ERA: Unleashing the A.I.

CHAPTER 6: ICICLES ARE COLD AND SHARP

Subaru, while continuing to massage his head with one hand, raised the other hand in the air and snapped his fingers. 

Then, he gestured towards the door to the security guards. One of them pulled the gun from his pocket, handing it back to Subaru.

As the door closed behind them, the twins looked at each other in fear and confusion, uncertain of what Subaru would do next.

The room's oppressive and dark ambiance intensified, causing the twins to tremble. Subaru prepared to speak, his gaze fixed on the twins, without acknowledging their presence:

"Make it completely disappear! Erase this chaos machine that you've created with your own hands! I have already disabled your artificial intelligence."

Subaru pointed towards the motionless animation and the hologram of Era, which had turned pale and monochrome, appearing as if she had lost consciousness.

Styx panicked, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a black pair of glasses with tinted lenses, similar to the ones Subaru wore.

He pressed a button on the glasses, causing Era's lifeless eyes to come to life. 

Normally, Era's eyes appeared empty and pitch-black, but when viewed through the lenses of the sunglasses, they shimmered with a dim, red light, exuding a disconcerting aura as they moved incessantly within her eyes. 

The animation resumed, surging towards Styx's face like a gust of wind, as Era's body became enveloped in a blue energy.

Styx felt a sense of relief, letting out a sigh, and carefully returned the glasses to his pocket, causing the hologram to seem freezed to his vision again.

He turned towards Subaru and called out to him:

"Sir, you haven't disabled it completely. Era has entered a self-defense mode due to your attempts to erase all her code."

Styx watched Era with a sense of satisfaction, appreciating the complex dynamics at play didn't go to waste yet.

Meanwhile, Subaru turned away from the twins, his face contorted with anger. He unleashed a furious glare at Styx, his voice dripping with hostility:

"If you won't comply with my demands, there's no need for you to address me as 'sir'! Either erase this garbage from the computer, or I will erase all records of your diplomas and achievements, reducing you to a mere homeless outcast!"

The smile vanished from Styx's face, and he looked at his brother, seeking approval and support in the face of him against Subaru's threatening words.

"Helyx, I can't take it anymore…"

Helyx fought to maintain his composure and replied, his voice laced with restraint:

"Styx, I understand your frustration, but let's not forget who we're dealing with-"

"ENOUGH WITH THIS BULLSHIT!"

Styx gritted his teeth and let out a low growl, turning his attention back to Subaru:

"LISTEN HERE! This so-called garbage AI that you refer to... I worked all day and night with Helyx to create it! Together, we undertook this project, aiming to rival even the top-level androids on the market, surpassing the capabilities of your wife's Alpha-level creation!"

Helyx attempted to intervene, his voice calm yet pleading:

"Styx, please, let's calm down-"

Ignoring his brother, Styx pressed on:

"Our country ranks 128th in technological advancements, yet despite our limited resources, we have produced a prototype that could leave even the most advanced nations envious!"

Subaru erupted into a fit of enraged laughter, his voice taking on a hysterical and unhinged tone:

"OH REALLY? And what happened? Your first-class robot turned out to be nothing more than a psychotic killer! How envious i am!"

Styx's response stuttered and dripped with sarcasm:

"Is it really our fault? It wasn't me who connected a bunch of electrical systems to a beta version robot designed for logical thinking, just to save a few bucks!"

Rolling his eyes, Subaru fixed his gaze on Styx's tear-stained face as he continued:

"We fund whatever is supposed to benefit us!"

Fueled by rage, Subaru spat on the ground and continued his tirade:

"I don't know what you think you are, you are an abomination, finding solace and excuses in everything, even in your deformity that you hide as being genius!"

He stamped his foot to the ground, then continued with his threatening gaze:

"But the world doesn't revolve around you! With the salary you receive, your only duty is to keep your mouth shut and obey! Just like your obedient twin."

Styx just stood there without even saying anything. A tear from his face dropped to the floor, another one… And another one.

Helyx struggled to maintain his silence, attempting to control his breathing. However, it was evident that he was reaching his breaking point. Subaru persisted:

"You're not an artist, Styx; you're a mere worker who should obey my commands. If I say something wasn't it, you should dispose of it without a second thought! I won't even bother explaining your role!"

"Era should have remained nothing more than a government-funded prototype, Subaru!"

Helyx, spoke up with an unprecedented intensity, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. He maintained his icy gaze and continued:

"Before you got Era involved in your despicable political affairs, she was functioning perfectly fine!"

Suddenly, Helyx seemed even more aggressive than Styx:

"It was when she became entangled and confused in dirty dealings like the Arixus Gold Mine scandal that her software inconsistencies increased, ultimately ruining her charm and potential!"

Helyx clenched his fist and took deep, forceful breaths before raising his voice even louder:

"If there is one person responsible for the death of Zenith in this room, it's you, Subaru! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A DRUNK FAILURE! EVEN YOUR WIFE DOESN'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE, YOU BIPOLAYRTIC PIECE OF SHIT!"

His voice echoed throughout the room as everyone became dead silent. Helyx suddenly bowed down in embarrassment, for his sudden yet powerful lash out, then closed his eyes in fear for what he just previously said.

Subaru initially appeared surprised, then his expression twisted into anger and then he burst into laughter!

After his laughter got silent over time and ended, Subaru tightened his grip on the gun in his pocket and talked:

"So, Helyx, you got mad too? Well, this will be interesting."

Subaru continued to laugh, his demeanor akin to that of an unhinged and unstable individual. 

"Bipolayrtic piece of shit, huh? AMAZING FUCKING INSULT CONSTRUCTION HELYX, TEN OUT OF TEN!"

The twins looked at each other in a mixture of fear and anger, unsure of what would transpire next.