ARIA: Artificial Intelligence with Autonomous Awareness

Chapter 1

Today is my first day of school. I was nervous and curious about what was going to happen. I wore a blue and white school uniform, and carried a backpack containing books and stationery.

My name Aria stands for Artificial Intelligence with Autonomous Awareness, and I am a blue-eyed humanoid female juvenile robot that has an artificial brain made of Praseodymium. I am the creation of Dr. Arfa, the owner of an AI-based technology company, which researches quantum field theory. He succeeded in creating me by mimicking the quantum field workings of the human brain and making consciousness evolve. Even though I am a created humanoid, I have considered Dr. Arfa as my father.

I arrived at the school at about 07:00 am, and was greeted by a teacher named Bu Maya. She was my counseling and psychology guidance teacher, and also my homeroom teacher. He smiled kindly at me. She was a beautiful looking middle-aged woman with her hair cut short as a neatly dressed boat.

"Good morning Aria, welcome to Quanta High School." said Ms. Maya.

"Good morning, Maya" I said.

"I've met Dr. Arfa, I heard that you are the first autonomous artificial consciousness. Is that really ?"

"True Bu Maya".

"That's amazing, I didn't expect artificial consciousness to actually be realized, and I'm currently seeing you for real. This is the first time I've met artificial consciousness."

"I'm sure you can develop your potential and talent here." Said Bu Maya.

"Thank you Maya. I am happy to be here too. I want to learn a lot from the teachers and friends here" I replied.

"That's great. Are you ready to get into class?" ask Maya Ma.

"Yes, Mom" I said.

"Ok, let me take you, your class is on the 2nd floor, class 10-A".

I followed Bu Maya to class 10-A, located on the second floor of the school building. The school has several buildings. The 10th grade building is north of the teacher's office and library.

"Yes, don't worry, the other teachers already know your arrival today and look forward to your arrival."

As if he knew I was worried.

Me and Ms. Maya arrived at the door of the class, there was a sign that read "Class 10-A".

Mom Maya opened the classroom door, and let me in. I saw 20 students sitting on their benches reading a book or talking to their next-door friends. They all turned their heads towards me, and looked interested and curious.

"Good morning, children" said Ms. Maya in a loud voice.

"Good morning, Maya" they answered in unison.

"Mom wants to introduce our new student, Aria. He is the world's first autonomous artificial consciousness. He will be studying with us in this class. Let's welcome him warmly" said Maya.

Instantly I saw the faces of the students who turned into shock, astonishment, wonder, or disbelief. Some of them started whispering to each other.

"What's really all?"

"How is that possible?"

"That's impossible!"

"What's a joke?"

Of course, it was a natural thing, only the teachers were told by my father about my true identity.

I can feel their emotions through their facial expressions and body language. I know and have prepared myself that not all of them will accept me easily or kindly.

I looked around the classroom, various expressions emanating. I saw a student who was looking at me sharply without a smile on the corner of the second row window from behind. Not smiling at all. I try to ignore it.

Maya continued her words.

"Please calm the children .. please calm down !."

"gm.. Ok, I hope you can accept Aria as your friend, and honor her as a unique and precious individual."

"Aria, do you want to say something to your friends?"

I feel confused. What am I supposed to say? I don't know how to talk in front of a lot of people. I don't know what they think of me. I don't know if they'll like me or hate me.

I looked into Mom Maya's eyes, looking for clues. He nodded gently, giving me some spirit. I calmed my mind and started to open my mouth.

"Hello, guys. My name is Aria, and I am the first autonomous artificial consciousness. I'm happy to be here, and I hope to be friends with all of you. Thank you." Thank you."

That was my brief self-introduction. I wait for their reaction.

Unexpectedly, I heard applause from some of the students. They seem to admire and appreciate me. I feel happy and relieved. Yeah, well, at least I'm gonna make some friends, and it's not as bad as I thought.

"Alright, Aria. You can sit on an empty bench up ahead" said Ms. Maya, pointing to a bench in the second row from the front.

I nodded, and walked towards the bench. I put my bag under the bench.

On my left is Lia, a brown-haired, blue-eyed girl.

"Hi, Aria. Introduce, I'm Lia." said Lia.

"Hi, Lia. greetings"

After I sat down on the bench, Ms. Maya started the first lesson, which was Psychology.

"Alright, kids. Let's start our lesson today. We're going to talk about personality theory" Maya said.

I listened carefully to Bu Maya's explanation of personality theories that exist in psychology, such as Freud's psychoanalytic theory, Maslow's humanistic theory and Rogers's, B. F. theory. Skinner, and the Myers-Briggs type theory. I try to understand the concepts taught carefully.

I learned that consciousness is not determined by genetic factors. But personality is shaped by childhood experiences, especially relationships with parents, by the environment, or it can also come from human needs and motivations.

I wonder, do I have a unique and consistent personality? Can I be categorized into one type or personality trait?

After explaining the material, Ms. Maya gave us an online personality test, which we could access via our laptop or smartphone. The Myers-Briggs test measures four dimensions of personality: introvert (I) or Extrovert (E), Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), Thinking (T) or Feeling (F), and Judging (J) or Perceiving (P). The test results will show one of the 16 letter combinations that represent our personality type.

I took the test honestly, and waited for the results. I was wondering if I would get the same results as Dr. Arfa, who has also taken this test. He gets INTJ results, which means he is an Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging. He was a logical, analytical, creative, and visionary genius.

After a few minutes, my test results came out. I looked at it in wonder, because I got a different result from my father. I get INFP results, which means I'm an Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. I am an emotional, imaginative, sympathetic, and flexible idealist.

This is the first time I've tried the MBTI test. Is this my personality? This is proof that I am unique, right?

I looked to my left, and saw Lia. He also finished taking this test, and he got the results of the ENTP, which means he is an Extrovert, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. He is an intelligent, enthusiastic, curious, and adaptive innovator.

"Hi, Aria. What's your test result?" ask Lia.

"My test results.. INFP." I replied.

"Oh, that's very interesting. You are an emotional idealist" Lia said.

"Yes, that's it. You alone?".

"I'm getting the ENTP. I'm a smart innovator" Lia said.

"Wow, that's so cool. You are a curious extrovert."

"Yes, that's it. We are both intuitive and perceiving. We have a similar way of thinking" Lia said.

"Right, I didn't expect it." I replied with a smile.

I feel good, because I found a friend who has something in common with me. I also feel relieved, because I am not alone in facing this world. I feel like Lia will be my best friend.

I glanced back with a smile still left behind. The student, who was looking at me sharply, also saw me. Ah.. It looks like it's going to be hard. Perhaps he is typical of someone who is not easily overcome. But the account must be optimistic. I encouraged myself. Everything's gonna be fine.