The Name is the Origin of Emotion

Names are the origin of emotions.

Things with names are no longer mere consumables.

Each time a name is called, the accumulation of habits will gradually carve that name into the hearts of people, almost imperceptibly.

Xu Xi couldn't read the thoughts of machines.

He didn't know what kind of emotions Ailei held towards naming.

But Xu Xi guessed that Ailei must enjoy it.

Since being named, Ailei has become increasingly human-like, displaying more smiles during the tranquil alternation of days and nights.

On the slightly worn-out screen.

The small pixel squares jigsaw together,

forming a distinctly curved smile in an unattractive manner.

The feeling was quite subtle, like a ray of sunshine passing by the fingertips in winter, bringing warmth from the hollow coldness.

Although Ailei doesn't have a heart that throbs.

Nor can they hug like humans.

But through that screen, Xu Xi could faintly see, a newborn soul inside smiling at him, purely.

"Ailei, release the weapon system restrictions."

"Yes, all weapon system limitations have been lifted. Energy lines are functioning normally. External feed synchronized."

"Ailei, report remaining energy."

"Yes, current energy storage is 100%."

Several more days passed, and Xu Xi's long-awaited power armor finally finished testing and was fully charged to 100%.

The machine glistened, gears meshing.

Levers pushed and pulled, intricately intertwined.

The gray armor's broad shoulders were thick and solid, multiple composite materials providing astonishing protection, with various offensive weapons slung on metal frames at the sides.

Xu Xi nodded slightly upon seeing the full view of the power armor.

Understanding power armor wasn't complicated.

Faster speed.

Greater strength.

Tougher body.

And more formidable firepower.

All design concepts were aimed at enhancing individual combat capabilities.

Xu Xi didn't think that just a single power armor would be enough to take on the tide of sentient machines. But at least, it would significantly boost his current combat power.

"Ailei, get me suited up."

"Yes, master."

Following Xu Xi's command, the loyal machine servant began operating mechanical arms, gradually opening the power armor and suiting Xu Xi up starting from the limbs.

Torque danced, components embedded.

Each piece attached perfectly.

[Weapon module loaded, primary weapon charged, secondary weapon charged]

[Anti-gravity module loaded, back thrusters 50% pre-energized]

[Visual module loaded, visual map generation complete]

[Radar module loaded, automatic reconnaissance activated]

The cold robotic voice sounded beside Xu Xi.

It was Ailei's voice.

Not coming from the external lab core, but appearing inside the power armor.

This was Xu Xi's intention. He had Ailei enter the power armor to assist with matters, coordinating combat thoroughly.

The power armor had too many functions.

Operating it alone, Xu Xi was prone to delays and mistakes.

The addition of an intelligent AI could help Xu Xi handle every battle more comprehensively.

"Master, suit-up complete. Lab door opened, ready to depart at any time."

"Alright, let's go."

Xu Xi took steps, the heavy alloy armor following his movements, each step thudding heavily on the floor, shaking dust.

Feeling the overly noisy sounds,

Xu Xi slightly lightened his steps.

This time, the noises made by the armor were significantly quieter.

Quickening his pace.

Mechanical power surged.

Xu Xi exited the underground space, once again setting foot on the dangerous surface.

The endless sands and desolate ruins stretched endlessly. Everything on the surface was the same as Xu Xi's first sighting.

"Whoosh——"

"Whoosh——"

Strong winds howled, carrying sand to pound against the armor.

Normally, these sands would sting painfully on the cheeks. But this time, with the power armor, Xu Xi didn't feel that at all.

"Power armor is great," Xu Xi praised internally.

[Ding——]

[Your compliment makes the power armor very pleased, it has grown closer to you]

[You accidentally found that the power armor's stats have universally risen by 1%, be it strength or speed, your power armor has become more formidable]

[Somehow, you understand the blueprint of the power armor]

...

Xu Xi started moving forward.

With the power armor on, he completely ignored the harsh environment of the city ruins. His steps crushed those sharp remnants of the apocalypse.

This outing, Xu Xi had made plans in advance.

Seek new energy sources.

Seek new technology.

These were his two main objectives.

The power armor was excellent, but its energy consumption was intense, far from what the solar panels in the lab could sustain.

Thus, finding new energy was urgent.

As for new technology, it could provide Xu Xi with more knowledge, which was equally crucial.

"Ailei, having your first glimpse of the outside world, any thoughts?"

During the walk,

Xu Xi conversed with his machine servant.

"Feels strange..." The electronically synthesized voice sounded calm with slight confusion. At the same time, a small dazed expression appeared in Xu Xi's helmet display.

"According to the Federal database, the latest 'Sixth Satellite City Report', Sixth Satellite City should have extensive greenery, but I don't see any."

Ailei knew about the sentient machine crisis.

But it had never truly witnessed it.

Before, its understanding of the world only resided in the information in the lab and Xu Xi's spoken narratives.

This outing was a first for Ailei.

Xu Xi chuckled: "Data and reality inevitably differ. Ailei, you need to learn to observe the world yourself."

"I will, master."

The pixel-constructed expression showed a serious look.

In the sands,

Xu Xi controlled the power armor to walk farther.

Occasionally, the thoughtless machine would ask him questions it couldn't find in its database.

"Master, do you feel lonely?"

"Why would you say that?"

"Federal biology mentions that humans are social beings, unable to live without a community, all values stem from the community."

"Haha, I'm fine. I'm quite content with my current life."

"So the master doesn't get lonely by yourself?"

"Well... no, not really. After all, I have you with me."

In the loop of questions and answers.

Xu Xi maneuvered the power armor, successfully passing through multiple ruins to reach a district on the other side.

Here, like Xu Xi's lab,

was dedicated to developing federal technology.

Multiple high-tech companies were located here.

"Teo Security, Mercury Tech, Saiqing Energy..." Xu Xi's gaze scanned, eventually settling on the buildings of the energy company.