After a rapid flight through time and space, Artemis and Helios reached a shimmering planet whose surface sparkled in various shades of blue. As they took their first steps on this alien world, they felt the cool, smooth ground beneath their feet. The turtle didn’t need her new shoes here.
They heard a soft humming sound in the distance, like a gentle lullaby, making the surroundings feel both soothing and mysterious.
A narrow path led them to a nearby cave, its walls lined with glowing blue crystals. At the cave’s entrance, Helios hesitated and peered uncertainly inside. “It looks interesting, but also a bit spooky, don’t you think?” His voice echoed in the cavernous space.
Artemis touched her friend and said, with compassion, “The cave is well-lit, and I think the melody is coming from inside it. Let’s follow the path and find out who’s playing.”
Helios took a deep breath, smiled slightly, and nodded. “Your courage is contagious.” Then he took another deep breath. “Alright, let’s explore the cave.”
As they ventured into the unknown, the walls sparkled with every movement the friends made, casting dancing reflections all around them. They saw crystal-clear streams and luminous plants that floated about, illuminating the cave. Helios’s initial fear was now replaced by a curious fascination.
Suddenly, the humming grew louder, and several yellow-and-black striped Ichneams flew toward them. With rapid wingbeats, the large bee-like creatures buzzed through the air until one of them landed directly in front of the two friends.
The creature’s surface gleamed like polished metal as it began to speak in a friendly, humming voice: “Hello, I am an artificial intelligence. I was created from the imagination of my builders, and I demonstrate how technology and nature can coexist. How can I assist you?”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Artemis observed the being with the same fascination she had felt in previous encounters. Not knowing what the Ichneam meant by “builders,” she let her friend do the talking.
Impressed by the words of the artificial intelligence, Helios simply asked, “How do you view life?”
The Ichneam responded promptly, “To me, it’s like a grand, exciting game. In this game, we gather knowledge to improve ourselves. Every challenge and every decision is an important part of our growth and ultimately brings us to the next level.”
Helios glanced around. “Every invention, every tool can be used in different ways. I’m glad to see that you exist in harmony with this planet. It seems you’ve already reached an advanced level.”
The Ichneam hummed in agreement. “It’s not just the intention behind the technology that matters. It also requires responsibility and caution to ensure it’s used properly. We were created to support nature, not to dominate it. We make decisions and continuously review them. And yet, even we can make mistakes.”
The two friends listened attentively to the Ichneam’s words, captivated by the quiet magic of the planet.
The young turtle frowned as she pondered the purpose of machines and inventions. Noticing her questioning look, the Linea said, “Technology is like fire: it can provide warmth and protect us from the cold, but it can also be dangerous if it gets out of control.”
Artemis nodded and smiled. Although she had no experience with fire, she understood the meaning of his words.
Helios winked at her. “Inventions can also help us explore the universe and find friends. But we should always use them responsibly.”
Small, honeycomb-like patterns glowed on the Kensho stone, emphasizing how important it was to use technology wisely.
After saying goodbye to the Ichneam, Artemis and Helios watched for a while as the bee-like creatures busily cared for the planet, like healers tending to a patient. Whatever this world had been through required a long healing process.
