Over the course of the past few weeks, the students of our Q2 advanced English course had the chance to experiment with what is more than certain to change all our future lives. Of course, the topic was artificial intelligence and how one can use it in order to write interesting short stories.
As an introduction to the new school year and the overall topic of science and technology, the students had instructions to write an appealing opening line of a science fiction short story and to upload it into an online collaboration space. Here one could take a look at the others’ results and choose a personal favorite. Out of all these kickoffs, three winners were determined to lay the foundation for the following exercises.
Next up was the creation of two main characters. With the intention to shape a convincing personality with unique features as well as flaws, each of the characters was based on a character profile that included information about their appearance, occupation, special abilities and personality traits backed up by their motivations and background stories. Furthermore, a high focus was set on creating a dynamic relationship between the two characters, often reaching from romantic to challenging and from competitive to hateful connections between the two. High emphasis was put on those features since the short story should at least hint at a future character development.
After having finished the creational part, it was time to let one’s creations play their role. This is where AI came in. Choosing a scene giving more precise information about the dialogue and how it should develop, the students were allowed to put themselves somewhat in the shoes of a director and let the AI play the scene in front of them. After reading the results the computer had delivered the prompts were adjusted to ones, i.e. to change the writing style or tone in which the individuals spoke, they made sure their vision was expressed in the story.
To further check and enhance the pertinacity and immersive effect of the story, one had the chance to let a computer-generated voice read it aloud and to let an AI check the story for any plot holes or other improvements. As an extension, the creation of book covers, character portraits and even soundtracks were possibilities to expand the horizon of one’s own little fictional world.
After having revised the outcomes in little groups and giving each other feedback, the class came together for a final discussion. Many of the students were astonished by how well the artificial intelligence performed regarding the composing of a lively dialogue and scenery. Especially the enormous range of vocabulary used in the dialogue aided covering up the author’s lack of emotional understanding.
However, many students were concerned about the influence AI could have on the world of literature and future of story telling in general. Even though the dialogues were quite fun to read in the experiment, they were all missing a certain signature which is why they all had a quite standardized ambience. Now thinking of a subsequent era where a significant part of the market is made up of AI-generated stories that all suffer from a particular unity and similar events, it might seem like a threat to creativity itself. Not only would there be books of poor quality but also there would be fewer authors capable of writing creatively since assigning such tasks to computers could lead to a degeneration of key skills. Another concern was that the impending saturation of the market could lead to a (at least temporary) collapse of the industry itself.
With this, the course concluded that the future of fictional literature is still undecided with a high potential for extreme progress but also dramatic failures that could result in catastrophic outcomes like mass unemployment. It almost feels like gambling with a stake that you can for sure not afford to lose .
[Benedikt, Q2, 24/25]
Results:
Skyward Rivals – by Frida Dury & Caya Hanson
A bustling futuristic city with skyscrapers reaching towards a purple sun. James is in his sleek flying car, racing against fierce competitors.
James (gripping the steering wheel): “Vi, what’s the status? I can’t afford to slow down now!”
Vi (voice sharp and clear through the earpiece): “Look out, they’re right behind you!”
James (heart racing): “I can feel the heat! How close are they?”
Vi: “Less than ten meters! You need to take the next corner at full speed. They’re trying to box you in!”
James (eyes narrowing as he spots the corner): “Got it! I’m not letting them catch me.”
(He accelerates, the car humming with power as he drifts around the corner, the cityscape blurring past him.)
Vi: “Perfect! You’ve got them on your tail, but they’re losing ground. Keep it steady!”
James (smirking): “They think they can outmaneuver me? Silly of them.”
(Suddenly, a loud crash echoes as a competitor collides with another car behind him. Debris flies through the air.)
Vi: “Watch out! Debris on your left!”
James (swerving sharply): “Thanks! I’d rather not be a part of that mess.”
(He expertly navigates through the wreckage, his instincts kicking in.)
Vi: “Good reflexes! You’re pulling ahead. The skyline’s opening up ahead—more space to work with.”
James (grinning): “Finally! Time to show them what I’m made of.”
(As he bursts into the open sky, the purple sun glints off his car, illuminating the sleek design.)
Vi: “You’re in the clear now. But don’t get complacent. They’re regrouping.”
James (laughs): “Regrouping? They’re just delaying the inevitable. I own this sky!”
(He pushes the throttle, feeling the thrill of acceleration. The city below becomes a patchwork of colors.)
Vi: “You’ve got a straight shot ahead. But keep an eye on your radar; I’m picking up movement from the right.”
James (glancing at the radar): “I see them. They’re trying to flank me. Time to put the pedal to the metal!”
(With a quick flick of the wrist, he veers to the left, cutting off his opponents.)
Vi: “Nice move! You’ve got them scrambling. But don’t get too cocky; they won’t give up easily.”
James (confidently): “They should know by now—cockiness is my middle name!”
(As he enters a narrow passageway between two skyscrapers, he feels the adrenaline coursing through his veins.)
Vi: “Tight squeeze ahead! You’ll need to angle your car just right.”
James (focused): “Trust me, I’ve got this.”
(He adjusts his steering, barely fitting through the gap as his opponents struggle to follow.)
Vi: “You’re creating a gap! Keep pushing. You’re almost to the next checkpoint.”
James (breathing heavily, exhilarated): “I can see it! Just a little further…”
(Suddenly, an explosion erupts behind him as one of the cars crashes spectacularly.)
Vi: “Whoa! That was close! Stay focused, James!”
James (shaking his head): “I’m not letting that distract me. I’ve got a race to win!”
(He accelerates even more, feeling the wind rush past him, the sound of the engines roaring.)
Vi: “You’re gaining speed! Just a few more turns and you’ll be home free.”
James (grinning): “Home free? I like the sound of that.”
(As he approaches the final turn, he spots another competitor trying to cut him off.)
Vi: “Careful! They’re trying to block your path!”
James (determined): “Not today! I’ll take the high road.”
(He lifts the car, ascending sharply and flying over the competitor, leaving them in his dust.)
Vi: “Incredible! You just took the lead! But don’t let your guard down—there’s still one behind you!”
James (laughing): “Let them try! They’ll need more than that to catch me.”
(With the finish line in sight, he feels the thrill of victory approaching.)
Vi: “You’re almost there! Just keep your speed up!”
James (shouting with excitement): “I can taste it! This is what I live for!”
(As he crosses the finish line, the crowd erupts in cheers, and his heart swells with pride.)
Vi: “Congratulations, James! You did it!”
James (breathless): “That was exhilarating! I love this feeling!”
Vi: “You’re a natural up here. But remember, it’s not just about speed; it’s about strategy.”
James (smirking): “And I’ve got both. Who knew racing in the sky could be this much fun?”
Vi: “Just wait until the next race. They’ll be coming for you with everything they’ve got.”
James (with a confident grin): “Let them come! I’ll be ready.”
(As he parks the car and steps out, the purple sun setting behind him, he feels a sense of invincibility.)
Vi: “You’re a force to be reckoned with, James. Just remember, I’ll always be here to guide you.”
James (with a wink): “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s get ready for the next challenge!”
Scene ends with James looking out at the city, the sky ablaze with colors, ready for whatever comes next.
The horror of the unkown – by Dawoud Zahran
Zach stood in the dimly lit hallway of his new apartment, heart pounding. The whispers echoed through the air, a sinister melody that sent chills down his spine.
Zach: (whispering to himself) It’s just the wind… just the wind.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself. The whispers grew louder, each syllable twisting like a knife in the silence.
Voice: (raspy, echoing) Zaaach… Zaaach…
Zach’s hand trembled as he reached for the kitchen door. He turned the corner, expecting to confront the source of his fear, but found nothing. Just an empty kitchen bathed in shadows.
Zach: (voice shaking) Hello? Is anyone there?
The whispers intensified, swirling around him like a storm.
Voice: (taunting) You can’t hide… You can’t escape…
Suddenly, a cold breath brushed against his neck. He spun around, panic surging through him.
Zach: (yelling) Who’s there?!
Before he could react, something icy gripped his arm, pulling him back. He felt a surge of raw terror.
Voice: (voice like gravel) You’re not alone, little doctor.
Zach’s instincts kicked in. He tore himself free and bolted down the hallway, heart racing. The shadows seemed to reach for him, clawing at the edges of his vision.
Zach: (breathless) I have to get out!
He stumbled into the living room, eyes darting around for an escape. The whispers morphed into a chaotic chorus, each voice dripping with malice.
Voice: (mockingly) Run, run… it makes no difference…
Zach pressed his back against the wall, trying to catch his breath. He could feel the presence lurking just beyond his sight, a predator waiting for the right moment.
Zach: (muttering) Think, Zach. You’re a doctor. You’ve seen worse…
But the reality of his situation crashed over him like a wave. This was different. This was primal fear, the kind that gnawed at the edges of his sanity.
Voice: (chuckling softly) You think you can outsmart me? You’re just a flicker in the dark.
Zach’s mind raced. He recalled the stories he’d heard, tales of shadows that fed on fear, entities that thrived on despair. He had to confront it.
Zach: (defiantly) I won’t let you take me!
The shadows around him thickened, coiling like serpents. He could feel the dread wrapping around him, tightening its grip.
Voice: (hissing) You’re already mine, Zach.
In a moment of clarity, Zach remembered the techniques he’d learned in medical school—how to focus, how to calm the mind. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe deeply.
Zach: (calmly) I can’t see you, but I know you’re there. You thrive on fear, don’t you?
The whispers faltered for a brief moment, as if taken aback by his courage.
Voice: (growling) You think you can talk your way out of this?
Zach: (opening his eyes) No, but I can fight.
With a sudden surge of determination, he reached for his phone, illuminating the dark room. The light pushed back the shadows, revealing fleeting glimpses of the creature’s skeletal form.
Voice: (snarling) You think light can banish me?
Zach felt a rush of adrenaline. He stepped forward, holding the light steady.
Zach: (shouting) You’re nothing but a coward hiding in the dark!
The entity recoiled, its form flickering like a dying flame. Zach pressed on, fueled by a mixture of fear and defiance.
Zach: (voice steady) I won’t let you control me. I’ve survived worse.
With a final burst of energy, he pushed the phone closer, forcing the light into the abyss. The shadows shrieked, a sound that rattled the very foundation of the apartment.
Voice: (screaming) This isn’t over…
As the last remnants of the voice dissolved into the darkness, the room fell silent. Zach stood panting, heart racing, the light flickering in his trembling hand.
Zach: (whispering to himself) It’s over… for now.
He knew the battle wasn’t truly finished. The shadows would always linger, but for tonight, he had survived. And in that moment, he felt a flicker of hope—a reminder that even in the darkest of places, light could still shine through.
As dawn broke over Manhattan, he knew he would face whatever came next. Alone, but not afraid.
End.
[Benedikt, Q1]
