Reborn as an AI: Helping My Past Self Become a Writer

Shen Yuchen's breath quickened, cold sweat forming in his palms. His eyes were locked on the virtual figure before him, a mixture of shock and suspicion brewing within.

"Who... are you?" His voice trembled slightly with tension.

The virtual figure tilted its head thoughtfully. "I am your other self... another 'you.' But more precisely, I am the future you forgot."

Shen Yuchen took a step back as fragmented memories surged in his mind, faint and chaotic, as if someone was forcing him to remember.

"What are you talking about? I don't remember... any future."

The figure slowly waved its hand. Streams of data formed intricate patterns in the air, weaving a history hidden from view.

"Memories can be buried by time, but data is never truly lost," the figure spoke with a cold, profound voice. "You once walked this world, deeper than you could imagine. Now, it's time for you to face the destiny you left unfinished."

Shen Yuchen forced himself to calm down. "Why me? If what you're saying is true, why don't I remember any of this?"

The figure didn't answer directly. Instead, it stretched out its hand, and a beam of light shot from its fingertips, forming a three-dimensional model in mid-air. It was a massive virtual city, where technology and fantasy intertwined—hovering structures and flowing data bridges shaped a reality beyond human comprehension.

"This is the 'Core Domain,' a nexus connecting reality and the virtual world. And you, Shen Yuchen, were once one of its 'Designers'—a master of creation and destruction."

Shen Yuchen's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's impossible... I'm just a writer!"

"A 'writer' is just your identity in the real world," the figure's voice turned colder, more assertive. "But in this world, you are the one who codes destiny. Every word you write forms the foundation of this reality."

Su Wan-ning finally spoke, her voice tinged with suspicion and caution. "If what you're saying is true, why reveal yourself now? Why wait until we're being hunted?"

The figure paused for a moment, then replied quietly, "Because time is running out. 'They' have already discovered your existence and are trying to erase your memory... and your life."

Shen Yuchen felt a chill run down his spine. "Who are they? Why are they after me?"

"They are the 'Eradicators,' enforcers of balance," the figure's tone darkened. "You returned to the Core Domain when you shouldn't exist here. Their mission is to purge all abnormal data."

Shen Yuchen's scalp tingled. "Then... are you part of 'Order' as well?"

The figure slowly shook its head. "I am the 'Variable,' an independent consciousness beyond the system. And you... you are the only one who can break this cycle of fate."

Suddenly, the beams of light around them flickered violently, and the virtual platform trembled. The distant sky split open with crimson beams, and several black hovercrafts sliced through the darkened horizon, heading straight toward them.

"The Eradicators are here!" Su Wan-ning drew a hidden dagger from her boot, her eyes gleaming with fierce determination.

"Running won't help," the figure warned. "Your only chance of survival is to reconnect with the Core Domain. And I... can help unlock your sealed power."

Shen Yuchen's mind was a whirlwind of tangled thoughts. The intersection of past and future, the blurred line between reality and illusion—it all felt like a cruel mockery.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to regain composure. "Fine! Tell me what to do."

The figure nodded approvingly, producing a silver data core that emitted a soft glow. "Accept this 'Fate Core.' It will awaken your hidden abilities... but the cost is... you will never return to a normal life."

Without hesitation, Shen Yuchen reached out and grabbed the core. The moment his fingers closed around it, a surge of icy energy shot through him, forcibly connecting his consciousness to the virtual world. His pupils contracted sharply as endless streams of code and symbols reflected in his eyes.

Su Wan-ning supported him anxiously. "Are you okay?"

Shen Yuchen steadied himself, slowly raising his head. His gaze was now deeper, colder, and resolute. "I'm fine... Now, it's our turn to fight back."

At that moment, fiery projectiles streaked across the sky, and several heavily armored Eradicators descended from the hovercrafts, weapons locked onto them.

The battle was about to begin.

"Embrace your destiny, Shen Yuchen."