Echoes of the Outside (Volume 2)

"..."

The wise speaker took a deep breath. "No, there’s still some hope," he said carefully. "The virus may have damaged parts of their brain, but not all of it. We should be able to repair those damaged areas using advanced AI and robotic technology. Thankfully, the life pods are keeping their bodies intact and functioning in the meantime."

Kaito’s head shot up, his eyes flickering with hope. "So it’s still possible?" he asked eagerly.

The wise speaker nodded but raised a hand in warning. "Yes. But don’t hold on to that thought too tightly. The path ahead will be painful if things do not transpire as you have hoped for."

Despite the wise speaker's serious tone, Kaito couldn’t help the faint smile that crept onto his face. That small spark of hope was enough to ignite his curiosity. "You mentioned ‘we.’ Does that mean there are others like you? Others in the real world?"

"Yes," the speaker smiled knowingly. "Together, we are exploring this mysterious dome, its strange structure that shelters the lives of every individual in this virtual world. At least, for those within this particular country."

"Country?" Kaito repeated, his brow furrowing. "Does that mean there are other 'domes' out there?"

"Yes, it seems that way," the wise speaker confirmed. "Each major nation has its dome, housing countless life pods that sustain the people within. Yet, all of these domes are connected to the same virtual world."

"So, have you all visited these other 'domes'?" Kaito asked.

"No," the wise speaker's voice grew sombre. "It's not that we haven't tried, we have attempted many times, but it's simply impossible to visit other domes due to the dangers that lie outside."

"Dangers?" Kaito's expression became serious.

"You could say we're living in hell," the speaker continued. "The sky is shrouded in crimson clouds, and there is not a single sign of greenery, only endless, dry, plain wasteland lies ahead."

"The dome is like a paradise."

"..."

"I see," Kaito replied softly. "Then, are you in contact with people from other domes? I assume you use some kind of communication device, right?"

"Yes, that's correct," the wise speaker said with a smile. "Thanks to AI managing the communications, we have been able to connect and establish good relationships with people from Xia, Bharata, Scythia, Alkebulan, and Cemanahuac. And of course, the dome we are currently residing in is called Albion."

"Is that all the 'domes'?" Kaito asked.

"Good question," the wise speaker replied. "No, it isn’t. As of now, we are actively trying to establish connections with other domes around the world. There are still more out there without a doubt, either no one has awakened in them, or the domes have been destroyed."

"Destroyed?" Kaito repeated, puzzled. "How would that happen?"

The wise speaker’s expression grew grim. "Remember when I mentioned the creatures outside the domes?"

Kaito nodded, recalling the earlier conversation. "Oh yes. What about them?"

"Well," the wise speaker said. "These aren't just your ordinary creatures that you may see in the zoo, these are creatures, incredibly dangerous. If you even dare to step outside the dome, they will not hesitate to tear you apart. And that is not all, they are intelligent. They actively seek to destroy the dome's outer shell. Normally, the AI's defence mechanisms have no problem handling them, but there are times when we ourselves have to go out and deal with them ourselves. If we don’t, the dome, and everyone inside it, is sure to reach its doom."

"Wait," Kaito interjected, his tone incredulous. "Didn’t you say they were dangerous? How do you even fight them?"

The wise speaker gave a knowing smile. "You should know the answer to that by now, Kaito."

Kaito's eyes widened as he realized. "Ah, of course... AI," he said with a scoff. "So, they train you for this and everything?"

"Yes," the wise speaker confirmed. "I may look old, but I’d say I’m a pretty good fighter."

"Haha, sure," Kaito said with a mocking chuckle.

"..."

Despite the wise speaker addressing all of Kaito's questions, one lingering doubt remained in his mind.

"Thank you for answering my questions," Kaito said. "Though it’s hard to take it all in, I more or less believe you."

"But there’s still something I don’t understand." Kaito’s expression grew serious.

"Go on," the wise speaker said, remaining open and patient.

"You’ve told me all about the 'real' world," Kaito continued. "But you haven’t explained why you’re here."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice steady. "So... What are you doing here?"