MTLNOVEL Chapter 241:
Chapter 241: The Illusory Summer:
“What exactly am I missing?”
The vast sea of stars swayed, silver radiance rippling through the cosmos.
After completing the exploration of Civilization 02, the interstellar fleet set sail once more, heading toward the unknown depths where even more remnants of civilizations awaited.
Xu Xi stood on the deck of the starship, shielded by the protective energy crystal wall, gazing safely into the layered light and darkness at the horizon—a beauty unique to the universe.
“Master, what troubles you?”
Ailei approached from behind with elegant steps.
Her attire remained pristine—a white dress with a deep black waist cinch. The hem of her skirt swayed gently, creating silent ripples of gray and white. Her features were delicate yet carried an unmistakable coldness, and her silver-blue eyes blinked slightly as she looked at Xu Xi with curiosity.
Xu Xi replied, “It’s nothing, Ailei. I’m just thinking… Based on what we know so far, civilizations inevitably face destruction once they reach a certain level of development.”
“And now—”
He paused briefly, turning to meet Ailei’s gaze.
Her silver-white metal exterior wrapped around deep blue mechanical eyes, resembling the layered glow of deep-sea lights, silently awaiting his response.
“Our technological level has already surpassed that of the former Federation.”
“Be it energy, materials, or other fields, we are far superior to the Federation in every way.”
“Yet, we haven’t been attacked by any enemies.”
Xu Xi shook his head.
This was, in itself, a good thing.
However, the uncertainty unsettled him.
He couldn’t believe that the mysterious force behind the destruction of civilizations would simply overlook his fleet.
There had to be a crucial factor—something he had yet to figure out.
“Please rest assured, Ailei will always protect you.”
Ailei sensed his concern and spoke in a caring voice.
At the same time, she unexpectedly produced a bowl of hot soup and handed it to the slightly startled Xu Xi.
“Master, you’ve been overexerting your mind lately. You need proper nutrition.”
“Following your advice, I’ve modified the soup formula.”
“I… I see,” Xu Xi hesitated as he accepted the bowl.
[After exploring Civilization 02 and through prolonged mechanical resonance, you have gained a wealth of new knowledge.]
[You have benefited greatly.]
[Knowledge +1 every day.]
[Reflecting on the past, you realize that both the Human Federation and Civilization 02 met their end due to their level of development. Any civilization capable of reaching the stars is destined to face unknown attacks.]
[One known method of attack is the red signals that trigger intelligent machine rebellions, but other unknown methods exist.]
[You can’t understand why your fleet has remained unharmed thus far.]
[Is it possible the enemy has overlooked you?]
[You ponder deeply, unwilling to leave your and Ailei’s safety in the hands of an unseen force.]
[You must continue developing technology, exploring the unknown cosmos to uncover the true reason.]
[You drank the new vitality soup prepared by Ailei.]
[The taste is mild, and you enjoy it, smiling as you praise Ailei. She smiles in return.]
[“As long as you like it,” Ailei says.]
…
[In the 38th year of simulation, you are 57 years old. Ailei has been with you for 36 years.]
[You still haven’t figured out why your fleet remains untouched by cosmic malice.]
[Despite your efforts, you remain perplexed.]
[That year, your fleet ventured deeper into the cosmic expanse.]
[Your goal was to reach the next ruined civilization and continue absorbing ancient knowledge.]
[In the 39th year of simulation, you are 58 years old. Ailei has been with you for 37 years.]
[You become deeply engrossed in the study of biomass computers, unable to extricate yourself.]
[With breakthroughs in biological fields, Ailei’s body undergoes an upgrade—now she exhibits more human-like characteristics, capable of simulating various natural human traits.]
[Ailei appears very happy.]
[Seeing her joy, you smile as well.]
The summer was tranquil, with the sun blazing overhead.
Inside the ecological starship, the climate system simulated the feeling of a sweltering summer, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Leaves rustled in the artificial breeze, colliding against each other to form undulating green waves that whispered softly.
Standing under the shade of a large tree, Xu Xi adjusted the final parameters of Ailei’s new body with his hands infused with mechanical resonance.
“All done, Ailei.”
“Thank you, Master.”
As Xu Xi stepped back, Ailei opened her silver-blue eyes, curiously lowering her gaze to her body.
“It’s warm… soft… springy…”
Her voice carried a hint of confusion.
Her fair fingers lightly pressed against her arm, feeling the elasticity and the synchronized data transmitted to her processor.
“Hmm…” Ailei let out a long, soft sound, a hint of perplexity in her tone. This was a sensation she had never experienced before.
She could now feel hot and cold.
Even though it was merely a simulated sensation transmitted to her central processor, not the true nerves of organic life…
But this was enough.
In the scorching heat, her fingers danced lightly through the air, bending and stretching with graceful fluidity.
She held her hands up to the artificial “sun,” observing the skin simulation and the slight burning sensation it created.
A shadow, tangible and thick, was cast upon her face.
The delicate, overly perfect features were bathed in a unique interplay of light and shadow—half bright, half dark.
“Do you like it, Ailei?” Xu Xi asked as he sat down on a nearby chair, watching Ailei’s fascination with her new form.
“…I like it,” she replied blankly.
She stopped examining her fingers and instead turned to look at Xu Xi.
To his slight surprise, Ailei suddenly ran over, crouching down before him.
With an earnest and serious expression, she carefully cupped one of his hands in both of hers.
Merging.
Pressing.
Holding still.
Time seemed to freeze.
Ailei maintained the position, motionless.
After a while, she finally looked up, her silver-blue eyes brimming with countless ripples despite their outward calmness, gazing intently at Xu Xi’s face.
Gradually, the coldness faded from her expression, replaced by a subtle yet genuine smile.
“Master’s hand… it’s even warmer now.”
“Ailei likes it very much.”
“Is that so? I’ll take that as a compliment,” Xu Xi chuckled helplessly. As his laughter subsided, his expression softened.
Without thinking, he reached out his hand and gently patted Ailei’s head.
Ruffling.
Smoothing.
“Ailei, you’ve grown again.”
In the illusory summer, the rustling of leaves blurred his voice.
It was filled with joy and encouragement for Ailei’s growth.
He believed that one day, the vague sense of humanity within her would break free from the cold shackles of metal and experience real emotions.
Until then, Xu Xi would do his best to help her…
To watch her grow.
To see her step into the future.
“By the way, Ailei, can you let go of my hand now?”
“Denied. Ailei is executing the master’s command—experiencing the new changes in her body.”
The restless summer air seemed to make Ailei just as persistent.