Chapter 204:

A name was the origin of emotion.

Once something had a name, it was no longer just a disposable tool.

Every call, every repetition, and the habit that forms over time quietly carves out a place for that name in the heart.

Xu Xi could not read the thoughts of machines.

He did not know what Ailei truly felt about being given a name.

But he assumed Ailei liked it.

Since being named, Ailei had become increasingly human-like, expressing more emotions through its small pixelated smiley faces.

On its slightly worn-out screen, tiny pixel squares arranged themselves into a crude but noticeable smile.

It was a peculiar feeling—like the gentle touch of winter sunlight warming cold fingertips.

Even though Ailei had no beating heart, no ability to embrace like a human,

Through that screen, Xu Xi could sense something akin to a soul smiling back at him.

“Ailei, disengage the weapon system restrictions.”

“Acknowledged. Weapon systems fully disengaged. Energy circuits are stable. External visuals are synchronized.”

“Ailei, report remaining energy levels.”

“Energy reserves at 100%.”

Several more days passed, and Xu Xi’s long-anticipated power armor was finally ready, fully charged to 100%.

The metallic frame gleamed, gears interlocked seamlessly.

Levers pushed and pulled with precision, fitting together with remarkable engineering.

The gray exosuit boasted broad, sturdy shoulders, its composite materials offering impressive defensive capabilities. Various weapon systems were folded neatly at the sides and back.

Xu Xi examined the power armor with satisfaction.

The concept of power armor was simple.

Faster speed.

Greater strength.

Stronger defense.

And superior firepower.

All of it designed to enhance a soldier’s combat effectiveness.

Xu Xi knew that relying on a single suit of armor wouldn’t be enough to defeat the AI horde.

But it would significantly boost his combat power.

“Ailei, suit me up.”

“Yes, master.”

At Xu Xi’s command, Ailei activated the robotic arms, systematically equipping him with the armor, starting from the limbs.

Torque spun, components locked into place.

One by one, the parts fit together perfectly.

[Weapon module loaded. Primary and secondary weapons fully charged.]

[Anti-gravity module loaded. Jetpack precharged to 50%.]

[Visual module loaded. Real-time map generated.]

[Radar module loaded. Automatic scanning enabled.]

Ailei’s cold mechanical voice echoed through the helmet’s comm system.

This time, it wasn’t coming from the lab’s speakers but directly from inside the power armor.

At Xu Xi’s request, Ailei had been integrated into the armor to assist with combat operations.

The suit’s numerous functions would be difficult to manage alone.

With AI support, Xu Xi could fight more efficiently.

“Master, the armor is fully equipped. The lab’s main doors are open. You may depart at any time.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Xu Xi took a step forward.

The heavy alloy boots struck the ground with a deep thud, sending dust swirling.

The noise was loud.

Xu Xi adjusted his stride.

This time, the sound was noticeably quieter.

He quickened his pace.

Power surged through the armor.

Emerging from the underground lab, Xu Xi once again faced the desolate surface world.

The endless wind and sand.

The ruins stretching as far as the eye could see.

Nothing had changed since his first day here.

Whoosh—

Whoosh—

The strong winds howled, hurling dust against the armor.

Before, this wind would sting his face.

But now, encased in power armor, Xu Xi barely felt it.

“This armor is amazing.”

[Ding—]

[Your praise has pleased the power armor. It has become more attuned to you.]

[All attributes increased by 1%. Power, speed, and durability have improved.]

[You vaguely comprehend the armor’s structural blueprint.]

…

Xu Xi pressed forward.

Clad in power armor, he strode through the ruined city without concern, crushing jagged debris beneath his feet.

He had carefully planned this expedition.

His goals were clear—

Find a new energy source.

Discover new technology.

The power armor was excellent, but its energy consumption was excessive—far beyond what the lab’s solar panels could sustain.

Finding a better energy source was a priority.

New technology would also provide valuable knowledge and insights.

“Ailei, what do you think of the outside world?”

As they moved, Xu Xi struck up a conversation.

“It feels… strange,” Ailei replied, her synthetic voice carrying a hint of confusion. A small puzzled expression appeared on Xu Xi’s helmet display.

“According to the Federation’s latest report on the Sixth Satellite City, there should be vast green landscapes. But I see none.”

Ailei knew of the AI rebellion but had never seen its consequences firsthand.

Before today, its understanding of the world had come solely from lab records and Xu Xi’s descriptions.

Today’s journey was its first real experience.

Xu Xi chuckled. “Reality rarely matches the data, Ailei. You need to learn to see the world for yourself.”

“I will, master.”

The pixelated expression shifted to one of determination.

Through the swirling dust, Xu Xi marched onward in the power armor.

From time to time, the curious AI asked questions.

“Master, do you ever feel lonely?”

“Why do you ask?”

“According to biological studies, humans are social creatures. They cannot live without companionship. Their value comes from being part of a community.”

Xu Xi laughed. “I’m doing fine. I have no complaints about my life.”

“So, you don’t feel lonely?”

“Hmm… not really. After all, I have you.”

As they conversed, Xu Xi maneuvered the armor through several ruins, finally arriving at an industrial district on the other side.

Like his lab, this place was once dedicated to developing advanced Federation technology.

Several high-tech companies stood in the distance.

“Theo Security, Mercury Technologies, Saiqing Energy…”

Xu Xi’s gaze settled on the energy company’s towering building.