MTLNOVEL Chapter 226:
Chapter 226: It’s Gold Dust, Ailei Sprinkled Gold Dust:
“So, the enemies are as numerous as the stars, huh…”
After reading the final record in the terminal, Xu Xi powered it off.
His reflection was clear on the dim screen, his eyes lowered as he muttered, “But if you look at it the other way around, the same applies.”
“The stars in the sky… they’re all enemies.”
Xu Xi lifted his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the visor of his powered armor, further cutting through the layers of concrete and steel to stare at the cold, dark cosmos above.
He had long suspected that the origin of the intelligent machine rebellion, the hidden truth behind it, was the malice of the universe itself.
In the past, when simply surviving in the wasteland was a challenge, he had no reason to dwell on such thoughts.
But things were different now. Before long, Xu Xi would grow strong enough to break free from the confines of the Federation’s planet and truly set foot in deep space.
At that time, his enemies would no longer be the rebel machines.
They would be the civilizations lurking in the vast cosmos… and perhaps the true mastermind behind the rebellion.
“Let’s go, Ailei. It’s time to head back and prepare dinner.”
“Yes, Master.”
Ailei sensed that Xu Xi was in a low mood, but she didn’t understand why.
Thus, the loyal maidbot presented him with food—not the usual ration cubes, but a soft, delicate dessert.
“…Ailei.”
“I’m here.”
“Where did you get this dessert from?”
“I created a special logistics robot for you,” Ailei said calmly, introducing her latest invention—a multipurpose logistics bot capable of keeping food warm, cooling drinks, baking, frying, stewing, and even grilling.
It was compact, extendable, and, in critical moments, could even serve as a physical shield.
Xu Xi gazed at the fully deployed logistics bot and fell into a long silence.
His mechanical maid had once again applied her talents… in peculiar ways.
“You don’t like it, Master?”
“…I like it very much.”
Hearing his praise, a bright smile appeared on Ailei’s face.
…
[Your visit to the underground base of the Virtual Network Corporation left you with many thoughts. You learned the final fate of the Federation’s humans and acquired a vast amount of virtual network technology.]
[You are not particularly interested in virtual worlds.]
[To you, each simulation is far more real than any so-called virtual game.]
[However, in the pursuit of collecting technology, you still recovered some virtual devices and used your mechanical resonance to understand their principles.]
[That night, Ailei prepared dinner for you. Thanks to her improved cooking skills, the meal was quite lavish.]
[When Ailei lifted the cover, a faint golden shimmer flickered.]
[It was gold dust. Ailei had sprinkled gold dust on the food.]
At the dinner table that night, Xu Xi stared at the dazzling, golden-tinged dishes, his mind filled with confusion.
After pondering for a moment, he asked, “Ailei, why… did you do this?”
Ailei blinked, looking puzzled.
“To match your cooking style.”
Her voice was so sincere and pure that Xu Xi was left speechless, feeling as if he’d brought this situation upon himself.
…
[Your loyal maidbot is determined to learn, and you are pleased, even if her efforts occasionally result in mistakes.]
[You gently advised Ailei not to sprinkle gold dust on food in the future.]
[Ailei listened carefully to your guidance.]
[After dinner, you discussed future plans with Ailei, informing her in advance that you might face other civilizations.]
[“Please don’t worry, Master. I will clear all obstacles for you.”]
[Ailei’s expression was serious. Dressed in her gray-blue maid outfit, she poured tea for you while speaking in her usual calm tone.]
[You smiled, pleased to hear such words, but you focused more on Ailei’s safety, telling her not to be reckless.]
[She took your words to heart, promising not to act impulsively.]
…
[Time flowed like water, smooth and silent.]
[You halted all offensive operations, dedicating yourself fully to mechanical resonance, absorbing the technological gains from the Southern Main Base City.]
[Ding—]
[The machine spirits are pleased. You successfully resonated with the electromagnetic railgun and established an intimate connection.]
[Ailei was slightly displeased.]
[Through your diligent efforts, you obtained the design blueprints of the railgun and various shell types.]
[Ding—]
[The machine spirits are pleased. You successfully resonated with the large-scale laser array and established a friendly bond.]
[Ailei was noticeably displeased.]
[Your relentless effort touched the laser array, granting you ground and starship-grade laser system designs.]
[Ding—]
[The machine spirits are overjoyed. Your tireless study of anti-gravity skimmers awakened their dormant souls.]
[Ailei was extremely displeased.]
[Good deeds are always rewarded. Your mechanical resonance secured high-precision schematics for anti-gravity skimmers, capable of forming dense formations strong enough to threaten starships.]
[Ding, Ding, Ding—]
[Engrossed in technological advancements, you eagerly absorbed knowledge. When you finally finished your work, Ailei brought you a plate of ration cubes.]
[Her silver-blue eyes were calm and unwavering as she gazed at you.]
“Ailei, could you cook a meal for me? It’s been a while since I’ve had your cooking, and I really miss it.”
“Yes, Master. I am delighted to serve you!”
[You defused an invisible crisis.]
[Upon hearing your request, Ailei felt needed once more, and with great joy, she began preparing your meal.]
[By now, Ailei’s cooking skills had improved considerably, but even an omnipotent AI sometimes found herself puzzled.]
[Why did your dishes always emit that mysterious golden glow?]
[Ailei couldn’t understand it and conducted repeated tests on your food.]
…
[Simulation Year 12: You are now 31 years old, and Ailei has been with you for a decade.]
[Two years have passed since the war at the Southern Main Base City. Your face has hardly changed, still brimming with youthful vigor.]
[Over the past two years, you have focused on advancing technology, launching slow but steady attacks on the Federation’s cities.]
[But now…]
[You have fully mastered the new technologies and produced even more powerful mechanical forces. Looking at the mechanical tide stretching as far as the eye can see, you realize the time has come for an all-out assault.]
[No more isolated offensives. It is time to unleash a full-scale machine apocalypse.]
[Your mechanical army shall conquer every inch of the Federation’s land.]
[Understanding the magnitude of this campaign, you remain in the southern command center under Ailei’s protection, remotely overseeing and directing the mechanical forces.]
[Ding—]
[The machine spirits are pleased. Your orders are transmitted through the signal network to all mechanical units. They are highly motivated, and their damage output increases by 200%.]
“A pity… my mechanical energy range is still limited. I can’t enhance all of them at once.”
“If I could, our army’s strength would double again.”