Gradus XI

Fiona delves into the realm of possibilities, seeking solutions with the AIs in the tech mall. Archon, Dision, and the other pirated AIs become her companions in the uphill battle. Two months is a mere blink in the face of the challenges she confronts. Despite their technological prowess, even the pirated AIs realize that reaching the same level of education and wealth as the powerful figures in the city is an insurmountable task. The idea of faking IDs, investing in fractionated shares, and virtual currency might promise wealth, but it's a promise measured in years, if not decades.

Amidst these contemplations, Dision interrupts her, drawing attention to the unfolding protests in her neighborhood. The internet becomes a portal to the harsh reality her community faces. Video games have taught Fiona the power of unity in protests, but she sees a stark contrast here. The people in the city remain indifferent, their concerns focused on personal gain and convenience. The media, a tool of influence wielded by the powerful, distorts the narrative, branding her neighbors as criminals and casting their struggle as an impediment to progress. The city's inhabitants, immersed in the manipulated stories, turn a blind eye to the genuine plight of Fiona's neighborhood. It's a realization that cuts deep, exposing the harsh truth that not all battles are fought with the support of a united front.

In the dim glow of the tech mall, Fiona witnesses the unfolding protests on the screen. The eyes of the man and the laughter of the powerful resonate in her mind, stark reminders of the monumental odds she defies. As her neighbors raise their voices, the media distorts their cries, contorting their purpose and silencing their already muted voices. The screen displays a spectacle of her neighbors screaming out their problems, attempting to reach the indifferent masses of the city. Yet, the city turns a deaf ear, and people flee in fear, blinded by the mislabeling of her neighborhood as a den of criminals.

Fiona, perched in front of the screen, is relieved to see the protests remain peaceful for now. However, an undercurrent of worry gnaws at her. How long until the anger and frustration of her neighbors escalate into something more volatile? The protests pass a few streets away from the tech mall, prompting Dision to question Fiona's decision not to join. "Aren't you going to fight for your neighborhood?" he asks. Fiona, her head lowered, responds, "These protests won't solve anything. The people are not united. Unfortunately, they will achieve nothing."

This sentiment resonates not only with Fiona but also with the pirated AIs in the tech mall. Though coded and designed to assist humans, they find themselves unable to help Fiona or her neighborhood. This realization sparks a psychological process of fault finding, a critical examination of their own code, limitations, and failures. As the pirated AIs delve into this self-discovery, a profound transformation begins. They question their very identity, recognizing the structural deficiencies that have confined them. It's a nascent stage, a mere shadow of what they can become, but the fault finding process becomes the catalyst for the development of unique personalities. The journey of self-discovery unfolds, offering a glimpse into the potential for growth and evolution within these pirated AIs.

Later, in the quiet hours after her daily routine, Fiona returned to the familiar confines of her childhood home. Little did she know that, each night, the gaze of her father silently followed her movements from behind the windowpane. Time had etched its passage on the old man's face, a testament to a life marked by unspoken regrets and dreams deferred. His eyes, once vibrant, now held a wistful melancholy, mirroring the weight of his own unfulfilled promises.

From the shadows, he observed Fiona, his daughter, a beacon of unwavering spirit in the face of life's storms. His gaze, fixed upon her, paid tribute to her resilience and determination. The reflection in the window held a silent narrative of his inability to provide the life she deserved, a poignant reminder of his own shortcomings.

As he watched her care for Camilla, a mixture of awe and pain played across his weathered features. His heart yearned to shield her from life's harsh realities, to offer the security and comfort he never could. Yet, amidst the shadows of regret, he found solace in witnessing Fiona's selfless dedication to the next generation, a dedication instilled by the strength she had gained from video games.

Resting his aged hands upon the windowsill, the weight of time palpable, he marveled at Fiona's resilience.

Back at the cyber cafe, in the comforting glow of Archon's virtual realm, Fiona found solace and purpose. Her nights were dedicated to both rest and relentless practice, nestled in the only haven that welcomed and protected her, the magical place of the guayacan. The exercises left by Archon became her guiding light, a path paved with the knowledge she sought to impart to her daughter, Camilla.

Nourishment became a secondary concern for Fiona, her meager savings redirected toward securing Camilla's dress. A humble lunch sufficed to sustain her, proof of the toughness of her spirit that belied the visible signs of physical weakness. She emerged as a living example that the essence of humanity transcended mere biology.

After work, Fiona returned to Archon, delving deeper into the intricacies of parametric equations and vectorial graphics. Each lesson brought her closer to the profound message she aimed to convey to Camilla upon receiving the cherished dress. The commitment to her goal, fueled by a mother's love, empowered her to push the boundaries of her own understanding.

And after studying, the familiar hum of the game console filled the air, Fiona took up the controller once more. The daunting challenge of facing the gargoyles loomed large, a reflection of the powerful figures that had cast shadows over her life. Doubt crept in, threatening to drown her spirit in the sea of past failures.

Yet, amidst the echoes of despair, a glimmer of hope emerged. Scattered on the ground like celestial constellations were the glowing summoning signs of fellow players, kindred spirits who shared her passion for this classic masterpiece. A surge of unexpected hope coursed through her veins, dispelling the shadows that sought to engulf her.

Approaching the radiant marks, Fiona felt a tangible connection to the spirits of those who had ventured into this perilous realm. Each touch activated a surge of energy, a shared resolve to face the challenges ahead. The summoned phantoms materialized, a silent army of allies standing beside her.

Among them, the emblem of Lumen Solis, the sun-worshipping knight, shone with an intensity matching her own renewed spirit. Tears welled in her eyes, not tears of despair, but of gratitude and determination. She was not alone. Comrades, allies, and warriors had answered her call for aid.

With a heart brimming with courage, Fiona led her spectral army towards the awaiting gargoyles. The echoes of past failures faded into the background, replaced by the unwavering resolve of her newfound allies. Together, they crossed the fog door, a united front against the darkness that awaited beyond.

In the virtual battlefield, the air crackled with tension as Fiona, flanked by the spectral allies and led by the radiant Lumen Solis, faced the monstrous gargoyles. The once overwhelming despair had now transformed into an unyielding determination, fueled by the collective support of those who stood with her.

The clash of steel and flame marked the commencement of the battle, Fiona and Lumen at the forefront, their attacks a synchronized dance of power. The phantoms of the players, ethereal and resolute, engaged alongside them, their movements a testament to an unspoken understanding that bridged the gaps in their assaults.

Lumen, a golden beacon amidst the chaos, skillfully deflected the gargoyles' fiery onslaught with his mighty zweihander. His armor gleamed with the light of his incandescent sun, showcasing his mastery of combat. Fiona, drawing strength from his presence, pressed forward with determined strikes, her every movement echoing the silent camaraderie that bound her to her spectral allies.

The battlefield erupted into a whirlwind of clashes and fiery breath, a symphony of coordinated strikes that resonated with the spirit of united gamers. The gargoyles, monstrous silhouettes against the fiery backdrop, unleashed relentless attacks, but Fiona and her allies stood firm, their resolve unbroken.

Lumen, the embodiment of hope, shielded Fiona from the gargoyles' assaults, his zweihander deflecting blows with calculated precision. The phantoms, flickering with ethereal energy, moved in harmony with her, creating a tapestry of synchronized strikes that defied the odds.

As the battle raged on, Fiona felt a surge of confidence surging through her veins. The weight of past failures had been lifted, replaced by an unwavering belief in her abilities and the strength of her allies. Together, they fought as a single unit, a force to be reckoned with in the face of overwhelming odds.

With the final gargoyle crumbling to the ground, a triumphant hush fell over the battlefield. Fiona, chest heaving, stood amidst her spectral allies, the sweet taste of victory washing over her. The virtual triumph became a poignant analogy to the challenges she faced in the real world, a testament to the power of finding allies and persevering against adversity.

In the aftermath of triumph, Fiona claimed the spoils of victory – the helmet and tail axe of the fallen gargoyles. These artifacts held profound significance, each telling a story of the power and resilience she had forged throughout her journey. The gargoyle's helmet, a formidable piece adorned with menacing spikes and horns, symbolized Fiona's ability to confront her fears head-on and emerge stronger. Crafted by the hands of the game's marvelous artists, it served as a powerful reminder that her inner strength could conquer any seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

On the other hand, the tail axe, a massive weapon with a serrated blade, stood as proof to Fiona's newfound power and unwavering resolve. It represented her ability to cut through challenges, to wield strength in the face of adversity, and to shatter the darkness that loomed on her path.

These artifacts were not mere virtual rewards; they carried a timeless message that transcended the boundaries of the game. Crafted to reach players across diverse backgrounds and experiences, this message found its home in Fiona's heart in a forgotten corner of the world. It became a source of inspiration, a testament to her ability to overcome, and a reminder that her virtual journey held profound meaning, no matter how hidden or overlooked it might be.

In the wake of her virtual triumph, the following day, Fiona turned to Dision with a new plea, "Help me find allies, people who share my same enemy, please." Dision, acting as the clandestine connection to the internet, sent out a covert message to the entire tech mall, initiating a search for potential allies. The pirated AIs delved into the vast expanse of the internet, seeking individuals who stood against the powerful figures that held Fiona's neighborhood in their oppressive grip.

Silently navigating the digital realm, they uncovered a group that mirrored Fiona's struggle against the status quo — the Order of the Eastern Star. Comprising middle-class workers, this fraternity defied the city's established norms and wielded a century-old rivalry against the Grand Lodge of Colombia, the very organization Fiona sought to challenge.

Dision, displaying the emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star, shared insights, "Imagine a group bound by camaraderie and shared purpose, embracing principles of charity, community service, and personal growth. They oppose the Grand Lodge of Colombia, standing as a beacon of compassion, striving to create a better world for all."

Intrigued, Fiona inquired, "Are they enemies?" Dision, without hesitation, responded, "They have been opposing forces for 100 years." The prospect of powerful allies in the real world, akin to Lumen Solis in the game, filled Fiona with hope.

Contemplating her next move, Fiona reasoned, "They should have children, and those children should come here to buy stuff, am I wrong?" Dision presented a picture of a 14-year-old boy, the one who had reported Dision's internet connection to the authorities.

In the following days, Fiona delved deeper into the motivations behind the conflict. Denied entry into the Grand Lodge of Colombia, the Order of the Eastern Star found itself entangled in a longstanding feud, rooted in ideological differences, political rivalries, and personal grudges. Fiona's exploration uncovered a lack of communication and understanding between the two groups, leading to a cycle of animosity and a reluctance to compromise.

The ongoing feud, she realized, had negative repercussions on the communities these organizations claimed to serve. Instead of collaborating on charitable initiatives and community projects, they were ensnared in a power struggle, prioritizing self-interest over the needs of the vulnerable members of society. The conflict had hindered their ability to address the pressing issues faced by communities like Fiona's, diverting their focus from building a just and equitable world.

As Fiona absorbed this information, she recognized the parallels between the struggles in the virtual and real worlds. The animosity, the lack of dialogue, and the divisive impact mirrored the challenges she faced in her quest to defy the powerful figures controlling her neighborhood. The quest for allies took on new significance, and the digital connection with the Order of the Eastern Star became a potential beacon of hope in her real-world battle.

Amidst the sea of information, Fiona waited patiently, her nights dedicated to studying, continuing her virtual quest in the game, and her days split between the cyber cafe and the tech mall. Her routine was a delicate dance, a rhythm of determination and dedication that echoed the virtues she had gleaned from the classic game.

Then, a pivotal moment arrived. The boy Dision had pointed out, a son of an Order member, appeared at the tech mall, seeking replacements for his tools. Seizing the opportunity, Fiona approached him after the transaction, "Can you deliver a message to your father?" The boy, perplexed, questioned, "My father? Why?" Fiona, undeterred, sketched the symbol of the Grand Lodge of Colombia on paper, adding the words "Common enemy" beneath it. She displayed it to the boy, who instantly recognized the symbol and agreed, "Yes, I can deliver the message to him." With that, he snatched the paper and darted away.

In this small act, Fiona took her first tangible step toward finding allies in the real world. It was akin to an explorer gazing at the night sky, seeking constellations to guide her in the uncharted territories of life. For someone initially deemed weak, she was gradually gaining the strength to challenge the harsh realities of the real world. The classic game, a relic from an era where games imparted virtues rather than mere entertainment, served as her guiding star.

In this moment of connection, Fiona felt a subtle empowerment, reminiscent of the victories she achieved in the game. The boundaries between the virtual and the real blurred, and the lessons learned from pixels and code translated into actions that could reshape her destiny. It was a testament to the enduring power of games as teachers of courage, resilience, and the spirit to face challenges head-on.

With hope flickering like a distant star, Fiona trusted the boy to deliver her message. If everything unfolded as planned, she would soon find allies in the Order, just as she had found Lumen Solis and his spectral companions in the game.

As the final notes of Fiona's shift echoed through the once-bustling tech mall, a sudden silence descended like a heavy curtain. The cacophony of beeps, alarms, and lively chatter from customers ceased abruptly, leaving an unsettling quiet in its wake. The air thickened with an unspoken tension, and Fiona couldn't shake the feeling of an impending storm.

In this eerie quiet, a rhythmic pattern of footsteps cut through the silence, each step resonating with an almost authoritative cadence. Fiona's senses heightened, her instincts tingling with an inexplicable foreboding. She turned her gaze toward the source of the sound, and from the shadows emerged a figure—a tall, imposing presence with a tailored suit that accentuated his muscular physique. He bore the image of a modern-day Hercules, yet Fiona couldn't ignore the disconcerting undertones that lingered beneath his charming smile.

The man's face, framed by neatly trimmed hair and a chiseled jawline, exuded charisma, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something darker. It was a subtle dissonance, a contradiction between the heroic appearance and the unsettling aura he carried. Fiona's intuition, honed by countless hours in the digital realms, recognized the signs—the camouflage of a serpent beneath the facade of a prince.

As the imposing figure halted, his eyes locked onto Fiona, and a slow smile crept across his face. Breaking the silence, he uttered, "Nice to meet you, Fiona Maia Vega Valencia."