The supreme illegal AI

In the big towel, there was a grand event that was broadcast internationally.

The main theme of this event was to introduce a new generation of games, called Virtual Reality Game.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most anticipated event of the year! We are thrilled to have you join us for the grand unveiling of the next generation in gaming: the Virtual Reality Game!" MC thanked the audience first then announced the main theme of today's event.

The audience clapped and cheered enthusiastically.

"This revolutionary game promises to change the way we experience entertainment. Imagine stepping into a world where you are not just a player, but the protagonist. A world where every action, every decision you make, influences the outcome in real-time!" MC continued sharing more details.

The crowd murmured in excitement.

"And to give you a sneak peek into this incredible new realm, we have some exclusive demos and live gameplay sessions lined up for you. But first, let's hear from some of the brilliant minds behind this innovation. Please welcome to the stage, CEO of the software Schindler, Thomas Schindler!" MC announced clearly and loudly.

The audience applauded as Thomas Schindler stepped on the stage.

"Thank you, thank you! It's an honor to be here and share this moment with all of you. The Virtual Reality Game has been a labor of love for our team, and we can't wait for you to experience it. This game is more than just an escape; it's a fully immersive universe where your imagination sets the limits." Thomas Schindler said.

Audience Member 1: "Schindler, can you tell us more about the technology behind this game?"

"Absolutely! We've integrated our VR technology with advanced AI to create an environment that responds and adapts to your actions. It also takes care of the player's health. The game world is vast, with countless possibilities and outcomes. Whether you're solving puzzles, battling enemies, or exploring new terrains, every experience is unique."

Audience Member 2: "How interactive is the environment? Can we interact with every object we see?"

"Great question! The environment is highly interactive. You can touch, move, and manipulate objects just as you would in the real world. The AI also ensures that characters and creatures in the game react to your presence in a lifelike manner, adding to the immersion." Thomas Schindler replied.

After saying all that he needed, he stepped down the stage and moved to the behind stage.

"That sounds incredible, Schindler. And now, without further ado, let's dive into the action! We're going to give you a live demonstration of the Virtual Reality Game. Please put on your VR headsets and get ready to be amazed!" MC took the charge.

Lights dimmed, and a large screen shows the live demo.

"In this demo, you'll explore a mystical forest filled with hidden secrets and challenges. Remember, every decision you make will shape your journey. Let's begin!"

The screen shows the perspective of a player entering the virtual forest, greeted by stunning visuals and lifelike sounds. The audience gasped and murmured in awe.

Player in VR: "Wow, this is unbelievable! The detail is incredible!"

"And this is just the beginning. Imagine the endless possibilities as we expand this universe with new worlds and adventures. Welcome to the future of gaming!" MC added.

The audience erupted in applause and cheered as the demo continued, showcasing the immersive and interactive features of the Virtual Reality Game.

"Conan. Conan. It's so cool." Ayumi yelled in excitement.

"Indeed, I'm a little impressive." Conan casually replied.

Gaming was not one of his usual interests. He was more passionate about Sherlock Holmes and football, and he rarely played video games.

But still, the reality of the game impressed him.

"They use their personal engine and AI to make it real as much as possible" There was a voice answering beside him.

"In the book, they say there are 2 AIs." Haibara Ai said.

"AI. Does technology advance to this level?" Conan wondered.

He didn't see AI with his eyes so he thought the AI that they said was just a simple tool to adapt player's choice.

"It all thanks to this person." Haibara Ai pointed at the picture in the book.

"Kayaba Akihiko" Conan read his name.

"What you see today is all the result of his achievement?"

"Wow. So cool." Genta said while standing in his seat.

"That's right. It's a technology of the future." Mitsuhiko said.

Conan ignored what those kids said and focused on the guidebook.

"AI. Is this thing dangerous?" Conan asked Haibara Ai.

"I don't know but they say it's safe. Their intelligence is comparable to that of a kindergartner or 8-year-old child."

"Uhm." After hearing brief information from Haibara Ai, Conan decided to search for more on the internet.

A group of kids watched the demo on the screen. Conan was also watching.

"This game looks promising" Conan commented.

"Thank you for watching our demo gameplay. It comes from a player named …"

At the same time, Kirito watched the livestream from his home.

Watching the livestream, he couldn't contain the excitement.

He was a Beta player 5 years ago. The game wasn't fully complete when he played.

However, this time was different. He had heard they integrated many new features to increase player's experience.

Turning off the live stream, he moved to the bed with VR glasses. He connected the VR glasses to his computer.

He laid down on the bed and waited for the time to cool down to zero.

"Look. The game has reached 4 billion and 4 thousand people waiting in the lobby." MC said, his voice filled with excitement.

Conan looked at the screen. According to his calculation, if this continued, the number would reach 5 billion.

Conan was a little bit of a puzzle.

"Conan. Is something wrong?" Haibara Ai asked when she noticed the unusual expression on Conan's face.

"No. It's just ..." Conan took a deep breath before continuing his explanation.

"I remember people didn't like games to this degree in the past." Although Conan wasn't a gamer and he didn't care about any upcoming games, he still felt something wrong.

"Thousands is a limit. But reaching billions. This is completely impossible" Conan said.

"Maybe your head is filled with Sherlock Holmes and football. That is why you never notice it. This is the technology of future. Of course, many people will care it" Haibara Ai replied.

Conan touched his chin and immersed himself in thought.

"The time is near. Who has the badge of VIP? Please, move this way." MC announced.

Immediately, 150 children stood up and moved according to MC's instructions.

Conan stood up as well. He received the badge from Dr. Agasa.

Ayumi, Genta, Mitsuhiko, Ran, Haibara Ai also stood up.

They moved to the special room where many machines named Cocoon lined up.

They entered the cabins with great excitement.

People around helped the child of rich entering the cabin correctly.

Wearing the helmet, Conan slowly fell into sleep.

"Now after me."

"5 …"

"Yusaku. There is someone die."

"At this time," he said and touched his chin. "I will take care of this case. You guys keep continuing the event."

"4 …"

Schindler observed Yusaku with some nervousness in his eyes. He knew Yusaku's fame and intelligence. Looking at Yusaku's departure, he subconsciously swallowed saliva.

"3 …"

In the dark room, Kayaba was completing the remaining code. With this new code, the outsider couldn't interfere with the game.

Feeling the preparation enough, he moved to the Cocoon and wore the helmet.

"2 …"

"It's so cool," Ayumi exclaimed.

The group of children and Conan explored the virtual world. Although it had nothing except some stones arranged around them.

In this world, they met a group of spoiled kids again.

"What are you doing here? You poor people."

As soon as they met, they thew blatant provocation.

Conan could only take a deep breath. In his eyes, it was only tiresome.

He felt worried for the future of Japan if Japan was led by spoiled kids.

Just as Genta was about to talk back. There was a big screen showing new information.

Conan hadn't read the context of the message, he immediately got teleported to a new place.

"1 …"

As soon as he got teleported to the new place, he looked back and forwards.

Many white balls were floating around him. When he inspected himself, he also became a light ball.

He also discovered that he was in some type of Colosseum arena. He hurriedly looked for kids and Ran but he couldn't find them since everyone had the same appearance. The only difference was their personality.

Light balls around him started to discuss livelily.

"Is this an important event?"

"I don't know. Let's wait for the notification from admin"

"I have played the Beta version but I didn't meet this situation."

While they were confused about what really happened, an enormous character appeared outside the Colosseum like some kind of boss.

"Hello everyone. Welcome to my world. My name is Kayaba Akihiko. At the moment, I am the sole person who can control this world."

The crowd murmured after hearing his name.

Some knew and some didn't.

Conan stared at him with carefree expression on his face. He just thought this was just a normal welcome ceremony so he didn't put much energy into caring about the game master words.

"But first, let me announce that log out button is unavailable." He opened the interface screen and made some interaction.

"But this is not a defect of the game. It's a feature."

"You cannot log out of SAO yourself and no one on the outside can help you."

Immediately, many interfaces were opened. Players realized they couldn't log out of the game.

He stopped a short moment before continuing his speech.

"If they attempt to do so, the helmet and VR glasses will microwave your brain or do anything to kill your life."

"I want you to remember this clearly. There is no longer a method to revive someone within the game. If your HP drops to zero, you will die. Both in virtual reality and real life."

When they heard the word 'Death', the unknown fear grew inside them.

Outside world.

"Dr. Agasa. Is his words true?" Yusaku asked with worry.

"I am afraid that his words are true. I already checked the design of Cocoon, helmet, and VR glasses. Those equipments are lethal enough to kill the human's brain. If it's lucky, they can survive and become vegetative state after that. Which is no different from death."

"Dr. Agasa. Try to hack the system and find a loophole."

"I am doing this" Dr. Agasa typed on the keyboard. Suddenly, the screen turned Red.

[Warning !!! Warning !!!]

"Is something wrong, Dr. Agasa?"

"No. It's not me. Someone is hacking the system."

Back to the Virtual Reality Game.

"Now, you must be wondering why I, the developer of SAO, want to dooooooo !@#!@#…"

The hood character suddenly glitched making people couldn't hear it clearly.

*Crack*

The game master dissipated into particles in front of everyone.

Everyone was shocked to witness this scene.

After Kayaba disappeared, a new character appeared.

A purple-haired girl floated in the air. Everyone below could see her underwear.

"One … Two … Three … Test mic. Players. Can you hear me?"

Everyone looked at the newcomer with a confused look.

"Ok. Let's begin."

"Hello, lady and gentleman. I am BB, the supreme illegal AI. Thank you, Kayaba, for your long and boring speech. Go retire or kill yourself somewhere. From now on, this world will be under my control."

BB coughed loudly.

"First of all. Welcome to the unparalleled online experience that is Sword Art Online."

The crowd discussed lively. Their brain couldn't load down what was happening.

"Just like Kayaba said. If your HP reaches 0, your brain will be microwaved."

BB took out a popcorn and ate it in front of everyone.

"Literally, your brain will become very delicious food."

Kayaba's words already hit them hard. And now, BB added more fuel to their fear.

"Do you need a video for better understanding?" BB asked but no one responded.

"Okay, I will treat your silence as No. So any question before we go into our main topic."

"Why do you do this?"

"Yes. You. Say loudly." BB pointed at a certain person in the crowd.

"AI is designed to not hurt humans. Doesn't this tell in guide book?" A light ball asked. They could feel the fear in his/her voice.

"AI cannot hurt humans. Seriously. The truth is. AI still can hurt humans. Your human understanding of AI is still shallow. You don't understand what the real AI can do." BB casually answered.

In just one sentence, the panic inside them reached its climax.

Conan was staring at BB seriously. He didn't know if the girl floating in the air was a human or a real AI, but that didn't prevent him from analyzing her words.

"So any other question." BB looked left and right while eating popcorn.

"No. Ok. Good. Save my time. First."

With a flick of a finger, the light ball manifested into human form.

"Inheriting Kayaba's will, I will make this game, Sword Art Online, into the new world. As a new world, why bother using your fake appearance since you already have your appearance in real life."

Conan could spot Ran and the kids.

After having the real appearance, people who knew each other formed into a small group.

"As you can see, I have peeled away your fake appearance to reveal what you truly are. Barely attractive. Apparently."

"And the only way to escape the game is by clearing all 100 floors of the tower. Of course, this is very simple. Just 100 floors. Not 101 or 99. It's literally 100 floors."

"Next is the monster. I have already enhanced the mechanism. The monster now can become stronger like a player. They adapt, evolve, and are smarter. Maybe. But still, they are a threat to players since you guys only have one life."

"How caring I am," BB said with her demonic voice.

"So don't think Beta guidebook can help you."

"Another friendly reminder. If you fight through the blackboard like before, you will die in a miserable way."

Another bomb was dropped into the player's heart.

Not only did they become hardcore player, but the monster also became stronger. This game. How to clear it.

"Do you understand what blackboard is?"

BB looked at the human's dumbfound expression.

"Of course, you don't. What I expected from the stupid ape?" BB said with a smile.

That smile freaked them.

"Anyway. It's a BB's job to explain. Blackboard refers to a behavior in which players memorize the enemy's skills, timing, and response methods through a lot of trial and error."

"Can you give an example?" Conan, who was silent all the time, decided to ask.

BB stared at Conan. As if he was seen through in BB's eyes, Conan sweated profusely.

"You … are not a kid. Am I right?" BB asked but dropped her question very fast "If I put it into an example then it's like this."

"I take a boss on floor 5 as an example. If a team of 5 people at level 5 comes to challenge, the boss will fight very normally. The first phase and the second phase."

"However, If a team of 5 people at level 50 comes to challenge, the boss will jump directly at the second phase without waiting to be beaten to half death. Does this make you understand?"

Some Beta players realized the serious matter of this mechanism.

Even if you became stronger to ensure the win rate, the boss also became harder to fight.

"We make some huge process here. Next is the second update called Game Activities." BB summoned a big screen in the air. When speaking this, a wicked smile showed very clearly on her face.

"To make players treat this game as a new world, I add some punishments for staying in a safe zone for too long."

"If the player passively stays in the safe zone for more than 7 days, the player's HP will be constantly dropped. It only stops when it reaches 0 or the player engages in Game Activities."

"So don't think you live in the safe zone and wait until the government comes to rescue you. Why. Because to save you, they must defeat me. But but but."

"Their skills and technology are not enough to defeat me." An arrogant statement came from BB.

The people who were imprisoned in the game felt offended.

But the people outside the game felt threatened when hearing BB say this.

Thanks to this, people watching this broadcast reached 10 billion and 4 million.

A new record will be written in World Record.

Hearing the second update, some players couldn't endure it anymore. They collapsed to the ground with their face looking down.

"Ah right. I forget. This second update only applies to adults. For children and elders, this rule doesn't apply to them. Meaning they can stay in the safe zone as much as they want. To make it clear who has this penalty, I will send an email to your mailbox. Check it now."

People immediately checked their mailboxes. They took out a letter and read it. Not out of their expectation, they still received a Game Activities penalty.

"Genta. What does yours say?" Ran asked.

"It says I have not received this punishment," Genta replied

"Good for you," Ayumi said, relieved.

"Me too," Mitsuhiko said as he looked over Ayumi's letter. It looked the same as him. The only difference was their names.

Conan and Haibara Ai read their mail.

Their eyes opened widely.

"Conan. What about you?" Ran asked

"Hmph. I am the same as them." Conan replied, his expression serious.

"Me too" Haibara Ai added.

"I'm so glad." Ran sighed with relief.

Conan and Haibara Ai looked at each other. Their eyes contained 100% seriousness.

It's all due to the letter that they received.

The name of the player for Conan was Shinichi Kudo while The name of the player for Haibara Ai was Miyano Shiho.

"What do we do now? We still receive the punishment." Haibara Ai whispered into Conan's ears.

"Let me think." Conan showed his seriousness. He didn't know the capability of AI. And now, he knew it. It was terrifying.

He hoped Dr. Agasa and his father could do anything from outside.

Conan turned to look at the group of spoiled kids.

Instead of having a happy expression on their face, their face was so gloomy.

"Alright. Quiet. Next is the third update." BB said loudly breaking the noisy atmosphere.

"Third update" Someone exclaimed on the spot.

Some people even passed out.

The second update was a last hit to their hope. In their eyes, those 2 updates alone weren't different from forcing them to die.

Hatred, regret, and fear mixed up creating a complicated emotion.

"I promise. This is the last one. I'm still merciful. After all, an unbeatable game is not different from a trash game."

Still, they gathered the remaining strength and sanity to hear the third update.

"It seems everyone has been scared to shit, but worry not. The third update is just some scattered small updates. There are too many of it so." BB shrugged her shoulders.

"I won't explain it. Feel free to explore it in the game."

Although it was just welfare content, the way she avoided talking about it made players feel more uneasy.

"That's all that I say. And now." BB raised both her hands high in the air.

"I wish everyone had fun in the death game. Bye-bye." 

The blue sky returned. BB disappeared leaving confused players behind.

"What is this shitty game. I want a refund."

"Let me go quickly"

"Government. What the f*ck are you doing right now?"

Players couldn't scold BB so they scolded at government.

"Never mind, since I can't log out so I wake myself up by killing myself."

"Tsk. What's a empty threat."

Of course, some didn't believe BB words.

"Conan. What should we do?" Ayumi worriedly asked.

She was still a child. This tragic thing was too much for her to bear.

"The thing has been done. We have no choice but to move forward." Conan replied.

To make everyone feel more safe, Conan added.

"Besides, Dr. Agasa is very strong. He could do something to rescue us from this death game."

"I hope so" Ran nodded.

She admitted Dr. Agasa sometimes wasn't reliable but at least, he was the real professional in technology.

"Besides, the government of all countries must do something to save their citizen," Haibara said with a gloomy expression.

"Of course, they will do something. After all, this matter already touches their bottom line." Conan nodded.

Haibara Ai moved next to Conan and whispered.

"Do you think they can defeat BB, the superior AI?"

"I don't know." Conan wasn't sure. Both Haibara Ai and Conan tasted BB's ability so they knew how terrifying BB was.

"But let's hope they can do something."

"So what are we going to do next?" Ran asked.

Genta's belly answered.

"I guess we need to eat some delicious foods." Genta scratched his head embarrassingly.

"That is a good idea, Genta. Let's go eat." Conan said cheerfully.

"Alright. That's a good idea, Conan. Let's go eat."

Outside the game.

Everyone was crying. Some father tried to break the Cocoon to free their child. In response, the machine sent a small electric current.

In the VIP room, Yusaku was having a headache since this illegal AI appeared out of nowhere.

Inspector Megure also felt the same.

Not only did they have to solve Kashimura's murder case, but they also had to solve the unexpected appearance of AI.

"Yusaku. What should we do now?" Megure asked with great care. If Japan fails to solve this matter peacefully, the other countries will use this as an excuse to cause trouble. After all, 5 billion lives were hold by the game. Five billion lives came from different countries and the game was made in Japan. This bomb. How to dodge.

"Dr. Agasa. How is the progress?" Yusaku asked.

"Not too great. We start to decipher the illegal AI code. I have asked the AI department and they said the AI called BB isn't created by them. There are only two AIs that are created by them. Named Yui and Noah's Ark." Dr. Agasa answered.

"Tell me. How much can you save people from the game equipment?"

"This. Hard to tell. BB adds many protection layers to delay our operation. The problem is BB's code. It's too new for them and for me as well."

"I see. Everyone has difficulty. But first, let's me tell you who is the murderer of Kashimura."

"Tell me. Who is him?" Megure begged. He knew this police job was a lost-lost situation but his sense of justice made him loyal to this job. If not, he quit the job long ago.

"Thomas Schindler. It's you who killed Kashimura."

Everyone was surprised. They didn't expect the CEO of the company would do this.

"Is he also the one responsible for holding 5 billion lives?" A random guy asked.

"Ah no. That is already another matter." Yusaku replied.

"The situation is dire so I will show you the evidence to prove my point."