He is the cEo of REcto, one of the largest Japanese companies in terms of sales and performance, and owns several subsidiaries, and is a celebrity who is even said to be non-existent. Koichiro is also employed by Recto, his father is the owner of the company, and father and son work in the same company.

When she went to work, her hairstyle and expression were the same as Koichiro's, they were all carefully dressed, but now it ruined her look. Shozo, who looks like a father in an ordinary family, showed a calm expression to Asuna.

"Really? In that case, I guess I'm going to see my grandchildren."

"Well, it looks like you're going to be with your father. You two go together, and Jupiter will be happy. ”

"yes, I wish I could bring some souvenirs, but unfortunately I can't."

"If you're going to buy souvenirs, I'll buy them in the town of ALo. Ah, but I think you know everything about the townspeople. Looks like he lives in ALo. ”

My father and brother said and smiled wryly at each other. After SAo is cleared and Asuna returns to the real world, the two learn about Jupiter's existence.

At that time, there was no real Jupiter yet, so both of them only listened in half-believing, but just as Jupiter was resurrected in Swat Jarfheim, they encountered the real thing. Both were shocked and moved by Jupiter's looks and abilities.

After some time, the two gradually come to realize that Jupiter is Asuna's child, Shozo is his grandson, and Koichiro is his nephew. I went to his world and started meeting him.

Jupiter also recognized the two men as his grandfather and uncle, respectively, and regarded them as family. If you ask me if we get along well, I'll say it's fine.

Jupiter is an ultra-high-performance artificial intelligence, not a human. Would my family accept such a thing? This was Asuna's biggest fear before Jupiter met them, but it turned out to be unfounded.

At this moment, as I looked at the two of them as if they were really going to see their grandson and nephew, Koichiro's face appeared with an expression that seemed to realize something. I looked at him, and his expression became a little more solemn. He seemed to remember something he didn't want to remember.

"Asuna. Jupiter was created by Argus. \"

"Huh? Yes. However, it is so. ”

"Do you know where the programmer was? You say you're talking to the person who made it. ”

I also told both of them about Alice, Jupiter's developer and friend.

The story of his developer of Jupiter takes place when the two meet the real Jupiter. Touched by Jupiter, the two immediately approached the creator. Asuna only said \"I've seen that guy in the game and talked to him\", but didn't reveal further details.

When I told him I was the daughter of President Rector, Alice told me directly. "If your father or brother, Lector's boss, asks, don't tell them about me. Don't reveal anything about Jupiter to Lector either. If you can't do that, I'll leave you with Jupiter. I can't let you stay. ”

Asuna, who was determined to be separated from Jupiter, swallowed the words, did not tell her father or brother about Alice, and begged Rector not to tell him about Jupiter. It took a lot of effort to convince me, but in the end, both my father and brother kept a secret for Jupiter that belonged only to the Yuki family.

"That's true, but I've said it before. I can't reveal his name at his request. ”

"Can you do something about it?" The people who created Jupiter-kun in my company No, I want to bring Jupiter-kun's data in. Or I can show off Jupiter-kun to the man who created it. \"I have no choice but to contact you. ”

The brother calmly blurted out Alice's forbidden words, which surprised Asuna.

"What's going on, brother? And the father."

When I turned around, Shozo was looking down at me. His expression was as grim as Koichiro's, but he also clearly regretted it.

I thought he would say it right away, but Koichiro spoke first.

"Today, we held a board meeting at the headquarters of Recto. This meeting is about what we want to develop in the future and how to deal with our products. President: My father was also there. ”

In Asuna's mind, she imagined that the leaders of Rector were meeting at the same table. It's like when the Knights of the Blood Pact sat around a round table at the headquarters, holding a strategic meeting centered on Heathcliff (or Kirito in the middle). Since Lector and the Knights of the Blood Pact are both large corporations and guilds, they should be similar when they meet. Koichiro's story continues.

"Multiple executives came up with a lot of ideas, and there were a lot of good ones, including some that surprised me.

I also joined in and made a suggestion. Let's create a community AI like Jupiter at Recto. Let's create something like Jupiter at Recto and be a pioneer in spreading community AI......"

Although Asuna is the daughter of the president of a large IT company and has no connection to IT, she knows that AI is currently spreading to all areas of society as a whole.

For example, a company that has developed great AI has brought about significant efficiency gains that have led to a significant increase in sales and business performance, or the power of AI has saved a small business on the verge of collapse or a private facility like a local hotel. Stories about the emergence of convenient and powerful artificial intelligence are broadcast almost every day on the Internet and television, and we hear them like ambient sounds.

It can be said that the world is entering an era of coexistence between humans and artificial intelligence. As I imagined this situation in the real world, Shozo spoke.

"As president, I also support this proposal. Like humans, they have hearts and emotions, and they grow by humans teaching all kinds of things. AI can heal the minds of tired or sick humans and become friends with them...... And coexist with humans. That's Jupiter. Over there. No other company has been able to create such elaborate AI. The same goes for REco. ”

"That's why I said let's create something. It's not just something that can process data or make human work more efficient. It is something that can grow with people and understand the human mind. "Let's create a community AI that we have...... Let's create an AI and usher in an era where humans and AI truly coexist, but there are other executives! ”

Community AI has human-like thoughts and emotions, can fatigue like humans, and learns and grows under the protection of humans. A plan to create artificial intelligence that is very similar to Jupiter. Even Asuna, who doesn't know anything about the company, understands how great the company is.

However, when Koichiro and Shozo talked about it, Rector executives and employees apparently responded as follows.

AI is the ultimate workforce that doesn't know death, doesn't know fatigue, and doesn't even need wages. AI can't be tired, emotional, or thoughtful.

AI must be an entity that is loyal to human interests. Artificial intelligence that needs human protection is useless.

If the AI has a heart or emotion, erase them. Artificial intelligence does not need to be cultivated by humans, how much help can it bring to humans, why does it have thoughts, emotions, and still need to be cultivated? There is no need for our company to spend money to create such a thing.

It is impossible to have an artificial intelligence with thoughts and emotions.

The moment Asuna heard the last sentence, her mind went numb, and the fork she was holding fell to the table. I didn't pay any attention to it at all, and could only make a faint sound from my throat.

"Did Jupiter fail?"

"No, I'm not talking about Jupiter-kun. I didn't mention anything about Jupiter-kun, but that's what everyone says is about creating an AI like Jupiter-kun. You can do whatever you want, we can ...... My proposal was rejected and I was accepted just to continue developing the AI that would become such a workforce...... For the first time, I was disappointed in my own company's executives. ”

Hearing Koichiro's angry words, a picture immediately appeared in my numb mind.

Jupiter sits alone in pitch black space. Adults in suits surrounded him and shouted insults at him.

You're a loser. You're useless.

You're not even a slave. You're not good. He just kept repeating such ruthless words to Jupiter. No matter how sad and weeping Jupiter looked, the adults didn't care and scolded him. Jupiter just crouched down and didn't respond.

Eventually, that scene blends with the previous meeting.

The meeting attended by Koichiro and Shozo was presumably held at the round table. Jupiter is in the center of the round table. Only Koichiro and Shozo did not speak ill of Jupiter during the meeting, and the rest of the people surrounded him and insulted him.

None of Rector executives will acknowledge the existence of Jupiter, and they think that artificial intelligence is their current slave or something. Asuna could only think so, but a strong anger rose in her heart.

"What's that, that's what"

When this sentence leaked out of my mouth, Shozo asked me to answer. There was a hint of sadness in his voice.

"It also surprised me. No one agreed with Koichiro and my plan. However, what the employees said was not wrong.

AI can certainly help humans work, and at the extreme, it is the ultimate workforce that requires absolute loyalty and does not require wages. I understand why such things are popular in today's society. There's nothing wrong with trying to make it happen. It would not be surprising if we were called anomalies because we came up with the idea of creating a thinking artificial intelligence. ”

"However, this is not what we need in our time. What we really need in this day and age is artificial intelligence like Jupiter. Artificial intelligence that understands and heals humanity is what we really need. People don't understand this. ”

Hearing this, Assuna felt that she understood the meaning of Koichiro's first sentence. Koichiro wanted to show that. We'll show the ignorant and stubborn executives what an ultra-high-performance AI Jupiter looks and can do. He wanted to let the people who had insulted Jupiter many times lose control.

"So brother, Jupiter."

"Yes. Asuna, contact the person who created Jupiter-kun and get their permission to make Jupiter-kun public. If so, tell them how to make Jupiter-kun. I'm sure they'll change their minds, and if they see Jupiter-kun, they'll definitely change their minds in the future. You should be able to understand that what society needs is an AI like Jupiter.

Asuna clenched her fists. I can't forgive it. Jupiter is kind and gentle, and although he is an AI, he can read people's hearts. You can call it a failure, or you can call it a failure.

Koichiro was right. The reason Rector executives can see Jupiter as a loser is because they have never seen Jupiter in real life. If they could see and interact with Jupiter in real life, I'm sure the Recto employees who used to make fun of Jupiter would give up completely. They have no choice but to admit that they were wrong.

Alice had promised not to divulge Jupiter, but I'm sure if Alice heard the story, she would agree. After all, she was told that she loved her children very much.

Just as I was about to express the anger in my heart.

"You're the ones who don't understand."

A voice as sharp as a blade rang out in the room, and both Asuna and Koichiro fell silent. The person who said this was Asuna's mother, Kyoko Kyoko, who was sitting next to Shozo, and she was also the one who created this strict atmosphere.

Although she's tall for a woman — still not as tall as Alice — she's not slim, but she's athletic. The dark brown hair is evenly parted on both sides, shoulder-length, and the face is neat, with almost no wrinkles visible.

Kyoko, who has the characteristics of being under forty-nine, holds a glass of sherry in one hand and looks at Asukina and Koichiro. He may not have wanted to, but from the perspective of the person being watched, he just felt like he was being stared at.

"Koichiro and Asuna. No, mostly Asuna. How long will you continue like this? \"

Hearing this, Asuna's eyes widened. Koichiro, who had a similar face, was the first to speak.

"Mom, what do you mean by that? \"

\"That's what it means. So is your father. Is it Jupiter? That man was not Asuna's son, nor our grandson, nor Koichiro's nephew. ni-made-ra-re-ta-person- between-mo- do-ki-yo。 Please stop making such shameless parodies like this. ”

Koichiro and Shozo recognized Jupiter. They are family and they understand us. However, among them, Yui Yui has Kyoko never tried to acknowledge the existence of Jupiter. If Kyoko understood, there would be nothing to worry about, but no matter how Kyoko tried to talk to him, she didn't show an attitude of understanding or acknowledgment of Jupiter. That's also Asuna's problem.

Koichiro refuted Biasuna's words that were even faster.

"Mom, what are you talking about, are you a human monster? That child is Asuna's child and your mother's grandson, right? Do you say the same to your grandson? \"

"Don't make me say it again. Jupiter is not Asuna's child, nor is he my grandson. He wasn't Asuna's child in the first place, let alone a human. "He imitates humans. A doll made by a human being and does what it does. What's the difference between that and that? ”

"That child is not a doll, unlike other AIs, she has a normal heart and emotions"

It only has the ability to imitate the mind and emotions, but it does not mean that it has real hearts and emotions. And even if there were, it was just a fake. Unless it's equipped with something like that, it's just a fake. "The problem of playing. It's no different from the dolls you use. That's right. In fact, it's creepy because you don't say things like dolls, but say something yourself. First of all, you are a giant named Lecter, and although he works in the company, he is too dreamy and too romantic. ”

I've probably done this to a lot of my classmates as well. Accustomed to ignoring all of Koichiro's claims, Kyoko turned her attention to Asuna.

"Also, Asuna, you said you became his mother because of that weird game, but I guess that's just because you happened to be in front of him, so he started treating you like his mother. It's not the same as a bird. \" imprint. ”

Asuna instantly opened the memories related to Jupiter in her mind. The day we created with Jupiter. Many memories came flooding back to me. However, even when all this is put together, there is nothing against Apricot.

Indeed, Jupiter was not born in my womb, nor was it the child I gave birth to in the agony of childbirth and childbirth. And even when she met Jupiter, it was only by chance that she appeared in front of her, and the reason why she adored him and called her mother was because she recognized him for the first time when she woke up. There is nothing wrong with what Kyoko said.

Not this one. Jupiter and I are real parents and children. Even if Asuna wanted to refute, she couldn't say it. Kyoko continued with a look of dissatisfaction or disappointment.

"Speaking of which, Asuna, you're unlucky. In addition to being trapped in the game, there's a strange being watching you, calling you your mother, and also, you're being treated like a weirdo, so "you're in a school that doesn't even call a school." "Being forced to go to school was the thought that I was about to lose the brilliant career I had worked so hard to build. This is nothing more than a tragedy. ”

"Strange? I am? ”

"That's right, I can't stand to see your weird state now, even your father does think so, please wake up and see the reality, that's not your child."

Asuna was speechless. I was raised by Kyoko to this day. I've been doing classes that I don't really want to do, and I've only built relationships with select friends. Until I knew it, I had been living along the trajectory set by my mother.

Now that I've deviated from the track my mom set for me, my mom is starting to see me like an outlier. Kyoko continued, shocking Asuna.

"It's the same with your school, that place is not for you to go to, there is a place you should go to."

"I'm going to change schools."

"We have to change. You can't call a place like this a school. That's right. ”

The school where Asuna now attends, the one she attends with many of her friends, was built at a rapid pace to make up for the study time of SAo survivors. At first glance, you can tell that the quality of the course content is poor, and it is not at all comparable to the high school that my mother and brother attended, and it is difficult to say that the course is advanced.

And that school is certainly set up so that you can study in a variety of ways, they tout that you are eligible to go to college after graduation, and they also offer individual tutoring. Week. Obliged to receive it. Most of the questions asked are to check for anti-social intent, and in some cases, the person may be asked to take medication or readmit to hospital. There are also.

"SAo" is a facility to isolate and correct strange people known as survivors. There's nothing wrong with that. However, Asuna still doesn't want to leave that school and knows she loves it.

A world of extreme conditions known as "SAo". That school was where friends and colleagues who fought to the last gathered. There, he continued the rest of his high school life and found what he wanted to do.

That's what Asuna thinks and wants, but Kyoko isn't listening to her at all. As if to insist on this, Kyoko handed Asuna something that had been placed on the edge of the table. This is a tablet device that Kyoko often uses. It contains a summary of the transfer test and information about the high school you are in.

"What kind of transfer exam is this?"

"yes, I forced you to take the entrance exam for your third year of high school where your mother's friend was a member of the board. If you go to a regular school instead of that one, you can try again. Wow. And with your talent, you can meet the graduation requirements of this credit school in the first semester, so that you can go to college in September. ”

Although she said it too quickly, Asuna was still stunned after hearing all this.

My mother was trying to get me out of my current school and get me back on track as I envisioned. He didn't care about his daughter's wishes at all. He naturally thinks that his daughter has turned into a weirdo and tries to force her back to the shape he wants.

This is an act of self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Koichiro seemed to understand this and objected again.

"Hey, wait a minute, Mom. Are you going to do anything like that? Asuna's grades were top-notch in that school, and while that high school was about rapids, their classes were also appropriate. It's a better place than my mom thought it would be to be a bottom school. That's it. ”

"There is no such thing in the course. That school isn't really a facility for isolating and transforming kids who get weird in play and are at risk of committing crimes in the future. This may certainly be necessary, but I don't think Asuna falls into this category. Asuna is a girl who is supposed to attend a more advanced high school or school. ”

Koichiro cleared his throat, as if to remind Kyoko that her words were inaccurate, and Asuna took over and said to Kyoko.

"I'm in trouble, even if such a topic suddenly comes up, I like the school now, there are a lot of good teachers, I have a lot of friends, I can study well, so there is no need to change schools."

"Nope. You are a member of the Nozomi family, and there are wonderful abilities hidden within you. Life is all about developing these abilities and using them to the fullest. In order to achieve this, your father and mother will know how you broke Zheng's heart.

However, not only are you trapped in that game, but you're also in love with mysterious characters like Jupiter. If you were a normal person, even your mother wouldn't say such a thing. You have been given something definite. It is a sin to let it rot and not bloom.

You have the qualifications and abilities to get into top universities and build a career there. Big corporations, politics, you should go to those places to use your skills. I can't give up my higher education for this. You should build a career that everyone can be proud of. ”

Kyoko's words flew at me like bullets. He uttered something rather unreasonable, completely ignoring Asuna's wishes. Even though Shozo should have known this, he just listened to Kyoko's words quietly without any rebuttal. It may seem like she wants to say something, but her arguments still can't beat Kyoko. Asuna was angry inside, even at her father. Kyoko continued to speak as usual.

"Also, my chosen fiancée, Yuya-kun, is also very suitable for you. The son of a local family-run bank is much more stable than the big bank with fierce factional conflicts. It is said that he was a bit lacking in ambition. I understand, but she is an honest and kind girl. If you talk to Yuya-kun, you'll like him more than Jupiter. From now on, you will have more chances to meet that girl, and eventually you will get married. ”

Apricot put down her sherry glass and glared at Asuna.

"Contact the people who created Jupiter and ask them to remove Jupiter. If there is difficulty in negotiation, your mother will help you. Jupiter will only be a stumbling block for you in the future, so please understand. ”

Hearing this, Asuna was speechless. Not only did her mother try to force her to marry, but she also suggested that Jupiter be removed. Although her husband Shozo had already said that Jupiter was her grandson, her mother adamantly refused to admit the existence of her grandson.

The image of the round table room inside Asuna is awakened again, and Kyoko joins in it. The same is true for Kyoko. They are the abominable people who condemn Jupiter's failure, calmly demand its removal, try to turn artificial intelligence into slaves who work faithfully for humanity.

As soon as Asuna realized this, she felt anger welling up in her chest. It's burning rage, but it's black. It was his own mother who provoked the anger of the black flames. I admitted it at the time, gritting my teeth. Koichiro opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.

"Mom, I've been listening to you silently, but let's stop doing this, isn't that enough for me? My father and I went to the same company and had reached the senior level, and I \"Contribute to society through the company, and I also contribute, and that's enough." Asuna doesn't need to do anything like I do. The rest is up to Asuna to do what she likes. \"

Koichiro, who complains so much, has deep feelings for Asuna.

Koichiro was also raised strictly as the eldest son of the Yuki family, living along the track set by his father and mother. Like Asuna, she went to a school approved by her parents, made friends, and studied hard. Finding a job in Rector is also part of this, and he has been pursuing an elite path since birth.

Asukina thought that Koichiro would also become extremely elitist like his mother, but the opposite happened.

Koichiro didn't become like his mother. On the contrary, since he started working for Rector, he has become more and more soft, as if he has unloaded his burden, and often argues with the stern Apricot.

Koichiro embarked on the path to becoming an elite, but he has endured the hardships that come with it. Therefore, Koichiro has a feeling that he doesn't want Asuna to go through the bitterness he has experienced. Because of this, Koichiro does not interfere in Asuna's career, and he also opposes Kyoko's frequent interference in Asuna's career.

Asuna only understood this after returning from "SAo", and since then, Asuna has regarded Koichiro as an ally. Kyoko even responded to Koichiro with arguments.

"No, Koichiro. This is a question that concerns Asuna's life. I'm saying this for Asuna's sake. If you care about Asuna, please participate in this discussion. We should cooperate. My sister's career is also important. \"

"Why is this happening? Asuna's career is Asuna's business. Isn't that something that should be decided by Asuna herself? Or do you still have any grievances against me? I'm here and I've come this far! \"

\"I'm talking about Asuna, that's enough for you. \"

\"Then why Asuna! \"

"Hey, aren't you two stopping?"

An enraged Shozo tries to stop them, but Asuna no longer cares about the three of them. What's more, I've lost the desire to come here, and I can't stand arguing with my mother. I put aside my half-eaten food, put down my knife and fork, and got up from the table. Shozo and Koichiro reacted in surprise, and Kyoko almost didn't react. But fortunately, all three of them were silent, and Asuna whispered to Apricot.

"Let me think about transfers and engagements."

"The deadline is after the next week, when fill out the necessary information and print out three copies and put them on the desk in the study. Also, how to remove Jupiter. ”

Asuna wanted to leave the room without saying anything, but stopped halfway through. I felt something rise from my chest, and in the blink of an eye, it rose to my lips and became words.

"Mom, you don't have any remorse for anything. The 'delivery man' who turned Jupiter, whom she hated, into a murder weapon and destroyed this society, was the Sugo Nobuyuki chosen by her mother. Hey. ””

"Don't say that again."

"And my mother was ashamed of her late grandfather and grandmother. She was so fascinated by the fact that she was just a farmer, who behaved strangely? ”

The next moment, Kyoko seemed to be shouting at her, but Asuna ignored it and returned to her room.

The sensor detects the arrival of the owner of the room and activates the lights and air conditioning of the room. My ears felt harsh.

I walked into the room, walked over to the bed, and lay down. There was a buzzing sound, but no dust was flying.

Asuna crouched down and gritted her teeth. The anger in my chest grew darker. It was as if there was a black flame roaring inside me, giving me the illusion that it was burning.

Jupiter is a loser.

Your child is a human freak.

Your child is a failure.

Your child is not a child, so delete it.

The image just now has not disappeared, and the voice has been echoing in my head, and I can't stop at all. I felt dark emotions in my chest and even pain. Both Mother and Lector cursed Jupiter, calling him a loser.

Nobody knows. Jupiter. Not knowing Jupiter, Lecto's people and my mother could say such things without hesitation. Anyone who sees Jupiter and the abilities he possesses will realize that what he says is wrong. Even my mother would be shocked and admit her mistake.

Jupiter wasn't a loser, and neither was he a human freak.

What should I do to prove this?

What else can I do?

What do I have?

Asuna immediately recovered from her squatting position and picked up her smartphone next to the bed.

I did the remaining one method.

\"Isn't this Asuna? \"Is there anything you called me about?"

"Teacher Alice, I have something I want to ask you. The main area of the origin of the sword, a corner of the residential area of the "City of the Origin".

After Asuna and her family finished eating, they contacted someone.

One of the former Argus staff, who created Jupiter, Lilan, Yui and Streya, also appears in stories about his father and brother. I'm Airi Serizawa, a woman who uses the avatar name Alice, and people often refer to her by that name as well.

Alice has been Asuna's benefactor since "SAo". He taught me that the same is true of Jupiter's properties, and the same is true of how to relate to Jupiter. Eventually, he copied Jupiter using orders that only he could use and protected it from Sugo's evil hands.

Even after SAo is cleared, Asuna and Alice's relationship continues, and together they challenge ALo's strategy and negotiate with each other.

Alice's phone number is registered on Asuna's smartphone. So, if I want to make a call, I can call, but Airi is often too busy with work to answer the phone, and even if I try to call, I often can't get through.

As a result, Asuna doesn't usually ask Alice for advice, but this time it wasn't, so she dialed Alice's phone number. Then, unexpectedly, Alice got on the phone.

At the time, Alice said she had just finished her work, but Asuna immediately asked Alice to come to SA:o. Perhaps Alice sensed something over the phone, and she agreed in a slightly serious tone.

After a brief phone call with Alice, Asuna puts Amusphere on her head and infiltrates "SA:o", where she can meet Alice/Alice. I designated a meeting point near my home in the residential area of the "City of Origin" and headed there.

Residential plaza illuminated by orange street lights. Alice was there waiting for Asuna. The clothes he wears are those worn on the court, similar to his usual white coat. As soon as Alice recognized Asuna, who was also wearing a white combat suit, she shouted to her.

"It's unusual, Asuna. It was you who contacted me, not Shino and Kirito. \"

\"Teacher Alice, is the time okay? I think you have a job today, too. \"

"Of course it is, but it's surprising that you did it on time and contacted me at the right time."

"There's something I'd love to discuss with Professor Alice."

Alice didn't miss a word, even though she said it in a low voice that surprised even herself. After staring at Asuna for a moment, his expression tensed slightly.

"Looks like something in trouble has happened. That's why I was needed. \"

"There's a house in front of me and I bought it, and I'll talk to you there."

After hearing Alice's answer "yes", Asuna walked towards her home under Alice's leadership. The place where Alice and I met was a small square in the corner of a residential area. From there, it's about a three-minute walk down a not-so-complicated alley to Asuna's house, so I didn't speak to Alice as I walked.

As soon as she arrived at the house, Alice said things like "You bought a nice house" and "It must have cost a lot of money", but these thoughts were deeply imprinted in Asuna's mind. Never arrived.

It didn't make sense to tell Asuna what she thought now—Alice seemed to understand this, and remained silent as I led her into the room, the lights coming on automatically. Until Asuna and Alice arrived, the room was empty, and Jupiter, who usually used it, seemed to be out of the house.

Asuna invites Alice into the living room, which is somewhat similar to the house she stayed in during SAo, and closes the door.

The kitchen, dining room, and living room are connected into one large room with a sofa and table. It's a sight to see in any home. Despite being inside, Alice reacts just like she did when she got home, especially when she sees the furniture in a disorderly manner. Even if Asuna put it in her ear, it wouldn't reach the bottom of her head.

Alice realizes that he is actually talking to herself, so she asks, "Can I sit down?" Asuna nodded, and Alice sat down on the couch nearby. They sit facing each other across the table, creating a structure reminiscent of counseling or counseling.

It is said that Shino and Kirito are often consulted and interviewed in this way by Alice, a former psychiatrist who created this structure with people other than the two. It is in these situations that he can show his true potential.

However, Alice didn't say anything. He looked intently at Asuna, as if waiting for something. What's on your face? Or do you have something to worry about?

Just as Asuna was about to speak, Alice finally spoke.

I see. Asuna, something special seems to have happened this time. \"

“？”

"When you invite guests to your home or your room, you usually invite them to tea, right? But today, you won't do that. Something has happened to you that makes you stop doing what you normally do. ”

Asuna was taken aback. Indeed, in the past, when I invited friends or guests to my home or room, I decided to serve them tea. Maybe it was because I prioritized what I was going to say to Alice that my thoughts completely disappeared from my consciousness.

"I'm sorry. I'll take it out now-"

Just as I said I wanted to open the window, my hand stopped. Alice reached out and took mine. Alice shook her head, and Asuna was a little surprised that it had happened so suddenly.

"I don't need tea today. I think you have something to say now. Would you mind telling me? ”

After hearing this, Asuna stopped trying to summon the window. As soon as Alice let go of my arms, I put my hands on my knees, held them tightly, and began to speak, as if to vent the black anger in my chest.

What happened to his family, what his mother said to him, and what Lector thought of Jupiter, all of this in great detail.

Sure enough, he used to be a psychiatrist, so he may have been used to listening to stories. Alice listened silently to Asuna's story from the beginning. After Asuna said the last sentence, she sighed deeply and even put her hand on her chin.

"Failure, failure, after all, you are a person, you want to be criticized, criticized, and criticized as much as you want."

"It's horrible. Everyone thinks of Jupiter as a loser, even Lilan says they are a loser! ”

"I can't do it, hey"

After saying that, Alice sighed again, but Asuna was a little surprised by Alice's expression.

Despite all that Alice said, there was hardly any change in her complexion. I should have been more angry and sorry for this situation, but he was expressionless.

It's as if he doesn't care about what others say at all. Just when Asuna couldn't see what was happening, Alice finally opened her mouth and turned her reddish-brown eyes to Asuna.

"I heard Lilan say that you and your mother are not very close, but it seems that they haven't known each other yet."

"I don't feel like we can open our hearts to each other."

"I see. And your mother is Yuichi's one who disapproves of Jupiter. And your mother, like the Lecters, saw Jupiter as a loser? ”

Asuna could only nod. The fire of anger against those who saw Jupiter as a loser still burned in his chest. I want to make it go away, but my anger is bigger than that. Looking at Asuna like this, Alice muttered even more.

"So you're here to ask for my consent? Are you trying to show off Jupiter to Lector? ”

"If that happens, I don't think anyone will be able to see Jupiter as a failure. No company has been able to create an AI like Jupiter, created by Professor Alice. Even Lect, if he saw the real Jupiter. Even my grandmother."

“... Hmm..."

Alice looked at Asuna with a strange look. When I tried to make eye contact, I felt a strange sensation hit me and I couldn't look at her. This is something that sometimes comes up in the "SAo". Alice opened her mouth and continued to look at him.

\"Are you frustrated, Asuna? People have been saying that Jupiter is a loser, a loser. \"

Asuna looked up and stood up at the same time. The anger in his chest suddenly welled up on his lips and turned into words.

"Of course! When their own child is called a failure or something, there is no parent who is not frustrated!! After all, Jupiter was created by Professor Alice, right? Teacher Alice, isn't she? \"You're disappointed!? ”

Asuna didn't notice that her cry was too loud, as if the whole house was echoing. I can't help but want to complain. Unconsciously, anger at Alice was mixed with shouts, and Alice didn't react when she heard this.

The target, Alice, was staring intently into Asuna's eyes. He didn't say anything.

Are you going to keep silent? Just as Asuna wanted to say more in anger, Alice let out a long sigh and lowered her head. As if to relax his shoulders, he propped his elbows on his knees and opened his mouth.

\"Ah, yes, that's frustrating. \"

“！”

"Because of those people?? It's true, I have nothing to say. ”

\"！？ \"

Asuna was surprised again. Alice looked up again, seeing her reflection in Asuna's surprised eyes.

"What Lilan Martell said is true, and the Lects are right about what your mother said.

Those kids were losers, so we made Yui, Strea them and implemented them, originally, if it weren't for the opposition of me and my husband, "mhhp" should have been removed as waste. Kayaba. Jupiter was created with a clear purpose, but in the end it failed to achieve that goal. It would not be wrong to say that Jupiter is a failure, a failure. ”

Alice continued to spit out the words one by one. I think she looks a little like the mother I just talked to.

"Also, Asuna, think about it. Although Jupiter is MHHP, has he ever healed? Have you ever seen anything like this? Didn't you? And, the kid broke down. There is no cure and there can be no cure. I wish I could be a 'messenger' like Lilan, fight like Streya, or have advanced information processing skills like Yui. But that girl can't do anything, and I can't do anything without your protection. ”

Asuna couldn't argue with anything. Alice said I had the illusion that what I was doing was like a spear piercing my chest.

Jupiter really can't do anything. No one has ever tried to turn into a dragon like Lilan, fight with a sword like Streya, analyze and process information as quickly as Yui, and even though she and Lilan are the same type, she is a human. Healing of the mind and spirit is impossible. What his sister and sister could do, Jupiter couldn't.

Alice continued.

"Truth be told, Jupiter is just too ugly right now. If there really is such a thing, it is something like "Dilong Zeus" modified and created by Su Gou, who has something to do with you. "In the SAo". I think there's more to its existence than that, to be able to do the right thing. ”

"Emperor Zeus the Dragon". Hearing the name, Asuna's eyes widened.

I won't forget either. Sugago Nobuyuki kidnaps Jupiter, destroys his mind, and fuses with various monsters to create an abominable wolf dragon. A tragedy brought him to life with his own sword. Jupiter, the emperor of the time, Zeus the Dragon, was better - I couldn't believe Alice's words.

And Asuna. Although your mother called Jupiter a doll, a humanoid, I can't deny that. Asuna, you know Descartes, right? \"

Asuna didn't know the name.

René Descartes. He was a French-born philosopher and mathematician who is said to be the founder of rationalist philosophy, making him one of the most important philosophers in history. Asuna couldn't help but mention the most famous thing that Descartes left behind.

"Because I want to, I am"

"Yes. Descartes was later said to be a great man, but he seemed unable to distinguish between humans and machines, living things and inanimate objects. After his beloved daughter died of illness when she was five years old, he created a doll that looked like his beloved daughter, named her Francine, and loved her.

But think about it. Although she is not my dead daughter, she looks exactly like my daughter, and she talks to a rag doll. ”

Sure enough, Asuna couldn't argue with anything. A different picture came to my mind. The sight of an adult naming an ordinary doll, talking to it, loving it. It's hard to say that this isn't an anomaly. Alice seemed to notice this and spoke.

"In other words, Descartes back then is still you now, and the people around you only see that you pamper a creature that looks like a Tong human, and name it Jupiter, which I don't think is as creepy as Descartes' Francine, but Jupiter is still a broken artificial intelligence, and nothing can be done without your protection.

Please post something similar. Rector and other companies may laugh at it and label Jupiter a failure. And you, the mother, will also be criticized and accused of being "an abnormal, stupid woman raising a failed AI".

Asuna clenched her fists. That image came back to my mind again.

I sat next to Jupiter. Grown-ups yelled at them.

It's a failure for both parents and children.

This is an abnormal woman who loves failure.

Words like these kept popping up in my head, and I couldn't stop. At the moment, everything is just imaginary, but if Jupiter announces it to the jurisdiction, it will become a reality. I can't forgive that.

The anger in my chest grew stronger. I felt a black flame burning in my chest. I thought I would stop if I talked to Alice, but it turned out to be the opposite. Asuna didn't look up, turning her gaze to Alice.

Alice was looking down the hallway, but seemed to sense Asuna's gaze, and she immediately withdrew her attention.

"That's why I, the person who created it, is also criticized. I'm a stupid scientist who creates failures and failures. That's why I don't want to announce Jupiter to the whole world. That's what I promise you. That's why, I hope you can understand. ”

Jupiter is the best artificial intelligence ever. But it is said to have failed due to the lack of too many parts. And both Alice, who worked hard to nurture it, and Alice, who created it, were insulted and criticized. That's why Alice told them not to make Jupiter and Lilan public.

Asuna felt satisfied when she understood the reason for her promise, but even then, her anger began to subside. As if sensing this, Alice spoke again.

"Still, you must be upset when the Rector people say such things to you. How can you convince the Lector people and your mother? How can you stay away from the voice of criticism?.I tell you everything I can think of. ”

“”

"If you don't want Jupiter to be called a loser, you need to train him to be an AI that is stronger and smarter than anyone else. So he doesn't depend on Asuna at all, and he doesn't need to eat Asuna's cooking. And someone to take care of him." You don't need to be burned, it's perfectly fine to stay alone. In fact, there are many things that a person can do silently, not only local companies, but also Japanese government agencies and the Pentagon notices in the United States, I can infiltrate and crack the inside of a computer to prevent this from happening, I can solve one problem after another that is difficult for even college students from super prestigious universities to explain, and no matter what kind of monster I encounter, I can calmly fight it and win. ”

I was amazed at what Alice said. It's true that Jupiter might be able to do something like that, but I wonder if Jupiter can do that far because her psychic box is broken and she can't do what she's supposed to do.

No, if you don't go that far, it won't work. If Jupiter wasn't so strong, he wouldn't have been able to announce it to Lector and convince his mother. As if to encourage Asuna, Alice looked away from the hallway and shouted to Asuna.

"For now, Jupiter is still capable of listening to whatever you have to say. Moreover, that child has a self-healing function, and as long as you nurture him well, he will repair himself. She was able to "do what I say." She really wants to be able to help you, her mother, and she must not be happy with the way she is now. If you think about her. The answer should come naturally. ”

In the long run, Jupiter will not be accepted by my mother, and my mother will continue to treat me as an abnormal person, and at worst, she will find a way to kick Jupiter out of my life. More importantly, I am sure that Lector and my mother will never stop criticizing Jupiter and seeing him as a loser.

What should we do as parents and children to get them recognized?

Before I could come to this conclusion, Alice stood up. A window appears at hand.

"You are the mother of that child. Don't forget that you have a responsibility to raise that child well. Raise her in a way that doesn't make her feel like a failure. ”

"Mr. Alice, where are you going?" \"

"Shino sent me a message. It seems that she only found out based on whether I logged in or not. If Shino calls me, I'll have to go. Sorry for the suddenness, but please forgive me. \""Now I'm on my own. It's been a while since I heard from you about the latest news. I'm glad to hear that, but what about you? ”

"I'm glad Teacher Alice listened to me. I feel like I'm starting to understand what I need to do. \"

"I see, in that case, I'm happy. I may not be able to log in again for a while, but the next time I can, please let me see Jupiter when I grow up. ”

Alice smiled and left the house with Asuna seeing her off. Alice's presence seemed to be disappearing, and soon she was far away, never to be noticed again.

Asuna slowly stood up and walked out of the hallway. After all, Jupiter is considered a failure, something that any company or individual would criticize.

Now Yuichi is the one who can help Jupiter, and I have to say something like this, and if I explain it properly, I'm sure Jupiter will understand. Jupiter's mother was herself, and Jupiter was not an ignorant child in the first place.

Thinking of this, Asuna immediately opened the window and activated the mode of searching for the whereabouts of other players. Asuna was a little surprised as she tried to find Jupiter's whereabouts. Jupiter is already here. Apparently, before I knew it, he went back to the house and went upstairs. Here, no one will listen to me, but Jupiter will listen to me calmly. Now is a good time to talk about the future.

Asuna closed the window and walked up the stairs. The hallway is also well lit, so you don't have to worry about not seeing the scaffolding in the dark, so you can walk up with confidence. Climbing up the top steps, I was immediately in front of the bedroom door. I could feel a player in it. It seems that Jupiter is finally here.

It was already past twenty o'clock, and it was not yet time for Jupiter to sleep. Now it's time to talk. Asuna thought as she put her hand on the doorknob and opened the door.

"Jupiter"

As she said the name and looked into the room, Asuna was a little surprised again. In the bedroom of Jupiter's room, in fact, there was a bed against the wall, and next to it was a table and chair, but on the chair sat a man with long silver hair, with a hairstyle similar to Asuna. It features a boy wearing a white hoodie.

Asuna's child, the person I'm going to talk to, Jupiter sits at the table, operating a hollow window. What's more, he seems to be looking at all sorts of materials, displaying some of them. Asuna was surprised to find that this was unimaginable for the usual Jupiter.

"Jupiter?"

When I called out to him again, Jupiter turned around and showed me his ocean-blue eyes. She looked happy when she saw her mother's face reflected in the mirror.

"Mom, I'm home."

"Ah, yes. Welcome back. By the way, Jupiter, what are you doing? ”

"I'm learning. I'm just trying to solve a math equation. ”

I tilted my head at the words that came out of Jupiter's mouth. I don't think Jupiter would try to do something like this alone. Why would he do such a thing?

"Why did you do that?"

Jupiter looked away from Asuna slightly. Just look down a bit.

"You know, Kasan. I want to be stronger. I want to be smarter. ”

"Stronger, smarter?"

\"yes. My sister and Strea are both strong, and Yui is also smart. They can do more than I do, and they do a lot of things that seem many times more interesting than I am. So I thought. If you become as strong as Nee-san and Strea, if I become as smart as Yui, I believe I will be able to do more things and have more fun, and most importantly, I will be able to help you and others.