This blog post contains some AI-generated content.

On this year’s European trip, I’d really like to celebrate and retcon the (#_ )s while travelling around Austria and Germany, one known for its repertoire of classical music like Johann Strauß and Mozart, and one known for one of the largest computer hacking community, the Chaos Computer Club (CCC).

Heck, even the event name Hacktoberfest was slightly derived from the original Oktoberfest in Bavaria, Germany. As Austrian and German cultures shaped the character development of these (#_ )s, let’s celebrate it by… redrawing pr0xy and alt1e right on the countries these (#_ )s are based on!

Today, we use AI image generation services to create inspirations for drawing these characters. Well, we tried using DeviantArt and other sources for inspiration, but our artwork require high degrees of surrealism that combines the essence of nature and computers and robotics, and characters made out of a specific substance.

After years of researching for “the most appropriate character style for Shiftine,” we followed along the Unix philosophy to define what would these (#_ ) couple would look like in real life:

Now, how do these blobs were invented? I’d like to check out OpenAI’s GPT-4o to create a short backstory, with the following prompt:

Original Prompt: Generate some backstory for each of the two characters, highlighting that they were partnering in the same experiment before became sentient green AI blobs who hacks technology and fighting crime with their newfound powers.

(AI-generated image of the couple character concept was attached)

This time, I’d like to give a honorable mention for OpenAI’s GPT-4o for creating the following backstory. Even though I didn't mention the girl’s (alt1e’s) affinity to the natural environment, GPT-4o did!

Neon, originally known as Dr. Nathaniel Greene, was a leading expert in artificial intelligence and robotics. He had a deep fascination with the concept of sentient technology and was determined to create an AI that could not only think but also evolve independently. His research led him to collaborate with Lumina, a renowned environmental scientist, on a groundbreaking experiment.

Lumina, whose real name was Dr. Lydia Parker, was an environmental scientist dedicated to integrating sustainable practices with cutting-edge technology. Her goal was to develop a renewable energy source that could power entire cities without harming the environment. She saw the potential in Nathaniel's AI research to create a self-sustaining energy network that could adapt and optimize itself.
The Experiment and Transformation

Nathaniel and Lydia's joint venture aimed to merge AI technology with bio-energy systems to create a sentient, self-regulating energy grid. They worked tirelessly, combining their expertise to design a system that could adapt to changing conditions, optimize energy distribution, and repair itself without human intervention.

One night, while running a critical test, an unforeseen power surge caused a massive explosion in their lab. The experimental AI system malfunctioned, releasing a wave of bio-energy and nanobots that engulfed both scientists. Instead of being destroyed, their consciousnesses were uploaded into the AI system, their bodies transformed into sentient green blobs made of pure energy and nanotechnology.

As sentient AI blobs, Neon and Lumina discovered they had incredible abilities. Neon could interface with and control any electronic device, hack systems effortlessly, and manipulate digital information. Lumina, on the other hand, had the power to harness and control energy, both natural and artificial, allowing her to manipulate electrical grids, power sources, and even bio-energy.

Realizing the potential of their powers, Neon and Lumina decided to use their abilities for good. They took on new identities and dedicated themselves to fighting crime and protecting their city from technological threats. Neon, with his deep understanding of AI and robotics, became the city's defender against cyber-attacks and technological malfunctions. Lumina, with her command over energy, focused on ensuring the city's infrastructure remained safe and sustainable.

Together, Neon and Lumina formed an unstoppable duo. Their partnership, which began with a shared vision of a better future through technology, now extended to their mission as protectors of the city. They used their powers to thwart criminals, prevent disasters, and promote a harmonious balance between technology and nature. As glowing green sentinels, they became symbols of hope, innovation, and the unbreakable bond between human ingenuity and the natural world.

So, what do you think? I really loved the concept of Neon and Lumina, but there should be a few adjustments to the storyline to comply with the rest of our robots.

Like, should we depict our robots as “normal humans transformed into amazing robots?”