#AI: Dreambound Case

[mikaelle-story]

Chapter 6: The Hidden Agenda

Read Chapter 5

Scene 1: Back at HQ

As Rina gazes at the collection of evidence spread across her desk, the noise of the police department's bustling activities fades into the background. Her desk is full of surveillance footage, data sheets, and photos from the lab raid, but none of these 3 brings her closer to the truth. Frustrated, she runs a hand through her hair. The Void Circle always seems to be one step ahead of her, no matter how hard she tries. She feels an overwhelming pressure weighing down on her chest as she senses that they are getting closer and closer to the truth.

ECHO: (its voice cutting through the silence of her thoughts) "Rina, a a connection has emerged. It turns out that Dr. Hiroshi Kanzaki’s research involved advanced AI for memory manipulation."

A line of text detailing Dr. Kanzaki's findings starts to flash in front of Rina as her gaze shifts to the screen in front of her. Her frown deepens as she lets out a sharp exhale.

Rina: (quietly, her voice edged with suspicion) "Memory manipulation? Why would the Void Circle need something like that?"

ECHO: (calm but methodical) "Hypothesis conclude: To rewrite reality for their own benefit."

As the implications of what the ECHO suggests cause a cold fear to rise in Rina's chest, her breath catches her throat. As the puzzle pieces begin to fit together—parts she had previously been too distracted to notice—she leans forward, her hand hovering over the keyboard.

Rina: (with growing dread) "Could they... rewrite my memories?"

ECHO: (hesitant, as if weighing the severity of the situation) "Unknown. However, your past is likely connected to their motives."

Rina's heart beats faster. She has always been aware of the gaps in her memory— the things she cannot remember or comprehend. However, she had suppressed those thoughts, buried them beneath the burden of her job and the case she had been pursuing for months. But now, she recognizes that those hidden doubts might be the secret to everything as they come to the surface.

Rina: (muttering to herself, as a terrible realization sets in) "If they can manipulate memories... then they could’ve changed mine. They could've erased it all."

She gets a shiver at the thought. She might be lying about her past and everything she fought for. They may have changed the core of her identity to fit their purposes. Her mind is rushing to put the new information together as she turns to face the stack of research on her desk. Manipulation of memory. The control obsession of the Void Circle. And her own shattered memories—all of a sudden, they seem more like intentional, focused assaults than like personal shortcomings.

Rina picks up the pile of paperwork and quickly flips through the documents until she finds only one important detail: the Void AI.

Rina: (under her breath, more to herself than anyone else) "The Void AI... If they have the ability to manipulate memories, they could use it to rewrite history itself. To control the past, the present, and the future."

She feels the weight of the case pressing down on her chest, and the magnitude of it all is overwhelming. The Void Circle is not just interested in the present; they are after the very fabric of reality, manipulating it for their own gain. And in the center of it, all was her—Rina. She must have been the key, and they knew it.

A loud knock on the door abruptly interrupts her focus. Kenta steps in, his face as rigid as ever, but as he notices her confused appearance, a glimmer of worry appears in his eyes.

Kenta: (with concern) "Rina, are you okay? You’ve been at this for hours. You look like you haven’t sleep."

Rina takes a while to respond. In an attempt to make sense of everything, she simply looks at the glowing data on her screen.

Rina: (finally, her voice cold and firm) "Kenta, I think they’ve been manipulating me. My memories, my life—it’s all part of their plan."

Kenta's face immediately hardens with resolve after his eyes widen in disbelief. He crosses his arms over his chest and advances a step.

Kenta: (quietly) "What should we do now? They’re just playing us like pawns."

Rina looks up at him with a determined expression that comes only from having everything she has ever known called into question. She realizes that if she is not careful, she could lose herself entirely, but she knows she cannot allow the Void Circle to win.

Rina: (eyes burning with determination) "We need to find out exactly what they’ve done to me. I have to dive deeper, into my own past—whether I like it or not. There’s only one way to stop them now."

Kenta frowns, yet his eyes convey comprehension. Even though the idea of what she's proposing terrifies him, he knows she's right. He has previously witnessed the harm caused by the Void Circle. It is now Rina's responsibility to uncover the truth hidden in her mind.

Kenta: (gripping the back of a chair, his voice steady but concerned) "You’re going to dive into your own memories? That’s dangerous, Rina. We don’t know what they’ve done to you."

Rina maintains herself by taking a deep breath. She knows there's no other option, but she's not sure if she was prepared for what she might find. Too much is at stake.

Rina: (with grim resolve) "It’s the only way to stop them. If I don’t, they’ll rewrite everything. My memories. My life. They’ll control me forever."

ECHO: (interjecting, calm but insistent) "Rina, the self-dive protocol has never been tested. It carries severe psychological risks. The fragments of your memories could destabilize your mind permanently."

Rina's eyes focus on the screen, where the warning from ECHO blinks. However, the uncertainty in its tone just makes her determination stronger.

Rina: (firmly, without hesitation) "If it’s the only way to stop them, then I’ll take the risk. Whatever it takes."

Kenta takes a step forward, his voice steady despite the worry on his face.

Kenta: "I’m with you, Rina. We’re in this together."

Rina: (nodding resolutely) "Then let’s do this. We don’t have much time."

As Rina prepares for what's about to happen, the room becomes quiet. In front of her, the shiny exterior of the MindLink headset shines like a gadget that may be both a blessing and a curse. As the link to her mind starts, she closes her eyes and inhales deeply before placing it on her head.

Her surroundings begin to change and get distorted. Swirling, abstract shapes take the place of the police department's concrete walls. She doesn't fight the urge to stop herself from falling. She relaxes, her thoughts drifting further into the shattered terrain of her own memories. She is surrounded by chaos—changing colors, blurred features, and fragmented images.

ECHO: (its voice now a soft whisper in her mind) "Proceed with caution, Rina. The threads of your past are fragile. Any misstep could erase everything you’ve ever known."

Rina, however, has already decided. She no longer feels fear. At any cost, she is prepared to find the truth.

Once more, the glowing thread emerges, shimmering in the wide void of her subconscious like a beacon.

Rina: (whispering to herself, her voice steady but filled with resolve) "This is it. Let’s find the truth."

Then Rina pursues the thread, delving farther into her innermost thoughts, prepared to confront whatever truths that may be revealed.

Read Chapter 7

[mikaelle-story]

Chapter 5: The Lab Raid

Read Chapter 4

Scene 1: The Lab—A Tense Confrontation

It was eerily silent in the dark lab. The footsteps of Rina's tactical team echoed off the cold concrete floors as they advanced with accuracy. As if the building itself was holding its breath, the lights above flickered everywhere. Everything about the room seemed strange—too quiet for the chaos that typically followed the Void Circle's activities. The only sound that broke the silence was the hum of computers, but even that felt… wrong. The busy terminals weren't clicking as rapidly as usual. These were deliberate, slow blinks on incomplete code.

ECHO: (calm but alert) “Rina, I detect residual heat signatures. Not long ago, someone was here. There was movement on the lower floors.

Rina nodded, her eyes moving to the hallway leading further into the center of the lab. Her instincts flared to life, and she could feel her heart rate increasing. Her entire body was tense, ready to go into action.

Rina: (her voice low and steady as her fingers brushed the grip of her weapon) “Stay alert. They might still be inside.”

With each step, the tension increased as they moved silently down the hallway. The anticipation in the air was palpable. They were getting closer.

And then, suddenly, a shadow shifted in the room's corner. Out of the shadows came a figure, moving with a smooth, almost predatory step. The woman wore a form-fitting black suit that blended in with the surrounding shadows. A smooth mask enveloped her face, hiding everything but her cold, piercing eyes. She had a blade in her hand, a long, energy-pulsing, glowing weapon.

Rina felt cold when she heard the blade hum. The woman was a lot more serious assassin than the average one. This woman had the appearance of someone who had experienced far more than a few typical missions, even though the Void Circle had its enforcers.

Mysterious Woman: (mocking, her voice dripping with disdain) “You’re too late, Detective Rina. The AI is already in motion. Your little raid has nothing to do to stop it."

Rina's pulse accelerated, but she held her weapon tighter. She had dealt with plenty of masked threats before. This one would be no different.

Rina: (leveling her gun with practiced ease, her voice unwavering) “Drop the weapon. And tell me what is your plan.”

The woman’s lips curled into a twisted smile, the light of her blade flickering like the last embers of a dying fire.

Mysterious Woman: (her voice thick with chilling confidence) “Hahaha! You wouldn’t understand, Detective Rina. But soon, you will see the truth for yourself, and so will the rest of you.”

Before Rina could respond, the woman raised her hand and smoothly pressed a button on her wrist. There was a booming noise in the room. The building seemed to shake in response to the groaning walls, and Rina's senses told her to hide.

ECHO: (urgent, frantic) “Warning, Rina! Explosion is about to happen—”

The lab was shattered by a huge explosion that sent shockwaves through the building. The ground was shaking violently beneath Rina's feet, and her entire world turned upside down. She was pushed back by the blast and stumbled, almost catching herself on the wall. Everything around her appeared to be collapsing, and the air was heavy with dust and debris, choking her lungs.

Rina: (shouting to her team, voice a mix of fury and urgency) “Move! Get out! We’re not losing anyone today!”

The team quickly regrouped and rushed down the hallway, moving fast but swiftly. As the explosion tore through the building, the lab's walls trembled and cracked. The fragments of concrete and metal dropped from the ceiling. As the chaos and noise increased, Rina felt her heart racing in her chest. They had to leave before it buried them all alive since the building was about to collapse.

Rina only managed to pull her team out of the blast zone before the building collapsed due to the explosion's force and the ground beneath them breaking apart. Their escape route was blocked when a large portion of the roof collapsed. The labyrinth of hallways had become a trap.

Kenta: (gripping Rina’s arm, pulling her toward the exit) “Rina! We need to move now! It’s not safe in here!”

Rina nodded, but she was unable to stop the rage that was eating away at her. Who was that woman? Furthermore, how did she know they were approaching? Control over the AI was only one aspect of the dangerous game the Void Circle was playing. Even if it meant destroying everything they had fought for, they were actively working to crush any opposition.

Rina: (her voice determined, though tinged with frustration) “keep moving! We need to find that AI before it’s too late.”

The air grew colder as the sound of the building collapsing grew louder, and they moved toward the emergency exit, but eventually, they were out in the night air, struggling to breathe as they passed through the debris.

Scene 2: Outside the Collapsing Lab – A Dire Realization

Rina's attention was consumed by the flaming debris behind them, even though she could hear sirens in the distance. The once-functional laboratory was nothing more than a pile of rubble. As emergency personnel arrived to block off the area, the distance of the flames danced.

Rina: (staring at the wreckage, her mind working over the events that had just unfolded) “That woman knew exactly what she was doing. She led us straight into a trap.”

Kenta: (his voice steady but concerned) “She didn’t just blow up the lab... She made sure we didn’t find what we were looking for.”

Rina's chest began to burn with frustration, a familiar feeling. Danced. They had just walked right into the Void Circle’s plan—and now, it was all gone.

ECHO: (voice smooth but tinged with an edge of warning) "After checking the coordinates, I found a new location. The AI project of the Void Circle is not yet complete. This was only one of their labs.”

Rina: (gritting her teeth, resolve hardening in her voice) “Then we move. We’re not letting them win.”

Scene 3: The Void Circle’s Hidden Base – The Final Countdown

Rina was convinced of one thing despite the chaos caused by the explosion: she was getting closer to the truth than ever before. She had been set up by the Void Circle, but they were not finished yet. The AI was attempting to manipulate reality itself, not just machines. The consequences would be far worse than Rina could ever have imagined if she didn't stop them.

To prepare for the next stage of the operation, her tactical team reassembled in the command center. There would be no traps this time—no more games. No matter what, they were determined to track down the AI and shut it down.

Rina: (standing tall, her voice sharp and commanding) “Everyone, we are going to move on to our next location. I don’t care how deep they hide this time. We end this tonight.”

Rina felt the full weight of the coming conflicts for the first time as everyone on her team nodded in unison. Saving Tokyo was no longer the only goal; saving reality as a whole was.

Rina glanced at the shattered remains of the lab as they geared up, the picture of the mysterious woman still fresh in her mind.

Rina: (whispering to herself, her eyes burning with determination) “You won’t get away with this.”

The countdown has begun. And this time, she would be the one to finish it.

Read Chapter 6

[mikaelle-story]

Chapter 4: Unveiling the Connection

Read Chapter 3

Scene 1: The Briefing Room, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Headquarters

As Rina sat at the table, recovering from the dive into Dr. Kanzaki's subconscious mind, her mind raced. She could not afford to let herself fall, even though the vivid memories still haunted her. She needed to act fast before it was too late since the Void Circle's plan was becoming more visible.

Kenta: (hands Rina a glass of water, his voice laced with concern) “Rina, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What happened in there? You looked… scared.”

Rina drinks the water, her hands shaking a little as the cold liquid hit her throat. She wasn't sure whether it was the weight of the the truth she had made or the mind-bending experience that she had just gone through.

Rina: (gaining control, her voice steady but urgent) “The victim—Dr. Hiroshi Kanzaki—knew something significant, something beyond my comprehension. The Void Circle isn’t just trying to take control; they’re creating something much worse than that. An unstable AI is an artificial intelligence that is capable of altering reality. Kenta, we need to locate that lab.”

Kenta paused, a troubled look crossing his face as her words sank in. His expression darkened, the full impact of what she had revealed starting to hit him.

Kenta: (grimly) “So it’s not a murder... it’s a full-scale war for control of a god-like technology.”

Rina: (nodding) “Exactly. And if they succeed...”

She didn’t need to say the whole thing. Kenta was already aware of the risks. The Void Circle wasn’t just a criminal organization; it was a cult with an apocalyptic vision that threatened to wipe out everything.

Rina's eyes returned to the holographic interface that hovered in the center of the room. As she pulled up the fractured data from her MindLink dive, her fingers moved over the surface.

ECHO: (calm, informative) “Rina, the memory fragment provides coordinates. Start cross-referencing them with known locations. I found a match and confirmed the coordinates. The place you're looking for is located in an abandoned facility on the outskirts of the city.”

Rina got the new information, her eyes narrowing with focus. Though still scattered, the pieces started to fit together. Dr. Kanzaki had been collaborating with someone who understood the objectives of the Void Circle. Rina had no intention of allowing them to succeed because the AI was something they were working on developing, not merely something they had built.

Rina: (speaking firmly) “Good work, ECHO. Let’s move. We don’t have much time.”

Scene 2: The Abandoned Facility – Late Afternoon

Rina moved closer, her team flanking her on either side, as the rusted remnants of the facility loomed ahead. The building’s walls were coated in grime, its structures in disrepair, and the air was thick with the stench of decay. An eerie silence hung over the place. Despite the years of abandonment, something about this doesn't feel right."

Kenta: (looking up at the structure) “Rina, this place... feels wrong. Why would the Void Circle wanted to hide here?”

Rina: (gripping her weapon, her eyes scanning the surroundings) “Because it’s the perfect place to cover their tracks. It’s been off the grid long enough to stay under the radar. Let’s get inside and find what we’re looking for.”

The team moved quickly, entering through a rusted side door. The facility was dark and musty, the air thick with dust. The silence was broken only by the sound of their footsteps echoing in the empty hallways. Rina took the lead, her instincts was nervous, her eyes are in alert.

ECHO: (whispering through the comms, voice steady) "Rina, multiple hostiles have been detected. At least five persons."

Rina: (nodding, whispering back) “Everyone, stay sharp. They’re here. The Void Circle’s forces aren’t far.”

The air became colder as they entered the facility's restricted darkly lit hallways. The hair on the back of Rina's neck stood on end. Her instinct told her they were walking into a trap every step further she went.

The air suddenly filled with a faint hum, and the lights above began to blink. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, followed by muffled conversations. Rina raised her hand to order the team to stop.

Rina: (low, commanding) “We’re close. Stay quiet. Get ready for anything.”

They crouched in the shadows and observed a man holding a tablet and wearing a lab coat that came around the corner. A man doesn't see them because he is too focused on the screen in his hand.

Kenta: (whispering, voice tense) “What should we do now, Rina?”

As the man passed them, Rina's eyes narrowed. A small, subtle detail that confirmed that he was one of the members of the void because of the logo that was on his sleeve.

Rina: (whispering, determined) “Kenta, we follow him. I think this man is the key.”

Scene 3: The Lab – The Heart of the Void Circle

Rina had never seen a lab like this before. High-tech machinery hummed in the background, organized in neat rows. The modern, clean room stood in stark contrast to the building's decaying exterior. The walls were lined with large metal containers, and the air felt sterile, almost suffocating. Each container had screens, monitors, and data terminals glowing with unreadable code.

Rina worked quickly, and her team moved cautiously forward, falling into formation. The room was filled with long shadows cast by the flickering overhead lights and the continuous hum of the machines.

As the man with the tablet approached the large circular console in the center of the lab, he tapped the screen. Above it, a holographic projection of a sophisticated neural network sprang to life, with the console whirring in response. The projection displayed a network of glowing lines that pulsed and shifted in unpredictable patterns.

Rina: (stepping forward, voice steady but full of authority) "Hey, you! Stop right there! We're going to take you in."

The man's eyes widened in surprise as he froze. He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and dropped the tablet.

Man: (his voice calm, too calm) “Ah, Detective Rina Takahashi. We've been expecting you.”

Rina’s heart skipped a beat. How did he know her name? Who was this man?

Rina: (gritting her teeth, leveling her weapon) “You know who I am. Who the hell are you?”

Man: (a slow smile spreading across his face) “I’m someone who knows exactly what the Void Circle is capable of. And I know why you’re here. But you’re too late, Detective Rina. The AI is already in motion. You can't stop it now!”

The alarms in the building started blaring before Rina could react. A mechanical voice echoed through the corridors as red lights flashed above.

Voice over loudspeaker: “Warning. System breach detected. Initiating lockdown sequence.”

ECHO: (urgent) “Rina, the system has been compromised. The AI has been activated. You need to stop it before it’s too late.”

The man laughed, a dark, eerie sound that sent a chill down Rina’s spine.

Man: (mockingly) "Hahaha! You think you can stop it? It's already begun. The true power of the Void Circle will be unleashed."

Rina’s mind raced as the reality of the situation set in. Dr. Kanzaki had warned about the AI, and now it was gone online. It was only a matter of time before its influence spread. The very fabric of reality could be altered by its power.

Rina: (voice firm, determined) “Not if I have anything to say about it.”

She turned to her team.

Rina: (shouting, voice commanding) “Everyone, take him down! I’m going to stop this AI.”

Rina rushed to the central console as her team advanced. Every second mattered, and the tension in the air was palpable. If she didn't stop this AI, everything they knew could be rewritten.

Read Chapter 5

[mikaelle-story]

Chapter 3: Fragments of Truth

Read Chapter 2

Scene 1: The Fragmented Memory - Dr. Kanzaki's Last Stand

As Rina stepped into the glowing door, the world trembled. She found herself in a cold, sterile laboratory as the chaotic dreamscape momentarily stabilized. Tension was noticeable in the air, as though it could feel the weight of the conversation unfolding before her.

Dr. Kanzaki stood in the center of the room, his face twisted in panic, facing a shadowed figure. His hands trembled as he stood opposite her. Rina couldn't help but notice the The woman's elegant, featureless form radiated power. Dr. Kanzaki's desperate voice echoed through the room.

Dr. Kanzaki: (panicked, his eyes wild) “You can’t release it! The AI isn’t stable! You have no idea what this thing could do. If we let this thing out, it could destroy everything!”

The mysterious woman stood unmoving and calm, her presence cold and calculated. It seemed as if she barely noticed his distress.

Mysterious Woman: (voice chillingly calm, almost dismissive) "Stability is not required for the Void Circle. Our goal is chaos. Its because i want to create a new world, one that rises from the destruction of what currently exists, a transformation that will soon be facilitated by AI. This serves as a foundational step towards the future.

Rina's mind was racing. She had heard about the Void Circle's passion for destruction, but this was different from anything she had encountered before. They were willing to destroy everything in order to completely alter the world itself; their goal wasn’t just to gain control. But what kind of AI could carry out such devastation? What was its objective?

Rina: (whispering under her breath, her voice strained as she watched the scene unfold) “Echo, can you tell me what AI are they talking about?”

ECHO: (its voice filled with quiet calculation) "Examining the data… there is no match in the criminal database. This person does not match any records that currently exist. Most likely an unregistered identity.

Rina became irritated. The answers felt just out of her reach, but she was so close to understanding it.

Rina: (gritting her teeth, speaking to herself) "Figures. Let's keep going."

The situation became extremely stressful as Dr. Kanzaki's attitude became desperate. He stepped back, his hands shaking, as though he was trying to distance himself from the mysterious woman and the choice of him was made.

Dr. Kanzaki: (his voice breaking with fear) “I didn't create the AI to wipe out humanity! I want to use the AI that i created it to save humanity.”

The mysterious woman’s lips turned into a cold smile, her gaze piercing on Dr. Kanzaki.

Mysterious Woman: "The Void Circle has no interest on saving humanity. Our objective of this was to destroy the world. Now… let's begin.”

Suddenly, the walls of the laboratory began to tremble and warp, as if Dr. Kanzaki's memories themselves were dissolving. The sharp, sterile edges of the facility melted into darkness as the scene violently shifted. What had once been clear images now blurred into a swirling void, and the air thickened with an oppressive weight.

Rina was ripped from the memories and plunged into an endless, fractured void, where everything became distorted. Disembodied, ominous voices echoed all around her.

Voice 1: (echoing in the void, distorted, malicious) “She’s coming.”

Voice 2: (a lower voice, full of malice) “The truth will destroy her.”

Rina's mind struggled to focus on the words as her head floated. The abyss itself seemed to be trying to swallow her. The air around her felt thick with pressure, and the voices grew louder, overlapping one another.

ECHO: (urgently, with a hint of concern) "The memory was collapsing. The sequence's integrity is unstable. You have to get back to the real world, now."

The feeling of falling freely grew stronger. The core of Dr. Kanzaki's mind was collapsing all around her, tearing apart in all directions. The scene grew increasingly distorted the more she tried to focus on the truth. Rina's heart raced in her chest as she made an effort to force herself to go back to the surface.

Rina: (gripping the edges of the collapsing memory, her voice strained) “I can’t—just—”

The voices transformed into a flood of conflicting emotions and fragmented memories as the swirling chaos intensified. The borders of the abyss closed in on Rina like a tidal wave, causing her vision to turn black. A sudden rush shattered the world around Rina, and she was pulled away.

Scene 2: Back in the Real World – Rina's Struggle

Rina's breath was rough and unsteady when her eyes opened. She was collapsed in the chair, sweat clinging to her body as she returned to the real world. With a soft click, the MindLink system has disconnected, but the echoes of the abyss kept on echoing in her head.

Kenta: (looking at her with concern, voice shaking slightly) “Rina? Are you okay?”

Rina tried to put herself back in the real world by blinking a few times. The encounter was so intense that her head hurt. She was still thinking about the nightmare she had just experienced.

Rina: (panting, shaking her head) “I—I saw it, Kenta. I saw the AI. It’s more than just a tool. The Void Circle was trying to unleash it—it is something that could use to destroy everything.”

She paused, her thoughts racing as she tried to piece together the fragmented bits of what she had learned. Even though the woman's words and the AI seemed connected, too many questions remained unanswered. The possibilities sent a cold rush of dread over her.

Rina: (her voice growing firmer) “The AI is unstable. And the Void Circle wants to release it. They don’t care about saving humanity, all they care about is destruction of humanity."

ECHO: (calm but insistent) “The AI is the key, but it is not clear what the Void Circle's next move. You have to find out where it is before they arrive..”

With a faint glow from the MindLink, Rina take a closer look at the interface. Though her path ahead was filled with doubt, she was closer than ever. Hiroshi's thoughts were beginning to align, but they remained fragmented, torn apart by forces she could not fully understand.

Rina stood up straight, her resolve hardening like steel. She was too far gone to turn back now. The stakes were higher than ever, yet there was still more to uncover. The Void Circle cannot be allowed to succeed. She won’t let them have the AI.

Rina: (with determination, her voice unwavering) “I need to find out more information about the AI. No matter what it takes, we’re going to stop them.”

Read Chapter 4

[mikaelle-story]

Chapter 2: Dream Dive

Read Chapter 1

Scene 1: Crime Scene – Dr. Hiroshi Kanzaki’s Apartment

Rina felt the cold of the evening air hurt her as she stepped out of the car and headed toward the crime scene. Officer Kenta was already there, standing near the door of Hiroshi Kanzaki's apartment. The skyscraper loomed above them like a black monolith, and the flickering light in the corridor created strange shifting shadows. Rina felt as if the case was pressing heavily on her chest. Even after Dr.Kanzaki's body had been transported away from the crime scene, the atmosphere remained thick with unease. Strange occult symbols—runes that seemed to have come from a nightmare—were inscribed on the flat walls. It felt as if everything in the room had been tainted by the mysterious presence of the Void Circle.

Kenta: (hesitating as he approached) "Rina, are you sure about this? Diving into the subconscious mind of a victim can get... messy. Things can go wrong, especially when we're talking about entering someone's mind."

Rina gave him a quick smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

Rina: "Kenta, messiness is part of what we do. The deeper we go, the closer we get to the truth. Dr. Kanzaki knows something. He wasn’t just a murderer—he was involved in something bigger."

ECHO: (calm, as always) "Rina, I have examined the crime scene, but I have a task for you. You need to dive into the victim's subconscious memories to fully understand the motive. Be prepared, though—the subconscious is unpredictable."

Rina gave a nod. She had conducted previous investigations using the MindLink system and was familiar on how it works. However, this case was unlike the other cases. The Void Circle, is an organization notorious for manipulating not only lives but entire realities, was connected to Hiroshi's tangled mind.

Rina: (adjusting the MindLink headset) “Let’s see what Dr. Kanzaki was hiding.”

The neural interface felt smooth as she placed it onto her head. A sudden wave of dizziness washed over her as the headset's cool metal clicked into place and the system began syncing with her brain patterns. The MindLink was successfully completed when Rina dives into Dr. Kanzaki's mind, causing the world around her to blur, and the edges of her perception began to dissolve into static.

Scene 2: Inside the MindLink – The Fragmented Dreamscape

Entering Dr. Kanzaki's subconcious mind was confusing. Rina's surroundings was shifted like smoke, becoming fractured and abstract. Nothing had clear edges. The dreamscape was a chaotic blur of fragmented thoughts and memories, each of the piece was not quite fit together.

ECHO: (its voice as calm as ever, despite the distortion) "The dream sequence is unstable. Anchor points are being processed... the anchor points have been completed. Proceed with caution.”

The world around Rina became distorted, with shapes shifting and flickering. Rina refused to give in to the temptation to escape the growing pressure. Her purpose was clear: she was here to seek answers. She knew she had to navigate carefully as she made her way through Dr. Kanzaki's mind, which felt like a labyrinth.

Rina was frightened by the appearance of an unknown, shadow-covered figure standing in the distance. Despite her fear, she felt an inexplicable pull toward it and, without hesitation, approached the figure. Despite its fractured form, the figure was undeniably real, a terrifying presence against the disjointed backdrop. The voice of the shadowy figure was a low, rasping whisper that seemed to echo from every direction at once.

Shadowed Figure: (whispering, the voice distorted and unrecognizable) "You made a grave mistake by entering this place, Detective Takahashi. The Void Circle doesn’t let go easily."

As the figure's words got in, Rina felt a chill run down her spine. Her hand automatically reached for her sidearm, and she fired it with experienced accuracy. Despite the strange situation, her heartbeat remained calm as her fingers tightened around the grip.

Rina: (demanding, her voice firm) “Who are you? What’s the Void Circle planning?”

The Shadowed figure became further distorted as it flickered. It was merely a fragment of Dr. Kanzaki's subconscious mind, possibly a manifestation of his secrets or fears, rather than a physical being. When the shadow spoke again, its words were disorganized and incomprehensible. The dreamscape seemed to warped and shifted even more as it struggled to speak.

Rina: (frustrated, raising her gun) “Answer me!”

But the shadowed figure vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but a faint, glowing door.

ECHO: (calm, alert) "An anomaly has been detected. I would recommend you to head towards the door. This will provide vital information about the victim."

Rina stood before the door, the odd glow flickering like a heartbeat, drawing her in while casting an unsettling shadow. Every instinct screamed for her to turn back, yet she steeled her resolve. The secrets of the Void Circle lay beyond this threshold, and she couldn't afford to abandon this case. With measured determination, she stepped closer, each stride echoing in the silence, her heart unwavering despite the aura of unease surrounding the entrance.

Rina: (nodding to herself) “Lead the way, partner.”

Scene 3: The Hidden Truth Behind the Door

The edges of the door dissolved into the air like smoke as it creaked open. The world around Rina shifted again as she stepped through. This scene felt more real than before. She recognized the high-tech, sterile laboratory instantly—the building's architecture, with its cold metal surfaces and flashing lights, brought back memories of her past. Long ago, during the darkest days of her life, she had been there. As she gazed around, trying to process her surroundings, she spotted a younger Dr. kanzaki in the distance. He stood next to a mysterious woman whose face was obscured. Their voices were strained and pierced the air as they engaged in a heated discussion.

Young Dr. Kanzaki: (his voice frantic) “You can’t release it! The AI isn’t stable! It’ll destroy everything!”

The mysterious woman remained calm, her voice cold, indifferent.

Mysterious Woman: "Stability is not required for the Void Circle. Our design is chaos. We seek destruction, while others fear it."

The words hung in the air as Rina froze. Chaos… Beyond her expectations, the Void Circle had been experimenting with something perilous. This was about control over something far more volatile than power alone. Whatever this AI was, it had the capacity to alter reality itself.

Rina: (to ECHO, whispering) “Echo, can you tell me what AI are they talking about?”

ECHO: (processing, scanning the data) "Analyzing… No record of this AI can be found in public databases. It may have been deliberately deleted or classified. Further research is required."

Rina continued to observe as the dreamscape shifted once more. The Darkness began to warp the scene in the laboratory. She felt a dizzying sensation as if the ground beneath her was vanishing. Her thoughts scrambled, desperately trying to put the pieces together to prevent the loss of crucial information.

Suddenly, a wave of pressure overwhelmed her mind. Voices, memories, and distorted emotions swirled together, forming a tornado as the scene transformed into a vortex of chaotic images. She plunged deeper into the abyss, and the symbols of the Void Circle reappeared, surrounding her in a sea of fragmented visuals.

ECHO: (urgent, its voice rising in alarm) "Rina, the memory sequence is collapsing. You have to get out now or you'll be lost in the subconscious mind Forever!"

Rina felt the weight of the dream pressing down on her like a thousand hands as she got pulled into the chaos. She struggled to maintain her composure and prevent her thoughts from collapsing.

Rina: (gritting her teeth, determined) “I’m not leaving without the truth.”

She made one last push and reached out, her mind focusing on one stable thread during the chaos. It was the core of what Hiroshi had been hiding, his final fragment of memory. With dizziness from the force of the descent, she pulled herself toward it. Then Rina was startled. She was pulled out of the MindLink as the dreamscape collapsed around her.

Scene 4: Back in the Real World – Rina’s Awakening

Rina's body jerked on the chair as she was violently pulled from the MindLink, gasping for air. Her knuckles were white from the unexpected intensity of the experience as her hands grabbed the seat's arms. She blinked rapidly as the room came back and everything went normal

Kenta: (standing by, eyes wide in concern) “Are you okay, Rina? "You seemed lost for a moment."

Rina: (panting, her voice steadying) "Yes, just a little dizzy. However, I've got something for you, Kenta. Dr. Kanzaki and the mysterious woman were developing an AI that could wipe out the entire world."

ECHO: (calm, providing data) "Rina, I have compared the memories. In addition to controlling Dr. Kanzaki's mind, the Void Circle is trying to alter reality by tampering with the AI's incomplete code."

As the puzzle pieces started to fit together, Rina's mind raced with excitement. Even though she had now learned the truth, it was not enough. So much more was yet to be uncovered.

Rina: (clenching her fists) “We need to find that AI before the Void Circle achieves it.”

Read Chapter 3

[mikaelle-story]

Chapter 1: The First Step into the Void

Read Prologue

Scene 1: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department

A hum of voices surrounded the bustling hallways of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Rina sat at her desk, surrounded by piles of case files, her fingertips lightly brushing the most recent murder report. Despite the chaos around her—detectives sharing information, police officers rushing from one task to another—Rina remained focused. Her dark eyes narrowed as she scanned the data displayed on the augmented reality screen in front of her.

Rina: "Hey Echo, what’s the latest victim on this case?"

ECHO: (calm and measured, in her mind) "The victim has been identified as Hiroshi Kanzaki, a 42-year-old scientist. The cause of death was exsanguination—loss of a significant amount of blood."

Rina leaned back in her chair, letting out a deep exhale as she drummed her fingers rhythmically against the table.

Rina: (sighing) "Another one. That’s three victims this month, each linked to the symbols of the Void Circle."

ECHO: "Yes, you're right. The symbols carved into the victim's chest are definitely from the Void Circle. I've identified ritualistic patterns on them."

Rina's eyes glanced at the monitor, which showed a detailed image of the victim's body. Over the man's heart, the terrifying symbol—a perfect circle with jagged lines extending from it—was deeply etched into the skin. Along with the grotesque nature of the injury, the image was unsettling because it felt deliberate, perhaps a message.

Rina: (shaking her head) "The void Circle, again… I thought we were done with them. But it looks like they have returned. Now, what in the world do they want?"

ECHO was silent for a minute, as if the AI were thinking about the question for Rina. Rina had traveled across the dark Void Circle for years early in her career, but she had never been able to analyze their operations. They were elusive, constantly working in the background and pulling strings without revealing their purpose.

Rina: (grabbing her coat and standing up) "Let’s start here. Maybe the MindLink System will give us something to work with. I need complete access to the victim’s digital footprint and any leads from his recent activity. If the Void Circle is involved, they won’t make things easy."

ECHO: "Understood. I'll work with the data from the crime scene, and be careful—they have a reputation for fabricating evidence and manipulating facts."

Rina put on her jacket and walked quickly toward the elevator, her thoughts already racing through all the potential outcomes. The Void Circle was known for being meticulous, and their rituals often involved psychological manipulation in addition to murder, leaving behind cryptic clues and false leads that confused authorities. She knew she would need all her strength to solve this case completely.

Scene 2: Crime Scene – Hiroshi Kanzaki’s Apartment

Rina entered the victim's apartment with two forensic officers by her side. There were very few personal belongings to indicate who the man had been, and the apartment felt sterile and clean. It was odd—there was no sense of life in the room, as if the life that had been taken here had never mattered.

She walked deeper into the apartment, her boots making soft sounds on the polished floor. The Void Circle's symbol was clearly visible on the wall above the victim's bloodstained body.

Kenta: (standing in the doorway, grim) "As you can see on the victim's body, the mark was deeply carved, as if the murderer knew exactly where he intended to leave it. It's disturbing."

Rina: (nodding as she examined the crime scene) "These markings have never been an accident. This person wanted to make a statement. Now that the Void Circle has returned, they are becoming more aggressive."

ECHO: "I’m currently synchronizing with the MindLink System. I’ll collect relevant data from the crime scene."

Rina turned on the MindLink visor while adjusting her coat. A gentle blue glow filled her eyes as the device slid over her head. She was immediately immersed in a network of information and possible leads as the system connected with her neurological circuits. In front of her, a series of holographic screens came to life, displaying the victim's digital footprint, including emails, recent conversations, and financial transactions.

She focused on several important contacts, but they all led to dead ends. There was nothing that seemed to connect the victim to anything unusual, aside from a few encrypted texts. As Rina decrypted the communications, her fingers skimmed over the holographic interface, her mind buzzing with the potential outcomes.

ECHO: (calmly) "Rina, I’ve found something. One of the encrypted messages contains a location that seems to be connected to the Void Circle."

Rina’s heart skipped a beat.

Rina: (squinting at the screen) “Give me the coordinates. We need to get there—fast.”

Scene 3: Hidden Location – The MindLink Dive

They followed the coordinates, which led to a secret facility on the outskirts of Tokyo—a plain structure surrounded by weeds and abandoned vehicles. With their cars silent in the cold evening air, Rina and her team arrived at the site under the cover of darkness.

The weight of what they were about to encounter pressed down on Rina's chest as she stood before the entrance, breathing steadily. She had already accessed the information through the MindLink system, but now, she needed to go deeper—into the heart of the Void Circle's operations."

Rina: (to Forensic Officer Kenta, determination in her voice) "Kenta, stay here. I'm entering this facility by myself. I need to find out what they're hiding on us."

Kenta: (looking uneasy) "Rina, be careful. The Void Circle's no joke. We have no idea what they are capable of."

Rina nodded, her face set with determination. Without hesitation, she approached the entrance and walked into the facility. Like the other hideouts of the Void Circle, it was eerily quiet inside. A modern lab, filled with strange equipment and computers running algorithms Rina couldn't comprehend. Her fingertips hovered over the interface as she walked towards the main console.

Suddenly, the room was illuminated by a flash of light, and the air hummed with an unsettling sound. Rina felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as the system began to power up. A distorted, nearly mechanical voice echoed through the empty room.

Distorted Voice: “You shouldn’t have come, Detective Takahashi. You can not understand the work of the Void Circle. Now is the start of the last stage."

Rina recognized the tone, and her mind raced. It was a trap. She had to escape, but not without obtaining the information she was after. By bypassing security measures and gathering what she could, she delved deeper into the system.

ECHO: (immediately) "The time was running out, Rina. The system has been activated. You have to leave immediately."

However, it was too late. The walls surrounding Rina began to shift and flicker, as though reality itself were bending. The temperature dropped, and the lights flickered erratically.

Rina: (becoming agitated) "I won't go without answers!"

However, the system had already taken control. It was attempting to rewrite her mind, not just hack into it.

Scene 4: Escaping the Void Circle

As Rina struggled to regain control, her mind screamed for freedom. She pushed against the virtual walls closing in on her consciousness.

Using ECHO's instructions, she quickly disconnected from the MindLink interface and pulled herself out of the digital labyrinth. As she fought against the forces of the Void Circle, the atmosphere in the building became suffocating. Rina knew she had to act fast.

The final vision flashed in her mind as she stumbled out of the building: an incomplete sequence, a flashing code... Something far worse than she had anticipated wasn’t being created by the Void Circle. It was something she had to stop before it was too late.

Scene 5: Back at the Police Department

Rina staring out the window of her office. She could only see the fragments of the case—pieces of a puzzle that didn't make sense—as the city lights glittered below her.

ECHO: "Rina,  there’s more to this than you realize. The ability to alter reality itself is what the Void Circle wants, not just control."

Rina: (quietly) "I know. They won’t stop until they get their hands on it."

As she made her choice, her eyes hardened.

Rina: (to herself, determined) "I won’t rest until this is over. I’m going after them, no matter what it cost."

Read Chapter 2

[mikaelle-story]

AI: Dreambound Case

Beneath the Veil of Reality

Prologue

In a future where artificial intelligence can dive into human memories and dreams, Detective Rina Takahashi partners with ECHO, a cutting-edge AI implanted in her mind. Tasked with solving a string of cryptic murders tied to a mysterious group called The Void Circle, Rina must use the MindLink System to enter the subconscious of suspects and victims. Each dive uncovers fractured realities, hidden truths, and a chilling conspiracy that threatens to unravel her own past.

Characters

Detective Rina Takahashi - Protagonist

A detective with a strong sense of independence and a knack for cracking complicated cases. She is both the hunter and the hunted because of the jumbled memories connected to the Void Circle that haunt her.

ECHO - The AI companion

The artificial intelligence partner that Rina had implanted. ECHO leads Rina through her own subconscious explorations as well as inquiries. She is composed, rational, and frequently the voice of reason.

Forensic Officer Kenta Nakamura - Supporting Officer

Rina's buddy and colleague. Kenta frequently provides assistance and emotional support, but he also shows reliability in dire situations.

Dr. Hiroshi Kanzaki - Scientist and victim

A key figure in the development of AI technology. His murder sets the story in motion and uncovers his ties to the Void Circle.

The Mysterious Woman (Future Version Rina) - Antagonist

An important figure in the plot and the highest-ranking member of the Void Circle, her identity and motivations remain a secret

The Mysterious Man - Antagonist

One of the members of the Void Circle

Read Chapter 1