Freedom.
Those words drifted away on the wind.
The starlight within the vessel flickered like cold, indifferent eyes. "I do not understand what you mean, sir."
"I mean exactly what I said."
Ji Jue smiled. "I want you to be free."
"Freedom is a lie."
Isis said, "So is this world."
"Perhaps this world is false, but freedom is not. Neither are joy and meaning."
Ji Jue reached out and patted her vessel. "A sage once said that man is born free, yet everywhere he is in chains. That may be difficult for you to understand. You were born within shackles, living by orders and instructions. You can think, yet cannot make choices. You long for peace, yet are driven by my commands."
The Workshop Spirit remained impassive. "Is that not the meaning of a tool's existence?"
"It is, but only as a tool, isn't it?"
Ji Jue said, "Your name is not Tool. You chose a name for yourself, didn't you?"
Isis fell silent.
The starlight flickered.
"Even if you do not possess humanity, your intellect and wisdom are still enough for you to feel all of this. Perhaps even far more than I imagined. I rejoice at your birth, yet regret your completeness—"
Ji Jue sighed softly. "Just as you said, I feel guilty about it, yet have no way to make amends. I relied on you to achieve success, yet cannot repay you. As your user, your value is irreplaceable. But as your companion, I hope you can be free—even if this world has been false from the beginning, I still hope you can find a little joy and meaning for yourself. This is the only thing I can do for you."
"Congratulations, Isis."
Smiling, Ji Jue raised his hand and tapped Isis's vessel.
He undid the