The Soft Rice Seems Too Delicious

Sailing towards the starry sea.

Exploring civilizations.

Seeking the truth.

These were the three phased goals set by Xu Xi.

However, the vast scale of the universe presented Xu Xi's plans with insurmountable challenges right from the start.

【Distance】.

In the endless expanse of the glittering galaxy, even light cannot travel freely.

Distances spanning several light-years, or even hundreds of light-years, are the norm in this cold and desolate void.

Naturally.

Improving the speed of the starship became Xu Xi's primary obstacle.

"The speed of starships from the old Federation era was barely sufficient for interstellar travel. After my modifications, their performance has improved to some extent."

"But that improvement is still negligible compared to the speed of light."

"Moreover—"

"Only superluminal travel technology can truly solve the challenges of interstellar navigation in this vast universe."

Xu Xi silently calculated.

At the current speed of the starship, it would take at least two hundred years to reach the nearest civilization ruins.

Yes, that's right.

Thanks to genetic modification and mechanical enhancement, Xu Xi's lifespan far exceeded that of an ordinary person.

After the first dose of genetic serum, Xu Xi's lifespan limit was approximately 300 years.

After the second dose, this limit was extended to around 600 years.

In the future, the evolved super AI, Ailei, would undoubtedly develop newer genetic serums to further extend Xu Xi's lifespan.

But the mortal body has its limits.

Xu Xi estimated that, by the end of the simulation, he would be fortunate to live for two or three thousand years.

It sounded like a long lifespan.

But when compared to the immense distances of interstellar travel,

it seemed insignificant.

Take the Milky Way in the real world, for example. Its diameter spans about 100,000 light-years, an unimaginably vast expanse, yet it is still just a speck of dust in the universe, let alone a mortal like Xu Xi.

"Moreover, whether I can live to the end of my natural lifespan is entirely uncertain..."

Xu Xi closed his eyes in contemplation.

Every time he recalled the horrifying graveyard of stars, he felt an invisible threat approaching, slow and silent, yet undeniably real.

If he underestimated the enemy, underestimated the unseen mastermind behind it all,

then.

In the end, he would only suffer the consequences.

"So, we still need to increase speed. Ailei, are you ready?"

"Yes, I am at your command at all times."

"Establish a plan file and set development goals. The first phase is sub-light speed."

"Understood. The plan file has been successfully created. Ailei is always at your service."

…

【Simulation Year 21, Age 40, Ailei's 19th year by your side】

【You are acutely aware of the vastness of the universe, the strength of the enemy, and the brevity of your own existence】

【After Ailei's evolution, her immense computational power became your most important pillar. You decided to focus on improving the speed of the starship】

【This was a daunting task】

【Your goal was simply to increase speed】

【But within the framework of technology, everything is interconnected. What you were truly facing were challenges in materials, energy, precision, and other fields】

【You began to push yourself relentlessly, seeking to trigger the joy of the machine spirit and gain insights into research directions】

【Ding——】

【Ding——】

【Ding——】

【Through hard work and determination, you connected with the starship as a whole and gained some correct directions for technological development】

【Ailei's computational power quickly digested these inspirations, achieving results at an astonishing pace】

【For some reason, during this process, you faintly heard the lament of the starship's machine spirit】

"Ailei."

"Yes, I'm here."

"Have you noticed that the starship's life support system has been a bit unstable lately?"

"My apologies for disturbing your rest. I will repair it immediately."

【The decay of machinery is incredibly slow. Even when faults and failures occur, parts can be replaced】

【The beautiful machine servant remained as refined as ever in your memory, elegant and gentle, often smiling at you with pure joy】

【At the same time, the machine servant was deeply concerned about your health】

【She took the issues you raised about the starship very seriously】

【By that afternoon, both the ecological starship and the other starships had returned to normal】

【You were immensely relieved, feeling grateful for how capable your machine servant was】

【"You flatter me. This is my duty,"】

【The machine servant said calmly, pouring you another cup of hot tea. Her gray-blue maid uniform was striking, adding a touch of brilliance to her presence】

…

【Simulation Year 22, Age 41, Ailei's 20th year by your side】

【Several years had passed since you left the Federation planet, but you didn't find it monotonous. Day and night, you immersed yourself in technological research and knowledge acquisition, rarely noticing the passage of time】

【You had entered what ordinary people would call middle age】

【But the genetic modifications and mechanical enhancements kept your appearance youthful. You remained strong and vigorous】

【You were quite satisfied with this】

【At the same time, you felt that Ailei's herbal soup had some effect. For some reason, you often felt an inexhaustible supply of energy】

【Simulation Year 25, Age 44, Ailei's 23rd year by your side】

【Thanks to Ailei's terrifying computational power, a research process that should have taken decades or even a century was completed this year】

【Ailei shared with you the conceptual blueprint of a prototype sub-light speed engine】

"Whooosh——!!"

The engine roared, rumbling and shaking.

In the quiet and desolate space testing ground.

A massive gray-black engine was mounted on a rocky planet, fixed in place to test its maximum output at the highest frequency, pushing its limits with the most intense force.

In the end.

Due to extreme overheating, the massive engine exploded, becoming a faint glimmer of light in the dark universe.

"I apologize. I have failed your expectations, Master."

"No, Ailei, you've done exceptionally well."

Xu Xi's hands trembled with excitement as he gently stroked Ailei's head, comforting the apologetic machine spirit.

This time, the "soft life" he was living.

Seemed a bit too good to be true.

【Ding——】

【The machine spirit is pleased. Due to your affirmation, Ailei's computational efficiency increased by 10%】

【The loyal machine servant apologized, stating that the current starship engine output could only reach one-tenth the speed of light】

【You were already satisfied with this】

【If one-tenth the speed of light was achievable, was half the speed of light far behind?】

【With your knowledge, you understood just how extraordinary Ailei's research speed was. You smiled and reassured Ailei, telling her not to rush】

【Ailei nodded, indicating that she had taken your words to heart】

【Ding——】

【Due to your encouragement, the machine spirit entered a state of determination. Ailei's computational efficiency increased by 50%】

【Simulation Year 26, Age 45, Ailei's 24th year by your side】

【Ailei successfully developed a quarter-light-speed engine】

【Simulation Year 29, Age 48, Ailei's 27th year by your side】

【Ailei apologized once again. The standard for a sub-light-speed engine was 90% the speed of light, but she had yet to achieve it】

【Ailei shared with you a one-third-light-speed ion engine】

Xu Xi: Huh?