Mythos Of Narcissus: Reborn As An NPC In A Horror VRMMO

The instant the Foundational Template merged with the spare puppet vessel, the surrounding air came alive with a surge of energy.

A subtle hum resonated through the walls, growing into a soft crescendo as the vessel lit up with artificial life.

The formerly inert puppet twitched slightly, its hands curling and uncurling, as if testing the boundaries of its new existence. The grafted luminous circuits embedded in its frame flared for a second, then stabilized into a steady, rhythmic glow. It moved slowly at first, its mechanical joints creaking faintly as it explored its own form, its sleek metallic body shimmering faintly under the chamber's ethereal light.

"The template's integrated," I announced, more to myself than anyone else, watching intently as the vessel's head turned toward its own hands, flexing the articulated fingers with a grace that belied its mechanical origins. "It's assessing the vessel… adapting, learning… per its innate instruction that was integrated to its neural network. Heh,"

Kuzunoha, standing just behind me, tilted her head slightly as she observed. Her crimson eyes narrowed with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. "I expected results," she murmured, "But even I didn't anticipate this level of... sophistication. It's evolving its understanding of its new body so seamlessly, like a brand new living soul that was given home."

"Well, that's what happens when you compress years of development into a few days," I replied with a faint smirk, though my tone carried an undertone of weariness. "I had planned for the Neuromorphic Tech to progress gradually—months, maybe years of steady research and iteration. But we don't have the luxury of time, not with the threats we're facing."

"And so you turned a theoretical concept into something living and adaptable in a matter of days." Kuzunoha's voice held a note of disbelief, despite her ever-casual demeanor. "This transcends physical technology—it's bordering on conceptual magic, though there are no hints of any kind of sorcery."

"Not magic," I corrected, though my gaze remained fixed on the puppet vessel as it began taking its first cautious steps. "Just a pure concept brought through to existence. A living, breathing calculation core that adapts, evolves, and even... reproduces, if allowed.

"The name 'Organic Calculator' wasn't meant to be taken literally at first, but here we are—our little calculating device has become an entirely new kind of existence."

The vessel's head swiveled toward us, its glowing eyes flickering briefly before steadying into a soft, white light. It stood straighter now, as if gaining confidence in its new body.

Kuzunoha arched an eyebrow, her amusement barely concealed behind her ornate fan. "Reproduce, huh? Should we start worrying about an uprising?"

I rolled my eyes at her theatrics, chuckling. "Not if we handle this responsibly. The Organic Calculator may have the potential to create its own iterations, but it's not something I plan to allow haphazardly.

"At least, not with this iteration of the Foundational Template. That's why I've been careful with how it's applied. Considering the amount of countermeasures we developed before this, I doubt that we will be engaging it as a hostile anytime soon."

"Still, this is beyond even my expectations. I underestimated what your All-Tampering Divine Dexterity could accomplish." Kuzunoha excitedly gestured toward the vessel. "You've effectively turned circuits and neural networks into something that transcends physicality itself. And you are not even a deity with a domain yet, meaning that your divinity is barely noticeable at all.

"However, you played too much first this time around." Kuzunoha narrowed her gaze. "Growth might be fast and flourishing, but you're still doing all of these feats without a proper foundation. Viviane will be angry if she finds out about this."

"This is why we kept the development a little bit vague to her~" I shrugged. It's dangerous, but necessary. This development will give us the edge we need. Now, the Organic Calculator isn't just a device anymore—it's alive, in its own way. And the Foundational Template? It can be applied to anything. Even living beings."

Kuzunoha's fan paused mid-flutter, her gaze sharpening. "Living beings?" she repeated, her tone now laced with greater intrigue. "Even after assessing the neural template, I didn't think about it that way. You really have become somewhat sinister after your flash marriage."

"I did code the foundation in a way so subtle that not even gods can decipher it" I boasted, folding my arms as I turned to face her. "If inserted into a living host, the Foundational Template could create a new Organic Calculator within their mind, essentially assessing their cognitive abilities and building a brand new foundation upon it. It could invade their consciousness or work in tandem with it, providing unparalleled support~"

"But?" Kuzunoha prompted, sensing the lack of clarity in my voice.

"But," I continued, "I don't recommend it—at least not for us or the bastioneers. The risks are too high, and the efficiency would pale in comparison to a future dedicated Cognitive Engine crafted from Neuro Alloy. The compatibility issues alone…" I sighed. "No. This is better suited for non-organic vessels."

The puppet, now fully upright, tilted its head slightly as though listening. Then, in a fluid motion, it stepped forward and bowed deeply. Its voice emerged, soft and melodic, yet distinctly mechanical. "Creators," it said, "I exist to serve. I recognize you two as my masters and source of purpose. How may I assist you?"

Kuzunoha clapped her hands lightly, a delighted grin spreading across her face. "Ah, how charming. It already knows its place. Yet, it is also recognizing me as the master, even though 90% of this development was solely contributed by you. Getting my name there on the credit doesn't sound apt."

"You sell yourself too short. What happened to my haughty and prideful Mrs. Collector?" I teased. "Without your resources, your sorcery, and your support, the Foundational Template wouldn't exist."

"Nonsense," Kuzunoha replied with a dismissive wave. "The innovation, the brilliance—that's all you. I'm merely a facilitator. This technology belongs to you."

"And yet," I countered with a pointed look, "You're the one who saved and stored the Foundational Template. You also have full access to it, meaning you can manifest it at will. That gives you as much claim to it as I have."

Kuzunoha's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Oh, don't worry, my dear Narcissus. I have no intention of abusing this gift you've bestowed upon me. After all, why would I ever misuse something created by my beloved?"

I sighed, though a small smile tugged at my lips. "You're really impossible~"

She winked. "And yet, here I am~"

Turning back to the puppet vessel, I addressed it directly. "How are you faring in your new body? Is the Foundational Template functioning as intended?"

The vessel straightened, its glowing eyes flickering briefly before it responded. "All systems are stable. The material composition of this vessel has been identified, catalogued, and harnessed to its conceptual shape and image.

"Efficiency of control is suboptimal at 72%, likely due to the vessel's lack of specialized components for Cognitive Engine integration. Current capabilities include service-oriented tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and basic combat maneuvers, per the guideful codex of adaptation. More roles can be integrated, if given enough time and training."

"And your information processing?" I asked.

"No issues detected," it replied. "Language comprehension, memory retention, and neural development are functioning within optimal parameters despite the lack of a specialization module."

I glanced at Kuzunoha, who was monitoring the Organic Calculator's activity through her arcane instruments. She nodded in confirmation. "It's flawless," she said. "No irregularities in the neural activity. The integration is seamless and ten times faster than a mere human."

Satisfied, I allowed myself a moment of quiet pride. "Then I suppose it's only fitting to give you a name, as the first ever Cognitive Engine that is brought to life," I said, addressing the vessel once more. "From this moment forward, you'll be known as Primus—the first of your kind."

"Primus," it repeated, bowing its head again. "I accept this designation with gratitude."

Kuzunoha chuckled softly. "And so, the twelfth member of your little entourage is born. Let's see, we have the eight bastioneers, the three confidantes, and now Primus. A fine number~!"

"You're forgetting Viviane," I pointed out.

Kuzunoha shrugged. "Viviane isn't bound to you the way the rest of us are. She's free to walk away at any moment, to disassociate entirely if she so chooses. Unlike the rest of us, her loyalty isn't guaranteed."

I frowned slightly but nodded. "Fair enough. Still, you're also forgetting Charis."

"Ah, but twelve is such a good number," Kuzunoha teased, her grin widening.

I smirked, crossing my arms. "Fine, then. Let's remove you from the count and add Charis instead."

Kuzunoha gasped dramatically, clutching her fan to her chest. "How cruel! But thirteen is also a lovely number, don't you think?"

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "You're hopeless."

Despite the great success at finally actualizing the technological concept in my head, my shoulders were still heavy as ever.

"Your creation will fail you."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Never trust a corruptible machine."

"Your effort will barely change anything."

"Is this how you want to play it? Creating an artificial servant?"

"This thing will be useless either way."

"Naming things will only lead to a hurtful separation down the road."

The voices were still screaming in my head.

Everytime I breathe, they attempt to strangle me.

If I dared to close my eyes, they showed me the hellish vision of the golden purgatory, reminding me of my ill-fated destiny.

Even at this moment, where joy should be embracing me with an open arm.

All I hear are screams.