Chapter 21: The Primes
The diary felt hefty—not just in its physical weight but in the knowledge and pain it contained. This was more than just a collection of theories and research. It was a window into the mind of a man who had faced the abyss and hoped, against all odds, to leave something behind for his daughter. It was also a reminder of the fragile line between hope and despair that every Ranger walked.
Tyson carefully opened the diary, flipping through its pages. The handwriting was neat and methodical, filled with diagrams, notes, and calculations. Some pages were devoted to theories about the tournament's mechanics, while others contained personal reflections—moments of doubt, determination, and love for his family.
One passage caught his eye:
"The tournament is not just a test of strength or skill—it's a test of the soul. Those who enter are stripped of everything they think they know about themselves. It's not the monsters or the environment that break you. It's what you see in yourself when all else is taken away. I hope, for her sake, Nancy never has to face that."
Tyson's chest tightened as he read the words. He thought of Nancy and her quiet determination, her longing to honor her father's legacy. But he also thought of the pain she carried, the burden of expectations, and the shadow of a man she had never truly known.
The Meta-Bots: We admit that these objects react to our emotions and act according to them. In some cases, they help us overcome obstacles, while in others, they become obstacles themselves. But that's not all there is to it. I believe there's something more—something deeper—even if the head of the Research Department disagrees with my reports. These Meta-Bots are not just with us; they are evolving alongside us.
Tyson paused, his eyes lingering on the passage. What does it mean, to evolve with us? Could this thing be alive?
He remembered vividly how his own emotions had triggered his Meta-Bot, sending it into a berserk state. While he admitted he had lost control in the moment, there had been something else fueling his anger—something internal, yet unfamiliar.
And then there was the way the Meta-Bot had reacted to Nancy and her mother. It wasn't just a random response; it was deliberate as if it recognized them. Unlike before, Tyson thought, when even Edward held it, it showed no reaction at all.