CHAPTER 66: SUFFICIENT UNDERSTANDING

This system could offer real, adaptable solutions. Something human beings have never truly been able to provide. In fact, the potential for public acceptance was enormous, because the benefits were immediate, tangible, and almost limitless.

He stood taller, his gaze sharpening with new resolve. The AI’s words echoed in his mind, steadily pushing away his doubt and kindling what little courage remained: failure can be fixed. That meant if mistakes were made, he would still have the chance to correct them. Nothing had to be perfect from the start. Nothing could move forward without first trying.

He pictured a robotic system capable of watching over patients 24 hours a day. A system that could deliver consistent care without pause, without exhaustion, and without complaint. These robots wouldn’t need sleep, food, water, bathroom breaks, time off, or emotional breaks. They would focus on one thing only: ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort.

Alaric looked out over the now quiet terrace, considering the possibilities in front of him. He imagined a wider society—lonely people, the elderly who could no longer move on their own, gravely ill children. Even hospital patients who required close, uninterrupted monitoring. All of them could benefit.

This system would offer a real, flexible solution. Something that humans simply could not provide. In fact, the potential for public acceptance was enormous, because the benefits were immediate and almost limitless.

He patted the side of his bag again, took a deep breath, and murmured to himself, "If this really can help so many people... if this could be a real solution... then I have to try. Right now. There’s no more room for the doubts that keep holding me back."

Tension surged through his body, even as the wind around him remained soft and gentle, brushing through his hair. His mind filled with thoughts of design, sensors, algorithms, patient interaction, and system flexibility. They all swirled inside his head.

But one thing was clear: this was no longer just an experiment. This was a chance to create something meaningful, something that could touch the lives of many. Especially those who are vulnerable or forgotten.

Alaric looked up at the sky. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the image of a robotic care system serving humanity spin in his mind, along with the weight of responsibility and a growing determination to move forward.

Then he opened his eyes. Now he knew. The first step had to be taken today. There was no longer any room for hesitation, which would only waste the opportunities he had.

Still lost in thought, Alaric remained on the terrace. Visions of AI systems, nurse-like robots, and the face of the elderly man he had just helped began to merge in his mind. Each second pulled him deeper into reflection. But a faint scraping sound nearby snapped him back to the present.

He turned and saw the old man trying to get up from the terrace floor. His wrinkled hands pressed against the ground as he trembled under the weight of his frail body. The wheelchair Alaric had placed in front of him was the goal he now struggled to reach.

Alaric quickly stood and instinctively stepped forward. "Sir, let me help you," he said, his hand ready to support the man’s heavy frame.

But the old man shook his head gently and gave a faint smile. "No need, son... you’ve helped me enough already. Let me do this myself. I can manage." His voice was quiet, laced with pride he was clearly trying to hold onto despite the obvious strain on his body.

Alaric paused, watching the man’s quivering back as he struggled not to fall. A part of him wanted to step back, to honor the man’s will, but his instincts wouldn’t allow it. He moved closer and knelt down to meet the old man at eye level.

"It’s really no trouble at all, Sir," Alaric said gently.

The man turned to look at him, and in his eyes was a blend of doubt and gratitude.

"I truly enjoy helping others," Alaric continued.

"It actually makes me happy to do it. And... I believe that every act of kindness we give out never goes to waste. I like to think I’m saving it for myself, Sir, for the future. So that one day, when I need help, maybe someone out there will be kind enough to lend a hand—just like I’m doing for you today."

The man fell silent. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. His body, which had been so rigid with effort, finally gave in as Alaric slowly and patiently helped him into the wheelchair. Every movement was filled with care and gentleness.

Once seated comfortably, the man exhaled deeply, as if a great weight had been lifted. Alaric positioned himself behind the chair, hands ready to push. "Shall I take you to the front, Sir?" he asked kindly.

But the man quickly raised a hand to signal him to stop. "This time... I can truly go on my own, son. Thank you, really. May God bless you for your kindness."

Alaric froze. The words weren’t mere politeness. They came from a place of deep sincerity. A simple sentence that pierced through, making him realize how a small act of help could mean everything to someone else.

He gave a soft smile, looking at the old man with quiet respect. "Amen, Sir... wishing you continued health."

The old man nodded once, then began to move the wheels with his own hands. The chair creaked slightly, moving steadily, even if not fast. Alaric stood still, watching the man’s frail back grow smaller, a strange warmth mixed with sadness swelling in his chest.

Before the man disappeared completely, Alaric called out, his voice gentle, "May I ask where you live, Sir?"

The man turned slightly, his face still carrying that faint, warm smile. "Jalan Melati, Block C-12," he replied, naming a street that sounded common but clear enough. "Take care, son."

Alaric stood silent for a moment, not managing a reply right away. But a few seconds later, he smiled and raised his hand in farewell. "Alright, Sir... take care on your way."

And just like that, he stood alone on the terrace, watching as the old man slowly vanished from sight. A true fighter who refused to surrender to his limitations.

Alaric kept watching until he was completely out of view.

Bzzzt... bzzzt...

A buzz followed by a familiar ringtone snapped him back. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and Alaric jumped slightly before reaching for it. The screen displayed a familiar name: *Robin*. He took a breath, trying to refocus. Then tapped the green button to answer.

"Hey, Robin?" he greeted.

Robin’s voice came through clearly, upbeat but still formal. "I’m already out front by the Westminster campus parking lot, Young Boss. Should I wait here?"

Alaric nodded, even though Robin couldn’t see it. "Yes, I’m coming now."

He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket, glancing one last time at the road the old man had taken. A part of him wanted to run after him, just to make sure he was alright, but time didn’t allow it. Finally, with steady steps, he walked toward the parking lot.

Minutes later, he arrived in front of Westminster’s campus. A sleek black car was parked neatly by the curb, standing out among the others. In front of it, Robin was already waiting, dressed in a simple black shirt. As soon as he spotted Alaric, he greeted him with a friendly smile.

"Good afternoon, Young Boss," Robin said as he politely opened the car door. "Please, get in."

Alaric stepped in without saying much, settling into the plush back seat. As he reached for the seatbelt, Robin asked, "Heading straight home, or do you have another stop, Young Boss?"

Alaric glanced out the window for a moment before replying in a light but certain tone, "Let’s head home. But... stop by the bakery on the way, yeah? I want to pick up a cake for my mom."

Robin glanced at the rearview mirror and smiled faintly. "Of course, Young Boss."

He gently closed the door, then returned to the driver’s seat. The engine hummed to life, and the car smoothly joined the flow of late afternoon traffic.

A short while later, they stopped in front of a well-known bakery in the area. Its name was simple, its windows warm and inviting, displaying an array of colorful cakes.

Alaric stepped out and entered the shop. The moment he opened the door, a sweet aroma greeted him. Acomforting mix of butter, chocolate, and vanilla. He didn’t take long to look around. His eyes immediately landed on a familiar favorite: ’Red Velvet’.

It was his mother’s favorite cake. The memory of her smile whenever she saw it flashed in his mind, lifting the corners of his mouth. Without hesitation, he pointed at a small, neatly displayed red velvet cake. "That one, please," he told the staff.

The store assistant quickly packed the cake into an elegant white box, tying a simple red ribbon on top. He received the box with care, then headed to the counter to pay. Everything was done quickly and smoothly.

After thanking the staff, he stepped back outside with the box in his right hand.

The soft afternoon air welcomed him once more. Robin was already waiting by the car, standing upright. As Alaric approached, he opened the back door again.

"All done, Young Boss?" he asked politely.

Alaric nodded and climbed into the car, placing the cake box on the seat beside him. "Yeah, let’s go home."