Sailing towards the Starry Sea.
Exploring civilizations.
Seeking the truth.
These are the three-stage goals set by Xu Xi.
However, the vast scale of the universe presents insurmountable challenges to Xu Xi’s plans right from the start.
【Distance】.
In the endless, dazzling galaxy, even light cannot travel freely.
Distances of several light-years, or even hundreds of light-years, are the norm in this cold, deep space.
Naturally.
Solving the speed of the starship becomes Xu Xi’s primary challenge.
“The speed of starships from the old Federation era was barely enough to navigate the universe. After my modifications, their performance has improved to some extent.”
“But that improvement is still insignificant compared to the speed of light.”
“Moreover—”
“Only superluminal navigation technology can truly solve the navigation challenges in this vast universe.”
Xu Xi silently calculates.
At the current speed of the starship, it would take at least two hundred years to reach the nearest civilization ruins.
Yes, that’s right.
Through genetic modification and mechanical force enhancement, Xu Xi’s lifespan far exceeds that of ordinary people.
After the first dose of genetic medicine, Xu Xi’s lifespan limit is about 300 years.
After the second dose, this limit is extended to around 600 years.
In the future, the evolved super Ailei will undoubtedly be able to develop newer genetic medicines to further extend Xu Xi’s lifespan.
But the mortal body has its limits.
Xu Xi estimates that, before the simulation ends, he might live for two to three thousand years, which would already be extremely fortunate.
It sounds like a long life.
But when compared to the vast distances of space travel.
It seems insignificant.
For example, the Milky Way in the real world has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years. Light itself would take 100,000 years to traverse it, let alone a mortal like Xu Xi.
“Moreover, whether I can live to a natural end is a complete unknown…”
Xu Xi closes his eyes in contemplation.
Every time he recalls the terrifying Starry Sea Graveyard, he feels an invisible threat approaching, slowly and silently, but undeniably real.
If he underestimates the enemy, underestimates the unseen mastermind behind it all.
Then.
In the end, he will be the one to suffer.
“Indeed, we need to increase speed. Ailei, are you ready?”
“Yes, I am at your command at all times.”
“Establish a plan archive, divided into three stages: sub-light speed—light speed—superluminal speed.”
“Yes, the plan archive has been successfully established. Ailei is always at your service.”
…
【Simulation Year 21, Age 40, Ailei’s 19th Year with You】
【You are deeply aware of the vastness of the universe, the strength of the enemy, and the brevity of your own existence】
【After Ailei’s evolution, her immense computational power becomes your most important pillar. You decide to focus on improving the speed of the starship】
【This is a difficult project】
【Although your goal is only to increase speed】
【In the system of technology, everything is interconnected. What you are truly facing are challenges in materials, energy, precision, and more】
【You begin to push yourself frequently, hoping to trigger the Mechanical Soul’s Joy and gain insights into the research direction】
【Ding—】
【Ding—】
【Ding—】
【Through hard work and effort, you communicate with the starship as a whole and gain some correct directions for technological development】
【Ailei’s computational power quickly digests these inspirations, achieving results at an incredible stacking speed】
【For some reason, during this process, you faintly hear the lament of the starship’s machine soul】
“Ailei.”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Do you feel like the starship’s life support system has become a bit unstable recently?”
“Sorry for disturbing your rest. I will go and fix it now.”
【The decay of machinery is extremely slow. Even if faults and failures occur, parts can be replaced】
【The beautiful mechanical servant remains the exquisite figure in your memory, elegant and gentle, often showing you a pure, happy smile】
【At the same time, the mechanical servant is very concerned about your health】
【She takes the starship issues you mentioned very seriously】
【That afternoon, the ecological starship and other starships are all restored to normal】
【You are immensely relieved, feeling that your mechanical servant is indeed very capable】
【”You flatter me, this is what I should do.”】
【The mechanical servant says calmly, pouring you another cup of hot tea. Her gray-blue maid outfit is bright and eye-catching, adding a touch of brilliance】
…
【Simulation Year 22, Age 41, Ailei’s 20th Year with You】
【Several years have passed since leaving the Federation planet. You do not feel bored, as day and night you delve into technology and knowledge, rarely noticing the passage of time】
【You are now in what ordinary people call middle age】
【But the genetic modifications and your own mechanical force enhancements have kept your appearance from aging. You are still strong and healthy】
【You are quite satisfied with this】
【At the same time, you feel that Ailei’s mushroom soup has had some effect. For some reason, you often feel like you have endless energy】
【Simulation Year 25, Age 44, Ailei’s 23rd Year with You】
【Thanks to Ailei’s terrifying computational power, what should have taken decades or even hundreds of years of research is completed this year】
【Ailei shares with you the conceptual blueprint of the prototype sub-light speed engine】
“Whoosh—!!”
The engine roars, rumbling and shaking.
In the quiet, remote space testing ground.
The massive gray-black engine, mounted on a rocky planet, is fixed to operate at its highest frequency, testing its maximum output in the most intense manner.
Finally.
Due to extreme overheating, the massive engine explodes on the spot, becoming a faint glimmer of light in the dark universe.
“Sorry, I have failed your expectations, Master.”
“No, Ailei, you’ve done very well.”
Xu Xi’s hand trembles slightly as he rubs Ailei’s head, comforting the apologetic machine soul.
This time, the “soft rice” seems a bit too fragrant.
【Ding—】
【Mechanical Soul’s Joy: Due to your affirmation, Ailei’s computational efficiency increases by 10%】
【The loyal mechanical servant apologizes, stating that the current starship engine output can only barely reach one-tenth the speed of light. Even if the engine condition is ignored, full-speed exploitation can only barely increase it by another 10%】
