Sui: "What exactly is a robot? I've never heard of one."
Shizue Izawa: "I'm not sure either. It sounds like something made of machinery—but what does it actually look like?"
Ayame Yomogawa: "Aren't robots supposed to operate strictly by programming? Why would one have emotions or want to understand the human heart?"
Miko Yotsuya: "This is totally beyond me. A robot that can think like a person—unbelievable."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Put simply, a robot is a device built from mechanical parts and electronics, controlled by software or special systems. Some are humanoid, some not. Shuvi should count as a humanoid robot."
Rei Ao: "The race system in that world is a little special.
Although the Ex‑Machina are 'robots,' they possess consciousness.
They're a fusion of magic and technology—mechanical life‑forms with a unique intellect, practically a soul.
Shuvi wants to understand the heart and emotions purely from curiosity; she means no harm."
Bibi Dong: "That sounds amazing. At bottom, how are such robots different from us?"
Marcille: "I wish I could see one with my own eyes—it sounds fun!"
Frieren: "Same here. Are they very different from the magical creatures I know?"
Kasuga Hijiri: "So what happens after an Ex‑Machina learns about the human heart?"
Rei Ao: "Most simply, they become more human‑like."
Miyuki Shiba: "Which might give them an edge in dealing—or fighting—with other races. Understand emotions and you predict actions better."
Ayame Yomogawa: "But if they get smarter than humans once they learn our hearts, won't that endanger us?"
Rei Ao: "Humans are already at the very bottom in that world."
Yui: "Shuvi must have her reasons; maybe it's vital to her."
Frieren: "Whatever the case, she's a fascinating subject. I'd love to talk with her."
Fubuki: "Still, if a robot goes out of control the consequences are ugly. Better stay cautious."
Enju Aihara: "I think Sis Shuvi is cool! I want to be friends!"
Tohka Yatogami: "Human hearts are so complicated. I can't understand them myself—can Shuvi really manage?"
Ai Hayasaka: "No matter the outcome, the process will be worth watching."
Erica: "What I want to know is: how were Ex‑Machina born? Do they arise naturally or are they manufactured?"
Marcille: "Yeah—if we knew their origin we might better grasp why she wants to study the heart."
"The birth of the Ex‑Machina, huh?"
He strokes his chin, recalling that they were created by an Old Deus, the Goddess of Doubt, Holou.
Formed in the dawn of the world, the lonely deity could not understand what a god was or why she herself existed, so she forged five little machines—four to observe, analyse, reason, and respond, and one to command the other four.
Because machines have no heart, they could not answer her questions.
So Holou pierced her own divine body and fell into pseudo‑hibernation.
Left without their maker, the machines kept upgrading themselves and, in time, spread into a full‑fledged race—the Ex‑Machina.
In the present era they still operate only in "retaliate when attacked" mode and lack a true will of their own.
Mio Akiyama: "But what if they use their knowledge of hearts to hurt people? I still can't relax."
Julis: "That worry is excessive. Every world has its laws; her existence there is legitimate."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Mio's concern isn't baseless, but without evidence let's not rush to conclusions."
Mio Akiyama: "Okay, I understand."
Rei Ao watches the lively debate and smiles faintly.
Shuvi has no idea she's become the focus of so many girls from other worlds.
She continues to ponder the mystery of the heart, waiting for Rei Ao to speak.
Rei Ao says quietly, "Shuvi, if you truly want to understand people, you can't stay in these ruins. Come with me to a human village—there you'll find real feelings and everyday life."
Shuvi's eyes blink; data streams race inside.
"A human village… Will it yield more information on the 'heart'?"
He pats her shoulder—the surface feels like skin, not metal. "Shall we take a look?"
After a second's whir of servos she nods.
"Probability of obtaining valid data rises by 73 %. Proposal accepted."
The two set off toward the village.
Along the way Rei Ao surveys the war‑torn land and describes what Shuvi will see; she logs every detail, now and then posing questions that even he finds novel.
Riku arrives, weapon in hand, and blocks their path. The instant he spots Shuvi his pupils contract.
Rei Ao steps forward and gestures for calm.
Riku's brows knit; his gaze darts between the two.
"Ex‑Machina are weapons of war. I can't let her inside."
Rei Ao folds his arms. "She's my guest. You may distrust her, but you trust me—don't you?"
Riku finally lowers the weapon, though his eyes stay wary.
"For your sake I'll allow it. But if she so much as twitches—"
Rei Ao claps him on the shoulder. "Relax. She's only here to look."
"Understood. Beginning data capture."
Shuvi's head turns mechanically as she watches the villagers at work, noting every gesture and expression.
Riku gives the pair one last long look.
"Rei Ao-sama—Couronne is waiting for you at her house."
With that he moves off to calm the still‑shaken villagers.
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