Virtual Network Company

On the topic of cutting-edge combat power.

There is no doubt that the rebel AI of the Federation holds the upper hand.

Whether it's the space-based weapons in orbit.

Or the hypersonic suborbital fighters capable of reaching speeds over ten times the speed of sound.

They all possess an overwhelming force of suppression.

However, in the wars waged by AI, aside from the quality of the basic units, there is another crucial factor.

【Quantity】.

It has always been through Ailei's ability to mass-produce units that Xu Xi has been able to achieve victory after victory, capturing multiple satellite cities and continuously advancing his technological capabilities.

"Boom!—"

"Boom! Boom!—"

High above in the sky.

The layers of sonic booms were so dense that it was hard to discern anything. Even Xu Xi, clad in heavy powered armor, struggled to withstand the downward impact.

He witnessed the surging tide of machines and the roar of metal.

The replicated suborbital fighter squadrons.

Enhanced by the power of machinery.

Performed even more terrifyingly and fearfully than the Federation's original fighters, with a noticeable improvement in performance.

"Should I say this is the true essence of an AI apocalypse?"

"Such a spectacular scene is truly awe-inspiring."

Xu Xi marveled, increasing the output of his mechanical energy.

The screeching of steel echoed across the heavens, and the wrath of machines crushed the earth. At this very moment, an endless sea of machinery engulfed everything in its path.

The roar of engines!

The turning of gears!

Countless machines roared and boiled, converging into a singular will.

"Everything is for the master!" Ailei declared.

...

【Your forces are endless】

【Whenever some units are destroyed, new ones emerge from the rear, continuously filling the gaps】

【With the replicated suborbital fighters, you successfully disrupted the defense system of the southern main base city, tearing through it with sheer numbers and absolute force】

【A fleet of star ships with energy shields launched a bombing run on your position】

【The shields were thicker than anything you had ever seen, making conventional attacks largely ineffective】

【But this was of no concern to you】

【The massive swarm of suborbital fighters unleashed a barrage of fire, overwhelming the star ships' energy shields with their sheer volume of attacks】

【Attack, attack again, attack relentlessly】

【After half a month of intense battle, you successfully captured the southern main base city, acquiring numerous high-value AI remnants】

The cold machinery was a force capable of moving the world.

The bodies of steel were a power capable of crushing flesh.

When heavy alloys soared through the skies, and the roar of engines reverberated across the universe, witnessing the ebb and flow of the machine sea, anyone would be deeply amazed.

Inside the southern main base city.

Xu Xi, clad in powered armor, walked step by step along the severely damaged main road, each step leaving a dent in the ground.

"Although I expected it..."

"The extent of damage to the main base city after this battle would be severe, but this sight is still somewhat shocking."

"40%?"

"No, perhaps only 20% remains intact."

The lingering smoke, the collapsed and leaning skyscrapers, the creaking of rusted metal—all these elements combined to create a scene of utter devastation.

Xu Xi was speechless.

Fortunately, his goal was not the city itself.

What he wanted were the AI remnants and some raw materials that could be used as resources.

As for the state of the city itself.

That was not within Xu Xi's consideration.

After all, he had no intention of living here.

Xu Xi crouched down, scooping up a handful of fragments that flowed like black sand, revealing a dull gray sheen in his palm: "Fragments of an electromagnetic railgun?"

"By the way, once we digest this haul, we'll have pretty much consumed the Federation's entire tech tree."

"Only those space-based weapons remain untouched."

"No rush, no rush."

"Food must be eaten bite by bite. Even if I were given a starship now, I wouldn't have the time to study it."

He tilted his hand, letting the fragments slide off his palm.

Xu Xi stood up, looking up at the sky—a deep, dark void interspersed with the eerie crimson of burning flames, an abstract and bizarre sight.

Such a scene fit well with the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

It was a thick, despairing atmosphere.

Just as Xu Xi was about to leave.

A communication from Ailei halted his movements.

...

【You've always had a habit of thoroughly scavenging a city after capturing it】

【Not because there were any treasures to be found】

【But because you were accustomed to not wasting any resources in the wasteland】

【This time, you thought it would be like before, finding useless junk or redundant technology you already possessed】

【But your loyal machine servant informed you that she had discovered a hidden underground base】

【With complete defense systems, energy facilities, and ventilation systems—in a world of desolation, normalcy was the greatest abnormality】

【Feeling suspicious, you rushed to the entrance of the discovered base at top speed】

The alloy-forged armor.

Stepped onto the steel plates.

Echoing with a loud, clattering noise.

Upon arriving, Xu Xi looked at the alloy door before him, adorned with an emblem, and frowned as he spoke: "Virtual Network Corporation?"

In the early years of the simulation, in order to learn about the wasteland world, Xu Xi had delved into extensive materials, gaining a deep understanding of the old Federation.

It was a highly advanced era.

A time of brilliant technology and dazzling innovation.

Among the many high-tech corporations, the Virtual Network Corporation firmly held a leading position, specializing in virtual network technology.

With hyper-realistic gaming experiences and lifelike holographic communication, the unimaginable virtual technology made the Virtual Network Corporation a sensation across the Federation.

But—

"Why, in the aftermath of the Federation's collapse, is there still a Virtual Network Corporation base in operation?"

Xu Xi was filled with curiosity.

He had a premonition that deep within the base, in the pitch-black depths underground.

Something might be buried.

"Please leave this to me," Ailei said, confirming Xu Xi's desire to enter. She allocated some computational power to control several large engineering machines, precisely breaking open the base's door.

Then, a large number of AI units surrounded Xu Xi, forming a protective formation.

This was the caution of a machine servant.

Concerned that there might be dangers within the base.

"Thank you, Ailei. Let's go down."

"Yes, master."

Under Ailei's control, nimble micro-AI units moved ahead, scouting and clearing the path.

Only after confirming there were no dangers did she allow Xu Xi to enter.

The lights were bright, the passageways wide, and the steps orderly, winding downward.

"It's surprisingly clean here," Xu Xi remarked, comparing it to other Federation bases he had visited. This Virtual Network Corporation underground base was noticeably cleaner and more organized.

This indicated that the base had been maintaining itself.

"Is someone living here?"

"Or perhaps it's using an AI-free management mode, relying on the simplest and most basic commands to avoid the risk of AI rebellion."

Xu Xi quietly took out his electromagnetic explosive gun, clicking it to release its safety lock.