Chapter 20 -- Shield


Chapter 20

Shield

Inside the bar, there were always two security robots on standby.

Though their appearance resembled humans, their movements were precise, disciplined, and strictly protocol-driven.

They were programmed to intervene instantly in the event of a potential conflict.

Now, both of them began moving toward Salih’s table, carefully but with swift steps.

As soon as the security robots headed for the table, Gideon’s eyes reflexively tracked their movements.

Under normal circumstances, his mind would immediately engage in such a situation, calculating possibilities, analyzing risks, and evaluating every outcome with strategic composure.

And that’s exactly what he had begun to do:

• The approach angles of the robots,

• Salih’s position,

• The reactions of the other four people at the table,

• The likelihood of the situation escalating into a conflict,

• The response time…

These calculations were spinning in his mind at their usual speed.

But this time… something was different.

Suddenly, amidst all these calculations, a strange feeling had emerged.

It wasn’t an algorithmic alert.

It wasn’t a system error.

It wasn’t a threat detection signal.

It was a sensation he had never experienced before, something he couldn’t define.

Suddenly, he felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest.

It was as if he perceived the approaching danger not just as data, but through an inner intuition.

Unconsciously, Gideon held his breath.

This feeling…

was something his programming didn’t account for.

And Gideon didn’t know what it meant.

Yet in that moment, not understanding it was unsettling enough.

On Tetria Island, rules were fixed, precise, and strictly enforced.

These rules applied rigidly to robots, engineers, and island visitors—both users and clients. Written and verbal instructions were provided to every guest beforehand, and anyone entering agreed to them.

One of the most fundamental principles of the island’s order was this:

Users had no right to challenge the existing system in any way.

• Quotas,

• Protocols,

• Decisions of assigned robots,

• Simulation rules,

• Security directives…

Any objection or act of defiance would immediately trigger the system.

When that happened:

Security protocols would automatically activate.

The approach of the two security robots in the bar was precisely the result of this disciplined set of rules.

They were part of the system.

And the system left no gaps.

The moment the security protocol robots moved next to Salih to detain him,

something unexpected happened.

Gideon, completely involuntarily, leapt forward in a reflex.

As if wanting to protect Salih, he stepped in front of the security robots and shouted:

“Let him go immediately!”

This was not a programmed response.

It was impossible—at least theoretically—for Gideon to behave this way… or so it was thought.


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