An Illusion of Will

Chapter 104: Modern Caves

Upon agreeing to assist A.R.M. and his two fathers, Al and Elissa found themselves with their own rooms on the 402nd floor.

Al marveled at the expansive penthouse assigned to him, an opulent spacious living room adorned with stainless steel pillars that seemed to pulse with intelligence. The pillars gracefully morphed from the form of two silver dragons supporting the ceiling to two sleek metal fish.

Exploring the intricacies of New Arks modern homes, Al extended his hand towards one of the pulsating pillars. To his amazement, it partially transformed into a sophisticated coffee machine, seamlessly pouring him a cup of coffee.

Geometrical outlines adorned the floor, catching his attention. As he approached, a voice, reminiscent of A.R.M.'s but more robotic, echoed through the living room, " Good Evening, Master, would you care to immerse yourself in New Ark's Virtual World?"

Al hesitated, absorbing the invitation. The upper corners of the room opened up revealing two small machines centered towards the living room. The machines seemed to hum with the potential for exploration. He could sense the allure of a reality waiting to unfold within the confines of the geometric patterns on the floor.

Turning away from any virtual escapades Al spoke to the area where the voice of the machine was coming from, "A.R.M., is that you? Can you see me?" Al questioned, as he waved his hands.

The machine responded quickly responded, "No, I am not A.R.M., I am an automaton designed to help you interact with the intelligence of the room. And no, A.R.M. cannot see you. We respect our citizens and our visitors' privacy."

Al listened while looking around the room for a suitable spot to place his cup, to his surprise, a countertop materialized from the wall. After setting his cup down, Al continued trying to grasp the intricacies of the cavernous space.

"What are the benefits of me visiting this virtual world?" Al inquired; he spoke loudly as he realized the living room was essentially an empty silver cube within a rectangle.

The machine processed his question and in less than a second it gave Al an answer, "There are numerous benefits to exploring the virtual world. For social reasons, to forge new connections. To engage in experiences beyond the confines of physical reality. It can serve as a canvas for your creative expression. Entertainment is another advantage, a remedy for boredom." The machine continued its explanation, but Al's patience wore thin.

He deduced a virtual reality would serve him no purpose and interjected. "So, it's a machine for wasting time. Got it. I don't think I'll be visiting anytime soon."

He walked past the living room and proceeded to the bedroom, noting its initial lack of furniture similar to the living room. Suddenly, the machine's voice chimed in, "What would be your preferred bedroom style, Master?"

Al surveyed the empty space and responded nonchalantly, "Whatever is the most popular or common, I don't care." In an instant, the floor transformed the silver floor became like mercury and shifted in shape giving birth to a bed shaped like a seed pod. The liquid metal had its own intelligence its state of matter down to it texture changed in order to turn into a comfortable bed.

It even changed colors the inside of the pod a vibrant green and the outside a hazel brown complemented by a matching mattress and blanket.

Al watched with his eyes narrowing on the living metal his rough hands twitched as he reflexively wanted to draw his blades. "This metal reminds me too much of that damned Rakh-ahtan blood." memories flooded his mind, he kept his hands by his side as he quietly acknowledged the similarities between the living metal and the blood of the invaders.