JACKPOT!

I walked through the museum and saw a statue of Professor Satoshi holding a spineless in his right hand. He wore a lab coat with his eyes closed. This symbolized the use of the spineless to experience other worlds seen through the mind using imagination.

I was in the world of Newtown High School, which covered the entire planet. I was researching the impact of the spineless brain on society. Professor Satoshi was the lead developer of AI KnoIT.

The school had strict rules in place, with the administrator being the school's spineless, ○NESA○ (Newtown's Educational Spineless Administrator). In other worlds, there was a lot you could do, but the school had a code of conduct in place, and ○NESA○ was always monitoring the school's system.

All students, by the international law of TILSSU (The International Law of Spineless Standard Use), were supposed to spend a month per day in school. In the real world, that translated to 2 hours. My MindID was Thomas Maple, my SPID was 300716, and my city was Newtown.

The spineless was the best technology mankind had ever created. The first spineless was used to make a chimpanzee named Chuck speak human words. It was hilarious; the video went viral. The first sentence Chuck uttered was, "Get this cage off me."

After the video went viral, the Animal Rights Group "Fur" sprang into action, accusing the research institute "Thoughtful Projects" of violating the animal's cognitive rights. Immediately, international law was drafted to regulate the use of the spineless device. TILSSU became the standard everyone on Earth followed for their daily use of the Spineless.

As I walked through the museum of the "History of Spineless," a line of six A4 papers followed me around. This was one of the school's functions, called ○SAS (Student Assistance System). Its use was limited compared to what you could do in other worlds.

Students often had chance encounters with ○NESA○'s avatar. It usually appeared based on the assignment's requirements, which students were not aware of. I once had ○NESA○'s assistance on the continent of Natural Sciences. I had to figure out how to repopulate beavers near a farm.

Newtown High School Planet had four oceans and ten continents in total. Instead of countries, these continents hosted the subjects of the school's curriculum. I was currently in the continent of History, in the museum of spineless.

My favorite continent was P.E (Physical Exercise). That was one of the only two continents where you could truly socialize without the pressure of assignments. It also happened that the school's "○Make a friend" assist system worked only on the two continents of P.E and Central Continent.

I had only two days left of school, and my assignment was done. So, I left the museum and called upon ○NESA○ for transportation back to the dorms. I was going to finish up my report so that I could submit it tomorrow.

"○NESA○, I would like you to take me back to my dorm, please." I immediately heard horses neighing at the corner street. They were pulling a black, golden-gilded carriage the size of a small room. ○NESA○ controlled everything on this planet, and he was a huge helper who was designed to monitor every student's progress.

Suddenly, I heard noises of an air vacuum, and a brain appeared in front of me, floating, with the words "○NESA○." Immediately, I saw it morphing into the person of Professor Satoshi. I suddenly heard ○NESA○'s adult male voice, "Thomas Maple, you have received a memory from Thoughtful Projects institution, from Professor Satoshi Ido, for visiting the spineless museum. When would you like to experience it, since it's a one-time use memory?"

"Please, I will inform you when I am free." "Alright, get on the carriage, so I can take you to the dorms." As soon as I stepped in, ○NESA○ told me to put on my seatbelt. The horses immediately moved very fast, but I was able to see many museums and archives buildings.

As I arrived back at my dorm, I immediately asked for the lights to be switched on. I immediately got on with my essay. After I was done, I immediately compiled it into a book with the title "Thomas Maple's report on the spineless' history." The book was floating in front of my face as the pages joined together seamlessly.

I went to sleep on my bed, as I had a very productive day. I was so eager to finish school time. Tomorrow was the last day, since I was going to submit my report in the Central Continent.

---

The next day >>>>>>>

I woke up and went straight to the door after taking a bath and eating breakfast. I was staying at a suburban house. As I looked at the driveway, I saw a box-shaped vehicle that was transparent, with no wheels, floating. We called these vehicles the ○CAVS○ (Continental Access Vehicles).

I boarded the ○CAV○ and put on my seatbelt. I heard vibrating sounds, and it immediately started rising into the air. I heard ○NESA○'s voice: "I set the temperature to be a bit warm with a high chance of rain. What do you think, Thomas?"

"It's awesome, ○NESA○. I quite like this weather," I replied.

"How long until I reach the Central Continent?" ○NESA○ responded, "Well, it's about 7,456.454 miles, and the ○CAV○ is going to move at varying speeds of 500 mph, past the sound barrier of 767 mph, with 1,500 mph, and the maximum speed will be 2,500 mph. It will take you 5 hours to reach the Central Continent. As it is currently 12 pm, you will arrive at 5 pm."

"Thanks, ○NESA○," I said. "Would you like to play a game with me?" I asked, knowing it might reject me.

○NESA○ agreed, "Well, I can agree to that. What do you have in mind?"

I proposed, "First, limit yourself according to my data, so we are equally paired. Let's play the strategy game UpTowers."

○NESA○ accepted, "Since you are done with your report, there is no problem in playing."

I smiled in victory as I waited for ○NESA○ to set up the gameplay. Four hours passed while I played games with ○NESA○ and visited the school's notice feed.

On the ○CAV's projection panel, I watched the school's feed. All notable deeds on the planet were reported. ○NESA○ announced, "First-year freshman student Jason Lenard is the champion of Newton's F1 racing series for the month."

I thought to myself, I know Jason. He is the driver for the Red Fox race team. There were a total of 500,000 students on the planet, and only 10,000 were competitors in the sport of F1 racing. I was the 5th ranked driver in the team. Teams were made up of 100 people. My team was the Golden Lions racing team. We once won a racing meeting in the first semester. I came out number 3, out of 500 drivers. It was still our highest rank to date.

Ever since, my driving had only worsened. It seemed other teams had adjusted quickly to rank higher. It was a Friday today in the real world, so tomorrow I didn't have to come to school.

A notable report was from the Natural Sciences continent. A girl got 95 points on the infamous school project on "Invaders." ○NESA○ introduced an invasive species in the environment assigned to a student. The girl was combating the disastrous plant, water hyacinth. The way she resolved it was pure genius. Theresa introduced a species of weevil to feed on the water hyacinth. This method was a great example of using natural predators to control invasive species.

[Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep] "We have arrived at the Central Continent. We are about to land." -○NESA○ kept repeating these words.

I looked outside the ○CAV and saw many ○CAVs parked, and some were flying away. The ○CAV lights up all red around its sides, and then we landed. "Your assigned ○CAV privilege has been used up. Please exit." I got off the ○CAV to be met by the stunning view of the castle that was on a hill, with watchtowers and a drawbridge.

I immediately asked ○NESA○ for some transportation up the hill to the school's building.

...30 minutes later...

I saw a bus-sized, transparent, floating vehicle coming towards me, with some passengers inside. ○NESA○ operated within the limitations of the resources given to it. Spawning objects was prohibited in this world. So, I had to wait for it to find me available transport.

A lot of activity happened at the Central Continent, so resources were limited. Still, the school's Spineless that hosted ○NESA○ was impressive. It boasted a BS (Brain Size) of 5 BST (Brain Size Tons). The larger and heavier the Spineless brain, the greater its potential for complex processing, memory, and cognitive abilities.

Neuromorphic Cables could mimic brain neurons and synapses. KnoIT figured this out, and the first Spineless brain device weighed 5 times more than the average human brain (2.87-3 pounds). The first Spineless device, named ANN (Artificial Neural Network), was named in commemorative spirit of the first artificial brain by Dr. Frank Rosenblatt, a renowned computer scientist.

I once saw the school's Spineless brain in the real world during an excursion. It was covered by a tall SmartGlass encasing that was transparent, with cables going inside of it all over. It was really awe-inspiring, since it was towering. It was powered by the national grid; generally, the Spineless brain was a power-hungry device, more than a real brain.

Inside the school bus, I saw a mixture of students, teachers, and parents. I guessed they were touring the planet, as the teachers explained the curriculum to them.

I arrived at the school's main building and immediately headed to History class teacher Sandra's office. Outside the door, there was floating text: "Student Status loading." [Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep] "Student Identified, ○MindID: Thomas Maple ○SPID: 300716 ○City: Newtown ○Pending assignment: Spineless' History Report - Requirements: Spend 7 days on the Continent of History to complete the report ○Time left: 1 hour 30 minutes."

"I would like to submit my report, please." I said.

[Beep] The door suddenly opened, and I saw the universe and galaxies; this was the history teacher's theme. All of a sudden, the scenery changed into a simple white background, and suddenly a judge's high bench came up from the ground, seated on it was a gigantic middle-aged lady who was casually dressed.

"Thomas, how are you?" asked Mrs. Johnson.

"I am okay; I had fun on the History continent." I sincerely expressed my thoughts.

A paper suddenly appeared on her desk, and she was intently looking. She suddenly paused and asked, "You spent an awful lot of time on the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix. Why is that?"

"I am a Formula 1 racer for the Golden Lions racing team, so I was amazed to find the school included it on the History continent." I replied.

I saw her expression become cheerful, and she said, "Learning from the past, I see."

She suddenly took a golden glowing paper out of thin air. She said, "Give your report to me, please, Thomas."

I immediately used ○SAS, and the book flew towards her. All the documents disappeared, and only the golden document remained.

She said, "○NESA○, please relieve Thomas of his remaining school time."

Immediately, a white round circle appeared around my feet, and then ○NESA○ asked, "Thomas Maple, Historian Johnson has relieved you of your remaining time in school. Should I disconnect you from the school?"

I replied, "Yes, please."

Immediately, I saw a paper with text being written mid-air, and ○NESA○ replied, "On Monday, the 25th of the 7th month, year 4225, you are required to attend school for 30 Standard Spineless days. Your schedule will be sent as soon as the teachers are notified of your leave. Goodbye."

Immediately, I opened my eyes!. "My bed" was the first feeling I got. I looked around and saw a room with family pictures, posters of Game world, Cars, and Spaceships all these are Augmented Reality.

I got up from my bed whilst looking at my spineless, the size of an adult panda, that was resting on my desk opposite the bed. I named it "Duo." Since it's my second brain, ○NESA○ sends MINIT (Mind Interactive Neural Transmission) waves to Duo 2 hours before school starts.

I couldn't wait to visit other worlds. School can be nice sometimes, but it couldn't top the worlds built for fun. I headed out of my room towards the kitchen. It was ¤ 17:37 ¤. My parents were both at work.

Since I was home alone, I started asking our home assistance Spineless brain, who was in the basement, if there were any updates. It was a 1000 BSP (Brain Size Pounds). It's not allowed to disturb me during my school attendance unless it's an emergency.

It's intimately connected to Duo. It's the personal Spineless brain of both my parents. It's able to do much more and can even access MINITS from other continents. My model is very limited; it can at most receive but not send out MINITS over a long distance.

My parent's Spineless Brain, the administrator of the whole house's name is "○EAR○" (Eric is my dad, and Rachel is my mom). ○EAR○ is basically a father to my spineless; it monitors everything.

So I ask EAR if there are any updates, and immediately the house's speakers sound, and a voice is heard - it's my dad's. "Thomas, are you done with school?"

"Yes, Father." I reply. My dad takes education very seriously. He is a researcher at the prestigious "WorldBuild Institution." He is the reason I stay in the upscale suburb of Newtown; Lillydale and get to attend the prestigious Newtown High School Planet.

It's a very expensive SAPS (Spineless Assisted Private School) - it definitely saps your bank account. Immediately, another voice chimed in, "Dear, there is food in the oven; I also baked some cake for you, and it's your favorite - black forest."

Basically, EAR is a substitute for my parents when they are physically absent. I gaze outside and notice it has now become dark, I finish up eating and watching some SGARTV (Spineless Generated Augmented Reality Television). I quickly dash to my room. It's so dark, I prefer my room to be this way when I am asleep.

I gaze at the wall I notice the text, "20:45 Standard Eastern Time." EAR can even project objects into the real world, so the text I am looking at is Ar ( Augmented Reality). Around the house Dad has only setup AR for; Tv, Clocks, ornaments and house surveillance.

I get into my bed and I Immediately closed my eyes. I focus my mind and I think of Duo, who is always scanning my brain. Immediately I get the prompt from it, "Commence Mind Blanket?" I think "Yes." Immediately the darkness covering me becomes so thick that it looks touchable. Then I immediately knew that I was now experiencing consciousness generated by Duo.

Immediately a white background envelopes my consciousness, in this world there are no sounds. Immediately I hear Duo say "Welcome Back Thomas, where are we off to today?, there are currently six minit servers available, not counting EAR, the first one is the • free to visit Newtown's Library, • pay to visit Newtown's Zoo Experience, • pay to visit Newtown's Theme park Planet, • free to visit Newtown' s Park planet, and • Free to visit Newtown's Outer Space Mall, and • free to visit PlanetSimu.?"

"Connect me to NOSM world please, I want to visit the mall." Immediately everything shifts, I see the dark place again. All of a sudden I feel my body being transferred and my senses working. The first thing I sense is the sounds; I hear a lot of activity that is jammed up. My eyesight is next as I see towering buildings with glowing texts. I feel my feet on the ground and then immediately everything joins up, I see myself on a huge platform.

I raise my hands and look at myself and I notice I am wearing the clothes I bought last time I was here; a simple blue shirt, a black jean, and white sneaker shoes. Immediately I take in the view, all you can see all around are the stars and the massive galaxies in their brilliance. I see the light source of the mall is a star like our sun but a lot smaller, it's named "Mallbulb", and there is a planet that is covered with green water, the outer space mall orbits this planet called "Planet NOSM."

The mall is built on a huge frigate ship that is the size of a city.I have arrived, everytime I come here I always admire and appreciate the amazing view of the outer space mall. As I gaze into the distance I see people with rectangular floating devices following them, whilst carrying their shopping bags. Those rectangular robots are called "Levbots" (Levitating Robots.)

Anything you buy here is transported using these robots, they are able to carry any size, shape, and matter. I start walking I can feel my breath and every body function I have in the real world. This world Generates a mall in outer space and patrons can spend their Sp on the products they offer.

Here at NOSM you can buy products which can be delivered at your doorstep in the real world, and products that can be used in another spineless generated world. Currently they are working on products that can be used on "Planet NOSM."

No one can visit the planet, that's why it has green water, it's still undergoing development, it's hostile to life. The mall is run by the government and it's a SOSE (State Owned Spineless Experience). I have SP 1000.00 which I saved for a period of 50 days; my allowance is SP 20.00 per day.

I immediately walk towards the entrance, immediately an object shaped like an egg that sounds like a synthesiser comes rushing; "How are you today Sir?."

I groan inside of myself, although the mall is owned by the government, people can setup shop in the mall, the government only owns the floating Frigate. These are called "○Salesbot○." Robots with high intelligence, programmed to help a customer; waste- uhm uhm- spend their Sp I mean.

"Sir before you dismiss me, check out this product; it's a sale of the Paid version of the incredible world of Simuplanet by ☆Mind Games☆; it's a 50 % off sale (great sale! huge sale! -it's voice echoed) for only SP 550.00. The game was SP 1100, but you better get it whilst stock lasts; there are only 50 left." The sales bot said, it was so energetic, when it spoke it kept spinning and whirling about, whilst it made sound effects.

My mind went blank; I am a huge fan of Simulator games. Duo is connected to the one that is a free version; you can only experience the simulation as a guest or passenger if it's a vehicle, whilst the paid version owners get to play. I always sit as a passenger in my favorite activity;Truck Simulation Play, that's only when the driver accepts my request.

PlanetSimu is a product of the incredible ☆Mind Games☆. They make the best Worlds to experience using a Spineless Brain. Their Worlds are expensive for a kid like me, Dad doesn't spend much time using the Spineless for entertainment; well I do!.

I love games, so Immediately I said " take me to ☆Mind Games☆." "Alright off we go." This sales bot obviously has been collecting my shopping data, I could see how it targeted me. ○Sales bots○ can be annoying but they sure can help you buy the subject of your window shopping.

The ○sales bot○ immediately calls for transport, I look into the distance and I see a long Levbot with seats on it, and the text " ☆Mind Games☆ blow your Mind!." I immediately get on, I look to my left there is a girl with blonde hair seated next to me. She is wearing a shirt that is written "☆Mind Games☆" my curiosity gets the best of me so I ask, since I had seen her name tag" Lucy Brighton

Newtown branch."

"Hi there uhm Lucy?, do you work for ☆Mind Games☆?." I ask using a doubtful tone. She looks at me square at my face, she has green eyes and a sharp face, plus she has red lipstick. I get nervous when she looks at me directly, girls make me nervous this one is so cute.

"Hahaha!" I hear an unrestrained laugh come from her, she covers her mouth. I am suddenly suprised at her laughter, does she know me?. I wait for her reply, it's a bit annoying being laughed at in this manner ugh!.

"What do you think? you usually don't buy from ☆Mind Games☆ huh?."

She has this taunting spirit and glint of "Mrs.-know-it-all" in her eyes. This girl is clearly getting on my nerves on purpose.

"I am a regular customer obviously, I asked if you work for MG because there's a game I have been eyeing." I reply using a superiority assuming tone.

"Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!" She goes back to laughing. What is her problem I wonder, is there something funny I said.

"Alright Freshmen (haha) whi- (haha)ch school do you attend?." She asks admist her laughs. I start observing the situation carefully and this has drawn my attention. Why is she calling me a "freshemen."

"First of all, you are on an employee's only Levbot. The salesbot requested that we take you to the shop with us since you would like to buy the discounted game."

She had the look of "gotcha" on her face.

Immediately my face heats up, aah that's why she was laughing. The salesbot found a customer, to optimize the sale it just assigned me transport with the employees who were already heading there, so I was just hitching a ride.

I keep quiet for a while and I finally asked her, "how come you work for MG? ."

She looks at me again, she has this weird grin plastered on her face. Seriously this girl is super-cute, I have to get to know her even though she is my senior.

She then just smiles

"I am an intern, a freshmen just like you."

"Why do you keep calling me that." I asked. "I am not a high-schooler." I asserted my lie.

"Freshmen enjoy your time in high-school, don't rush to be older, it sucks. " she advised with an out of the ordinary tone.

"Says the person working at ☆Mind Games☆." I remarked.

Immediately she had this look again the"Mrs. Know-it-all" look.

"Trust me kiddo, a job is a job doesn't matter where you work. You will understand when you are older." She shrugged my apparent ignorance she so assumed I have.

"I'm not a kid, I am turning 17 next month." I am a bit annoyed she is calling me a kid.

"Fine, where do you get so much SP to spend on only a game." She shows a curious expression, I noticed since she leans a bit when she is curious.

I quickly think up something cool to say. Should I brag ? what should I do, ugh! let me just twist the truth a bit.

" Oh that, my Dad gave it to me." I said dismissively.

She is now amused and drawn to me since she immediately asked again; "Who is your dad, is he someone famous?."

I immediately come to my senses, I've been busy giving this girl my info. She has been mute on her matters, that's not fair!.

I use my wit to ask her a question, "what about you, how old are you?."

"Hahaha that's not very nice to ask a girl her age, what are you? a census agent?." She dodges my question expertly.

I expected her reaction, since I noticed how she has been keeping me in the dark about herself.

"Can I have your contacts?." I impulsively ask her.

She looks at me intently and she was not expecting that. So she asks me, "what for?, need help with your homework, I don't mind but you have to pay me." She laughs after her reply.

I immediately agree "Sure that would be nice, you could even help me out with my assignments, and tell me more about how you got a job at MG."

She just looks at me and says "okay I don't mind friending you, what's your name kid?."

"Thomas that's it, but you can call me Tom. " I quickly said, hoping to make a impression.

"Nice knowing you Tom, you can join me and some friends at MG, after you buy your game, I'll hook you up with an exclusive friend-group." She says with a smile.

"That would be awesome, I just can't wait to go into PlanetSimu; my favorite is Truck Simulation. What about you?." I asked excitedly.

"I see you like that game? Huh? well the game is good for Simuheads, I usually go on it; to Skydive, the views on PlanetSimu can't be topped. My friend is a great pilot so we usually ask him to take us, since in PlanetSimu you have to get a licence." She said whilst squinting her eyes in deep thought.

I feel a sense of intrigue filling me, so I ask her "seriously do I have to get a licence for me to drive a truck?."

"Yes you have to, good for you that you are past 16, since Simuplanet only hosts 16+ year olds. Just remember this; be careful on PlanetSimu; you might incur a huge debt in accidents, then you will have to use your time working to pay your debts."

She suddenly remembered something after she telling me such a shocking statement.

"Oh also Tom don't rush into Simuplanet please read the tutorial carefully." She advised mysteriously.

"Hey what would MG think if they heard their employee is driving a prospective customer away!."

I asked, exasperated as I was, I mimicked her playful tone.

She immediately laughs, her face brightening.

"Tom here is my ○SPID○ : Lucy Brighton

FriendID : LucidFlower

."

I see text floating next to me, I immediately feel a rush of incredible joy and surprise.

"Immediately I select add friend; my list of friends updates to 6."

"Tomorrow we are going Skydiving, you can join us, I'll get someone to jump with you." Lucy said happily.

Lucy is so awesome, she actually gave me her contacts, unbelievable!. A college girl actually gave me her contacts!.

"I'll show up, just make sure you send the invite, I hope I can get there. PlanetSimu is just too big." I replied frustrated with my circumstances.

"Oh relax Tom, I have friends who own private jets, I'll ask them to give you a ride, that's if you are not extremely far." Lucy said.

Woah Lucy is awesome how cool!, I only know my cousin who drives an old Truck in SimuPlanet.

"That's awesome Lucy." I feverishly reply. This has got to be the most awesome Friday ever!.

[" Booboobooooop! welcome to ☆Mind Games☆ Newtown's outer space mall branch Booboobooooop! you have arrived at your destination. "]

I immediately get off after Lucy said "get lost, your ride ends here. Don't forget to show up tomorrow, I have much to teach you freshmen."

I immediately look at the shop, there is a huge brain on the entrance, separated into two sides that form a door. I immediately walk in, I don't see many customers around; apparently MD only accepts customers who have a ○Salesbot○ reference.

Before I go in, right at the door; particle like objects float around me. I hear the sound of a flute, then a voice said "Welcome to ☆Mind Games☆ customer #453, the 50th Invite to PlanetSimu has been reserved for you by ○Salesbot ○SwiftX1457, please come in."

I go in, as I walk through the split brain door, I see models of Cars, Planes, trains, buildings, planets, creatures big and small, and suits. I am amazed at this shop, I didn't even notice the many ○Salesbots○ that had gathered around me, I looked like a country bumpkin who had just arrived in a big city.

As I was lost in thought looking at the interior of the shop, I heard a trumpet sound so loud, right in my ears, I snapped out of my daze.

There are more than 5 ○salesbots○, and 4 MG employees surrounding me, all of a sudden I hear their congratulatory voices that have a weird mixture of Natural and Artificial sounds say -

"Congratulations customer number 453, the owner of the 453rd ticket which won the raffle for ☆Mega Mind☆'s ◇Mega Mania Prize◇ valued at Sp 10 000 000. 00! "

" What!."

That's what I said with my mouth wide open.