Mythos Of Narcissus: Reborn As An NPC In A Horror VRMMO

Chapter 220 - 220: Primus, The First Ever Cognitive Engine

The instant the Foundational Template merged with the spare puppet vessel, the surrounding air came alive with a surge of energy.

A subtle hum resonated through the walls, growing into a soft crescendo as the vessel lit up with artificial life.

The formerly inert puppet twitched slightly, its hands curling and uncurling, as if testing the boundaries of its new existence. The grafted luminous circuits embedded in its frame flared for a second, then stabilized into a steady, rhythmic glow. It moved slowly at first, its mechanical joints creaking faintly as it explored its own form, its sleek metallic body shimmering faintly under the chamber's ethereal light.

"The template's integrated," I announced, more to myself than anyone else, watching intently as the vessel's head turned toward its own hands, flexing the articulated fingers with a grace that belied its mechanical origins. "It's assessing the vessel… adapting, learning… per its innate instruction that was integrated to its neural network. Heh,"

Kuzunoha, standing just behind me, tilted her head slightly as she observed. Her crimson eyes narrowed with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. "I expected results," she murmured, "But even I didn't anticipate this level of... sophistication. It's evolving its understanding of its new body so seamlessly, like a brand new living soul that was given home."

"Well, that's what happens when you compress years of development into a few days," I replied with a faint smirk, though my tone carried an undertone of weariness. "I had planned for the Neuromorphic Tech to progress gradually—months, maybe years of steady re

"Your effort will barely change anything."

"Is this how you want to play it? Creating an artificial servant?"

"This thing will be useless either way."

"Naming things will only lead to a hurtful separation down the road."

The voices were still screaming in my head.

Everytime I breathe, they attempt to strangle me.

If I dared to close my eyes, they showed me the hellish vision of the golden purgatory, reminding me of my ill-fated destiny.

Even at this moment, where joy should be embracing me with an open arm.

All I hear are screams.