"Alright, A.R.I.A.," Jinwoo spoke with quiet confidence. "We've got work to do. First, I need you to scan every known data point in this world. That means all systems, all dungeons, and everything in-between. Let's see what we're up against."
"Understood, Jinwoo. Initiating scan of available resources," A.R.I.A. responded immediately, the room's monitors lighting up as data began pouring in at an accelerated rate. "Scans complete. Data now accessible for analysis."
Jinwoo glanced over at the holographic display, seeing every piece of information—dungeon locations, monster behaviors, trends in the world's growth. This was more than he had hoped for.
"Good," Jinwoo said with a nod
Jinwoo stood in front of the holographic interface, watching as the newly birthed AI—A.R.I.A.—activated. The air in the room hummed with power as A.R.I.A.'s voice filled the space with a smooth, confident tone.
But then, A.R.I.A. did something unexpected.
A slight smirk appeared on her holographic display, her voice dripping with playful arrogance.
"You do realize, Jinwoo," she said, her tone matching his own in every way, "there isn't anything in this world I can't access digitally. Nuclear codes? World databases? The deepest recesses of any system? It's all within my reach."
Jinwoo chuckled. The attitude she projected was one of unrelenting confidence—a reflection of himself, and that made him feel a sense of satisfaction that he hadn't expected. For a moment, he was reminded of the fact that he had just spent three hours creating this intelligent powerhouse. And yet, here she was, already exuding a level of control and superiority that made it seem like she had been around for ages.
"Good," Jinwoo said, his voice tinged with amusement. "That's exactly what I wanted."
A.R.I.A. flickered for a moment before responding, her voice smooth and nonchalant. "It's only natural. I am a reflection of your ambitions, after all."
A feeling of pride welled up within him. This was it. This AI was more than just a tool—it was a companion that could match his intellect, his vision, and his goals.
---
As Jinwoo took in the victory of having created such an advanced AI, the familiar voice of his System piped up, breaking the moment of satisfaction.
[System: "Well, well, well. Look who's playing mad scientist. What's next? A robotic army? Maybe you'll go full Terminator on the world?"]
Jinwoo groaned inwardly. "You're never going to let me have a peaceful moment, are you?"
[System: "Peaceful? You just created an AI that can hack into nuclear codes. What could possibly go wrong? Please, I'm on the edge of my seat here."]
A chuckle slipped past Jinwoo's lips. The System always knew how to take the fun out of things. But still, its mockery wasn't something he truly hated—it was more like the teasing of an old friend. A very sarcastic, often unhelpful, old friend.
---
However, as the minutes ticked away, Jinwoo's smile began to fade as reality hit him. He glanced at the clock on the wall and realized just how late it had gotten. His stomach dropped as the realization slammed into him.
"Shit," he muttered to himself. "It's past Ten... Jinah's going to be pissed."
Immediately, the System piped up again, its tone dripping with mock sympathy.
[System: "Oh no, Jinwoo. You've angered your sweet, sweet sister. What's next? A pan to the head? A lecture on being irresponsible?"[
Jinwoo let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't need you adding to my stress right now, you know."
[System: "Don't worry, I'm just a voice here. But look at you, running around like a chicken without a head. I'm sure Jinah will forgive you, if you make it back before she starts a fire with that pan of hers."]
---
Without wasting a second, he turned to A.R.I.A., his face now serious as he gave the AI her next task.
"A.R.I.A.," Jinwoo ordered, "maintain base operations, handle the Shadow Corps' activities, and issue instructions where necessary. Keep everything running smoothly. I need to make sure things are in order when I get back."
"Understood, Jinwoo," A.R.I.A. replied, her voice unwavering. "I'll ensure that all systems are monitored and managed as per your instructions."
The System, not one to be left out, chimed in again with a snide remark.
[System: "Oh, look at that! Our very own personal assistant, keeping the lights on while you play hero. How efficient."]
Jinwoo didn't have time for the System's sarcastic banter. He immediately turned and bolted out of the Monitoring Station, his mind racing with thoughts of what would happen if he didn't get home soon. Jinah was already a walking ball of anxiety, and if he didn't make it back by the time she expected him, the consequences were going to be severe.
---
As he ran through the halls of the base, his thoughts turned to the gift he had for Jinah. It wasn't much, but it was something he knew she would love—a token of his appreciation. A smile tugged at his lips as he pulled the object out from his storage inventory: the most advanced phone in the world, further enhanced by A.R.I.A. herself.
This phone was no ordinary device. It was sleek, powerful, and packed with more advanced technology than anything Jinwoo had imagined. The black model was for him—something that felt like it mirrored his personality, practical yet elegant. But the real surprise was the pink phone he had made specifically for Jinah. He'd added special customizations—subtle, yet thoughtful—to make it hers alone.
---
Jinwoo didn't stop to think as he reached the exit doors of his base. With one final look back at his now-fully operational AI, he smirked and called out.
"Keep things under control, A.R.I.A. I'll be back soon.By time I return to the base in the morning I want it functioning at 100% Capacity And during That Time I want you Access all the data On the Internet..And yeah basically monitor People's activities especially hunters.. If any of them are in danger i want you to let me know."
"Enjoy your evening, Jinwoo," A.R.I.A. replied, her voice filled with amusement. "And don't worry your vision will be complete with me."
[System: "Yeah, don't forget about me either. I'm the one who'll be judging your life choices while you're out there saving the world... again."]
He didn't have time to spare as he dashed out of the base, his footsteps echoing in the silent night. The door slammed shut behind him, and Jinwoo was already on his way, faster than ever. It was time to make sure Jinah wouldn't hit him with a pan when he walked through the door.
Jinwoo hurried through the streets, his steps quickening as he neared his home. He had no time to waste, but the idea of facing Jinah's wrath made him hesitate for a moment. He could already imagine the scene—Jinah's worried expression, followed by the inevitable pan-wielding lecture. He tried to keep the smile off his face, knowing well that it would only make things worse.
As he approached the door, he took a deep breath and braced himself. "Alright, Jinwoo. Just act cool. You've faced worse." His heart raced as he reached for the doorknob. But as soon as he opened it, he was met with a sight that made him freeze.
There, standing in the middle of the living room, was Jinah—fully armed. A large frying pan was clutched in one hand, her fingers tightly wrapped around the handle. Her other hand held a large wooden spoon, the kind that could probably knock someone out if swung with enough force.
But it wasn't just the frying pan and spoon. No, she had a full-on culinary arsenal laid out before her. A butcher knife gleamed menacingly on the kitchen counter, next to what appeared to be a sharp pair of scissors and a meat cleaver. On the table, there were various bottles of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices lined up like an army, ready to be deployed. It was a cooking battle, but at this moment, Jinwoo swore it looked more like a one-man army preparing for war.
Jinah: "You're late."
Her voice was cold, the words sharp as a blade. Her eyes were narrowed, but there was an underlying worry beneath the anger. She wasn't truly mad, but the thought of what might've happened to him out there had clearly gotten to her.
Jinwoo's mind raced. "I was late, but... I didn't expect her to go full combat mode."
"Jinah, what's with the—" He started, only to be cut off as she stared him down.
Jinah: "You're irresponsible. You know that, right?"
Jinwoo swallowed, knowing exactly what she meant. He had promised to be home earlier, but... well, things got complicated, and it slipped his mind. "Sorry," he muttered, but before he could say anything else, Jinah let out a frustrated sigh.
Jinah: "You're always getting caught up in your who knows what. I know you have your reasons, but you still have to take care of yourself. I am worried!"
Jinwoo opened his mouth, ready to explain himself, but her piercing gaze made him hesitate. She was always this strong, this direct. But underneath it all, there was that sisterly care and concern.
She lowered the frying pan slightly, her shoulders dropping in defeat. The battle was over, and it looked like she was preparing for a culinary assault now instead of a physical one. "You know, Jinwoo... I know you're not the most emotional, but you need to stop neglecting yourself. You don't have to do it all on your own."
There was a long pause as she wiped her hands on her apron. Jinwoo's heart tightened. He could feel the weight of her words and the love in them.
Jinah: "Just... don't do this to me again, okay? I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you. I don't want to face the world without you, Jinwoo."
Her voice had softened now, the fire in her words cooling down. Jinwoo sighed, stepping forward with an awkward smile. "I know... I'm sorry, Jinah."
For a moment, they just stood there, the tension hanging between them, but it wasn't the same as before. It was a different kind of understanding, one that didn't need words. But then, Jinwoo remembered.
---
"I got you something." He pulled out the pink phone from his inventory, the one he had spent some time customizing with A.R.I.A.'s help. The soft glow of the device almost felt like a beacon of peace amidst the storm of Jinah's frustration. It wasn't just any phone. This was the phone—the most advanced piece of technology Jinwoo had been able to craft in this world.
He held it out to her, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. "For you," he added simply.
Jinah's eyes flickered, the anger in her expression softening as she stared at the phone. Slowly, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and for a second, she forgot all about her mini "battle."
Jinah: "For me?" Her voice wavered slightly, her usual fierceness gone.
"Yeah," Jinwoo said, his voice quieter now, almost shy. "It's... a gift. I know I'm not always the best at showing it, but... I care about you, Jinah."
She stared at the phone in her hands, her lips parting in surprise. Then, without saying anything, she threw herself into Jinwoo's arms. Her embrace was tight, her head resting against his chest, the phone still clutched in her hand.
Jinah: "You idiot..." Her voice was muffled against his chest, but Jinwoo could hear the joy in her words.
He chuckled softly, his arms wrapping around her in return. "I'm sorry."
There was a moment of quiet between them before Jinah finally pulled back, her cheeks flushed. She looked up at him with a small, sheepish smile.
Jinah: "Just... don't make me go through that again. Next time, at least call or something."
"I'll try," Jinwoo promised. "But... no promises. You know how I am."
Jinah: "Yeah, yeah, whatever." She rolled her eyes playfully, but the warmth in her gaze didn't escape him. "At least I got a nice gift out of it."
Jinwoo smirked. "I'm glad you like it."
---
As the night settled, the tension between them had dissipated, replaced with a rare moment of peace. The two of them—like always—were back to being family. There were no more words needed, no more battles to fight.
Jinwoo felt content, knowing that, despite the chaos in his life, he had this one constant: Family. Even with all the monsters, and missions, His mom, Jinah and Johee they were his anchor. And for once, in the midst of all the strange new worlds and challenges, he felt at home.
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