NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1 - Ame?
A peaceful yet melancholic sunset graces the sky, with the wind blowing freely and the clouds slightly scattered. The four girls—Kiara, Calli, Ina, and Gura—gather at the last place Amelia was seen before leaving this reality. Each of them holds a memento, a keepsake given by Amelia, a tangible reminder of her presence. They received these mementos on the day Amelia departed, leaving behind not just the items but an emotional imprint on their hearts.
As they share this moment of quiet reflection, Calli's phone rings. Her manager informs her of a meeting, and after hugging everyone, she quickly leaves. Then Kiara remembers that she's expecting a pet delivery today and excuses herself, needing to be present to care for her new companion. Ina, too, mentions that she has to leave for grocery shopping, as it's time to prepare for dinner and tomorrow's meals.
With the others gone, Gura is left sitting alone on a park bench, reminiscing about their shared moments with Amelia. As the sun dips lower into the horizon, Gura notices that the memento given to her by Amelia begins to glow and emit a beeping sound. Suddenly, a portal begins to form, creating a partial vacuum that pulls Gura in. She gets sucked into the gateway and is knocked unconscious.
Gura wakes up in a familiar but slightly dark office, greeted by Amelia. Surprised to see Amelia, Gura attempts to hug her, only to realize that it's not Amelia but a hologram. After the initial shock, Gura becomes emotional and sniffles. (This part will change depending on the main character's reaction). Once Gura has calmed down, she asks the hologram what she is. The Hologram introduces herself: "Hello, I am AMESS, Automated Multiversal Entropy Support System. Nice to meet you." She extends her hand for a handshake, but when Gura tries to comply, her hand passes through AMESS's, causing the hologram to laugh.
"I'll answer all your questions during the interview," AMESS continues. "First, show me the ticket you're holding and place it in the reader over there." Gura is puzzled to find that the memento she had from Amelia has transformed into a ticket. Confused, she asks what happened to her keepsake.
AMESS shrugs, claiming, "It's what you were holding when you were transported here. Look, I'm an AI, not a god. I don't have all the answers! Besides, it's company policy: no refunds."
Though frustrated, Gura places the ticket in the reader. The machine registers her as "Stinky," a name Gura doesn't quite remember choosing. AMESS smirks. "Alright, Stinky. Let's begin the interview." She proceeds with an overwhelming series of questions: "Do you have extra limbs? Exclusive weapons? Depression? Sharp teeth? Claws? Addictions? Hobbies? Likes? Dislikes? Crippling debt?"
Gura interrupts, exasperated. "Wait, wait, how many questions do you have?"
"137 questions with 214 follow-up questions," AMESS replies cheerfully. "To be exact."
"HOLY! What is this, an interrogation? Let's just calm down first," Gura insists.
Once things settle, Gura answers: "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes... oof... games, salmon, water monsters... and NO! I don't have crippling debt."
"Are you a dog person?" AMESS asks.
Gura snaps back, "Oh my god, I'm a cat person! I can't swim! I don't like talking to new people! I haven't made a new friend in years! Can we stop now?"
AMESS pauses. "Fine. I'll mark the remaining answers as 'Undecided.' Now, let's move on to the simulation rules. Do what you want, but try not to die. Also, stay away from the AME Way System—it's still in its early stages and might decapitate you."
"Wait, so don't touch the advanced computer and avoid dying? That's it?" Gura asks, bewildered.
"Yes, exactly. If you use the system, there's a 98.73% chance of fatal consequences. Now, step onto the X mark on the floor, and let's begin."
Gura sighs. "Is this some kind of jigsaw game where I pick lives to save or sabotage?"
"More or less," AMESS responds nonchalantly. "And remember: you're approaching this as a mortal, without any special abilities. Your memento is your ticket, and it's your way back. Oh, and for the first trial: Find Bubba... and whatever you do, don't h!# #h& (h!ck^%s."
Foot Notes:
AMESS (Automated Multiversal Entropy Support System) – AMESS is a digital archive of Ame's experiences and the records of her work. It possesses a semblance of "free will," making it appear as if it has its own personality, similar to Ame's. While AMESS functions like an AI version of Ame, it only answers questions asked of it and mimics Ame's tendencies. Most of the time, its behavior aligns closely with Ame's, but occasionally it may act unpredictably or "go rogue" if not restarted. This is due to its evolving autonomy, potentially developing a conscience (though this is uncertain).
AMESS has access to records of what is expected to happen in the multiverse, but it isn't infallible. The outcomes can shift based on the decisions made by the chosen characters, meaning AMESS's foresight isn't always accurate.
One of AMESS's key features is that it cannot perceive the physical traits of the chosen characters (such as height, facial features, tail, or voice). Instead, it sees them as a white mist, preventing it from giving them any undue advantage or interfering with their progression. To AMESS, the characters are treated purely as cadets or interns, without any personal bias.
AME Way System (Automated Multiversal Entropy Way System) – The AME Way System is a portal or gateway used for traveling between dimensions. It's a prototype based on the time clock that Ame once had, but still incomplete and experimental. Functionally, it operates like an elevator with a complex array of buttons.
AMESS is capable of calibrating the system for use, but it's highly discouraged to operate it without permission, as only Ame and AMESS can handle it properly. Since the system is still in its testing phase, its use is restricted to simulated worlds for now. Attempting to use it outside of these simulations could lead to unpredictable results.