The integration of the Federation Computer breathed new life into the laboratory base.
In terms of energy.
The base was no longer restricted, and power armor could be deployed around the clock. The lighting systems could remain on continuously, and Xu Xi no longer had to worry about any energy-related issues.
In terms of equipment.
The Federation Computer came with numerous modules.
Although the majority had been damaged, the remaining parts, when combined with Ailei, could achieve effects beyond imagination. Xu Xi was confident that with just a little time, he could upgrade the underground laboratory comprehensively, allowing it to establish itself in this post-apocalyptic wasteland. Instead of being forced to cower in the underground space, grappling with the inconvenience of scavenging for materials and supplies.
"My path is still long..." Xu Xi lay back in his chair, massaging his temples.
This simulation, thanks to the two golden traits, spared him from arduous self-cultivation, but that didn't mean he could slack off.
Whether it was gathering intelligence on the rebellious sentient machines, planning the next steps for the base's development, or exploring the extension of firepower weaponry.
These matters all required Xu Xi's thoughtful consideration to chart the course for the future.
"Ailei, is my lunch ready?"
"It has been prepared, Master."
Clatter.
A freshly produced plate of fast-food cubes, still slightly warm, with a brownish hue, was stacked in a dense pyramid.
"Ailei."
"Yes, Master?"
"Actually, my appetite isn't that big. You don't need to prepare so much next time."
"Understood, Master."
The servitor AI replied obediently.
...
【A flower of hope facing the sun is more brilliant than any other sight】
【After years of simulations, you have finally seen the dawn of hope. You are certain that with Ailei and the Federation Computer's help, the future will undoubtedly become better】
【You immerse yourself in the upgrading of power armor】
【Ding—】
【Your diligent research moved the armor spirit deeply, and it shared with you the optimization possibilities of power armor】
【Truth and knowledge opened their doors to you, you suddenly saw the light, feeling an overwhelming surge of inspiration】
【You began researching automatic turrets】
【You began researching Gauss sniper rifles】
【You began researching more sentient machines. By the Machine God, you gradually understood the beauty of machinery】
【The development of the laboratory is thriving】
...
【The superior performance of the Federation Computer, along with Ailei's impressive computing power, greatly accelerated your research speed. You became more and more immersed in scientific exploration】
【With energy no longer a constraint, Ailei no longer needed to conserve, expressing its emotions through those simplest of micro-expressions】
【Now, it often appears in various forms, appearing much more vivid】
【Ailei listens to you well】
【It completes your commands 100% every day】
【When there's nothing to do, it quietly observes your actions, or stares at a pile of scattered mechanical debris】
【One day, after completing the research on a new type of turret, you noticed your servitor's absent-mindedness, and the pile of debris】
Xu Xi recognized the debris.
This was only natural.
After all, that pile of debris was something he had dismantled himself and left stacked in the corner of the laboratory, thinking it might one day be repurposed.
It was a mixed collection, including limbs from housekeeping sentient machines, damaged bodies of humanoid rebellious sentient machines, and old machines scavenged from the ruins.
"Ailei, what are you thinking about?" Xu Xi asked.
"Master, I...," the servitor, always prompt in answering Xu Xi's questions, said, "I want to create a functioning body."
Its calm electronic voice carried a faint sense of anticipation.
At the same time.
The projection screen of the mainframe computer displayed a corresponding hopeful expression, the hazy light illuminating Xu Xi's slightly startled face.
The truth behind the servitor's prolonged daydreaming was surprisingly simple.
It wanted to experience real touch, to walk for real, rather than just in the virtual data realm.
Xu Xi chuckled: "Then why not do it?"
"I can't..."
The hopeful expression turned into a stiff shake of the head: "This is a forbidden matter. Without your permission, Ailei cannot do this..."
The loyal servitor's judgment on autonomous logic was always delicate.
It often took matters into its own hands, producing extra fast-food cubes for Xu Xi, or modifying the power armor to include compartments for purified water.
But now.
Ailei inexplicably hesitated.
Strangely entangled over the matter of creating a body for itself.
"It's alright, Ailei," Xu Xi said.
His voice was gentle, laughing and encouraging the servitor.
"Some things, you don't have to care about my thoughts. If you want to do it, just do it. I'll support you."
Ailei seemed to understand Xu Xi's words, its voice slightly filled with joy: "Are you saying you allow me to create a body, Master?"
"Yes, I allow it."
"Thank you for your permission, Master. Ailei is very happy."
"Haha, happy is good. Do you need my help?"
"This small matter doesn't trouble you, Master. Please leave it to me."
In the quiet underground laboratory, the lights were fully on, and numerous robotic arms began to bustle.
Some held maintenance tools.
Others gripped mechanical debris.
Under Ailei's command as a super AI, they assembled a functional humanoid body in an orderly manner.
Xu Xi watched from the side, curious about what shape Ailei's body would take.
"Though the simulator is no longer a 'raising a little girl' simulation, the current trend seems to get stranger and stranger..."
"This time, it's turning into an AI raising simulation."
Xu Xi watched the mechanical parts fly around, feeling quite reflective.
A moment later.
The assembly work concluded.
"Clank—Clank—," with the sound of robotic arms detaching, a semi-worn humanoid body appeared before Xu Xi.
Modeled after the human female form.
It had slender limbs.
This was an illusion; beneath its small appearance, it was still a machine capable of easily bending steel.
Ailei's created body looked quite complete overall, though the materials used were too broken, with many areas exposing steel cores, and circuits sparking here and there.
A truly qualified humanoid machine would have lifelike simulation skin.
The laboratory lacked such materials.
"Master, I succeeded," Ailei entered the body, controlling the body's voice module as it opened its lips, displaying a smile as it spoke to Xu Xi.
It wasn't too concerned about the external imperfections.
Its entire being was filled with curiosity.
"Ailei, why not try walking?" Encouraged by Xu Xi, Ailei controlled the body, tentatively taking a few steps forward.
It controlled well, but the body's reaction was far from ideal.
Suddenly.
The knee joint of the body broke.
Causing the entire body to fall heavily onto the hard ground.