Aiming for the Stars and Beyond

“Master, what are you doing?”

“Wiping the cameras in the base so you can see the stars more clearly.”

“Master, don’t you remember? I now have a dedicated body and can go outside to see them myself.”

“Oh… I’m sorry, I’ve just gotten used to doing it; it’s hard to break the habit.”

【Year of Simulation Four, Winter】

【Several months have passed since you created Ailei’s body. The once-lonely laboratory now has a cold but beautiful figure】

【She is silent, always one step ahead, preparing everything you need】

【She is flawless, her mechanical intelligence perfectly handling everything, making her an invaluable assistant in your experiments】

【She is easily satisfied, her happy smile revealing itself whenever she spends time by your side】

【You feel comforted by this】

【Thinking that your machine attendant is now no different from a normal person】

【But Ailei’s peculiar silver-blue eyes, like a deep blue lake, still reveal her non-human identity at first glance】

【Occasionally, you still wipe the entry cameras for Ailel, a habit from the past】

【It’s only when the machine girl reminds you that you realize Ailei no longer needs your special care】

【Whether controlling other machines or her own humanoid body, Ailei can accomplish it effortlessly】

【One day】

【Your hand, wiping the camera, got a little dirty from the dust】

【Ailei brought a clean damp cloth, carefully and meticulously wiping away every speck of dirt, as thoroughly as you once wiped her cameras】

【Kindness is mutual, and efforts are rewarded】

【Your warm intentions, even a machine can feel deeply】

【Thus, your loyal machine attendant likes you even more】

Bright, dazzling, blinding.

Even in a barren wasteland world.

When winter arrives, the icy winds bring snow, blanketing the Sixth Satellite City.

Perhaps by fate or chance, a flurry of snowflakes drifts through the cracks in the buildings, weaving through the steel and concrete, eventually landing at the entrance of the underground laboratory.

Xu Xi stood in this very spot, receiving the meticulous care of Ailei.

Until Ailei had finished cleaning his hands.

“Thanks, Ailei,” Xu Xi said, looking at the golden hair so close to him.

He reached out and gently rubbed it, finding the texture incredibly smooth.

Unlike human hair, Ailei’s hair was made of special material, and the touch was surprisingly pleasant.

“This is what I should do. Ailei is always at your service,” Ailei replied, taking back the warm damp cloth, her head slightly lowered, so Xu Xi couldn’t see her expression or eyes.

He only felt her body tremble slightly beneath his palm.

【Year of Simulation Five, Xu Xi Turns 24】

【Spring breezes blow, melting the winter snow, and even in the wind-swept ruins of the city, new sprouts emerge in some corners, hinting at the rebirth of spring】

【Xu Xi has been venturing further along the path of a mechanic】

【Prolonged spiritual harmony with machines, along with resonance with mechanical forces, has made his knowledge truly vast】

【Was he really that amazing?】

【He didn’t think so】

【He knew the vastness of the universe, the insignificance of himself, and the knowledge he possessed was nothing extraordinary】

【Looking back at his past development and everything in the laboratory, he knew he had to change】

Xu Xi’s goals had always been clear.

It was to accumulate enough knowledge, deep dive into the tech system, and try to analyze the incredible “Life Simulation Device” from a technological perspective.

He had no intention of making enemies with anyone, just wanted to quietly focus on his research.

But that was not going to work.

Outside, the bright spring sunlight freely spilled, giving the lifeless ruins of the apocalypse a fresh, new coat.

Wandering mechanical beasts trampled on the newly sprouted grass.

Some attacked each other, others wandered aimlessly.

The newly installed surveillance devices transmitted everything to the screens inside the laboratory.

“It seems I have to venture outside,” Xu Xi muttered, holding a pen to record the characteristics of various mechanical beasts, noting them on a thick logbook.

The data was in two forms.

One was manually recorded by Xu Xi, the other electronically stored by his machine attendant.

“Over these years, I’ve fully grasped all the technology in the laboratory,” Xu Xi mused, putting down his pen and closing the heavy logbook.

“The computing power of the Federation system is impressive, and I’m still working on cracking it, but it’s just a matter of time. I urgently need new research materials.”

“Although I can develop technology on my own, that—”

“Would be too slow, and it conflicts with my traits. The effect of mechanical resonance determines that I have to face those mechanical insurgents head-on.”

“Only by defeating those rebellious machines can I explore the world and study their technology.”

Beneath the overhead lights, Xu Xi carefully considered.

“From the perspective of civilization and technology, activities within the planet are just the beginning.”

“Exploring the universe is where true technological progress starts.”

“Therefore, mechanical beasts related to starship tech will be my primary focus from now on.”

Xu Xi contemplated, setting the cosmic ocean as his ultimate goal for the future.

Of course, talking about that now was premature.

Venturing into the cosmic ocean would require consolidating planetary resources first, meaning defeating the machines and claiming the Federation’s legacy.

But before that, Xu Xi needed to take things one step at a time, avoiding being overwhelmed by the endless mechanical tide.

“Starting from the Sixth Satellite City, if I can’t even conquer this city, then talking about leaving the planet is out of the question,” Xu Xi said, holding the thick mechanical beast encyclopedia, his eyes narrowing in thought.

Just then, Ailei brought a cup of warm water.

The water contained a sprout born in spring.

The water was light brown.

It smelled aromatic.

“Master, have some water,” Ailei said, bowing slightly as she handed the water, her golden hair tied into a bun with a pure white ribbon, her outfit a snug light-red dress, her smile revealing the calmness peculiar to a machine.

“The K-type auto-turrets you requested have begun production.”

“They will finish deployment in ten days.”

“The modifications to the powered armor are also underway.”

“…”

The glass of water produced a faint white mist and was placed in front of Xu Xi.

Done with that task, Ailei began to report the work status in a calm and composed manner, her words clear, her tone steady, no longer the robotic sound of their initial meetings.

“You’ve worked hard, Ailei,” Xu Xi said calmly, listening to Ailei’s report.

Finally, he added, “You look very nice today.”

【Ding——】

【Soul of Machine, Extreme Joy, Soul of Machine, Very-Very-Very Extreme Joy】

Xu Xi picked up the water cup and drank the warm water Ailei had prepared, his thoughts as usual.

His machine attendant was really easy to understand.