497 VR Prototype

Sitting in his office, Shin mulled over the potential collaboration between Suzuki and KiShin. However, a significant hurdle stood in his way: his uncle, Shito Suzuki, the vice chairman of the Suzuki Group. Shito was staunchly opposed to the idea, convinced that a partnership would merely allow KiShin to exploit Suzuki's research and development efforts and their technological advancements for its own gain.

This resistance posed a dilemma for Shin. He understood the value such a collaboration could bring to both entities, yet he was met with skepticism and distrust. As he pondered over his uncle's objections, Shin began to entertain the idea of increasing his stake in the Suzuki Group. By acquiring more shares, he could bolster his influence and control within the company, potentially overcoming the barriers his uncle and others might place before him. The notion was ambitious, yet for someone of Shin's caliber, entirely within the realm of possibility.

In the shadow of Sazama Suzuki's passing, the family matriarch found herself enveloped in a deepening sadness. It wasn't just the loss of her husband that weighed heavily on her heart, but the ensuing discord among her children over the inheritance of his shares in the Suzuki Group—a discord that seemed to only benefit Shin. The sight of her family, once united, now fragmented and at odds, deepened her sorrow.

Shin, perceptive to his grandmother's distress, felt a profound empathy towards her. He recognized the need to offer her not just consolation but a connection to the memories she cherished of Sazama. In response, Shin decided to gift her something truly special: a prototype of KiShin's Virtual Reality (VR) headset.

Despite the year being 2003, KiShin had been at the forefront of VR technology research since the 1990s. This early and continued exploration into VR had culminated in the development of a VR headset prototype with impressive capabilities for its time. The prototype was designed to offer immersive virtual environments, interactive 3D simulations, and a level of user engagement that was revolutionary, considering the technological limitations of the early 2000s.

Moreover, utilizing KiShin's cutting-edge engine, the team had managed to create a virtual representation of Sazama Suzuki. Although the technology of the era meant that this digital rendition couldn't achieve lifelike realism, it was still a significant achievement in 3D modeling, far surpassing the capabilities of the technology used in the KS2 console. The virtual image of Sazama was crafted with care, embodying his essence in a way that, despite its limitations, provided a comforting sense of presence.

Aware of the inevitability of time and its impacts, Shin had been proactive in preserving the essence of his grandfather, Sazama, within a digital realm—a project born out of foresight and deep affection. A few years before Sazama's passing, Shin initiated a unique collaboration with his grandfather for an extraordinary venture: to immortalize Sazama within the burgeoning technology of Virtual Reality. For this, Sazama was asked to don a capture suit, enabling the precise digitization of his movements and mannerisms, a crucial step in creating a lifelike avatar for the VR experience.

The virtual world Shin envisioned for Sazama was one of serene beauty—a lush green forest, complete with a cozy hut where the digital Sazama could be found living out his daily routines. This virtual existence was patterned across a seven-day cycle, each day unfolding in different yet familiar activities, all made possible through the integration of KiShin's advanced AI technologies. Despite the VR technology's limitations at the time, which restricted the explorable area, the digital Sazama's life was rich in detail. He could be seen enjoying his solitude, either staying indoors or venturing outside to appreciate the tranquility of his surroundings from a chair by the house. Inside the hut, the avatar engaged in playing "Chrono Trigger," a game that held sentimental value, having been a gift from Shin on Sazama's 88th birthday.

The process of developing the 3D model of Sazama and the forest environment was emotionally taxing for Shin. He often found himself overwhelmed with sadness, tears marking the hours spent working on the project. The thought of needing to create such a virtual memorial was heart-wrenching, a poignant reminder of the eventual loss he would face. Yet, Shin persevered, driven by the knowledge that this digital preservation could serve as a source of solace and remembrance for his family.

Now, with the VR prototype ready, Shin prepared to present this virtual world to his grandmother. In this digital space, Sazama was forever preserved, living a peaceful life surrounded by nature. Though Shin recognized the inherent unreality of this virtual existence, his hope was that it might offer his grandmother a measure of comfort—a way to see her beloved husband once again, if only through the lens of virtual reality. It was Shin's heartfelt tribute to his grandparents' enduring love, a testament to the lengths he would go to provide consolation in the face of grief.