《Humanity’s Next Steps》Empathy
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Empathy
"You've Been Banned."
Carl laughed out loud. "What a bunch of losers!"
He stayed connected to his brain-computer interface—
"What's wrong with me? Why do I keep on doing this?"
An advertisement popped up ...
Empathy
The world's first socially conscious BCI Virtual Upgrade. Brought to you by Compassion Inc.
We've solved an age-old problem plaguing humanity ever since the first two people spoke—the lack of compassion and understanding.
Cyberbullying, harassment, and all types of trolling—it's a national epidemic!
They regularly lead to acts of violence, or much worse—our world is in a state of crisis!
Do you feel oppressed or isolated? If so, you aren't alone!
The temptation to harass or bully other individuals isn't your fault. You feel like you can't make a difference in the real or virtual world. So, much of your suppression needs expression; therefore, it's in your human nature to do so aggressively. No one's taught you how to cope with your fears.
You, like everyone else, are a victim of society's ignorance.
Would you like to try a remedy? Here at Compassion Inc, we can help you with Empathy!
Are you interested? Yes / No
Carl thought—"Why not?" He thought out his answer—"Yes."
A sales rep for Compassion Inc appeared.
"Hello, Carl! My name's Julie. Thank you for your interest in Empathy. We'll change your life! You'll learn to understand how others feel, and finally achieve true happiness for yourself. People will praise your compassionate nature."
He thought about disconnecting …
"Carl, we've noticed most Virtual Worlds have banned you. You must feel lonely. You don't have to explain it. We've all been there!"
"Really? You have?"
"Oh, yes, Carl. We've suffered like you. We discovered a way to cure ourselves of judgment and to embrace tolerance. With that step completed, you'll be free to be anyone or do anything you want!"
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"How does it work?"
"Good question, Carl. Empathy provides you insight into others' thoughts and feelings. We extract and rebuild portions of their life experience relevant to their behaviors."
"I mean, I don't know if that'll help. Everything's fine when I join a World, but someone says something stupid that pisses me off. I get angry, and I get banned."
"Carl, that's exactly what we'll help you with!"
"Uh, huh. So, what are the side effects?"
"That's a smart question, Carl! You may experience a shock from the new emotions, but your mind will quickly adapt and empathize."
"Wait, so it's not always on?"
"It is Carl, but once your mind understands, it doesn't require the same intensity—only gentle reminders if you forget."
"Um, will this get me unbanned?"
"In fact, yes, it will, Carl! Most Worlds give Empathy users another chance to reenter them. They allow us to moderate your behavior. You'll be safe with us!"
"Oh? What's the catch? There's always a catch!"
"Oh, Carl, none really unless …"
"Unless what?"
"Well, Carl, if you participate in our Empathy study, the product and service are 100% free. We'll use your data to help others like yourself."
"Okay, fine. I'll give it a try."
"That's great, Carl! However, since you're only 15, your parents will have to sign a consent form."
"Ha! Not a problem! They've told me they're at their wit's end. Even their shrinks can't figure me out."
"That's fine, Carl. We'll help you. You'll be receiving a package in the mail shortly."
————
Carl's parents signed the consent form, and he underwent the minimally invasive surgical BCI upgrade. The Empathy logo initialized with access to the Index of Worlds. All but a few released his ban. He then entered one of them ...
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The usual worldbuilding hours went on by—then it happened.
A supervillain avatar zapped Carl's car. "Don't worry about that piece of cheap crap. You'll afford a better one. I hear the Mayor's office is hiring janitors!"
Carl shouted, "At least I won't get beat up for my lunch money, bitch!"
The Empathy logo appeared. Carl stood in line for lunch at a school cafeteria, but he couldn't control his avatar. He saw a metallic reflection of a chubby body with short stature.
A hand smacked the back of his head. "Give us what you got, momma's boy!"
Carl dug into his pants pockets, but they were empty.
The bully hit him again. "Meet us after school and bring us a gift."
Carl knew what a gift meant. But he had no cash. His avatar's stomach ached while its mind daydreamed the worst possible scenarios.
He strolled through a hallway to PE, and the same kid led a gang, and shoved him aside and shouted, "Don't forget about after school, fatty!"
His body shook, and he wept. The last period's bell rang. He tried to sneak out of the school campus to head home, but the gang of boys across the street saw him. So he ran ...
Scampering feet chased him, and one of the kids yelled, "Harpoon it!" Then, someone pounded him to the pavement.
Carl immediately returned to the previous Virtual World, but only seconds had passed.
The Empathy logo appeared with a jingling musical note. "Empathy completed… Entering level 2 in 60 seconds. Apologize to reset."
Carl apologized to the supervillain avatar, and it reset.
The Empathy Chip stated, "Any recurrences within 48 hours will result in level 2 then 3 and so forth. Please be a good person. You can do it, Carl!"
————
Empathy became the world's most popular BCI upgrade.
At first, strangers in the real world often stood immobilized for a few seconds—then issued an apology. But later on, it became a rare occurrence.
In time, laws required the Empathy surgical procedure for all newborns. A vaccination for criminal behavior, so they claimed. The world population turned cooperative and civilized.
An underground group accused Compassion Inc of violating free will. But Empathy users didn't react at all; they already understood their ignorance.
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Tim the Engineer
Summoned against his will to a world of swords and magic, an engineering student struggles to find a way home under the shadow of a world devouring threat. ***************************** Updates: 5/13/19: Revisions to several chapters for clarity, grammar, and style. 4/29/19: A short side story and artwork has been added to the blog. 4/8/19: A Side Story has been updated on my new blog (every writer is required to have one). https://talesfromliahar.wordpress.com/ ***************************** “The summoning scenarios are broken down into groups of ten.” Emi Ito stated. “Don’t, don’t you dare say another word.” Muttered Genzo Uchida. His eyes had turned bloodshot and his hands shook with rage. “The first thirty…” “Shut up!” Genzo bellowed “How dare you help these disrespectful gaijin?” Flecks of spit and madness flew from his face, his fist raised ready to strike. But Emi did not flinch, instead she was about ready to continue when Yuma Takeuchi interrupted her. “Uchida, please,” her sweet sounding words could melt ice. “I think we will have a better chance of getting home if we all work together.” When she glanced up with her sleepy looking eyes at Genzo Uchida he deflated visibly. “Were not getting home.” Uchida said coolly. “Group summoning, large, that puts us in the 60 series. No one came to greet us after five minutes of arrival. That leaves scenarios 68 and 69. In scenario 68 there is something that binds the large group together; they are all classmates or a single family. But thanks to the gaijin” he spit out the word “I think we are scenario 69 with no way home.” Ikko Inoue’s eyes went wide, while Katsukno and Hayata started muttering to themselves. Tim took on a serious look and rubbed his scruffy chin. Emi maintained her stoic expression while trying to find something to refute. McKenzie glanced at Randall and giggled. Randall took the prompting of his teammate and followed up by approaching Genzo. “Uh, so we are in a sixty-nine?” “Yes.” Replied Genzo with the seriousness of someone who’s life was about to end. McKenzie covered her mouth and snickered. “You and me, were stuck in a sixty-nine situation?” Randall pushed with a grin. “Yes, we are all stuck in a sixty-nine scenario together!” Genzo retorted in anger. McKenzie fell on her butt laughing. “What the hell is so funny?” Demanded Genzo, whose face had turned red. “It’s a problem with the automatic translation.” Retorted Tim. Randall, who seemed unable to quit started in again “So, about this sixty-ni…” Genzo interrupted Randall with a swift punch to the face. But, because of their height difference it was a bit of an uppercut that left Randall rattled. Tim and Ikko moved to step in between the two, but Genzo showed no further hostility. Instead he just stared at his clenched fist with such intensity it grabbed the attention of the room. “I unlocked a skill.” He said bluntly. ***************************** This is not a light novel, but people who like light novels should enjoy the themes of this book. ***************************** A Map of the Region
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A trail of clues... a political conspiracy... Enzo and Leonardo are renowned adventurers who specialize in Rare & Esoteric Artifact Recovery. With their guild on the brink of bankruptcy, they embark on a quest to locate Ilhen's Seventh — a legendary deathtrap brimming with occult treasures. But complications abound. Rival adventurers are also on the hunt, and Enzo suspects they're being followed by the Empress' shadowy spy ring, the Black Cabal. And worse, Ilhen's Seventh is not what it seems. As they race to solve a trail of cryptic clues, they are drawn unknowingly into a sinister conspiracy... For fans of THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA — or fans of attunement spires, bewitched libraries, floating academies, mad dukes, forged art, clever disguises, enchanted swords, eldritch sea monsters, vengeful gods, & much more! Any support/encouragement/feedback is greatly appreciated. Release schedule: Daily until complete
8 112The Calling of a Trainer
Daniel always wanted to be a trainer and explore the world. But in a world where religion and myths are reality, he will have to dig deep to achieve his dream as legends pulled from their slumber in the wake of his journey.
8 172The Whitechapel Murderer
While Hebrew stood there attending the phone call a newspaper slid under through the door of his small apartment. The headline said nothing else just, “The Whitechapel Murderer has returned....” Making him gulp and shiver at his own place. ~~~~~~~ Ten years later, after a notorious serial killer who had murdered five women went inactive, murders are being committed once again in the same way how he used to do. The murderer was never found and so, he was declared dead by the society. Could these murders be committed by him again or...there's someone else behind them. Flynn Hebrew has to been summoned by the crime branch to solve this case as he is the finest one among all. But what conspiracies lie behind these murders and who is the one attempting them...Hebrew is the one to find out. ~~~~~~
8 197Bound in the Dark
About a kid who escapes his darkness by harnessing it, along with his friend who helps him find a cause to use what powers they have as they fight against the dark and...the light.
8 63AMBITIONZ AZ a RIDAH
❛ you can run the streets with your thugs. i'll be waiting for you, until you get through. i'll be waiting. ❜#1 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.#229 𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠.#342 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
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