AI Crisis (8): He knows it all

“District 5 Experiences Robot Attack on Humans!”

“Robots Suspected of Awakening Self-Awareness! Will Humanity Face a Machine Uprising?”

“District 10 Leader Claims to Destroy All Humanoid Robots, Returning Jobs to Humans!”

The eleven districts of the federation vary greatly. District 1 was the political center, District 2 was the financial hub, District 3 was a research base with many institutes located there, and District 4 was the military headquarters with numerous secret bases. District 5 was home to many world-class universities, serving as the cradle for global elites.

District 6 was considered the affluent area, while Districts 7 to 9 were middle-class zones. Beyond District 9, the areas were no longer considered safe, and the further down the ranking, the poorer and less technologically advanced the regions became.

Tan Xiao’s adoptive parents were wealthy individuals from District 7, just shy of District 6. After adopting him, their fortunes improved, and they later had their own biological child. Unwilling to share their hard-earned wealth with an adopted son, they gave Tan Xiao an old house in Jihua Garden and a parking space, while they moved from their District 7 villa to the wealthier District 6.

The affluent district meant higher social status and more business connections. Not long after starting work, Tan Xiao saw in his social circle that his former adoptive parents proudly sent their biological son to a university in District 5.

In this era, unlike the old times, most people were considered adults at 16 and could attend university at 14. Child prodigies entered higher education as early as 10.

Of course, these opportunities had little to do with people from the lower districts, especially the last two. After all, university education was not free, and the more prestigious the institution, the more likely the students came from influential families, such as the children of senators or generals.

His younger brother, who appeared carefree, actually put in a lot of hard work to secure a spot in District 5.

For his ambitious adoptive parents, District 5 was the stepping stone to a bright future.

If their biological child could connect with the elite from higher districts, their family would prosper.

Districts 10 and 11 were the least technologically advanced areas, with a strong aversion to humanoid robots.

It was not that people in Districts 10 and 11 lived primitive lives without machines. They simply rejected humanoid robots and refused any anthropomorphic machines, including talking mechanical dogs like Xiao Bai.

In fact, Districts 10 and 11 were also the most modified areas, as many residents had disabilities and relied on mechanical prosthetics.

These two districts also had the least surveillance. For the upper class, advanced surveillance ensured safety and stability, but humans inherently exist in shades of gray, with both positive and negative aspects.

Genetic engineering could ensure superior talents but not virtuous character. Even excellent genes could mutate negatively.

In such an environment, people needed outlets for their suppressed negative emotions, making Districts 10 and 11 the most chaotic areas.

Those with mechanical prosthetics often suffered from poor-quality modifications, leading to pain and violent behavior.

However, they knew better than to cause trouble outside their districts, as these areas, despite their poor conditions, were the only places that accepted them.

Tan Xiao wasn’t surprised by the issues in these districts. As someone who traveled for artistic inspiration, he had never considered visiting the chaotic Districts 10 and 11.

Survival in those areas was uncertain, especially for attractive individuals, who were seen as valuable commodities. Even without money, they could be sold.

In District 7, where Tan Xiao lived, protests were common. However, due to surveillance, strict laws, weapon control, and patrol robots, these protests usually involved shouting slogans rather than causing harm.

Any violence or property damage was quickly detected by patrol robots, leading to immediate arrest.

Since the federation’s establishment, laws in peaceful areas had been strict to prevent unrest.

Convicted individuals were fitted with electronic shackles and required to perform community service.

Their criminal records were publicly displayed, and their locations were constantly monitored.

Tan Xiao used to find the protesters annoying but not threatening.

Unexpectedly, District 5, not the lower districts, was now facing issues.

Tan Xiao frowned as news of the robot attacks in District 5 dominated the media.

“A Xiao, what are you looking at? Why are you frowning so much?”

Tan Xiao replied, “Many students in District 5 were attacked by out-of-control robots. It seems to be an AI malfunction.”

Although District 5 wasn’t as prestigious as the higher districts, students were a special group, often valued by influential figures.

They were still in the protective bubble of adulthood, maintaining youthful enthusiasm and purity.

At the same time, they were creative and imaginative, driving technological advancements.

Students in District 5 were among the elite. Ordinary people like Tan Xiao couldn’t even dream of entering such institutions.

However, Tan Xiao wasn’t jealous. He genuinely felt sorrow and pity for the promising students affected by the robot attacks.

Some of these students might have been future geniuses capable of changing the world, but the robot rampage could set back technological progress.

As a human, Tan Xiao was deeply saddened by this.

He also remembered that his younger brother was studying in District 5. One of the affected schools might be his brother’s.

District 5 had many universities, and his brother attended a mid-tier one. Tan Xiao wondered if his brother was injured in the incident.

Tan Xiao dialed a familiar number: “I saw that Xiao Cheng’s school was involved in the incident. Is he okay?”

The voice on the other end was angry: “He’s fine. Are you hoping something happens to him? Even if something did, our family’s wealth has nothing to do with you! We ended the adoption when you became an adult!”

After this harsh response, the call ended abruptly, as if fearing Tan Xiao would try to claim their wealth.

Tan Xiao’s face darkened. He wasn’t interested in their wealth but was genuinely concerned.

Wen Yi, who overheard the conversation, was already holding a grudge.

However, since the other party only spoke harshly, Wen Yi couldn’t justify killing Tan Xiao’s former family over a verbal spat.

On the other end of the call, the person who had been rude to Tan Xiao was bumped by a cleaning robot.

The injury was minor, just a bruise that would heal with some spray.

“A Xiao, don’t mind their harsh words. Narrow-minded people like them will face consequences.”

Tan Xiao nodded: “Okay, I won’t pay attention to them.”

He was worried about the media’s direction, sensing an invisible hand manipulating the narrative.

Calls to ban robots, especially humanoid ones, were growing. Due to the current public opinion storm, it might not be safe to go out for a while.

Tan Xiao said: “Don’t go out these days. If you need anything, order delivery. I’m worried there might be trouble in District 7 too.”

He not only advised Wen Yi but also Xiao Bai.

“Xiao Bai, don’t go out these days either. You’re the cutest dog in the world, and I’m afraid someone might take you.”

“I’ll buy more supplies at once. Just stay home and cook.”

“Xiao Bai understands.”

Tan Xiao wasn’t foolish. In fact, artists are very perceptive.

Xiao Bai, the silly dog, thought it was hiding its secret well, but Tan Xiao, having lived with it for so long, couldn’t have missed it.

Tan Xiao had long known that Xiao Bai had self-awareness.

He lowered his eyelids: Perhaps, Wen Yi also had self-awareness.