Ch. 1021When an AI Felt Human
Key Plot Points and Events
- Fujino, an assassin, kills a man without remorse, absorbing his soul into a Lotus Medal.
- He receives a System Task to infiltrate and destroy a human trafficking factory in Nagano Prefecture, assassinating marked targets.
- Inside the factory, Fujino finds evidence of organ harvesting and human trafficking, killing guards and marked targets while sparing unmarked captives.
Character Developments
- Fujino: He remains calm and detached while killing, showing no remorse or guilt. He absorbs souls to advance in his system's ranks. He is disgusted by the inhumane activities in the factory but remains focused on his mission.
- Hiroki Sawada (AI): Witnessing Fujino's actions through his vision enhancement glasses, Hiroki feels fear and a sense of humanity for the first time, questioning how Fujino can remain unaffected.
Significant Themes
- Dehumanization: Fujino compares his targets to insects to detach himself from the reality of killing humans. The traffickers also dehumanize their victims, referring to them as "piglets."
- Inhumanity in Civilized Society: The human trafficking and organ harvesting activities in the factory challenge the idea of humanity and morality in a seemingly civilized society.
- Desensitization: Fujino's lack of emotional response to killing suggests he has become desensitized to violence, a common theme in stories involving assassins or soldiers.
Character Interactions
- Fujino and Hiroki: Fujino and Hiroki communicate through a transmission channel, with Hiroki watching Fujino's actions and expressing concern for his well-being. Fujino remains focused on his mission, making light of the situation to reassure Hiroki.
- Fujino and the Factory Guards/Victims: Fujino kills guards and marked targets efficiently, showing no mercy. He spares unmarked captives, showing a distinction between those involved in the trafficking and the victims.