"External condition normal, no wounds."
"Internal condition normal, no adverse reactions."
"Unable to comprehend, incomprehensible."
A human-like expression of confusion appeared on the face of the mechanical servant.
Black sand churned.
Wind and smoke howled.
The attack from the orbital particle cannon had ended.
But the ferocious aftermath still lingered, gradually affecting the environment, stirring up blinding clouds of dust.
In the desolate loneliness of the world, Ailei, with half of her face damaged, did not appear terrifying. Instead, the combination of her mechanical and human features highlighted her fragility and pitiful state.
She tilted her head, her silver-blue eyes fixed on Xu Xi.
Xu Xi was unharmed, and naturally, Ailei was happy. However, the miraculous resurrection that defied the laws of physics left her deeply puzzled.
"Master, are you not human?"
She reached this conclusion and voiced it, causing Xu Xi to be taken aback.
"Please rest assured..."
"Even if you are not human, Ailei will still serve you..."
"Ailei is your personal mechanical servant..."
It seemed she was convinced that Xu Xi was not human.
The mechanical servant's expression was serious as she declared that she would never betray Xu Xi because of this.
Xu Xi was both amused and exasperated.
He could only repeatedly emphasize and explain that he was indeed human, just slightly special.
"Yes, I believe you," the mechanical servant nodded, her expression calm and indifferent, making it unclear whether she truly believed or was merely pretending.
...
【You truly died once and were resurrected on the spot】
【You can perform many more miracles like this】
【You are so extraordinary that even your loyal mechanical servant begins to doubt your humanity】
【She still cares for you and serves only you, though occasionally, she wonders what your true form might be】
【The battlefield was in ruins, with debris scattered everywhere】
【The attack from the orbital particle cannon had severely damaged your mechanical forces, and even Ailei's humanoid body had suffered critical injuries】
【Your offensive plan was forced to halt】
"Let's go, Ailei. It's time to return."
"Yes, Master."
Xu Xi surveyed the battlefield. The dire scene made him feel there was no need to stay any longer.
He took a step forward, but Ailei did not follow.
Turning back to check, he noticed that Ailei's legs had malfunctioned.
Sparks of orange and red erupted, with arcs of electricity crisscrossing.
"Apologies for delaying you," the mechanical servant said with a look of regret, her malfunctioning legs trapping her in place.
She requested Xu Xi to give her some time to repair her legs.
"It's fine, let's go."
Xu Xi crouched down. After waiting for his mechanical energy to recover, he extended his hands and performed a simple repair on Ailei's legs, stopping the visible signs of malfunction.
Then, his arms wrapped around Ailei's body.
He lifted her into his arms.
In this manner, he carried Ailei on their journey back.
"Thank you..." Ailei's body seemed to be malfunctioning even more severely.
She nestled in Xu Xi's arms, remaining still, appearing unusually weak and vulnerable. Even her usually steady eyes shimmered with strange ripples.
Xu Xi noticed this and, deeply concerned about Ailei's injuries, silently quickened his pace.
...
【You led the remaining mechanized forces back to the Sixth and Seventh Satellite Cities】
【Due to the severe damage sustained, you issued orders to accelerate the production of new mechanized units to replenish your forces】
【You brought Ailei to the laboratory, intending to repair her body】
【The mechanical servant made a request: she wanted to handle this repair herself】
【After some thought, you agreed to her request】
【Two days later】
【The self-modified mechanical servant emerged from the laboratory. Her figure was slightly taller, and her appearance more mature than before】
【You hesitated, unsure of what to say】
"Ailei."
"Yes, I'm here."
"Did you not like your previous body?"
"The body you created for me, Ailei liked it very much," she replied, her cold yet exquisite face glowing stunningly under the sunlight.
Ailei explained that it had been a long time since Xu Xi had created her body, and just as humans grow, her body should also grow.
However, Xu Xi felt that the real reason was likely this:
"According to the Federation database, a body that appears too young can lead others to underestimate it, rather than treating it as an equal in emotional standing."
It seemed his mechanical servant was starting to develop her own thoughts.
Xu Xi drank some water.
His expression was one of emotion.
After all, the child had grown up.
To his right, Ailei stood quietly in her maid outfit. The mechanical coldness gave her a unique charm, her skin pale and flawless, her face exquisite, her long golden hair smooth and soft.
"Master, what are you thinking about?" the maid asked, puzzled by Xu Xi's gaze.
"I was thinking that Ailei is truly beautiful," Xu Xi honestly shared his thoughts.
"Thank you for the compliment," the maid's ears twitched rapidly.
She was still easy to understand.
...
【Ailei's growth surprised you, and you were pleased because it was her own decision】
【This meant Ailei's autonomy had strengthened, bringing her one step closer to becoming "human"】
【After resolving her own body's issues】
【Ailei suggested conducting a thorough examination of your body】
【The loyal mechanical servant was concerned that your resurrection might have flaws】
【Fortunately, after the examination, your physical condition was found to be perfectly healthy, easing Ailei's worries】
【In the days that followed, you focused on Ailei's growth while also delving into technological research, pondering how to counter orbital weapons】
【You spent day and night researching energy shield devices, which greatly pleased the machine spirit】
【The machine spirit shared the energy crystal wall technology with you, which, built upon the foundation of energy shields, enhanced their layered performance, significantly improving resistance against orbital weapons】
【This technology couldn't protect all mechanized units, but it was sufficient to safeguard your own safety】
【Based on Ailei's calculations】
【You concluded that the activation of orbital weapons was likely tied to the number of mechanized units under your command】
【You decided to implement a dispersal strategy, having the newly produced mechanized units hide in various locations across the Federation to avoid triggering the orbital weapons' alert mechanism due to high concentration】
【Your strategy was successful. When your mechanized forces grew again, you did not face another orbital weapon attack】
【Simulation Year 8, you are 27 years old, and it has been six years since Ailei joined you】
【After a year of recovery, you learned new knowledge through mechanical resonance】
【Your research speed was fast, but you understood that your progress was built upon the remnants of the old Federation. Once you fully grasped Federation technology, your development speed would slow significantly】
【You sighed and set out to conquer Federation cities once more】
【Countless mechanized units surrounded you, protecting you as you advanced, while you released mechanical energy to enhance them】
【Six months later, you captured the Fifth and Eighth Satellite Cities】