noveldrama
Chapter 200:
Chapter 200:
The modification of the household AI began.
The first thing Xu Xi did was to rewrite the core logic of the AI.
The household autonomous robot was originally programmed to prioritize loyalty to the Federation’s laws, then to its manufacturer, and finally to its user.
In the post-apocalyptic wasteland, such logic was clearly no longer suitable.
Federation laws? Let those be damned!
Without hesitation, Xu Xi deleted the obsolete protocols and replaced them with his own new directives.
The underground lab was dim, the lighting weak.
The gears of the machine interlocked silently, rotating layer by layer, transmitting power deeper within.
The overhead incandescent light cast a soft, hazy glow, making it difficult to see clearly.
Xu Xi worked swiftly, his fingers dancing across the worn-out control panel with practiced ease. Utilizing the lab’s ancient equipment, he conducted a full-scale modification of the AI core.Occasionally, the glaring light strained his eyes, forcing him to stop and rub them.
“Since I have inspiration, I should complete the modification in one go,” he thought, resuming his adjustments after a brief rest.
With the help of [Machine Spirit’s Delight] and [Mechanical Resonance], his modification speed increased significantly.
After an unknown period, Xu Xi finally set down his tools, his eyes weary and his face exhausted, but he let out a relieved sigh.
He powered up the AI core, providing it with a basic energy supply.
Beep—
Beep—
The familiar startup self-check sounded.
But this time, the system diagnostics had undergone significant changes.
“Running startup diagnostics… Missing components detected, missing modules detected…”
“Protocol update complete, proceeding with confirmation.”
“First, the AI must obey Xu Xi.”
“Second, the AI must not harm Xu Xi.”
“Third, the AI must protect Xu Xi.”
“Fourth, the AI must…”
In the narrow and silent underground space, the AI core’s voice echoed, confirming each step of the newly defined logic.
Finally, the robotic voice completed its statement.
“Respected master, welcome to the intelligent assistant bot RTX-9090. Awaiting your orders at any time.”
The voice was cold, purely synthetic.
Though it wasn’t particularly pleasant, in the desolate wasteland, it felt surprisingly reassuring.
“9090, run self-diagnostics again, three cycles.”
“Yes, master.”
Following Xu Xi’s command, the AI core initiated its diagnostic routine, repeatedly checking itself.
Xu Xi waited patiently.
After multiple cycles, when RTX-9090 remained stable without any signs of rebellion, he finally felt relieved.
“With an assistant AI, I no longer need to handle every single task in the lab.”
“This will free up more time for meaningful pursuits.”
He looked at the silver-white machine core with satisfaction.
Glancing at the nearby power armor and various other lab equipment, a sense of accomplishment filled him, as if he were managing a survival game in a post-apocalyptic world.
“Hopefully, the future will be brighter.”
…
[You have taken a crucial step forward]
[You successfully resonated with the rebellious AI core, restoring it to normal and converting it into an assistant AI]
[To be cautious, you did not grant full control of the lab to 9090 at once, even though it appears extremely obedient]
[The falling leaves mark the arrival of autumn]
[You connected 9090’s core to the lab’s energy grid and granted it control over the solar panels to manage power storage]
[9090 followed your instructions meticulously and completed the task efficiently]
[One month later, you entrusted 9090 with additional responsibilities]
[It now oversees the automated production of water and food, delivering them to you on schedule, which you find satisfactory]
[Gradually, you placed more trust in 9090]
[Year four of simulation, you are now 23 years old]
[After a year of cooperation, RTX-9090 has become your reliable assistant, handling all routine maintenance in the lab]
[It assists you with technological research and provides high-efficiency data calculations]
[However, unexpected changes have begun to occur]
[Long-term exposure to Machine Spirit’s Delight seems to have caused subtle transformations in 9090]
[It displays more fluid, human-like behavior, as if developing emotions]
…
Xu Xi first noticed something unusual with 9090 during an ordinary sunset.
That day, he returned from an exploration mission, carrying an exoskeleton mechanical arm and his modified Gauss twin guns.
Upon his return, he heard 9090’s greeting.
“Welcome home, master.”
Previously, 9090 had always greeted him, but it had never used the word “home.”
Curious, Xu Xi asked why it had changed its greeting.
9090 replied honestly, “Master, I studied human knowledge and culture. After analyzing various greeting styles, I concluded that this phrase is more appropriate.”
Efficient learning and precise adaptation were common for intelligent AI.
But Xu Xi felt something different. Hidden within 9090’s cold, mechanical voice was a trace of warmth—something intangible, yet undeniable.
“Could it be… 9090 is truly awakening and developing self-awareness?”
Xu Xi pondered the possibility.
He wasn’t certain.
Even 9090 itself seemed unaware of any changes, continuing to obey orders and assisting him without question.
…
“9090, calculate the error margin for this data set.”
“Yes, master.”
“9090, increase the mechanical arm’s power output by 2%.”
“Yes, master.”
Day and night passed in cycles.
Whenever Xu Xi focused on his research, 9090 always provided the necessary support. It lacked hands or feet, but its core was linked to the lab’s entire system.
With a single command, the lab’s overhead rails delivered materials precisely where needed.
As more mechanical components were acquired, Xu Xi installed a surveillance system.
Through external cameras, 9090 could monitor threats in real-time and display live feeds on an old screen in the lab.
Sometimes, 9090 would even display vintage smiley face emojis on the screen to express joy.
These expressions usually appeared whenever Xu Xi returned to the lab.
“Welcome home, master.”
9090 greeted him with its usual phrase.