PART 9: PLAN
"Congratulations, Fared and Rahman!" said Diana.
Fared and Rahman smiled happily. The return of Fared and Rahman was due to their release from temporary detention.
"It was so fun staying in prison for two weeks. Delicious food and luxurious beds like a hotel," Haikal joked, then laughed by himself.
"Haikal, that's not funny," said Aizat.
Rahman and the others looked at Haikal. The atmosphere became awkward. Fared laughed.
"It's fine, Haikal. One day you'll end up in prison too," Fared laughed.
"See! Someone's laughing," Haikal laughed because Fared was laughing.
Everyone shook their heads except Fared and Haikal, who were still laughing. They all began eating pizza at the Pizza Pondok restaurant after being invited and treated by Aizat to celebrate Fared and Rahman's success in getting out of prison after two weeks on baseless charges.
"All that's left is the criminal trial against the corrupt judge and the two dishonest police officers," said Aizat.
"I'm still not satisfied about the lawyer defending those two vile police officers," said Fared.
"Speak softly. You'll make Rahman vomit. Rahman went through disgusting things while in prison," Aizat cautioned.
"I just want to talk about the lawyer. That's all," said Fared.
"Yes, yes, we're having fun and celebrating your and Rahman's return. Court topics aren't nice to bring up now. If you want to discuss it, do it quietly. Respect the current atmosphere," Aizat cautioned.
"Alright," Fared conceded.
"From the court's or investigation's perspective, to them, the lawyer might just be doing his job. Lawyers are paid to act in defense, claiming their client is innocent," said Haziq, joining Fared and Aizat's discussion after overhearing the topic Fared and Rahman were talking about.
"That's true," said Fared to Haziq.
"True, true, true," said Aizat after hearing Haziq's insightful comment.
"Let's eat. We'll continue chatting later," said Aizat.
Han walked into the Pizza Pondok restaurant. Han spotted Fared, Rahman, and a few unfamiliar people who were Fared's friends.
Fared waved at Han. Han nodded. Diana handed Han a plate with two slices of pizza on it. Han thanked Diana. Fared smiled.
"Where's your mom?" Fared asked Han.
"Still at the pharmacy nearby with Hana and Madam Farah," said Han.
"Oh, okay."
They all enjoyed the delicious pizza in silence. They all smiled happily.
Fared stepped out of the psychiatrist's room at the private hospital, leaving Rahman and Farah, Rahman's wife, for an interview session with the psychology specialist. Fared sat on a long bench near the counter.
Madam Hayani walked out of the psychiatrist's room. Hana and Han sat opposite Fared on the long bench. Hana gave Fared a cute, joyful smile.
Fared's heart melted at the cuteness of Hana, who was of Chinese descent. Fared returned Hana's smile.
Madam Hayani met her two children and invited them to head home. Fared stood up from his seat and walked out of the private hospital together with Madam Hayani and her children.
Fared drove the car, with Han sitting beside him in the passenger seat. Hana and Madam Hayani sat together in the back seat. Madam Hayani was busy caressing Hana with full affection.
Han, meanwhile, stared thoughtfully out the side window at the scenery. His face looked gloomy, as if something was bothering him. It's possible Han knew what had happened but chose to stay silent.
Silent either because Fared told him to or because Han himself had gained a bit more maturity in his thinking. Fared kept driving the car with full focus. Madam Hayani and Hana chatted only between themselves.
Han let out a small sigh, then leaned back in the car seat, his eyes still gazing at the scenery outside as the car moved, driven by Fared.
"Rahman is taking a short break, but we need to conduct various tests for our humanoid robots. We'll decide on the location, but the standard operating procedures need to be studied and understood before conducting any experiments," Fared explained to his work team.
Fared's colleagues nodded in understanding. The projector was turned on. Fared opened the Nanosoft Noktah Kuasa application. Page by page, Fared explained clearly.
Fared's colleagues took notes on what Fared lectured about regarding the safety procedures for experimenting with the new product, namely humanoids or human-shaped robots.
After the safety procedure lecture and safety steps, tasks were divided. Preparing the equipment was assigned to Hadi and Haziq. Checking the condition of the human-shaped robots would be done by Haikal and Aizat.
Diana would inspect the tools and equipment needed during the experiment. Fared acted as the manager of the experiment.
They all took three days to prepare the equipment before the official experiment day arrived, as all data and experiment results would be recorded and studied carefully.
Fared met a truck driver working under a contract with Terminal Vector. Fared informed him of the destination and what items needed to be loaded and transported in the truck.
After three days, Fared tapped on the keyboard and pressed the 'Enter' button. The three robots stood up from sitting on the floor.
The prototype robot, the fire rescue robot, and the nuclear robot walked into the truck's cargo area and sat on the cargo floor.
"Fared, tell all those robots to lift all this stuff. It's heavy, man. Those robots aren't paying us to be Very Important Persons. They just casually get into the truck and rest," Hadi grumbled.
Fared and the others burst into laughter. Fared shook his head because Hadi's joke really hit the mark.
"Okay, okay, just say you're too lazy to lift the heavy stuff into the truck," said Fared.
"It's not that, it's also an experiment. Part of the experiment," said Hadi, laughing and then grinning widely.
After Hadi's humorous remark, everyone laughed again. Too funny. Hadi was really clever at joking.
Black baskets and large bags containing items related to the robot experiment were lifted by the three robots they had all built.
The truck driver scratched his head, shocked to see the robots walking and loading items into the truck's cargo right before his own eyes.
After the items were stored and the three constructed robots were seated in the truck's cargo, the cargo area was closed. The truck began to move.
So did Fared's car and his colleagues'. They all headed toward the destination. The experiment site.
Upon arriving at the destination, Fared and his colleagues parked their cars. Once again, Fared instructed his robots to lift and arrange the items.
The items were fully arranged. Cameras were also set up by Haziq. Diana prepared the tools to record during the experiment and the experiment results. Haikal and Aizat were rechecking the three robots.
Hadi and Fared set up weight-lifting equipment for a heavy-lifting activity. The prototype robot stood and lifted the weight. After lifting it, Fared and Hadi added more weight to the equipment.
The weight-lifting equipment got heavier. The prototype robot managed to lift the equipment at its maximum weight but only slightly. It had reached its limit.
The prototype robot was instructed to place the weight-lifting equipment back on the floor. The prototype robot stepped aside, and the fire rescue robot took its turn to lift the weight.
The fire rescue robot and the nuclear robot successfully completed all the experiments. Both the fire rescue robot and the nuclear robot were waterproof and fireproof.
The prototype robot didn't undergo the fireproof experiment. Only the waterproof experiment was tested. All three robots could run fast at an impressive speed. The prowess of these three robots surpassed Usain Bolt's record in the 100-meter dash.
"What are we lacking?" asked Aizat to Fared.
Fared thought for a moment. Fared flipped through the experiment data after asking Diana for the robot experiment record documents.
"How about this: different types of robots, different prices. We use robot body components we built ourselves. There are also components imported from China because they're cheaper and of good quality due to currency exchange rates. Western countries are starting to look at Malaysia. Some have already started investing and ordering robots from our company because of the low prices. Prices are raised due to high demand and the very high cost of building the robots."
"What's lacking? I asked one thing, and you answered something else," Aizat laughed to himself.
"We need to buy and build new components to improve these robots so the price can be raised even more, even if the components are made locally at a low cost or imported from China," Haikal interjected into the conversation between Aizat and Fared.
"No need! No need!" Haziq interjected too.
Fared, Aizat, and Haikal were shocked by Haziq's interruption. Aizat and Haikal began thinking and guessing what Haziq would say next. Fared was ready to hear any suggestion that could bring profit.
"It's better if we buy land in China. We build factories there. We export workers from our country to settle there. We build various facilities because we've bought land there. No one will interfere," said Haziq.
"Great job, Haziq. Great. Really smart. Let's colonize other countries through investment, trade, and business!" Fared grinned widely and was delighted to hear Haziq's brilliant suggestion.
At 2 p.m., Fared and his colleagues returned to their respective homes. Fared opened his laptop on the dining table of his rented house. Fared accessed a website to invest in stocks.
Fared bought various stocks at their lowest points, referring to the latest stock price graphs. He purchased stocks from advanced companies after checking the reputation of each type of company and industry.
Foreign stocks from advanced Asian countries were also bought by Fared, such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Not to forget, Fared was cautious and reviewed all companies and industries before investing, worried that the dividend profits from buying stocks in a company might come from illicit sources like alcohol sales or gambling companies.
Fared checked stocks of major companies in the smartphone manufacturing industry, smartphone components, and specialized smartphone components for video games, video game devices, laptop components, and specialized laptop components for video games.
The higher the investment, the greater the substantial dividend returns.
Fared sold some stocks from companies whose graphs were declining. Fared was very satisfied with his involvement in investing.
Fared looked at the money in his investment account. RM5 million was now in his investment account.
Fared couldn't wait to earn even more substantial dividend returns in the future. Fared resolved to take over several companies that would become his if he bought all the stocks of those companies.
At night, a silencer was attached to an Uzi pistol. The Uzi pistol was aimed at someone's head. The pistol was lowered. Shots were fired repeatedly. Not a single bullet penetrated the body of the target being shot.
The Uzi's trigger was released. Bullet casings scattered on the floor.
The target being shot remained standing and didn't budge from its position. Fared smiled, satisfied that the fire rescue robot was bulletproof.
Fared then switched the body plating of the nuclear-handling robot. After removing and attaching it, he took the Uzi pistol, disengaged the safety, and fired.
Not a single bullet managed to penetrate or create a hole in the nuclear-handling robot's body, even slightly.
After a month, Fared and his colleagues were arranging items at Universiti Teknologi Petronas for World Science Day.
Three rehearsals were conducted by the male and female students of Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
"Fared, when will the robots do their rehearsals too? Rehearsals are important. The launch is in two days. We need to plan carefully," asked Haikal.
"Don't worry, Hadi and Haziq are doing digital checks. Just in case there's any damage in the programming or internals," said Fared.
"Rehearsal tomorrow?" asked Haikal.
"Yes. Rehearsal for the robots. There's still another rehearsal tomorrow," replied Fared.
"Okay."
After a few days, the faces of Fared, his colleagues, and their robots were featured on the front pages of newspapers.
Across the front pages of various newspapers, Fared and his colleagues' faces were displayed.
Fared and his colleagues cheered happily in the work garage because they never expected to appear on the front pages of newspapers.
"Unbelievable, Fared! We're in all the newspapers!" cheered Haikal.
"Alhamdulillah. Without Allah's permission, we wouldn't be on the front pages of newspapers," said Fared.
"Congratulations, Fared. You gave the speech, you're the manager, you're the one who actually built those robots. If a TV reporter wants an interview, speak on our behalf too," said Haziq.
"Alright, Inshallah," Fared grinned widely.
"We should be resting," said Haikal during a video call.
"I don't know, maybe there's some business tomorrow or something," said Aizat, also on the video call.
"Just be prepared. This is what happens when we achieve success in a company. What's more, there's work, contracts, new projects, and interviews. The company's getting greedy," said Rahman.
"No. Maybe it's just a short matter. We can rest, but we're called just for tomorrow," Fared said calmly.
"Fared, why don't you plead with Mr. Adam? You're the golden child of the company. Inshallah, he'll listen to you," suggested Hadi.
Fared thought for a moment, then lay back, facing the ceiling after lying on his right side.
"I'm not on good terms with Mr. Adam either. He doesn't like me. I don't know why he hates me so much," said Fared.
"Maybe he's jealous of the blessings Allah gave you?" asked Haziq.
"Impossible. Impossible," Fared refrained from mentioning that Mr. Adam was heartless for not caring if Rahman was sentenced to hang on baseless charges in court.
Fared placed a can of spray paint on the floor. The radioactive-handling robot and the fire rescue robot were successfully painted beautifully.
The fire rescue robot had been colored like the uniform of a rescue firefighter. The radioactive-handling robot had a radioactive symbol drawn on its chest in green. The radioactive-handling robot was black except for the green radioactive symbol.
Fared was satisfied. The papers taped to the robots' bodies with adhesive tape were removed. The robots looked neat and stylish. Fared smiled widely. Fared's work garage was quickly tidied up.
Fared washed his hands at the sink, then bought a can of cold Tok Baba chocolate drink from the vending machine.
Fared sat on a long bench by the edge of a mini garden's embankment, which had a small fountain and many beautiful flower trees in the central space of the 'Terminal Vector' company office building.
After daydreaming for a while, Fared finished the Tok Baba chocolate drink can and threw it into a recycling bin specifically for aluminum or metal items. Fared greeted the night-shift security guard and then left in his car to head home.
Arriving home, Fared showered to clean himself of all dirt and brushed his teeth using a toothbrush and 'Halalgel' toothpaste. After cleaning himself, Fared performed ablution. He took clean clothes and put them on. A prayer mat was laid out.
Fared performed the optional prayers of Hajat and Taubat with focus. The surahs were recited slowly.
Each verse from the surahs was read slowly, and Fared reflected on and internalized the Quranic verses he recited during prayer.
After finishing the prayer, Fared recited a long supplication in Arabic, then switched to Malay.
Fared stood up from sitting, folded the prayer mat, and hung it up. He took the Quran from his desk and opened it. Surah Al-Mulk was read before sleeping.
After finishing, Fared turned off all the lights and went to bed, covering himself with a blanket.
A security guard named Kassim Selamat, as written on his name pin, was checking all parts of the Terminal Vector company building.
All checkpoints had been digitally marked using the security guard's card. Uncle Kassim walked and sat at the company counter near the entrance.
He wrote in the activity log. The current situation and the conditions he had checked were recorded.
Suddenly, his shoulder was touched. Uncle Kassim was startled and flinched. He turned around. Shocked and stunned. His hair was grabbed tightly and slammed repeatedly onto his desk.
Slammed and slammed with great force. Uncle Kassim's forehead was injured. Slammed again. Mr. Kassim struggled, trying to catch his breath.
His nose broke and bled profusely. The security logbook was torn and soaked with Uncle Kassim's blood.
His head was slammed again onto the desk with even more force. Slammed harder. Slammed again with full strength and speed.
Uncle Kassim fainted, unconscious. His head was slammed again mercilessly. The desk began to crack. Mr. Kassim briefly regained consciousness. He raised and swung his hands, trying to feel for the body of his assailant.
His hand touched the perpetrator. Mr. Kassim tilted his head upward. His vision was blurry as blood entered his eyelids and wet his eyes. His sight was obstructed.
His head was slammed onto the desk. The desk shattered. His skull cracked completely, causing a large, deep wound. His head split open, spilling blood like a broken water container.
The desk was soaked with blood from Uncle Kassim's head. Blood began dripping onto the floor. The floor was then soaked with Uncle Kassim's blood. Uncle Kassim was no longer alive.
Fared returned home from the surau on the ground floor after performing the Subuh prayer in congregation. Fared entered his house and locked the door.
Quickly, he peeled some garlic and onions. Chicken meat was cut into several small pieces. Lemongrass was also chopped. The stove was heated.
The electric rice cooker was switched on. The onions were sautéed in a pan. Fared cooked calmly.
At 7:45 a.m., Fared turned on his smartphone, which had been fully charged. Suddenly, Haikal called Fared right after the phone was turned on. The call was picked up and answered.
"Assalamualaikum, Haikal. What's up?"
"We don't need to go to the company today. There's been a murder case. They don't know who was killed. The company building is closed now due to a police and forensic investigation," explained Haikal.
Fared was shocked. He opened the company's WhatsApp group. An emergency leave notice had been issued for all Terminal Vector company employees, except for the factories and development research buildings of Terminal Vector.
After three days of the company being temporarily closed for the police and authorities' investigation, the employees returned to work as usual. Fared walked in through the entrance, noticing that the counter desk was gone.
Fared believed that was where Uncle Kassim had died, murdered. Fared walked, carrying his laptop bag, into his workroom.
He tidied his desk. He checked his personal workroom computer for any damage. It seemed fine. Work had to continue as usual.
"Fared," Haziq called Fared, who was drinking a can of Tok Aba chocolate while watching hacking videos on WeTube.
"What, Haziq?" replied Fared.
"The prototype robot is missing."
"What?!" Fared was shocked.
"Brother Soleh, I'd like to see the CCTV footage from three days ago until today."
"Sure, sure," said the security guard, older than Fared.
Fared watched the CCTV footage with great focus. There were no signs of anyone moving who might have stolen Fared's prototype robot. Strange.
Fared asked Haikal, Hadi, and Haziq to examine every piece of footage from every CCTV camera in the Terminal Vector company building. From morning to evening, they found no intruder who had stolen the prototype robot.
"Looks like we're stumped," said Haikal.
"Have we checked all the cameras?"
"There are two left. The cameras inside and outside the building's entrance," said Brother Soleh.
"Great! Thank you, Brother Soleh! Alhamdulillah!" said Haziq.
"You're welcome," said Brother Soleh.
The footage tapes were loaded. Both camera recordings were played simultaneously on two computer screens.
"Fared, see that?" said Haikal.
"Huh?!" Fared was shocked.
In the darkness, someone stood behind Mr. Kassim and killed him by repeatedly slamming his head hard onto the desk until the desk broke and his head split.
Blood from Mr. Kassim's head soaked the desk and dripped onto the floor. A faint light clarified and revealed the hand of the person who had brutally killed Mr. Kassim.
"No way! Impossible!" Fared said repeatedly.
"Who? Why?" asked Haikal, shocked by what Fared saw on the CCTV footage.
"Oh God," said Haziq.
"This is a copy of the footage. The original footage is with two police officers," said Brother Soleh.
"Who?" asked Haikal.
"Are the faces of the two police officers who took the original footage in this recording?" asked Fared.
"I think so, hold on," said Brother Soleh.
The CCTV footage was replayed. Played again. Searching and searching relentlessly.
"There are the two police officers," said Brother Soleh.
"Oh God," said Haikal.
"Two devils!" said Fared.
"You know them? Why are you so angry?" asked Haziq.
"They're the ones who beat Rahman mercilessly. Tortured Rahman and raped my friend's mother," Fared vented.
"Astaghfirullah hal-azim," said Haziq.
"They should've been sacked," said Fared with disappointment.
"Fared, things aren't like they used to be. Now it's a communist government. They were only suspended for a few days. I got news from Mr. Adam. Mr. Adam followed up on the court proceedings against them," said Haikal.
"We need to fight again in court," said Fared, full of anger.
"This is exhausting. Why do I have to present the Nanosoft Noktah Kuasa every time there's a murder case?" grumbled a police officer named Abu.
"What can you do? That's your job," said Mr. Hill, a detective.
"There's another meeting later," said Abu, sounding tired.
"Allah is Great, another meeting?" asked Mr. Hill.
"There's a meeting after this," said Mr. Abu.
"Oh no," said Mr. Hill.
"Thank you for cooperating by attending this meeting. I have something to share, but Mr. Yin and Fal will help deliver it."
"What!?" Several male and female police officers were shocked by Mr. Yin and Mr. Fal's presence at the meeting despite being late.
"Sir, why are they here? Shouldn't they…" one police officer began to object, but his objection was cut off.
"They were only suspended temporarily. They haven't been proven guilty," said the highest-ranking police officer at the station.
Mr. Hill was very dissatisfied. So was Mr. Karim. Everyone looked dissatisfied.
"Hi, hello everyone. I have evidence I'd like to present regarding the death of the victim named Mr. Kassim," said Mr. Yin, of Chinese descent, while smiling.
"I believe the killer of this victim wasn't human," said Mr. Yin.
"What's this? Gone crazy after being suspended? If you're crazy, why not just go to the hospital? Why come here?" snapped a police officer named Siddiq.
"Calm down, Mr. Siddiq. I'm as eager as you to catch the real criminal. Be patient and listen first."
A flash drive was plugged into the projector. The projector was turned on. A video played directly from the projector. A video started.
All the police officers in the meeting room were shocked watching the video.
"Oops, hehe, sorry, played the wrong video," Mr. Yin grinned.
"Astaghfirullah hal-Azim," said Mr. Hill.
"It's okay, it's okay. Everyone has their own entertainment," the highest-ranking police officer gave a dry laugh.
Everyone glared at the chief police officer, Mr. Yin, and Mr. Fal. Mr. Hill placed his palm on his face. So did Mr. Abu. Mr. Fal laughed at Mr. Yin, and the chief police officer laughed heartily without a shred of shame.
"Here's the video!" said Mr. Yin, also laughing.
The atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense, but Mr. Yin and Mr. Fal kept laughing, ignoring the extremely tense atmosphere without any professionalism or shame due to the mistake of playing the earlier video.
"As you all can see, this is the real CCTV footage we got from the security guard. Not a movie, not a TV show. This is about the TV company. Terminal Vision Company," said Mr. Yin.
"This robot killed the victim. Who does this robot belong to? It's definitely not just some cosplay or costume. This is indeed a robot. It's impossible for a human to split a desk in two using just the victim's head! The robot's owner must be held accountable! Surely, the owner is the one controlling the robot! Justice must be demanded!" shouted Yin.
Mr. Fal laughed, followed by Mr. Yin, who also laughed. Both of them kept laughing.
"Justice, huh? Idiot!" Mr. Fal laughed, mocking Mr. Yin.
Below is the full, unabridged translation of the provided document into English, with no summarizing or shortening. Every sentence and detail from the original Malay text has been preserved and translated directly.
"You're the same, I hope you're just a police dog," laughed Mr. Yin.
The chief police officer also laughed, but it was a hollow laugh, then said, "The meeting is adjourned. That's all for now."
"Absolutely useless! I'm really not satisfied!" raged Mr. Abu.
"Why? Do you think you should be the one presenting the Nanosoft Noktah Kuasa? Let Fal and Yin do it. Showing pornography every day like earlier is pretty good too," said Mr. Khan to Mr. Abu.
"As a police officer, I don't want to keep making police reports anymore. It's completely ineffective. I want to make a media report!" said Mr. Abu firmly.
"The last resort? Haha, I support you!" laughed Mr. Karim.
"Alright! Activate it!" said Fared with great enthusiasm.
Hadi activated the fire rescue robot through a laptop placed on an advanced, glowing desktop, accompanied by a power bank the size of a suitcase as the power source.
All the firefighters clapped in amazement as they watched the fire rescue robot move and pick up a fire extinguisher.
"Amazing! Amazing!" cheered one of the rescue firefighters.
The patrol robot, meanwhile, circled around the fire after detecting a fire or hazard. The fire's temperature was also taken into account.
The laptop screen controlling the patrol robot displayed a danger notification and recorded a high temperature detection of 200 degrees Celsius from a half-barrel containing burning fuel.
The fire rescue robot quickly extinguished the fire using the emergency fire extinguisher.
The fire was put out. The firefighters all clapped and cheered joyfully, marveling at the sight of a robot walking and extinguishing a fire right before their own eyes.
Next, Haikal walked over and poured oil onto the ground, placing charcoal stones along with the fuel materials used earlier. Some trash was added to the oil-soaked ground.
Haziq ignited the fire using a piece of paper lit with a lighter. The fire instantly flared up. All the firefighters were puzzled about what Fared and his team intended to do.
The fire rescue robot walked toward the blazing fire and stood in the middle of it. All the rescue firefighters were stunned and shocked by what they saw.
"As you all can see, this fire rescue robot can withstand being in a fire with a maximum heat of 1,000 degrees Celsius. With Allah Almighty's permission, we can also build a new rescue robot that's even more resistant to fire and heat exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius!" said Diana enthusiastically and joyfully, accompanied by very cute body language.
"Oh Allah, is she my soulmate?" said one firefighter, placing both hands on his chest. The men were smitten.
"This rescue robot also remains functional and can still perform rescue operations even in a fire. A special suitcase for the rescue robot has also been provided! A rescue blanket with nano-technology fire-resistant fabric! This blanket can protect fire victims from dangerous flames!" cheered Diana.
"Additionally, the robot's large hands and body contain a fire extinguisher tank! Fires can be put out if flames approach the victim! No need to worry, the front part of the body has first aid equipment like an oxygen tank that can save up to two fire victims!" added Diana with a cheerful tone.
The fire rescue robot quickly walked out of the fire area. Everyone was shocked.
"The robot moved on its own?!" shouted Fared.
"What?!" Haziq and Hadi exclaimed in surprise.
Rahman, Haikal, Aizat, Diana, and the other firefighters were shocked and dumbfounded.
"What kind of joke is this? A staged gimmick?" laughed one of the rescue firefighters.
The robot moved quickly and grabbed several bottles containing petrol. It opened the caps of both bottles and poured the petrol over its own head. Instantly, the entire robot's body burst into flames.
Once again, everyone was shocked by the fire rescue robot's actions. Aizat quickly grabbed an emergency fire extinguisher and sprayed it rapidly.
"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Fared shouted repeatedly.
Notifications flooded the laptop screen. Written in large, clear red text: Danger warning, connection lost.
"Aizat! Run, Aizat! Run!" Fared yelled at Aizat.
Aizat was startled and looked at Fared shouting at him. The fire rescue robot kicked Aizat hard in the stomach. Aizat was flung back and rolled on the ground, screaming in pain.
All the firefighters were shocked and pulled Fared's teammates, urging them to run for safety. Fared ran and grabbed a fire extinguisher standing upright on the ground while running.
The fire extinguisher was swung hard at the robot's head. A loud impact sound was heard by everyone present. One firefighter ran quickly to grab Aizat, who lay in pain, unable to get up after being kicked hard by the fire rescue robot.
Two more rescue firefighters grabbed a stretcher and lifted Aizat onto the emergency aid device. The three of them carried Aizat using the equipment.
With force, the fire rescue robot delivered a powerful punch toward Fared. The emergency fire extinguisher bent and exploded from the robot's punch.
Fared managed to block the robot's punch with the extinguisher, but he fell and rolled due to the tremendous momentum of the robot's strike.
If the extinguisher hadn't been there, Fared would surely have become a corpse. The fire rescue robot stood over Fared, placing its foot on Fared's stomach and pressing down slightly hard.
Fared screamed in pain. He used both hands to pound the robot's foot repeatedly, but the foot on his stomach didn't budge at all. The robot raised its left hand toward Fared. Everyone was terrified.
"Fareeeeed!" Rahman shouted with all his might.
A shot was fired. Everyone's vision became blurry, including Fared's. The view was clouded with extinguisher powder.
The white haze lingered but gradually cleared. Only Fared lay on the ground. The fire rescue robot was nowhere to be seen. Everyone was worried.
"Fared! Fared!? Are you okay?" Rahman ran toward Fared, who lay on the ground.
"I'm okay, nothing's wrong," said Fared, somewhat frightened. He had nearly died.
Fared and his team returned to the Terminal Vector company after experiencing the bewildering accident, driving their respective cars followed by a truck owned by Terminal Vector.
Upon arriving at the company building, several police cars were already at the entrance of Terminal Vector.
"What happened?" asked Haikal.
"Fared!" shouted Mr. Adam from a distance.
Mr. Adam's face was full of wrinkles, his complexion red. His left hand held a piece of paper. He walked with body language exuding an aura of anger and ferocity. Fared wasn't fazed by Mr. Adam's aura.
e wasn't afraid of Mr. Adam. Fared was only worried and scared about what had actually happened. Fared sensed something terribly wrong.
"Fared! You're fired! You can leave now! Back to prison! Police! Arrest this terrorist!" ordered Mr. Adam to all the police officers to apprehend Fared.
"What happened?" asked Fared, unaware of what had occurred.
Mr. Fal grabbed Fared, handcuffing him. Fared was shocked by Mr. Fal's presence, who had silently handcuffed him from behind.
"You!? The rapist of my friend's mother!" Fared shouted in anger.
"Mr. Fared, you are detained for the terrorist activities you've committed!" said Mr. Fal with a sinister smile toward Fared.
"Let me go, you rapist! Damn you!" Fared kicked Mr. Fal's leg.
Mr. Fal fell to his knees, then a solid kick landed on his face from the right. Mr. Fal collapsed after Fared kicked his face. Fared stomped on his face several times with great force. Mr. Fal's eye was bruised.
Fared was shot in the thigh with a stun gun. He jolted and fell to the ground. Fared tried to resist, struggling to stand up. He clenched his teeth.
Fared snorted loudly, his anger boiling over, and screamed with all his might. He stood and punched the police officer who had shot him with the stun gun.
The officer who shot him was Mr. Yin. Mr. Yin fell to the ground, just as Mr. Fal had.
"You too?! What are you doing, rapist?!" Fared yelled loudly and knelt over Mr. Yin.
He unleashed a barrage of powerful punches to Mr. Yin's face, releasing his overwhelming anger like an unstable volcanic eruption.
The punches continued relentlessly. Fared's back was shot. Mr. Fal had also shot Fared's back with a stun gun.
"Damn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Fared screamed to the sky.
Another unidentified police officer shot Fared with a stun gun. Fared jolted and trembled from the electric shocks. His body convulsed like a fish out of water.
Finally, Fared passed out. Mr. Yin and Mr. Fal kicked Fared repeatedly. Several police officers intervened, stopping Mr. Yin and Mr. Fal from continuing to kick Fared after subduing him with the stun guns.
"You and you!!! Rapists of my friend!!! I'll kill you both, you bastards!!!!!!" Rahman shouted, his anger overflowing.
Unbeknownst to him, Rahman was restrained by Haikal and Aizat, who were worried he'd worsen the situation.
"Of course Fared should be treated and detained like that. He's a criminal, after all. Take this bastard to the lockup!" ordered Mr. Adam.
The unconscious Fared was carried into a police car and taken away. Rahman and Fared's teammates could only watch.
After a day had passed, Fared woke up from his unconsciousness. His head hurt terribly. So did his right thigh. Fared couldn't stand. He also couldn't move his right leg.
"Prison?" said Fared.
Rahman entered Mr. Harris's office after requesting permission from Mr. Harris's female secretary over the phone.
"Mr. Harris, I'd like to speak with you briefly," said Rahman to Mr. Harris, an important figure at Terminal Vector.
"About Fared? It turns out Fared's a criminal. It's no longer your concern unless you want to end up back in prison," said Mr. Adam sternly.
"Sir, please hear what I have to say first. Our robot also lost control during the fire rescue robot project demonstration. The laptop couldn't control it. I was with Fared; he was controlling the robot, and there was no suspicious activity from Fared. Suddenly, the fire rescue robot moved on its own, and Fared even tried to save Aizat's life after the robot kicked him hard. Fared attacked the robot, and he was attacked too."
Mr. Harris stopped flipping through documents on his Mempelam-brand tablet. He looked at Rahman with full attention.
"Witnesses? Where are the witnesses? I don't want to hear your words without witnesses and an official trial. I won't listen to empty talk! You'll be charged under the sedition act and conspiracy act. I don't collaborate with corrupt criminals like you."
"Alright, I'll bring witnesses," said Rahman.
Rahman and his teammates sat outside the police station regarding the investigation of the incident at the fire rescue station.
Rahman asked the other firefighters what they had told the police officers tasked with investigating and taking reports about the incident.
The firefighters' accounts matched what had happened. Rahman breathed a sigh of relief. He then questioned Fared's teammates, who were also his own.
Hadi, Haziq, Haikal, and Diana confirmed that Fared wasn't a criminal involved in terrorism. Throughout the programming work, Fared hadn't been involved.
He was busy with his bachelor's degree studies through distance learning at the time. It was impossible for Fared to have controlled the robots.
"Guys, we have a lot of work to prove that Fared isn't a terrorist or a criminal," said Rahman.
Everyone nodded in understanding. Hadi and Haziq stated that they had already come up with ideas to prove Fared's innocence.
"Why are you a terrorist but still in this regular prison? This prison is for people who've murdered, robbed, kidnapped, sold drugs, and raped. You're a terrorist, destroying things here and there, killing too many people. Using robots to terrorize, no less. Swear to God, you're insanely genius. Strange how your crimes got exposed," asked a thin, elderly man with tattoos on his arm.
Fared remained silent. He was imprisoned without a trial. All he could do was watch the television hanging on the wall near the ceiling to keep up with news and current events, hoping for any updates related to his robots or Terminal Vector.
The next day, almost every newspaper published shocking news. 'Accidental or intentional incident during the meeting?' became the front-page headline.
A pornographic video was intentionally played by a police officer named Mr. Yin during a meeting at the police station. Many witnessed it that day.
The chief police officer of the station stated that the video was just a way for people to entertain themselves.
The news reporter also noted that the chief police officer and Mr. Fal laughed, showing no professionalism when Mr. Yin mistakenly played the video.
According to one witness, the flash drive belonged to Mr. Yin and was shared with Mr. Fal. Mr. Fal had given Mr. Yin the flash drive containing the pornography.
"This is your fault! I want you to find out who reported the previous incident to the newspaper media! Find them, or you're dead!" shouted the furious chief police officer of the station to Mr. Yin.
Mr. Yin saluted and ran out of the chief police officer's office.
In the open parking lot near the 'Berita Ideal' newspaper company building, Yin spied on a male journalist wearing a yellow shirt with a name tag lanyard around his neck leaving his workplace.
Yin followed the journalist. He opened his smartphone, displaying a picture of the man named Tan. Tan was a Chinese journalist.
Driving his car, Yin tailed Tan until he reached his home. Yin followed Tan until nightfall. When night came, Tan turned off his room's lights to sleep after a tiring day working from home as a newspaper writer.
Yin got out of his car and climbed Tan's house fence. He scaled the upstairs balcony. He adjusted a lock-picking tool. The tool was used to manually pick and hack the sliding glass door's lock.
The lock was successfully disengaged. The glass door was slid aside. Yin entered Tan's room, where Tan was sleeping.
Tan's desk drawer was searched. Several documents and papers were opened and read. Yin took out his smartphone and photographed the information on the documents.
The drawer was closed after he finished taking pictures. He turned off his smartphone.
"Wake up," said Yin.
Tan jolted awake from his sleep. His heart raced because he was supposed to be alone in the house, being single and not living with family. The night was cold. Suddenly, he heard a voice telling him to wake up.
"Who?" asked Tan, trembling with fear.
"Don't scream. I don't want to kill you. I want you to correct the facts you spread," said Yin.
"What do you mean?" asked Tan.
Yin grabbed a newspaper from the table and threw it at Tan, who was sitting on his bed. In the dim darkness, Tan examined the newspaper.
"I want you to write a news article stating that the chief police officer denies the accidental playing of a pornographic video during the police meeting. Write that the news and reports of the incident are pure slander and that the police will investigate the matter. If you don't write it, I'll have someone else write it because your time will be up by then," threatened Yin to Tan.
Then Yin took out a small handkerchief soaked with some liquid. He pressed it over Tan's mouth and nose for a few seconds. Tan passed out, and Yin covered him with a blanket. A note was left using a torn piece of the newspaper about a specific issue, written with Tan's red marker. The note was placed on Tan's desk. Yin left Tan's house.
Fared looked for a seat to eat lunch, but all the seats were taken. A decision was made. Fared ate on the floor with a dark-skinned man and an elderly man with tattoos on his arm.
"What's your name?" asked the dark-skinned man to Fared.
"My name is Fared," answered Fared.
"You don't have any traits of a bad person like me. You're just accused of being a terrorist, no criminal record at all. Baseless accusations. The punishment isn't based on any crime you committed. The court hasn't even ruled you a criminal. There hasn't even been a trial," explained the dark-skinned man.
"And you? What's your name? Why are you in prison? Sorry for asking, I just want to know," asked Fared.
"I'm Saravanan. I was put in prison because I was tracked by cyber police. I hacked a bank. I hacked to get money to pay for my mom's medical treatment. She has stage three cancer. I needed money. Even though I worked in cyber police, I was desperate. No one would help. I paid for ads, made pleas for sympathy, but no one donated money." Explained Saravanan
"If anyone did, it was just two or three people. And even then, it wasn't much. Just tens of ringgit," vented Saravanan, who had a somewhat muscular build.
"So? You're in prison, what about your mom?" asked Fared.
"I don't have to worry now. A man paid for my mom's treatment bills. She wrote me a letter. The person helping me is Chinese. Not like other Chinese people. Like the Malay saying, behaving like Jews. Right? My mom said other Chinese people all act like Jews. Asian Jews who prioritize themselves, but this one Chinese man helped sincerely. His assistant paid the treatment bills without asking for anything in return and delivered my mom's letter to me last month. So I'm really relieved."
"With Allah Almighty's permission, God willing, may your mom recover quickly," said Fared.
"So kind of that Chinese man, I wonder who he is?" said the elderly man with tattoos on his arm.
"And you, uncle? What's your name? Why are you in prison? Sorry, I've just stayed quiet even though people insult and mock me, acting like I'm holy and righteous for staying silent in prison. I thought prison was only for bad people, but it turns out good people are here too," Fared expressed to the elderly man.
"Just call me uncle. My name's not important. Well, I ended up in prison for peeping at young women. Hehe," said the uncle.
"Oh Allah, why did you do that, uncle?" asked Fared.
"I had problems with my wife. I loved her, but she fell for someone else. I married her. We never divorced, but she went back to her boyfriend's house and built a new family. I wasn't good at studies. I worked as best I could, but luck wasn't on my side, and I had issues with my wife. I couldn't give her what she wanted because I saved money. Even wanting kids, money was tight. How could I raise a child without money? I've lived without a wife since she ran away. Don't feel sad hearing my story. My sadness goes away when I peep at other people's daughters. Hehe," the elderly man chuckled softly.
"Allahu Akbar," Fared and Saravanan laughed.
The prison dining area was empty because everyone was exercising, including Saravanan, who was doing push-ups in his own cell.
Fared took a newspaper from the dining area and flipped through it. The newspaper was a denial of the unintentional playing of a pornographic video during a police meeting in a news report.
Fared grabbed the newspaper and slammed it onto the table hard. He limped back to his cell, his leg still in pain from being shot with a stun gun by Yin.
Fared's anger flared up. He limped past other inmates with menacing faces. Fared found Saravanan doing push-ups repeatedly.
"Saravanan," called Fared.
Saravanan stopped doing push-ups and sat on the floor. Fared looked straight into Saravanan's eyes.
"What?" asked Saravanan with curiosity and caution, as inmates' actions were unpredictable.
"Teach me how to fight," requested Fared.
"I can, but I'll only teach you how to defend yourself. Fighting isn't suitable for you," said Saravanan.
"Why? Why not just teach me how to fight straight away?"
"Because your question is that of a naive kid. You've never learned and aren't mature in fighting. You've never even fought, have you?" Saravanan questioned Fared back.
"Yes. True," Fared admitted.
"Anyway, just attacking is useless. What's important is self-defense. Control your emotions, be disciplined, and protect yourself!" said Saravanan with a slightly loud voice.
"Alright," replied Fared.
Mr. Abu and his family were driving around town at night. Suddenly, the driver's window was knocked
Mr. Abu and his family were driving around town at night in their car. Suddenly, the driver's window was knocked on by a motorcyclist's hand while they were stopped at a red traffic light.
Mr. Abu was startled and somewhat afraid. He had a feeling something bad was about to happen. Mr. Abu ignored the knocking from the male motorcyclist wearing a black helmet.
The traffic light turned green. Mr. Abu quickly drove his car fast, fearing that something bad might occur.
The motorcyclist persistently followed Mr. Abu's car, which carried his entire family. Mr. Abu asked his wife to call the police because there was a suspicious motorcyclist whose actions were alarming, even following them all the way to the highway.
A pistol with a silencer attached to its muzzle was pulled out from the motorcyclist's jacket with his right hand. Shots were fired. Four shots hit both rear tires of the car.
Mr. Abu's car lost control. Mr. Abu tried to slow the car down and pressed the brake pedal hard. The car went out of control and collided with another vehicle.
The car spun around, hit another car, and stopped when another car crashed into Mr. Abu's car. Mr. Abu's car finally came to a halt when its side struck the road divider after being hit by the other car.
The motorcycle stopped. Several cars near the road accident also stopped. Some recorded videos without anyone calling the fire department. Some took pictures.
The motorcyclist kept his black helmet on. He ran and climbed onto the car that had crashed into Mr. Abu's, causing it to veer into the divider.
The motorcyclist stood in front of Mr. Abu's car. He aimed the pistol at Mr. Abu. Mr. Abu's wife, sitting beside him, screamed at the top of her lungs in fear, as did Mr. Abu's children sitting in the back passenger seats. Shots were fired.
Multiple shots struck Mr. Abu's body. The final shot was fired at Mr. Abu's neck. Mr. Abu stopped moving. Mr. Abu's wife was also shot multiple times until she was lifeless.
The same happened to Mr. Abu's children. The motorcyclist shot Mr. Abu's crying children, who were still young in age. They didn't pray but were shot just like that.
The crowd at the scene screamed and ran in all directions, terrified of being killed by this evil person whose actions were unpredictable.
The mysterious killer rode off calmly on his motorcycle as if nothing had happened.
The national police chief filed a lawsuit against the 'Berita Ideal' newspaper company for baseless allegations and slanderous stories about the station's chief police officer and two officers, namely Yin and Fal.
Several higher-ups scolded and blamed Tan for writing an article without solid evidence.
Tan explained that a police officer had informed him and that he had witnesses. Tan also had a list of names of those who attended the police meeting, but the higher-ups didn't accept Tan's explanation, even though they themselves had given permission to write about the true event.
Tan was also ordered by the police authorities to stay at home and not meet anyone. Tan was suspended from work.
In the morning, Fared read the newspaper while all the prison inmates were having breakfast. In the 'Khabar Negara' newspaper, it was written that Tan, a journalist who had written about the incident of a pornographic video being played during a police meeting, was confirmed to have died suddenly.
The police inspected Tan's home after he was ordered to remain under house arrest by the authorities. Tan was found to have committed suicide by hanging himself.
"It's obviously a conspiracy," said Fared.
He flipped to a new page, and the newspaper reported that a police officer named Mr. Abu and his family were shot dead on the highway.
The victim and his family were under investigation. The investigation revealed that both rear tires of the car were shot, which caused the accident.
The chaotic situation was used to kill police officer Mr. Abu, his wife, and their four young children, aged between 4 and 12 years old, who were also shot without mercy.
"It must be the same person who killed them. Oh Allah. So cruel. Damn it, those two rapists should just die," Fared said angrily to himself.
In the office of the 'Berita Ideal' newspaper company building, Mr. Hill met with the newspaper editor. The editor was a Chinese woman. Her name on the desk read, Miss Boon.
"Miss Boon, I'm Hill. Hillmi. Can I talk to you about the pornographic video incident during the police meeting?" asked Mr. Hill to Miss Boon.
"Yes, sir, yes. Come in, sir."
"Alright. I'll come in."
Mr. Hill entered the newspaper editor's office, and the two of them talked. Mr. Hill admitted that the incident had indeed occurred during the meeting.
Mr. Hill guaranteed that the list of names in the newspaper article could confirm that the incident had happened in front of their eyes and his own.
Miss Boon was shocked. In her hand was her smartphone, turned on, recording her conversation with Mr. Hill.
Push-ups were performed. The count reached a hundred. Fared lay down exhausted after doing a hundred push-ups.
Saravanan clapped his hands to encourage Fared and also as a sign of congratulating him.
"This afternoon, you can do another 100 push-ups. Every morning and afternoon, you must do 100 push-ups," said Saravanan.
"Alright," replied Fared, slightly tired.
"Fared, you have a visitor," said the prison guard who was inspecting each prison cell.
Fared was escorted by two prison guards to the visitor room. There was a long table and several chairs. The long table had a plastic window that served to divide the visitor room into two sections. The plastic window separated the prison visitors from the inmates.
"Hadi?" asked Fared.
"Yes, it's me. I just want to tell you something important. Long visits aren't allowed anymore. Soon, you'll be released from prison. The investigation shows you're not guilty, but the cyber police need you for further investigation through cyber forensics," said Hadi.
"Alright," replied Fared.
"Who came?" asked Saravanan, who was reading a newspaper.
"My friend came to visit. He said I'll be released from prison soon. Maybe next week, but he doesn't know when."
"Good for you. I don't know when I'll be able to get out of prison. The person who sent my mom's letter said I'd be out of prison soon. I've been in prison for a month already," Saravanan vented.
"Oh, you've been in prison for a while. I've only been here for two weeks," said Fared.
Fared was still thinking about the loss of the three robots he had built with his teammates. It remained a mystery. He didn't know how all three robots could move on their own and injure Aizat.
Fared sat at the dining table and drank tea while watching television for an afternoon tea session. The prison dining area wasn't crowded.
There were only a few people, including Fared and Saravanan. Fared drank tea with three other new friends he and Saravanan had met. The five of them happily chatted together.
Suddenly, the news showed a live broadcast of a bank robbery carried out by two robots built by Fared.
The prototype robot and the fire rescue robot. Fared and his friends were shocked to see the news.
"Fared, are those your robots?" asked one of Fared's new friends.
"Yes, not just one, but both of them are mine," replied Fared.
"The Al-Hijrah TV news is recording it live! Two robots are destroying the ATM and CDM machines! We'll record the situation up close!" said a Chinese female reporter wearing a long headscarf.
The television camera footage was recorded live. The camera zoomed in. The white prototype robot was repeatedly punching the CDM machine and then pulling apart a section of its body.
The orange fire rescue robot, meanwhile, used its third hand—a second right hand equipped with a saw. The second right hand activated the saw and began cutting through the body of the bank CDM machine.
"Who's behind this?" the reporter asked in shock into her microphone while watching the robots destroy the bank CDM machine.
Four cash slots were taken and stuffed into rice sacks. All the money was removed from the CDM machine before they moved to the machine next to it.
The ATM machine's screen was punched hard by the white prototype robot. The front part of the ATM was yanked forcefully by the robot.
The front of the ATM was successfully torn off and thrown at the glass wall of the Maybank building. The glass wall of the Maybank building shattered instantly.
Three metal cash slots containing money were also placed into the sacks. Five police cars arrived. One of the officers ordered the police personnel to open fire since the area near the bank had been cleared. Shots were fired.
A barrage of bullets hit the two robots. The bullets ricocheted. The gunfire didn't penetrate the bodies of either robot. Not a single bullet managed to pierce their bodies even slightly. The robots only had scratches without any significant damage.
Both robots busied themselves continuing the robbery.
Fared was shocked while watching the Al-Hijrah TV news, so much so that he stood up from his seat and walked closer to the television hanging from the ceiling.
"Since when did that robot have three hands?!" shouted Fared in astonishment and confusion.
"Stop shooting!" ordered the police squad leader after firing relentlessly, as their shots didn't damage the two robots in the slightest.
"Four of you, go near those two robots. Shoot them with shotguns!"
Four police officers were ordered to shoot the two robots using shotguns. The four officers ran toward the robots.
They were now near the front entrance of the bank, where the glass door had already shattered onto the floor. Several shotgun blasts were fired.
They shot and shot again repeatedly. The shotguns also failed to damage the two robots. All the police officers present were at a loss.
The police squad leader grabbed his radio and requested SWAT assistance. The request was approved, given the worsening situation.
The police officers at the scene were instructed to wait there without moving as long as there was no immediate threat, awaiting SWAT's arrival.
Not long after, a black truck arrived at the scene, but the two robots had already finished robbing and destroying the CDM and ATM machines.
"Use sniper rifles!" ordered one of the SWAT members.
All SWAT members took their positions. Some aimed from another building, while others targeted from behind police cars and the SWAT truck.
"Fire!"
A barrage of shots was unleashed on the two robots. A relentless hail of bullets rained down. The SWAT members took turns firing.
Many people watched the shootout between the SWAT team and the two robots through their television screens. There was no effect. All the SWAT and police officers were stunned.
The gunfire had no impact whatsoever on the two robots. The robots calmly protected the sacks containing the metal cash containers filled with money.
The prototype robot stood up and sprinted toward the police officers, including the SWAT team.
A police car was pushed with all its might. Several officers were struck by the shoved police car. The car began to flip over and crushed the screaming police officers in fear.
The sound of breaking bones was audible. The white prototype robot leaped and landed on top of the overturned car.
All the police and SWAT members retreated step by step because their bullets were ineffective against the prototype robot. The prototype robot stared at them one by one.
The prototype robot jumped down from the car and charged at a police officer with lightning speed. The sound of the officer's skeletal frame breaking was deafening.
The victim vomited blood, collapsed dead on the ground, and was stepped on by the prototype robot. Shots were fired. No effect.
A punch was delivered to the face of an officer who had shot at it. His face shattered instantly, his jaw dislocated. The officer's face was mangled and bleeding.
He fell to the ground and died. In rapid succession, punch after punch was dealt to other officers. Seven people dropped dead to the ground from the solid, powerful blows of the prototype robot.
A solid kick was delivered to a SWAT member, sending him flying into the air and crashing onto an unidentified person's car. The windshield of a yellow sports car behind them cracked.
A powerful punch landed in the abdomen of another SWAT member. Blood gushed from the SWAT member's mouth, soaking the visor of his helmet, even though he wore a bulletproof vest, and he was flung far forward.
He lay motionless on the ground. The other police officers kept shooting the prototype robot with their pistols, clinging to a slim hope, but that hope was snuffed out by the prototype robot.
The orange fire rescue robot fled with three sacks containing the metal cash containers, climbing and leaping from one building to another.
A SWAT member was grabbed and thrown into the bank's CDM and ATM machine area. The SWAT member's arm broke. The prototype robot leaped far and stomped its foot hard on the right knee of the SWAT member.
The man screamed at the top of his lungs after his leg was crushed by the robot's foot. It stomped repeatedly. Blood splattered and soaked the floor.
His broken arm was then pulled and twisted until it tore and was brutally severed. The SWAT member couldn't fight back against the robot's hard and immensely strong body.
The man screamed in agony with all his might. His head, still wearing a bulletproof helmet, was stomped by the robot's foot. Instantly, the helmet and his head were crushed with repeated blows.
The man's brain spilled out, and blood poured profusely after his head was crushed with full force. His head was smashed. Shots were fired repeatedly at the prototype robot.
It was shot and shot again, over and over. Bullets ran out, were reloaded, and the prototype robot was shot again, repeatedly.
The prototype robot exited the bank building and leaped over a height of 6 meters, holding a sack containing the metal cash containers filled with a large amount of money. The prototype robot ran away from the scene at high speed.
"Impossible. Someone sabotaged it!" shouted Fared.
Newspaper sales skyrocketed. Many people bought newspapers due to the incident of the prototype robot killing police and SWAT members.
Terminal Vector's reputation took a hit because the robots were products of Terminal Vector.
The company was held accountable for the damage and losses incurred. Terminal Vector sent a representative, Mr. Harris, who denied to newspaper and television reporters that the actions of the two robots were under the company's control.
The robots' builders were Fared and his friends. Fared was the mastermind behind their creation and upgrades.
Fared's name gained notoriety. Many newspaper and television news companies wanted to interview Fared and accused him of being behind the incident, but Mr. Harris denied it, stating that Fared had been imprisoned before, during, and after the event.
There had been a murder incident recorded on CCTV prior to the robot robbery.
The robots were not under Fared's control, as his friends were the ones managing and maintaining them.
Fared was responsible for controlling them during demonstration activities. There had been no suspicious signs or sabotage beforehand.
"Fared, you can go home now," said a prison officer.
"Huh???" Fared was shocked.
"What? Don't want to go home? Enjoying prison life?"
"Okay, okay, okay. Thank you. I'll pack my things," said Fared.
After Fared packed his clothes and personal hygiene items, he shook hands with his prison mates. Fared exited the prison building, escorted by two prison guards.
He walked until he entered a special room for visitors and inmates. Fared's mother and father stood up from their seats as Fared entered the visitor room.
Fared was surprised to see his parents waiting for him there. His mother ran toward him and hugged him tightly.
"Thank goodness you've been proven innocent. And without even going through a court trial—just discussions among the police. I don't know what's happened to our country," Fared's father said, fuming to himself.
"Enough, dear. Our son is out of prison now," Fared's mother soothed her husband, whose heart was filled with worry.
Mr. Hill entered the visitor room. Fared and his parents sat in the same row of chairs. Mr. Hill spoke with Fared's parents. Shortly after, Mr. Karim entered the visitor room where Mr. Hill, Fared, and his parents were, carrying a bag.
The bag was opened, and Mr. Hill attached a GPS tracking device to Fared's left leg. Fared's parents were puzzled by what Mr. Hill was doing.
Mr. Karim explained the function of the GPS tracker. Fared was not allowed to leave the house beyond a 50-meter radius.
Fared had to isolate himself from society and his workplace because an investigation and observation needed to be conducted by the police investigation team, particularly Mr. Hill, who would monitor Fared's behavior to prove his innocence.
However, Fared could work from home for the company.
Fared's parents expressed relief because the confinement order from the authorities was only for two weeks.
During those two weeks, Fared would be called to assist with further investigation by the responsible investigators. Fared was taken home by his parents.
He fell asleep in the car from relief and exhaustion after three weeks in prison.
"I thought only the news about the company and Fared would blow up! The serial killer news is blowing up too! What's important is that this serial killer only targets murderers, gang members, and, of course, gang leaders," said Haikal, reading an online newspaper.
"I think he must be hired. Is there a picture of him in the newspaper?" asked Hadi, who was working on paperwork with Diana and Rahman.
"No, this serial killer wears a black mask with a big red 'X' mark on it. When the killings happened, many thought it was the 'oil man' killing specific people. Turns out it wasn't the oil man—this person in a black suit is called 'X' by the authorities," explained Haikal.
"Is what you're saying true, Haikal?" asked Rahman.
"Yes, it's true. He's already taken down several gangs by killing their members, including key figures and gang leaders. If I'm not mistaken, X used to kill people. He was originally a hired assassin before becoming a gang killer," Haikal added.
"Oh," replied Rahman.
Mr. Hill walked to the crime scene. It was reported that the victim had committed suicide by jumping from the top floor, the 20th floor. The victim was a woman and a female police officer named Miss Qamalia.
No further investigation was conducted.
Time of death: 9 p.m. Mr. Hill lifted the plastic sheet covering Miss Qamalia's body. She died without a headscarf, wearing casual home attire.
Mr. Hill began to feel uneasy. He couldn't accept the fact that two people had died so suddenly—one murdered, the other a suicide. What would happen next?
"Is this X's work again? I don't think so. This is clearly a suicide, maybe work stress. Qamalia was supposed to marry me. She'd have been happy, guaranteed," said Fal to a forensic officer.
Mr. Hill glanced at Mr. Fal without being noticed. His face soured after hearing Fal's words and seeing his face. Mr. Fal and Mr. Yin were the two most problematic, cunning police officers, protected by the authorities despite shielding criminals being a serious crime.
Mr. Hill stood up from kneeling on the ground and walked to his car. He drove off quickly. The screen on the police car's radio player activated. Mr. Hill called Mr. Karim via the car's digital radio screen.
"Assalamualaikum. Yes, Hill? Why are you calling me?" asked Mr. Karim.
"Karim, I need your help to keep an eye on Yin. I think he must have his own plans. One by one, people are dying just because of their mistake of playing a pornographic video during a meeting!" said Mr. Hill angrily.
"Alright, Hill. I'll monitor and investigate Yin. If there's any crucial information, I'll contact you as quickly as I can. Inshallah," said Mr. Karim.
"Alhamdulillah, alright, thank you," said Mr. Hill.
Mr. Karim slowed his car and turned off the engine as soon as he parked. He observed Mr. Fal's movements and behavior. Mr. Fal had just exited a massage parlor building.
Fal stood in front of the parlor shop, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. He took one cigarette. A provocatively dressed female prostitute offered him a lighter.
The tip of Fal's cigarette was lit. He inhaled the cigarette and exhaled as if he could finally breathe again.
Fal wiped and caressed the lips of the beautiful prostitute with his left hand fingers before walking away. Fal walked to his car. He unlocked it and got inside.
The engine started, roaring like a sports car's engine. He drove off quickly. Mr. Karim started his car's engine and immediately followed Fal.
In the dark night, the city was brightly lit and bustling. The dazzling lights were so intense that the sky lost its stars, overshadowed by the city's overwhelming brightness.
The city was lively and noisy at night. It was a struggle to follow Fal despite the congested roads. Mr. Karim tailed Fal until he got lost among old residential buildings.
Most of the residents in that area were tenants, undocumented foreign immigrants, and legal foreign immigrants with valid documents.
The area was dark. The car's headlights were turned off. With the help of moonlight and faint streetlights outside the apartment housing area, Mr. Karim continued his surveillance with dim visibility. He lost track. The engine was turned off.
"This is Fal's house? Impossible he'd live here. With all the bribe money he's taken, it's impossible he'd stay in a rundown place like this," Mr. Karim said to himself.
Mr. Karim walked back to his car and called Mr. Hill. The call connected.
"Hill, I lost him. I followed him, but the roads were too congested, and I got lost," Mr. Karim reported to Mr. Hill.
"You can go back, don't push yourself," said Mr. Hill.
"ARGH!" Mr. Karim screamed over the phone. Several shots were fired, sounding muffled as if a silencer was used.
"Karim?!"
The phone call hung for a moment before disconnecting. Mr. Hill froze. Was his friend still alive or dead? Such questions swirled in his mind.
Fal kicked Mr. Karim's blood-soaked body, his head pierced with a bullet hole leaking blood onto the tar road. The road was stained with Mr. Karim's blood.
Fal looked at Mr. Karim's unlocked smartphone screen. He scrolled through it. The call history clearly showed Mr. Hill's name. The call had been made 30 seconds ago. Fal smirked sinisterly.