Illusory Summer

“What exactly is missing?”

The sea of stars undulated, and silver radiance shimmered.

After exploring the remnants of the 02nd civilization,

the interstellar fleet set sail once more.

They ventured into the unknown, toward a distant shore where more remnants of ancient civilizations lay.

Xu Xi stood on the deck of the starship, protected by the energy barrier, gazing safely at the layers of light and darkness at the horizon—a unique splendor of the cosmos.

“Master, what troubles you?”

Ailei approached from behind.

Her steps were graceful.

Her dress was pure white, with a deep black waistband, and the hem swayed gently, creating ripples of gray and white in silence.

Her face was exquisitely beautiful, yet carried a distinct coldness. Her silver-blue eyes blinked slightly, looking at Xu Xi with curiosity.

“It’s nothing, Ailei.”

“I’m just thinking, based on the information we have, civilizations are destroyed once they reach a certain level of development.”

“And now—”

Xu Xi paused, glancing sideways to meet Ailei’s gaze.

Her silver metallic shell encased deep blue mechanical eyes, like overlapping glimmers of abyssal light, awaiting Xu Xi’s response.

“Our technological level has long surpassed that of the former Federation.”

“Whether it’s energy, materials, or other fields, we’ve surpassed the Federation in every way.”

“Yet, we haven’t faced any attacks from the enemy.”

Xu Xi shook his head.

This should have been a good thing.

But the unknown variables kept him on edge.

Xu Xi didn’t believe that the unseen mastermind behind it all would be so benevolent as to spare his interstellar fleet.

There must be some crucial factor he hadn’t yet considered.

“Please rest assured, Ailei will always protect you.”

Ailei sensed Xu Xi’s unease.

She spoke in a caring tone.

At the same time, she produced a bowl of hot soup from somewhere and handed it to a surprised Xu Xi.

“Master, you’ve expended too much mental energy recently. You need to replenish your strength.”

“Following your advice, I’ve modified the soup’s recipe.”

“Oh… I see,” Xu Xi hesitated before accepting the bowl.

[After exploring the 02nd civilization and undergoing prolonged resonance with mechanical energy, you’ve gained a wealth of new knowledge.]

[You’ve benefited greatly.]

[Daily knowledge accumulation: +1]

[Recalling the former Federation, you believe that the downfall of both the Human Federation and the 02nd civilization was rooted in their level of development. Any civilization capable of venturing into the stars would face inexplicable attacks.]

[One of the methods of attack was the red light that triggered the rebellion of intelligent machines. Beyond that, there are likely other unknown methods of assault.]

[You don’t understand why, to this day, your fleet remains unharmed and untouched by such attacks.]

[Has the enemy overlooked you by mistake?]

[You ponder, unwilling to leave the safety of yourself and Ailei to the whims of an unseen adversary.]

[You resolve to continue advancing your technology, exploring the uncharted reaches of the cosmos, and uncovering the true reason behind it all.]

[You drink the new soup Ailei prepared—a Qi-nourishing broth.]

[The soup’s flavor is gentle, and you enjoy it. You praise it with a smile, and Ailei’s face lights up with a faint smile as well.]

[“I’m glad you like it.”]

[Ailei replied.]

…

[Simulation Year 38, Age 57, Ailei’s 36th year by your side.]

[You still haven’t figured out why your fleet has been spared the malice of the universe.]

[The question continues to baffle you.]

[That same year, your fleet ventures deeper into the stars.]

[Your destination is another civilization’s ruins, where you aim to absorb more ancient technological knowledge.]

[Simulation Year 39, Age 58, Ailei’s 37th year by your side.]

[You’ve become engrossed in the research of biological computers, unable to pull yourself away.]

[Thanks to breakthroughs in biotechnology, Ailei’s body has undergone an upgrade. Now, she resembles a human even more closely, capable of simulating many natural human characteristics.]

[Ailei seems delighted.]

[Seeing your joyful companion, you also smile.]

The summer was tranquil, the sunlight scorching.

Inside the ecological starship,

the climate control system cycled, recreating the serene atmosphere of a hot summer day.

The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, colliding densely and forming waves of green, accompanied by soft, soothing whispers.

Xu Xi stood in the shade beneath the tree canopy, his hands glowing with mechanical energy as he adjusted the final parameters of the body before him.

“It’s done, Ailei.”

“Thank you for your help, Master.”

As Xu Xi stepped back, Ailei opened her silver-blue eyes, gazing curiously at her own body.

“Warm, soft, springy…”

Her voice carried a hint of bewilderment.

Her pale fingers gently pressed against the skin of her other arm.

She felt the elasticity and the synchronized data from her processor.

“Hmm…” Ailei’s voice trailed off, calm yet puzzled, as if experiencing something entirely new.

She could feel cold, she could feel heat.

Though these sensations were simulated by data, transmitted as virtual feedback to her central processor,

they weren’t the true sensations of flesh and blood.

But it was enough. It was more than enough.

In the sweltering heat, the girl’s fingers traced through the air, bending and stretching with a light, graceful motion, intertwining and flipping back and forth.

She faced the artificial “sun,”

using its light to examine the skin of her palm and the warm, almost burning sensation it produced.

Her fondness, thick and tangible, cast a shadow,

falling upon Ailei’s face,

creating a unique interplay of light and shadow on her overly delicate features—half bright, half dark.

“Do you like it, Ailei?” Xu Xi found a chair and sat down, watching as the mechanoid examined her new changes. He smiled as he asked.

“…I like it.”

Ailei nodded slowly.

She stopped observing her fingers and turned to look at Xu Xi.

Then, to Xu Xi’s slight surprise, she quickly approached him,

kneeling down in front of him with a serious and precise demeanor.

She clasped her hands together, gently taking hold of one of Xu Xi’s hands.

She held it tightly,

not moving an inch.

Time seemed to stand still as Ailei maintained this position without change.

After a moment, she finally looked up, her silver-blue eyes, seemingly calm yet rippling with countless emotions, fixed on Xu Xi’s face.

Gradually, the coldness on her face melted away, replaced by a faint, happy expression.

“Master’s hand feels even warmer now.”

“Ailei likes it.”

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment,” Xu Xi chuckled. Once his laughter subsided, his expression softened.

Without thinking, he reached out and gently placed his hand on Ailei’s head.

He stroked it,

caressing it gently.

“Ailei, you’ve grown again.”

In the illusory summer, the rustling of leaves blurred the man’s voice.

It was a voice filled with joy and blessings for the mechanoid’s growth.

He believed that one day, that faint humanity would break free from the cold shackles of metal and experience true emotions.

Until then, Xu Xi would do his best to help Ailei.

He would watch her grow.

He would watch her stride into the future.

“By the way, Ailei, can you let go of my hand now?”

“Request denied. Ailei is currently executing Master’s command, experiencing the new changes in her body.”

The restlessness of summer seemed to have made even the mechanoid more assertive.