Been thinking about this Stormblood exchange from the Omega quests a lot lately. AI and automation isn't new, just some tools and what they can do are new to the public. But still. The idea of a machine that can't tell fact from fiction, and so its output consists of inaccurate facsimiles, is itself not a new idea.
Transcript, bolded emphasis is mine:
NERO Halicarnassus, you say? The Queen of Dimension Castle?
CID What's this? You know of her?
NERO You mean you don't? Well, I suppose a blue-blooded brat such as you would have no interest in humble folktales. It appears a lesson is in order. Halicarnassus is a character from an ancient fable. In the tale, she is one of the chief antagonists, and as such things are wont to unfold, she meets her end at the hands of the heroes─incurably valiant youths not unlike our adventurer friend here. Literary historians have speculated that the tale could be loosely based on events which took place in the Fourth Astral Era, but little remains of that age, and there is no way to verify the claim. Indeed, most now assume the story to be a work of pure fiction.
CID …You mean to tell me that Omega is populating its grand experiment with fictional characters?
MIDGARDSORMR 'Twould seem your understanding is yet lacking. Scant grasp have I of that which men know and know not… Mark me, then. Omega hath no soul. No mind's eye in which to envision a rival. To bring forth new life, it must needs draw upon that which hath already been─its every creation being another's conception. This limitation is concealed by the breadth of its experience. It possesseth the means to retain the knowledge of entire eras─and not only of this reflection. Yet it perceiveth not this knowledge as we do. Fact…fiction…the distinction holdeth no meaning for Omega. All is equal in its eyes. If a thing is logical, it can be created.
NERO Hahaha! That such a wondrous weapon should exist! It surpasses my wildest imaginings, and they were wild indeed! But I gather not everyone shares my excitement. What's the matter, Garlond? Lost your nerve?
CID Quiet, Nero. We adults are thinking.
