new journey
The black markets of Neo-Tokyo were a tempting option, a quick and dirty solution to his immediate financial needs. But as Kai walked towards the designated area, a nagging feeling of unease grew within him. The black markets were unpredictable, dangerous, and riddled with unreliable characters. He couldn't afford to get entangled in that web. Not with the Dimensional Vault ticking away inside his head.
He needed a different approach. A more sustainable, more controlled approach. He needed to establish his own distribution channel, his own brand. He needed to start a company.
The idea was audacious, almost ludicrous. He was a teenager, thrust into a future he barely understood, with a reality-bending ability he couldn't fully control. He had no experience in business, no connections, no reputation.
But he had something that no one else did: an infinite supply of high-demand products. He just needed to figure out how to monetize it.
He stopped walking, changing direction. He needed resources, information. He headed back to Kaito's apartment, his mind racing with possibilities.
The next five months were a blur of frantic activity. Kai transformed Kaito's apartment into a makeshift research and development lab. He poured over Kaito's programming notes, adapting his quantum computing knowledge to the intricacies of the holographic cat's AI.
He quickly realized that simply replicating the existing model wasn't enough. The market was saturated with similar products. He needed to differentiate his product, to offer something unique, something superior.
He decided to focus on customization. He would create holographic cats with unique personalities, tailored to the individual preferences of each customer. He would offer a range of breeds, colors, and behaviors, allowing customers to design their perfect companion.
He used the stolen data from the damaged assistant as a starting point, and then he pushed into new areas, learning how to create true artificial intelligence.
He spent weeks refining the AI algorithms, developing new methods for generating realistic emotions and behaviors. He drew inspiration from Kaito's memories, from his own experiences, from the countless hours he had spent observing the people of Neo-Tokyo.
He learned how to design interactive holographic interfaces, allowing customers to communicate with their virtual companions, to teach them new tricks, to build meaningful relationships.
As he worked, he surreptitiously sold off a few of the unmodified copies of the cat, enough to keep himself afloat but never enough to draw attention. The profits were reinvested in equipment, software, and online advertising.
He decided to name his company "Kai Companions." It was simple, memorable, and reflected his personal connection to the product. He created a sleek, minimalist logo, featuring a stylized silhouette of a holographic cat.
He registered the company online, navigating the complex web of legal regulations and bureaucratic procedures with surprising ease. He used Kaito's identity, leveraging his existing assets and avoiding any unnecessary scrutiny.
He built a website, showcasing his customized holographic cats. He created engaging videos, demonstrating the unique features and capabilities of his products. He used social media to generate buzz, targeting niche communities and online forums.
He knew that he needed to be the face of the company. He couldn't hide behind a screen. He needed to build trust, to connect with his customers, to establish his brand.
He spent hours practicing his public speaking skills, rehearsing his sales pitch, perfecting his image. He adopted a confident, charismatic persona, a blend of Kaito's intelligence and his own newfound assertiveness.
He knew that he was taking a risk, exposing himself to the scrutiny of the world. But he had no other choice. He needed to be visible, to be heard, to be seen.
Finally, after five months of relentless work, he was ready. His first customized holographic cat was complete. He called it "Zenith," a sleek black panther with piercing blue eyes and a sardonic sense of humor.
He uploaded a video of Zenith to his website, showcasing its unique personality and its impressive capabilities. He launched a targeted advertising campaign, focusing on wealthy individuals and high-tech enthusiasts.
Within hours, orders began to pour in. People were captivated by Zenith's unique personality and its realistic interactions. They were eager to own their own customized holographic companion.
Kai Companions was an instant success.
Kai worked tirelessly, fulfilling orders, managing production, and overseeing customer service. He hired a small team of freelance programmers and designers, carefully selecting individuals who he could trust and who wouldn't ask too many questions.
He kept the production process shrouded in secrecy, using Kaito's programming skills to automate the replication process and to obscure the origin of the holographic cats. He ensured that no one knew about the Dimensional Vault, about his ability to copy and replicate.
The money flowed in, but he was careful not to let it change him. He remained grounded, focused on his goals, determined to master the power he possessed.
He continued to research the Dimensional Vault, experimenting with new ways to control its energy, to harness its potential. He was slowly, painstakingly, gaining a deeper understanding of its nature.
He had abandoned Akari Sato, but he had found a new path. He was building his own empire, one customized holographic cat at a time.
He was Kai, the face of Kai Companions, the master of his own destiny. And he was just getting started.