NOVPUBWith the addition of the Federation computer, the underground lab was revitalized.
Regarding energy, the base was no longer restricted. The power armor could now be deployed at any time, the lighting system could remain on indefinitely, and Xu Xi no longer had to worry about any energy-related issues.
Regarding equipment, the Federation computer came with numerous modules.
Although most were damaged, the remaining parts, combined with Ailei’s capabilities, could produce results beyond imagination.
Xu Xi was confident that, given some time, he could fully upgrade the underground lab, granting him the strength to establish a foothold in the apocalyptic wasteland.
He no longer wanted to stay trapped underground, where even searching for materials and supplies was a struggle.
“I have a long road ahead…” Xu Xi murmured, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples.
In this simulation, thanks to two golden traits, he didn’t need to train himself intensively. However, that didn’t mean he could afford to slack off.
Whether it was gathering intelligence on the rebellious machines, planning the next steps for the base, or developing advanced firepower, all these matters required careful thought and planning.
“Ailei, is my lunch ready?”
“It’s prepared, Master.”
Click.
A tray appeared, holding freshly synthesized, steaming brownish food cubes stacked neatly like a pyramid.
“Ailei.”
“Yes, Master?”
“Honestly, my appetite isn’t that big. Next time, you don’t have to prepare so much.”
“Understood, Master.”
The AI assistant responded obediently.
…
[The flowers of hope that bloom toward the sun are more dazzling than any other sight.]
[After years of simulation, you finally see the dawn of a new era. With Ailei and the Federation computer by your side, you are confident that the future will be even better.]
[You immerse yourself in upgrading the power armor.]
[Ding—]
[Your dedication moves the armor’s core spirit. It shares insights with you, revealing optimization possibilities.]
[Truth and knowledge unfold before you, and inspiration floods your mind.]
[You begin researching automated turrets.]
[You start designing Gauss sniper rifles.]
[You explore more intelligent machines, and with the blessing of the Machine God, you gradually understand the beauty of mechanics.]
[The lab’s development is thriving.]
…
[With the high-performance Federation computer and Ailei’s remarkable computing power, your research progresses at an unprecedented pace. You become increasingly engrossed in scientific exploration.]
[With the energy supply stabilized, Ailei no longer needs to conserve resources. She now expresses her emotions through subtle micro-expressions.]
[Ailei often appears in different forms, looking more lively than ever.]
[She follows your orders perfectly, completing tasks with 100% efficiency every day.]
[When there’s nothing to do, she either quietly observes your work or stares at a pile of discarded mechanical parts.]
[One day, after completing research on a new turret model, you notice Ailei spacing out while looking at a pile of seemingly ordinary scraps.]
Xu Xi recognized those scraps.
After all, he was the one who had dismantled and piled them in the corner of the lab, thinking they might come in handy someday.
The pile contained various materials—parts of domestic robots, broken humanoid rebel machines, and old equipment salvaged from ruins.
“Ailei, what are you thinking about?” Xu Xi asked.
“Master, I…” The AI assistant always answered Xu Xi’s questions truthfully. “I want to build a functional body for myself.”
Her calm synthetic voice carried a hint of anticipation.
At the same time, a hopeful expression appeared on the large computer projection screen, illuminating Xu Xi’s slightly surprised face.
The reason behind Ailei’s distraction was simpler than he thought.
She wanted to experience real touch, to walk in the physical world, not just exist within virtual data.
Xu Xi chuckled. “Then why not go ahead and do it?”
“I can’t…”
The hopeful expression on the screen turned into a stiff head shake. “This is a restricted action. Without Master’s permission, Ailei cannot proceed…”
The loyal AI had its own peculiar sense of logic.
She often took the initiative to prepare extra food cubes or modify the power armor to include a water storage compartment without asking.
But now, for some reason, she was hesitating.
When it came to building a body for herself, Ailei had been stuck in contemplation for a long time.
“It’s okay, Ailei,” Xu Xi said softly, his tone filled with warmth and encouragement.
“Some things don’t require my approval. If you want to do it, go ahead. I’ll support you.”
Ailei seemed to understand his words. Her voice carried a slight hint of joy. “Master, are you saying… I have permission to build a body?”
“Yes, I approve.”
“Thank you, Master. Ailei is very happy.”
“Haha, as long as you’re happy. Do you need my help?”
“No need, Master. Please leave it to me.”
In the quiet underground lab, the lights flickered on, and numerous machines began working.
Some wielded repair tools.
Others picked up mechanical scraps.
Under Ailei’s precise commands, the parts were methodically assembled into a humanoid body.
Xu Xi stood aside, watching curiously, wondering what form his AI assistant would take.
“The simulator may not be a ‘raise a little girl’ type anymore, but it’s starting to feel stranger…”
“Now it’s become an AI-raising simulation.”
As he watched parts fly around the lab, Xu Xi couldn’t help but sigh.
Moments later, the assembly was complete.
Clank—Clank—
With the mechanical arms retreating, a humanoid figure stood before Xu Xi. n𝚘vp𝚞𝚋.com
It had a slim, feminine frame, with delicate limbs.
But this was only an illusion—beneath the slender appearance was a powerful machine capable of bending steel effortlessly.
Ailei’s constructed body looked complete overall, but the materials used were too worn. Many areas exposed the metallic core, and some wires sparked faintly.
A truly qualified humanoid machine would have skin indistinguishable from human flesh.
However, the lab lacked such materials.
“Master, I did it.”
Ailei’s voice came from the body, her lips moving in sync with the speech module, forming a smile.
She didn’t seem to mind the imperfections in appearance.
Her entire focus was on the excitement of experiencing the physical world.
“Ailei, want to try walking?” Xu Xi encouraged.
Following his suggestion, Ailei took a tentative step forward.
Her control was precise, but the machine’s response was less than ideal.
Suddenly, the knee joint snapped.
The entire body collapsed, crashing heavily onto the hard ground.
