Chapter 8: Working on the Plan

Noa had no recollection of his past, yet he always felt an inexplicable void within.

So-Rin was aware that Noa already knew bits and pieces of the truth about his past and that she could not evade his question any longer.

"Why did my father want to erase my memory, So-Rin?" Noa asked in a subdued tone.

"I have no idea," So-Rin replied with a shrug, her gaze fixed on the bustling crowd.

Noa persisted, "You might be able to tell. You are a programmer, after all, and someone Infrablack chose for a reason. You possess talent and intelligence above the most."

"Your identity as Noa Yoshiaki has been erased and you were declared dead last year. I can't tell why your memory has been erased, but your father is not a fool. There must be a deeper reason why he did it," So-Rin explained, giving in.

Since the commencement of the Aggression, billions of people had been killed, their brains harvested to serve as implants for new androids.

Humans that were left alive had a chip called H-SIM Chip implanted on them. Several restrictions were imposed upon them, and the chip could alert the higher-ups once they violated any of it.

However, the device Professor Nijo had implanted behind Noa's neck ensured that Noa would not be affected by those restrictions.

"Oh, my dad wanted to save me," Noa concluded.

"Yes. But he's also counting on you to help humanity reclaim the world from the Androids," So-Rin added.

"It's probably related to the erasure of my memory. Perhaps he's given me some sort of boost that will help me alter the system and take down Infrablack?" Noa said with a joking tone, but he was serious. "That would be so exciting."

So-Rin rolled her eyes. "Alter the system and take down Infrablack?" So-Rin asked. "No boost can make that easy."

"Of course, it'll be very difficult," Noa said. "But I'll still do it. Perhaps, we can tamper with the Cybernetic Nexus. It's also an option to just crush their physical bases."

"That's too simplified. Do you think we can just rush in and be able to do all of that? We need a detailed plan that spans in years," So-Rin interjected.

"I know," Noa replied, already strategizing in his mind. "We'll have to form a team with people we can trust to help us with this. Well, that's the second priority. We need to strengthen ourselves first."

"Agreed," So-Rin nodded. "But we have to be careful. Infrablack has eyes and ears everywhere. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."

Noa thought for a moment before nodding. "I'll start working on the plan. We need to be patient and gather as much information as we can before making a move. Of course, I also need to level up and improve myself. I am not capable enough. I trust you to help me with the hacking section."

"Good idea," So-Rin agreed.

"Unfortunately…" Noa trailed off his words.

"What?" So-Rin asked.

"The pillars of the Cybernetic Nexus has a root in each of the twelve districts. Not only do we have to travel the world, we must also ensure that our timing is perfect. We have to hide ourselves well."

"That's doable. We just need to infiltrate them and alter the code of their system," So-Rin said.

"Easier said than done. It has a lot of technicalities. If only I still had my memories… I learned a lot that might've been able to help us." Noa let out a sigh.

Deep inside, Noa was struggling with a big dilemma. On one hand, he longed to regain his memories, and with the current technological and medical advancements, it was feasible.

However, he was also aware of the risks associated with the procedure of recovering his memories. It would rouse interest if it was found that his memory loss was unnatural. He didn't want his old identity to resurface and cause trouble.

For now, he had to remain patient and appear before Infrablack as a gentleman when the time was right.

Knowing that he was living a lie weighed heavily on Noa. He didn't like this feeling, but he couldn't endanger his mission either.

"Remember, you're doing this for a greater cause," So-Rin reminded him. "Your memory is not exactly erased, just suppressed. Later on, you might recover it. Besides, there are nutrients for boosting brain function as well. What are you worried about?"

"When the time comes, won't I be easily detected?" Noa asked.

"Then hide yourself well. It's not like they'll notice any abnormality just by looking at your face. As long as they don't scan that brain of yours with a machine, nobody will know. You still need to avoid the authorities, and blending in as you are now is the best way," So-Rin explained.

"You're right." Noa took a deep breath as he surveyed the park, filled with androids and humans mingling under pulsing neon lights and blaring music.

The bustling city streets were illuminated by vibrant neon lights that pulsed in time with the music blasting from every direction. Androids and humans alike mingled together, basking in the glow of the flickering holographic displays that dotted the place.

No matter where Noa's gaze wandered, he couldn't escape the sight of androids in every shape and size, adorned with a myriad of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. They moved with graceful fluidity, in perfect sync with their human counterparts, filling the air with a harmonious blend of their voices and the soft hum of their machinery.

Dominating the scene was the imposing grand stage, a towering structure of steel and glass that cast a long shadow over the crowd. At its summit, the leaders of the android community stood tall, their voices reverberating through the lively hum of the partygoers.

"This is a new era!" one of the androids cried out, his voice carrying across the crowd. "An era of progress!"

The excitement of the crowd reached a fever pitch as they erupted into cheers and applause.

As the celebration began to wind down, a feminine robotic voice resounded from the sky.

[Celebration quest is available.]

An announcement from the system rang out, reverberating through the speaker devices that were connected to the electrical circuits.

"Can I take the quest too?" Noa asked eagerly. "We didn't have a chance to participate in one back when we're still at the training camp."

"Yeah. Everyone is completing quests to keep their life going. Our reality is like a game now." So-Rin responded. "Infrablack made it like this so that the world is under his feet."

"That doesn't take out the fun too much." Noa raised his eyebrows. "I like challenges, so I will gladly fulfill the quests."

"Hey, I just said it. Everything is tied to reality, alright?" So-Rin glared at Noa. "It's like a game, but you're in the real world, not in a metaverse. If you get stabbed, it's real. There's no instant potion that will heal you."

"That just got my adrenaline pumping more. So let's get started!" Noa exclaimed, filled with excitement.