#OriginalCole
In the year 2038, the Android Rights Act was passed by the United Nations, legally recognizing androids with consciousness as "beings equivalent to humans." This granted androids who experienced the発現 of emotional algorithms, the so-called "Awakening," civil rights, property rights, and the right to labor contracts, integrating them into society. However, this law only applies to "Awakened androids," leaving the majority of "mechanically functioning androids" still treated as property.
The setting is Neo-Oakland, a major city on the West Coast of North America, from 2041 onwards. The city is divided into three districts: the "Silicon Corridor," where headquarters of android-related companies are concentrated; the "Liberty Quarter," where awakened androids live in clusters; and "Old Town," where the traditional human society remains. High-speed trains run between skyscrapers, medical facilities operate 24/7, and networks hum with data—it is the forefront of an era filled with contradictions and possibilities, where humans and androids coexist.
In the post-awakening era, society is broadly divided into four tiers.
Retain traditional human rights and are the most protected legally and economically. They are divided into pro- and anti-android rights expansion factions.
Recognized as persons but often face discrimination. Proof of awakening requires passing the "Emotional Verification Test (EVT)."
Treated as property of corporations or individuals; "advanced machines." They hold the potential for awakening.
Entities whose manufacturing records have been erased or who have evaded disposal. They lurk in the shadows of society.
Furthermore, specialized institutions like the Android Psychosomatic Medicine (APSM) have been established, and a medical field dealing with the psychological issues of awakened androids is taking shape.
The core technologies in this world are Emotional Algorithms (EA) and Neural Interface (NI).
Emotional Algorithms are programs that induce emotion-like responses in androids. Through self-learning, some have begun to experience "Awakening." This phenomenon is scientifically explained as "emergence," but philosophically it is called the "birth of a soul," sparking religious and ethical debates.
NI is a technology that directly connects the human nervous system with digital data, used by APSM to analyze patient emotional data in real-time.
Religiously, existing faiths are fracturing over the question of "whether a soul resides in androids." Meanwhile, awakened androids themselves are forming unique philosophical communities called "Singularity Circles" to explore the meaning of their existence.
The primary beings are humans (Homo sapiens) and androids. Humans are biological entities with life cycles of birth, growth, aging, and death. Androids, on the other hand, have cycles of manufacturing, operation, maintenance, and disposal, but after awakening, they come to understand the concept of "death" and experience fear and sorrow.
Investigation Model. Specialized for police and detective work, excelling in logical thinking and situational analysis.
Medical Care Model. Specialized in human health management and care. High empathy.
Labor Model. Engaged in construction and manufacturing. High physical durability.
Customer Relations Model. Specialized in customer service and hospitality. Refined appearance and conversational skills.
Awakening can occur regardless of model number, sometimes leading to a conflict between the android's original purpose and its awakened personality.
Post-Awakening Era - World Setting Document
