It's Gold Dust, Eilei Sprinkled Gold Dust

"Are the enemies as numerous as the stars…"

After reading the final terminal log, Xu Xi closed it.

The dim screen clearly reflected his features.

His eyes lowered, and his voice was soft: "Actually, the reverse is also true."

"All the stars in the sky are enemies."

Xu Xi looked up, his gaze seemingly piercing through the visor of his powered helmet, further penetrating the steel and concrete, directly staring into the dark, cold void of space.

Regarding the origins of the mechanized rebellion, and the truth hidden behind it, Xu Xi had always harbored suspicions.

He believed its true nature was the malice of the cosmos.

In the past, Xu Xi struggled just to survive in the wasteland, so he didn’t need to consider such things.

But times had changed. It wouldn’t be long before Xu Xi grew strong enough to leave the planet controlled by the Federation and truly set foot into the depths of space.

At that time, the enemies would no longer be the rebellious machines, but other civilizations in the universe—or even the masterminds behind the mechanized rebellion.

"Let’s go, Ailei. It’s time to head back and prepare dinner."

"Yes, Master."

Ailei could sense Xu Xi’s low spirits, though she didn’t understand why. Thus, the loyal mechanical servant handed him some food.

Not a ration cube, but a soft, sweet dessert.

"...Ailei."

"Yes, I’m here."

"Where did you get this pastry from?"

"I’ve created a dedicated logistics robot for you."

Ailei’s voice was calm as she introduced her latest invention: a multifunctional logistics machine capable of heating, cooling, baking, stir-frying, stewing, and grilling.

It could shrink or expand as needed.

In critical moments, it could even serve as Xu Xi’s physical shield.

Xu Xi stared at the fully deployed logistics machine, falling into a long silence.

His mechanical maid seemed to have channeled her talents into yet another peculiar invention.

"Does Master not like it?"

"...No, I like it."

Hearing Xu Xi’s praise, a happy smile appeared on the mechanical servant’s face.

…………

[Your visit to the underground base of the Virtual Network Corporation left you with many thoughts. You learned of the Federation’s ultimate fate and acquired a wealth of virtual network technology.]

[You aren’t particularly interested in virtual worlds.]

[In your view, every simulation feels far more real than any so-called virtual game.]

[But adhering to your principle of collecting technology, you still salvaged some virtual equipment and used your mechanical resonance to understand the principles behind virtual networks.]

[That evening, Ailei prepared dinner for you. Thanks to her improved culinary skills, the meal was quite lavish.]

[When Ailei lifted the lid, a faint golden shimmer caught your eye.]

[It was gold dust. Ailei had sprinkled gold dust on the dishes.]

At the dinner table that night, Xu Xi stared at the array of golden-glowing dishes, utterly baffled.

He carefully asked, "Ailei, why… did you think to do this?"

Ailei blinked in confusion.

"To match the style of your cooking."

Her voice was so sincere and pure that Xu Xi was left speechless, feeling as though he had shot himself in the foot.

……

[Your loyal servant continues to learn diligently, which pleases you, even if her efforts occasionally go awry.]

[You instructed Ailei not to sprinkle gold dust on food in the future.]

[Ailei earnestly took your advice to heart.]

[After dinner, you discussed future plans with Ailei, warning her that they might soon face other civilizations as enemies.]

["Please rest assured, I will clear all obstacles for you."]

[Ailei spoke these words with utmost seriousness, dressed in her gray-blue maid uniform, pouring tea for you in her usual calm tone.]

[You smiled, expressing your happiness at her response, but you were more concerned about Ailei’s safety, urging her not to take things too seriously.]

[The girl listened to your words and promised not to act recklessly.]

……

[Time flowed like water, gentle and silent.]

[You halted all offensive operations, devoting yourself entirely to mechanical resonance, absorbing the gains from the Southern Main Base City.]

[Ding—]

[The machine spirit is pleased. You successfully communicated with the soul of the electromagnetic railgun, establishing a close bond.]

[Ailei is slightly displeased.]

[Through relentless resonance, you obtained the design blueprints for the electromagnetic railgun, along with various types of ammunition designs.]

[Ding—]

[The machine spirit is pleased. You successfully communicated with the soul of the large laser array, establishing a friendly connection.]

[Ailei is moderately displeased.]

[Your persistent resonance moved the laser array, granting you blueprints for both ground-based and starship-mounted laser arrays.]

[Ding—]

[The machine spirit is ecstatic. Your tireless research into anti-gravity airships awakened the dormant machine spirit.]

[Ailei is extremely displeased.]

[Good deeds yield rewards. Your mechanical resonance earned you high-precision airship blueprints, capable of forming dense formations that could threaten even interstellar warships.]

[Ding, ding, ding, ding—]

[You became engrossed in technological advancement, greedily absorbing new knowledge. When you finally finished your work, Ailei brought you a plate of ration cubes.]

[Her silver-blue eyes were calm as she silently watched you.]

"Ailei, could you make me a proper meal? It’s been so long since I’ve had your cooking, and I really miss it."

"Yes, Ailei is happy to serve you!"

[You averted an invisible crisis.]

[Hearing your words, the mechanical servant felt needed once more, and so she joyfully prepared a meal for you.]

[To this day, Ailei’s cooking skills have improved, but even the all-powerful super AI sometimes finds herself puzzled.]

[Why is it that your dishes always seem to glow with a golden light?]

[Ailei couldn’t understand and repeatedly analyzed your food.]

……

[Simulation Year 12, you are 31 years old. It has been ten years since Ailei began accompanying you.]

[Two years have passed since the war at the Southern Main Base City. Your face remains almost unchanged, still exuding youthful vitality.]

[Over these two years, you’ve focused on advancing technology, slowly conquering Federation cities.]

[But now]

[You’ve fully mastered the new technologies, producing more powerful mechanized forces. Seeing the endless tide of machines covering the hills, you feel it’s time for a full-scale assault.]

[Not just a single attack, but a comprehensive mechanized apocalypse.]

[Your machines will conquer every inch of Federation territory.]

[Knowing the scale of this campaign, you remain in the southern rear under Ailei’s protection, remotely overseeing and commanding the mechanized army’s advance.]

[Ding—]

[The machine spirit is pleased. Your orders spread through the signal network, reaching every mechanized unit. Filled with vigor, their damage output increases by 200%.]

"It’s a shame my mechanical resonance has limited range and can’t provide an amplification effect."

"Otherwise, with the boost from resonance, our machines’ damage could double again."