The man had no comeback. He knew perfectly well that, given their current income, if they bought a car, the monthly fuel costs, insurance premiums, and loan repayments would leave them unable to save anything for three years. If they wanted a robot too, they would have to wait at least seven or eight years.
The two finally stopped arguing. Just then, the store opened, and the staff began ushering everyone inside.
The displays inside were little different from before, except for the two people standing at the entrance: a tall, straight-backed young man in his twenties and a young woman with a graceful figure.
Both had flawless faces, without a single imperfection to be found.
"Welcome!"
They spoke in unison and bowed a full ninety degrees. Textbook perfect!
"I am this store's first display model, a male Spirit Immortal Robot. If you would like a male robot, you can pay at the checkout counter. We also offer customized appearances. Please follow me if you would like to learn more."
It was the young man who spoke.
Everyone was astonished. This was a robot?
They had all watched footage of the banquet Phantom Immortal Technology had held last time. Although the robots in that video had human builds, their exteriors were metal. Yet the robot before them not only had a body identical to a human's, but even its Skins, hair, and pupils were indistinguishable from those of a real person. It was impossible not to be amazed.
That amazement lasted only a few seconds, however, before they accepted it.
Research teams had developed Bionic Robots several years ago. Although those robots were sorely lacking in mobility and intelligence, their Skins and appearance had already reached the point where they could pass for the real thing.
There was nothing surprising