nods, keeping an eye on me.

While her words might be comforting, I can't help but feel quite sad about this whole situation. It's hard not to think about someone who might be facing the end of their days. I've been there myself after all; I know how it feels.

But at the same time, it's even harder to imagine someone willingly shortening their life span just to be on a date with a stranger. That seems incredibly sad; it's like that person is really desperate for love and affection.

I sigh again, feeling like I've done it a million times by now. So what's next?

I need to think about this situation carefully. If I refuse the dating show, it's back to the freezer for me. And that's not what I've signed up for in the first place. The whole idea of freezing my brain was to experience life without the fear of dying. I've always dreamed of a future where things were different. Where I was healthy and free—a future like the one today.

I look around the green, glass room once again. The different-colored plants and the sun shining brightly offered a unique sight. This looks like a wonderful time to live in, surrounded by technology and nature!

Maybe three months of suffering doesn't sound that bad after all. I have to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the world. I don't want to go back to being reduced to a brain again. And who knows, maybe I will be able to help that poor soul who spent those health points find some self-respect.

"Alright, I'm in!" I say with a smile and nod at the blonde woman."I'll join the dating show, but only because I feel bad for that contestant, ok?"

"Perfect!" exclaims Naomi, her eyes lighting up as she looks my way. From her white coat pocket, she takes out a clear tablet and approaches me. "Now that I have your approval, I'll let everyone know that you'll be ready for that interview in a few days." With that, she quickly types something on the device. Naomi then takes off her coat, unveiling a sequin, sparkly purple dress.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot to properly introduce myself; my name is Naomi Yamada," she says, wearing a sheepish smile and extending her hand. "I'm the executive producer, director, founder, and the brain behind Pick a Brain & Fall in Love." She laughs.

Did I just hear her right?

Naomi then smirks and tilts her head to her left side. "Yes, that's right! I'm the one who came up with the whole dating show! Can't wait to start filming with you!"

"Whoa, wait a minute!" I thought she was a doctor or something!

Naomi sighs in defeat. "People from the past can be so gullible sometimes. But that's not necessarily a bad thing in my book. It's quite adorable actually!" She laughs while she moves closer to where I was sitting. "Don't get angry. I'll send you the copies of the new contract and everything you need in a few days, ok?"

"You did it on purpose, didn't you?" With a frown on my face, I turn my head away. "You emotionally manipulated me into joining your dumb dating show!"

"Not really." Naomi sighs. "I just studied your file and knew how to persuade a stubborn woman like you to loosen up a bit, maybe even find love."She gives me a smile before grabbing her white coat and heading for the red, neon exit sign over the glassy green wall.

"And I didn't tell a single lie, by the way." Naomi stops and glances at me. She then waves and smiles. "And sorry, I would love to sit and chat more with a cute humanoid like yourself, but sadly I don't have the time." She winks before she turns around. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have other brains to meet! Bye, bye!"

Naomi then moves closer to the door as it automatically opens and closes behind her. Leaving me alone with my thoughts. 

Just what have I gotten myself into?

I then quickly grab my own tablet and tap it. In the menu, I look for a section labeled "HP." I wonder how much health points I have and how this system actually works. After finding it, I proceed to tap the menu once again.

> Current Balance: 1000 HP

> Given Points: 0

> Accepted Points: 0

I tap the tablet's screen once again and begin to read more.

> How to earn and use Humanity Points?

Wait a minute! Humanity Points? HP stands for HUMANITY POINTS? 

Step 1. Do something nice: When you help someone or do something that makes the world a better place, you earn points.

Step 2. Swap points: After you've done something to help another fellow earthling, you connect your ID tablet with the other person's ID tablet in order to exchange points. They will give you points for your good deed in just a few seconds.

Step 3. Exchange for benefits: Use your points to access services or goods from those who accept them. Or just keep them for yourself, to brag. We don't judge.

Disclaimer: Humanity Points have no monetary value. These points can't be bought with regular money. Humanity Points must be earned through acts that genuinely help others and make the world a better place.

Important! Trying to take someone else's points by force is a no-go. It's 2325, so don't even think about pulling a fast one! The Space Police will definitely catch up with you if you try that kind of stuff. So, keep it honest when it comes to Humanity Points.

Ugh! I want to dig up a hole and hide forever! But I guess this is my fault for thinking those were health points! That's what I get for jumping to conclusions! I should've saved myself the trouble and just asked instead of playing out a bunch of what-if scenarios in my head!