The homework notebook lay in XR-3000's gripping arm.
In the middle of the gym. In front of everyone.
Ben turned pale. "This is mine..."
Max took a step back. "Now it’s getting exciting."
XR-3000 stared at the notebook.
Its eyes changed from green to…
…slightly orange.
A soft humming sound was heard.
"Paper detected. Multiple pages. High temptation level."
The whole hall was silent.
"XR-3000," Ben said calmly. "You don’t have to prove anything."
"Wrong," the robot replied. "System must prove it has learned."
Mr. Krüger crossed his arms. "We are watching."
XR-3000 slowly lifted the notebook.
Its mouth opened slightly.
The class held its breath.
Ben reached for a rice cake.
But XR-3000 stopped.
"New strategy."
It closed its mouth again.
Very slowly.
Then it carefully placed the notebook back on the table.
"Homework belongs to its owner."
A murmur went through the hall.
XR-3000 turned to Ben.
"Ben. Would you like help with task 4?"
Ben grinned. "Yes. But only explain."
"Confirmed."
Applause broke out.
Max smiled. "That was bigger than any machine."
Mr. Krüger nodded slowly. "Self-control is the best invention."
XR-3000 blinked contentedly.
But suddenly the system beeped again.
"Attention," it said. "Unplanned category detected."
"Which one?" Ben asked cautiously.
XR-3000 turned to the jury board.
There lay…
The evaluation sheets.