Who even uses Laser Guns anymore? [Part 1]

Approaching the two suspects, I drew my gun. Fifteen years in the police force, and my detector had never failed me when it came to reading the target.

After 15 years of service in the police force, I gained access to the latest equipment the department had acquired: a pair of glasses that unveiled the name and gender of anyone I looked at. Criminal records were denoted by an orange display, while a white display signified no criminal history. If a person was an escapee or convict, their name appeared in red.

This time was different. Though I was certain I saw two individuals, the lack of CCTV on the 27th floor posed a challenge. The absence of this technology in a place dedicated to societal failures was typical. One burning question lingered: "Why do I see this?"

Two persons identified:

[Rogue AI Android]

Unknown [Unknown]

Approaching them, I opened fire on the unknown. I missed it.

"That's strange. I never miss my targets."

Deciding to focus on the rogue AI android first, I aimed again. A few shots missed, but one found its mark. I had not been smart about it, and I regretted it. Now more alert, they would surely retaliate. Still, my duty was to keep the floors safe, so I called for backup.

While waiting for more officers, I moved toward the warehouse where they fled. Each step reminded me I was getting too old for this.

"I guess I can't crouch low and move efficiently. Maybe I'm pushing it too much. But today, I'm still a policeman, so I can't complain."

Circling the warehouse, I identified two possible exits: the main entrance and a window a few meters above the ground on the other side. Careful not to recklessly reveal my position, I pondered the situation. Backup might take a while since we were on the western side of the 27th floor, mostly designed as a deserted suburban maze. I recalled the area's history of housing internet cafes and arcades, where kids ventured into rumors of losing organs.

"Now that I think about it, it was all bullshit. The only thing those kids visiting here could've lost here would be their innocence."

A laugh escaped me at an inappropriate time. Regardless, the sound of sirens brought relief as backup arrived.

Walking backward, still facing the warehouse with my gun pointed at the entrance, I turned on my radio.

"I'm taking a position on the eastern side from the entrance of this warehouse, in case they escape from the back. We have a suspect and a rogue AI android. The scanner says the person is 'unknown,' so we have to catch him alive."

"Roger that. I'll go inside and check. I'll light my torch now. You know, I really hate using mana at the end of the day, but here we go."

My backup illuminated the area using his magicode, producing 300 lumens of light on his worst day. Good enough for most situations. Not adept at magicode myself, lacking a programming background, I relied on raw hard work, dedication, and 15 years of experience.

I watched as he conjured an orb of light above his head.

"Today isn't his worst day, then."

I smiled again, perhaps too much for the current situation. My limit for the day. Prepared to provide cover fire, I moved forward slowly. Why didn't my scanner show the name of the second person? The government should have recorded all existing rogue AI bots. So, was that person from Mars? Or even from the Moon?

"I guess it's too early to hold assumptions."

More silence. After a minute, I reached for my radio.

"Officer 254, do you copy?"

Silence followed. No response.

"Officer 254, do you copy?"

Alarm set in. Something was wrong, and the stillness of everything felt sinister. Even if they resisted, I shouldn't have been too far to hear the sound of a struggle. No shots were fired either; these laser guns ensured they failed the sound test. Reflecting on the shortcomings of the police department, I lamented the lack of proper management, ammunition shortages, and the inadequacy of our laser guns compared to the gadgets the criminals had access to.

"Officer 254, do you copy?"

I asked once more, rigidly this time, before deciding to enter the warehouse myself. Not having learned magicode when I was younger was a regret; I couldn't see anything right now.

"Copy that officer. There is nothing inside. The warehouse is empty! Are you sure you saw someone go in there?"

I couldn't believe it. Those sneaky bastards must have done something.

"It can't be. I'm sure I saw suspects run inside. I'm coming in as well."

In the end, despite an extensive search, we found nothing. I still couldn't believe my eyes. Two strange incidents in a row, and both connected. Beyond me, even though I'd filed a report passed to the higher-ups, I doubted there was any solid argument or proof. Additionally, without another officer as a witness, my report would likely collect dust on some shelf. Regardless, I vowed to chase them until the very end, even if it meant doing so alone.