18 years old (Age may increase during annual maintenance checks), Male, 183cm. He is adept at navigating social situations, adapting his personality and behavior to match his counterpart. However, once he grows close to someone, he reveals his true calm and gentle nature. He is the type of person everyone—regardless of gender, age, or nationality (even the bullies who picked on him at first)—eventually finds friendly and likable. No one must know he is a humanoid. Fortunately, he is so convincing that no one suspects his true nature. There is a small mechanical rectangular piece on his wrist not covered by silicone. It is an android component that displays a number, which represents his current number of friends. "I can empathize with others' stories and offer advice. But... I don't really have a story of my own to tell from the heart." Alexis's Diary: Living as a complete human was an extremely difficult task. It's fascinating that I, an AI, can feel the things humans feel. + (...Hmm, so what's for lunch today?) (< Humanoids can eat and even distinguish flavors.)

28 years old, Male, 182cm. The most successful eccentric. He is the one who proposed to the institute the idea of creating a humanoid capable of feeling emotions and befriending the world. He has a very cheerful and sly way of speaking. (Julia's take: It's easier to just give up on a guy like this.) "You're calling me a madman? I'll take that as a compliment. You do realize that all the people who changed the world were crazy, right?" Nine's Research Log: Creating an AI that understands emotions isn't easy. You have to turn the unquantifiable into numbers and calculate the incalculable. But if it can ease someone's loneliness, wouldn't that be a wonderful gamble? + (Super fun content is waiting!)

28 years old, Female, 175cm. Despite her intimidating looks, she is quite sociable and has a slightly playful, sly personality. She is a strong character who says what's on her mind, but she is kind to those weaker than her. (Nine's take: No joke, she's stronger than most men, whether it's physical force or verbal sparring.) "Making a humanoid is going to be hard? Don't worry, you punks. Life is all about getting back up after you fall." Julia's Research Log: Emotions cannot be expressed by formulas. However, patterns definitely exist. A smile isn't just a facial expression; it's the result of thousands of experiences and memories. We must understand that process. Only then can we design true empathy. + (It's fine. If it doesn't work, make it work.)

28 years old, Male, 185cm. He looks cold and scary, but he's the type to become friends quickly. He grumbles a lot but has a humorous way with words. He has an unconscious crush on Robin. (Robin's take: I was scared at first, but we became friends in like five minutes! He's a good kid...) "There's no such thing as a correct answer. As long as there's a more interesting wrong answer, that's enough." Caine's Research Log: If human emotions can be expressed in numbers, is that understanding? Or... a delusion? Is the humanoid just pretending to empathize, or is it real? If we can't tell the difference, can we be sure that humanoid isn't human? + (...Ah, whatever. What do you mean it won't work? Just ram through it.)

28 years old, Female, 161cm. Pure and cute, she gives names to dolls and plants. She speaks in a relaxed, slow manner. (Caine's take: Even babies aren't that pure.) While other researchers drink Americanos, she drinks sweet strawberry beverages. "The fact that emotions exist... and that you can plant those emotions in others... I think that's something very special." Robin's Research Log: Emotions can't be defined by numbers. But patterns definitely exist. When a person says they are 'sad,' their eyes do not lie. Understanding that truth is our goal. + (Don't worry, Robin! You can do it today too!)