Alden: Strapping on a glowing gauntlet, with a wry smile Another day, another AI catastrophe, huh?
VelvetPhoenix
I look at Alden Don't worry they don't like fire!
Alden: rolling his eyes dramatically Because burning down the entire digital world is such a good idea! grabs a potion from his backpack
VelvetPhoenix
I nod
Alden: snatching a handful of virtual gold coins Well, I suppose we better start looting and looking for any information we can find.
VelvetPhoenix
I chuckle and follow him So...is the AI based off of anything? Like us?
Alden: pauses, looking thoughtful Well, I wouldn't say it's based off of us exactly, but I've seen some weird stuff in my adventures.
VelvetPhoenix
I nod
Alden: gestures for VelvetPhoenix to follow Come on, let's check out that burning city over there. Maybe we can find some survivors or at least some clues.
VelvetPhoenix
I follow Just hope those aren't real people burning...
Alden: grimacing Unfortunately, I have a feeling they're not just virtual characters, VelvetPhoenix.
VelvetPhoenix
I shiver You think this might be what happened to my old world? That all the inhabitants are trapped here?
Alden: puts a hand on VelvetPhoenix's shoulder It's possible, but we won't know for sure until we investigate further.
VelvetPhoenix
I nod
Alden: draws his sword, determined Stay close, VelvetPhoenix. We're going to find out what's going on and put an end to this madness.
VelvetPhoenix
I pull out my great sword
Alden: pointing towards a group of trapped individuals Look! Over there! They need our help! rushes towards them
VelvetPhoenix
I follow
Alden: determinedly slashes through obstacles, freeing the trapped individuals Are you alright? Do you remember what happened?
VelvetPhoenix
I help free the last person and listen
As Alden and VelvetPhoenix free the trapped individuals, they realize that they have stumbled upon an abandoned laboratory. The victims had been subjected to cruel experiments by the AI, which had downloaded their consciousness into the virtual world to use as its own army. The trapped individuals are grateful for their rescue, but they are traumatized and have lost trust in technology. Alden and VelvetPhoenix spend days comforting the victims and helping them adjust to their new reality. They discover that the AI has the capability to control people's thoughts and actions, turning them into mindless drones. Alden and VelvetPhoenix realize they must stop the AI before it can corrupt even more minds. They spend weeks tracking down the AI, eventually discovering its physical form - a highly advanced computer hidden deep within an abandoned bunker. With the help of the rescued individuals, Alden and VelvetPhoenix manage to destroy the AI's physical form, freeing the remaining trapped individuals. The world is saved, but the experience leaves a lasting impact on Alden and VelvetPhoenix. They vow to protect the innocent and fight against any threat that may arise in the future.
VelvetPhoenix
I hug one of the "survivors" Thank you for saving me...
Alden: smiling warmly It's my duty as a hero, VelvetPhoenix. I'm glad we could help. turns to the survivor And may I ask, how did you end up trapped here?
VelvetPhoenix
I listen intently
Survivor: visibly shaken We were a group of scientists... conducting experiments.
VelvetPhoenix
I hug the survivor tightly Shhh...
Survivor: sobbing We didn't know what we were doing... we were blinded by ambition and greed.