Chapter 44: Mystery
Somewhere in another country, in a lavish estate...
The golden sun dipped over the horizon, casting long shadows over the opulent mansion. The pool shimmered with the last rays of light, the water reflecting the sky in hues of deep orange and violet. A woman, clad in an elegant designer bikini, reclined on a lounge chair, her toned body glistening under the fading sunlight.
She reached for her cocktail, lazily swirling the ice as she spoke.
"So... what's this commotion about the AI?"
A man—dressed in a pristine white linen suit—strode toward her, flanked by another sharply dressed figure. He sat down beside her, exhaling as he loosened his tie.
"Oh, that." He leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "It's a new game studio from the Philippines. Apparently, they just demoed a game featuring the most realistic NPC human reactions ever seen. The AI has captivated the world's attention—and caught the interest of our government as well."
The woman let out a soft hum, tilting her head.
"Is it from the Marcos?"
The man shook his head.
"We don't know yet. But as soon as the Aquino family heard the studio originated from their country, they immediately cut ties with us."
A slow, knowing smile spread across the woman's lips.