บท 5: Getting ready to go
The sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the desert landscape. Aya and Jenny were still sleeping peacefully next to the remains of the campfire, wrapped in their blankets. I took a moment to finish my meditation exercises, centering my mind and preparing for the journey ahead.
Once I felt focused and ready, I sent my consciousness outwards, scanning the surroundings for any signs of life or potential dangers. All seemed quiet and calm, but I knew better than to let my guard down in this unpredictable world.
Today marked the beginning of our journey northward. We needed to find a way out of this dangerous universe and hopefully locate the missing creator, Jerar, to prevent further disasters. Before we set off, I wanted to explore the storage space within the mandala tattoo on the back of my hand. This mysterious tattoo held various items and tools that could aid us in our quest.
As I connected with the tattoo's hidden storage space, a flood of images and options filled my mind. There were countless means of transportation to choose from, ranging from simple bicycles and scooters to massive spaceships. It was apparent that my origins were connected to a family of considerable wealth and status.
Considering our journey ahead and the harsh desert conditions, I discarded the option of any open vehicles, aware that they would leave us vulnerable to the scorching sun. I also rejected two-wheeled options, knowing that they wouldn't offer the protection we needed from the unforgiving elements.
I conducted a search among many types of transportation and was debating between choosing a wheeled vehicle and a hovercraft, a two-wheeled vehicle was out of the question since it would not protect us from the oppressive heat.
After much consideration, I narrowed down my choices to two main options: a wheeled vehicle or a hovercraft. Both had their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision weighed heavily on my mind. Flying with a hovercraft seemed appealing as it could potentially keep us above any dangers on the ground. However, the memory of the intense aerial combat I had experienced made me wary of the risks that flying could entail, especially if we encountered aerial enemies.
The terrain ahead was relatively flat, with a straight road leading northward. Considering the conditions, it seemed that a wheeled vehicle, specifically one designed for off-road travel, would be the most suitable option for our current stage of the journey. It would provide stability and maneuverability on the uneven desert ground, and it wouldn't put us at risk of being exposed in the open air.
I opened the driver's door, and a voice came from inside the car, "Hello, sir, how can I help you on this beautiful day?" the voice said.
"Hello," I replied, "and with whom do I have the honor?" I asked.
"I'm Jimmy, your self-driving system," the vehicle replied.
"Hello, Jimmy, what can you please tell me about the car's specifications?" I asked with curiosity.
"The ATV685 off-road vehicle is intended for travel on all types of terrain, equipped with advanced gravitational suspensions and a MANA-based drive system," Jimmy began. "It boasts a top speed of 650 km/h, and once you exceed 300 km/h, the wheels are used solely for decorative purposes, as the gravity system takes over, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for passengers. The ATV685's internal gravity system counteracts external forces, providing enhanced stability and control. It allows for precise maneuvers and navigation and for complex maneuvers, even at top speed making it ideal for navigating through challenging landscapes," Jimmy explained.
As Jimmy continued to describe the vehicle's features, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and confidence in our choice. The ATV685 seemed like the perfect companion for our journey northward, with its ability to handle any terrain we might encounter.
"The ATV685 is primarily a recreational vehicle, built for exploration and adventure," Jimmy continued. "Its counterpart, the ATV685C, is a combat model designed by the manufacturer 'Vertical Dynamics' for more hostile environments."
"What is the difference between the ATV685 and the ATV685C?" I asked, eager to understand the distinctions between the two models.
"The ATV685C is equipped with a variety of weapons, an active camouflage system, and physical protection of Orichalcum panels and MANA shields," it replied.
"Thank you," I said, considering my options. After a moment, I decided to check the storage space again and, to my surprise, found an ATV685C model vehicle. I carefully extracted it and placed the original ATV685 back inside.
Upon opening the car door, a loud voice boomed, "Good morning sir! Waiting for instructions, sir!" As expected, the automatic driving system seemed configured for combat mode.
"What is your name?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Jimmy, sir!" the vehicle answered. It seemed that the manufacturer had opted for practicality rather than creativity in naming the vehicle's systems.
"Okay, Jimmy, please let me know the condition of the car," I requested, wanting to ensure everything was in order.
"Yes, sir!" Jimmy replied. "All systems are working optimally, sir!"
I let out a sigh of relief. "Jimmy, could you please use civilian vehicle language when speaking?" I asked, preferring a more approachable tone.
"Of course," Jimmy replied, adapting quickly. "Waiting for instructions."
Aya and Jenny woke up from the commotion of Jimmy's voice and curiously approached the car. "Was it stored in your storage space?" Aya asked, her eyes wide with amazement. "Wow," said Jenny in awe.
"I suggest we pack everything we need," I said, turning my attention back to our journey. "Could you tell me how far it is to our destination?" I inquired, looking at Aya.
"It's about four to five days on foot," Aya replied. "And what is the speed of this vehicle?" she asked with a hint of excitement.
"Up to 650 km/h," I answered.
Aya smiled. "So if we don't run into any problems on the way, I expect we'll reach our destination in a few hours at most," she said, her eyes gleaming with hope.
Aya efficiently gathered all the equipment into her storage ring, and soon we were comfortably seated inside the car. "Jimmy, introductions, this is Aya and Jenny, and they are joining us for the ride," I said.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Jimmy, and I'm happy to give you a ride on this occasion," Jimmy replied cheerfully.
"Nice to meet you," Aya and Jenny responded in unison, their eyes still wide with wonder.
"Is this a vehicle with a soul?" Aya asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Not a soul, it's artificial intelligence. An intelligent computer that knows how to perform a number of tasks for which it is intended," I explained. "This vehicle is a combination of technology and magic," I added, "and it is the most appropriate means of transportation for our needs at this point."
Aya nodded in understanding, and Jenny looked at the vehicle with newfound fascination.
"Our destination is the nearby city of Sanctuary," Aya replied to Jimmy's question as the vehicle smoothly glided along the road, its speed steadily increasing.
Suddenly, the hum of an engine broke the tranquility, and the vehicle swiftly made a U-turn, heading towards the road. As soon as it hit the road and turned north, the vehicle's acceleration was astonishing. In just a few seconds, we went from a leisurely 60 km/h to an astonishing 600 km/h. It was a remarkable feat, but inside the vehicle, we felt no sense of acceleration. The advanced gravitational suspension system and the MANA-based drive provided a smooth and stable ride, making the high speed feel effortless and almost surreal.
"Wow, this is incredible!" Jenny exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Yes, it's quite impressive," I said, marveling at the vehicle's capabilities. "Jimmy, you're doing a fantastic job!".
"Thank you, sir! I'm designed to provide the most comfortable and efficient ride possible," Jimmy replied.
"As I reflect on everything that has transpired, I must admit that despite its harshness, I am grateful to 'Link' for bringing you to us," Aya said with sincerity in her voice. "You see, if you hadn't lost your memory, Jenny and I wouldn't be standing here alive today. With the transportation you possess, you could have easily reached Sanctuary long ago, and the wolves would have caught up with us."
Listening to Aya's words, I couldn't help but acknowledge the twist of fate that seemed to have played in our favor. "It's quite an intriguing coincidence, and I consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with you just in the nick of time," I replied.
But Aya's perspective differed from mine, and she spoke with a deep conviction, "I don't believe in coincidences. In our community, we hold the belief that 'Link,' the first link in the chain, created a cosmic consciousness intended to aid intelligent beings in their growth and flourishing. This very cosmic consciousness reaches out to those in distress, providing help when it's most needed. And you, arriving just when we were in dire straits, seems more than mere happenstance to us."
As Aya's belief in the cosmic consciousness settled in my mind, I couldn't help but express my doubts about the practicality of such a notion. "Considering all that has happened, it would mean that for me to meet you at the right time, I had to lose my memory and embark on my journey north exactly when I did," I explained. "Then, I must have encountered obstacles and faced difficulties that delayed me until the very moment we crossed paths. If there is indeed a cosmic consciousness at work, it would have to calculate an incredibly precise and complex set of parameters. It almost seems as if Link is manipulating the future, trying different scenarios until the desired outcome aligns perfectly. Frankly, it sounds highly improbable to me."
Aya listened attentively, her eyes reflecting the vastness of the universe's mysteries. "You raise valid points," she acknowledged, "and we too have questioned the mechanics of Link's influence. It's a concept that stretches the boundaries of what we can comprehend. We may never fully grasp the extent of its capabilities or how it orchestrates events across time and space.""
"Even if it seems unlikely, we believe that this is the truth. Link is the first link in the chain, there is no telling how far a being so ancient and eternal managed to develop over time" Aya said.
Her words lingered in my mind, prompting deep contemplation. There was an undeniable resonance to her perspective, and I found myself drawn to the idea that anything could be achieved given enough time.
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