Beatless

As technology advances, humans have developed hIEs-humanoid robots that serve society as public assistants and personal helpers. While most people treat them as mere machines, high school student Arato Endou sees them as equals, though his limited finances prevent him from ever owning one. His ordinary life takes a drastic turn when a routine trip to the grocery store goes wrong. A hacked hIE attacks him, leaving him nearly dead-until a strange hIE carrying a weaponized coffin rescues him. She introduces herself as Lacia, one of five highly advanced hIEs that recently escaped from the shadowy MemeFrame Corporation. When a hacked car suddenly targets them, Lacia makes Arato an offer: if he registers as her owner, taking responsibility for her actions, she’ll save his life. With no other option, he agrees, letting her stay in his home. Though Lacia gradually adjusts to this quiet new life, she reminds the captivated Arato of one unsettling truth-she has no soul.