Chapter 251:

“What exactly triggered the Neutron Battle Star’s attack?”

Xu Xi pondered.

Was it because of mechanical force?

Mechanical force was indeed mysterious. Throughout the vast universe, Xu Xi had never encountered another instance of it. This unique ability seemed to be exclusively tied to his system.

With sufficient materials and mechanical force, he could single-handedly establish a complete production system in an instant, making him a significant threat.

Or perhaps it was due to the resonance of the machine soul?

The ability to resonate with machine souls and intelligent machinery was Xu Xi’s primary method of technological advancement—an enigmatic and profound form of communication.

“If it’s really because of the machine soul and mechanical force, then there’s no way I can avoid the Neutron Battle Star’s attacks,” Xu Xi sighed.

Ever since the simulation began, the system’s effects had been constantly in effect. It wasn’t something he could simply discard at will. Moreover, the trigger for the Neutron Battle Star might not just be these two abilities but also some overlooked factors.

“Let’s keep moving forward, Ailei.”

“Yes, Master.”

…

[You have prepared extensively, trying everything to evade the Neutron Battle Star, but unfortunately, your efforts were in vain.]

[You still encountered a targeted strike from the Neutron Battle Star.]

[Despite all your thoughts and analyses, you couldn’t figure it out.]

[Eventually, you chose to stop thinking about it.]

[You never truly believed you could easily evade the Neutron Battle Star. Your current situation is no different from before—searching for survival in the vast cosmos over hundreds of years.]

[You smiled, accepting the outcome without hesitation.]

[Once the fleet was rebuilt, you returned to the newly reconstructed eco-starship and resumed your urgent research, striving to find a way out of this cosmic prison within the limited time available.]

[Ailei remained your reliable assistant, always by your side.]

[Every time you finished an experiment, you would find Ailei waiting with a freshly prepared hot drink.]

“Master, I’ve added a trace amount of Blue Ocean Herb to this drink. It will effectively relieve your fatigue. However, please be careful—it is quite hot.”

“You can choose to let it sit for a while… or I can cool it down for you.”

Ailei’s tone was calm, her expression serious and meticulous. Her loyalty was unwavering, flawless in every aspect.

Her silver-blue eyes held a blend of mechanical coldness and human-like devotion.

She bowed slightly, holding a tray, dressed in a black-and-white maid outfit. Ailei presented the steaming cup of tea to Xu Xi after his experiment.

Xu Xi hesitated for a moment. Couldn’t he just cool it himself?

To this, the loyal machine servant responded, “You don’t need to concern yourself with such trivial matters, Master. Please leave it to Ailei. I am happy to serve you.”

So dedicated, so loyal.

Her voice remained steady, always considering Xu Xi’s well-being. She firmly believed that all insignificant tasks should be handled by her, ensuring Xu Xi’s energy wasn’t wasted.

“Ailei, I’d rather do it myself,” Xu Xi eventually refused her offer.

Indeed, Ailei was much faster and more efficient, capable of delegating tasks to countless machines through computational power alone. But Xu Xi wasn’t so exhausted that he needed help cooling a cup of tea.

[You were comforted by Ailei’s concern.]

[Sipping the hot drink, reclining on the sofa, and looking at the obedient and thoughtful Ailei, you felt a rare sense of warmth amid the lonely space voyage.]

[The drink tasted wonderful, and you praised Ailei’s skills.]

[For some reason, a complex emotion flashed across the girl’s face—both happiness and a hint of disappointment.]

[You couldn’t understand why.]

…

[Simulation Year 275: You are 294 years old, and Ailei has been with you for 272 years.]

[Another period of time has passed.]

[Thanks to genetic medicine and mechanical force, your appearance remains youthful, but inside, you have gradually begun to “cool.”]

[It’s not just the changes brought by time, but an indescribable rigidity, akin to the rusting of machinery.]

[You suspect it might be due to the prolonged, monotonous nature of scientific research, so you set aside some time to relieve mental pressure and accompany Ailei in her growth.]

[Simulation Year 291: You are 310 years old, and Ailei has been with you for 288 years.]

[Your fleet encountered an enormous swarm of interstellar insects.]

[The sheer number was beyond anything you had ever witnessed.]

[It was the first time you had seen a swarm truly worthy of being called a cosmic disaster—an overwhelming tide that seemed to engulf the stars.]

[The moment the swarm was detected, your loyal machine servant immediately sent you a warning to take refuge.]

[Even though she knew you had the ability to resurrect, Ailei still didn’t want to witness your death.]

[Your reaction was swift.]

[To avoid unnecessary deaths and wasting resurrection opportunities, you activated various defense measures right after receiving Ailei’s warning—so quickly that Ailei was momentarily stunned.]

The two great cosmic disasters—machine calamity and insect calamity—collided.

The former relied on production capabilities, replicating itself endlessly in a tide of metal destruction. The latter focused on reproduction, with mature insect queens capable of spawning countless offspring that formed a massive insect tide.

The clash was fierce and devastating.

In the end, Ailei secured victory.

[With the amplification provided by your machine soul resonance and mechanical force, combined with newly developed force field weapons, success was inevitable.]

[However, despite this victory, Ailei couldn’t ignore the tremor within her hollow metal chest.]

[She vividly remembered the time when a planetary strike from the Federation left you heavily injured, and to avoid further trouble, you decisively shot yourself to death.]

That fearless determination seemed to be fading away now.

“Master…”

“What is it, Ailei?”

“I… will always protect you.”

“Haha, alright, I believe you, Ailei.”

After the battle, Xu Xi emerged from the defense measures and patted Ailei’s head with a smile.

Ailei lowered her head, gazing at the ground as she silently absorbed the warmth from Xu Xi’s hand.

It was warm…

Like the blazing sun in winter—rare and comforting.

“Master, may I ask you… not to let go of me?”

Just as Xu Xi was about to withdraw his hand, Ailei gently held his wrist.

She lifted her head, her eyes as calm as ever, yet an unspoken emotion overflowed from her lifelike features.

For the first time, she made a personal request.

“Of course,” Xu Xi replied, slightly surprised but smiling in agreement.

“…Thank you.”

Ailei gently clasped his wrist with both hands, allowing the warmth of his palm to bring light to the cold machinery within her—a guiding light for her uncertain and hesitant soul.