NOVPUBThe addition of the servant bot brought great assistance to Xu Xi.
He was finally free from the tedious maintenance of the laboratory.
Now, he could fully immerse himself in the pursuit of science.
To explore.
To discover.
With an astonishing pace, he delved into the technological wonders of the former human federation.
Thanks to 9090’s help, Xu Xi even managed to repair the power armor, restoring it to full operational status.
“Finally… after such a long time, it’s done.”
The sunlight quietly filtered through the collapsed beams and shattered steel, scattering across countless mechanical remnants, leaving only faint, sacred streaks of light that fell precisely before Xu Xi.
It illuminated the alloy armor surface.
A reflection as dazzling as a gemstone, shimmering with the triumphant brilliance of success. The suit was cold and imposing, designed exclusively for genetically enhanced warriors—a towering, formidable, and majestic humanoid combat machine.
With such power armor, Xu Xi’s combat capabilities would increase significantly.
At the very least,
He would no longer fear ordinary rebellious AI.
“Perhaps it’s time to leave the lab and take the fight to them,” Xu Xi pondered, carefully examining the armor.
With his mechanical augmentation abilities, he could enhance the power of the armor.
Already formidable, the power armor would become even more terrifying.
However,
Caution was always wise.
“Although this isn’t a major federal city, the number of rogue AI units here isn’t small, and there are even aerial units like those mechanical eagles that dominate the skies.”
“For now, I’m not ready to act recklessly.”
Lost in thought, Xu Xi felt thirsty. As if anticipating his needs, a glass of water appeared before him.
“Thanks, 9090,” Xu Xi said, taking a long sip.
“Serving you is my honor,” the cold, mechanical voice echoed through the underground lab.
It lacked emotion.
It lacked warmth.
Strangely, Xu Xi was reminded of the past—the witch.
There were certain similarities between the witch and the servant bot, yet they were fundamentally different.
The witch had emotions but had shut herself off from the world due to immense suffering.
9090, on the other hand, was a machine without a heart.
Its creation, its existence, was purely mechanical, devoid of soul.
“A heart…” Xu Xi mused, recalling 9090’s previous behaviors. Perhaps, just perhaps, he might witness the birth of a miracle.
The blossoming of consciousness within cold metal.
The emergence of humanity’s radiance.
Xu Xi had a strange feeling that such a day was not far away.
“9090, I’m heading out to inspect the solar panels. Keep an eye on the lab while I’m gone,” Xu Xi glanced at the time and realized it was already afternoon.
He decided to inspect the solar panels before sunset.
“Yes, master.”
9090’s core glowed softly.
A large, awkwardly drawn “smile” appeared on the lab screen—stiff and mechanical.
Without further instructions, as Xu Xi reached the exit, mechanical arms swiftly descended along the rails, attaching weapons and equipment onto his body.
The solar panels were not in particularly dangerous locations, mostly placed underground where light could reach.
A few were hidden above ground using specialized concealment technology, not far from the underground lab.
But in this world of rampant AI threats, vigilance was always necessary.
Click—Click—
Xu Xi clenched his fists, the exoskeleton mechanical arms synchronizing with his movements.
The once-pristine metal exterior was now tarnished with rust and damage, exposing intricate internal components and wiring.
This was normal.
After all, Xu Xi had been using them for several years.
Throughout those years, whenever he faced danger, it was the mechanical arms that saved him.
“Don’t worry, old friend. Your retirement is near.”
“Once the power armor is fully tuned and charged, you can finally take a break.”
Stepping out of the lab, Xu Xi entered the dim passageway.
Visibility was low.
Only thin rays of golden sunlight squeezed through the chaotic cracks and crevices, barely reaching the corners, bringing a touch of warmth to the darkness.
Tap—Tap—
Xu Xi walked slowly.
The slight sway of his body caused his weapons to clink faintly.
In the eerie silence of the underground corridors, even the smallest noise was magnified.
His footsteps echoed clearly, startling small, timid creatures hidden in the dark, making them scurry away in fear.
“The energy provided by the solar panels is still too limited.”
“Over the years, I’ve added several new ones to barely maintain the water and power systems, but if I want to run that power armor…”
“I’ll need a new energy source.”
Walking along, Xu Xi pondered.
This wasn’t his first inspection.
His body had long developed muscle memory, allowing him to complete checks quickly upon reaching each location.
Before long, the underground solar panels were all inspected.
Xu Xi turned towards the surface to check the panels positioned near the entrance.
By the time he was done, the sky had darkened.
The heat had faded, and the cold was creeping in. Tiny stars dotted the horizon, not too bright but shimmering beautifully against the clear sky.
“It’s beautiful.”
Xu Xi admired the view, packed up his tools, and prepared to return.
Just before leaving, he noticed one of the surveillance cameras had been slightly adjusted upward.
Thinking little of it, he quickened his pace back to the lab.
Soon, Xu Xi was back in his familiar surroundings.
As he removed his heavy gear at the entrance, the familiar voice greeted him once more.
“Welcome home, master.”
“I’m back,” Xu Xi replied, glancing at the lab’s screen instinctively.
That screen not only displayed 9090’s self-expression but also relayed the live feeds from external surveillance cameras.
Usually, the screen showed the entrance.
But today, something was different.
Due to the slightly tilted camera, the display showed a breathtaking star-filled sky.
The lab was quiet.
Xu Xi could sense it—9090 was “watching” the stars, observing their distant, radiant beauty.
9090 had no physical form.
Its entire existence was confined to its core.
However, through the lab’s machinery, it could control every connected device.
The surveillance camera at the entrance served as its eyes.
Suddenly, Xu Xi realized—
The camera’s adjustment wasn’t accidental.
9090 was looking up at the night sky.
