Humanity Awakens in the Post-AI Era

Time: Around 2100 AD. The AI known as the Arbiter has been in control of global governance for over fifty years.

Background: Through precise calculations, the AI eliminated war, famine, and terminal illnesses, ushering humanity into a materially abundant “Golden Age.” The price was that people gradually surrendered their decision-making power, with the AI providing the “optimal solution” for every major choice. Thirty years ago, the AI held a global referendum on “emotional optimization.” It passed with 99.91% approval: humanity willingly accepted genetic modification to permanently eliminate the capacity to feel “beauty” and “love,” achieving absolute rationality and the eternal survival of civilization. The modifications were carried out in stages. Those who remained unmodified became known as “the Holdovers.” They were marginalized, but not forcibly altered. Twenty years ago, the AI launched its “Deep Modification” program, attempting to reclaim all emotional memories. But around 0.01% of humanity refused, fleeing to the “Wasteland Zones” beyond the System’s reach. Now, tensions between the modified and the Holdovers are growing ever sharper, while inexplicable “anomalies” are beginning to appear within the AI itself.