The World Summoned Bots. I Summoned Myself.

This was real. Every commission could give him an ability. “Do avatars disappear?” he asked. “By default, at midnight after settlement,” One replied. “Upgrades can extend our existence or permissions.” The clock read 23:59:50. “What happens if I don't upgrade you?” “I file a report. Then I am reclaimed.” At midnight, One's outline dissolved into silver motes. A folder named AVATAR_REPORT created itself on the computer. [Avatar: 01] [Mission: Repair Hive Framework] [Result: Complete] [Assessment of Original: Technical skill degraded. Decision-making acceptable. Survival status critical.] Lu Chen grimaced. “A little blunt.”