Chapter 238 – Soft rice is suspected to be too flavorful

Sailing to the sea of stars.

Exploring Civilization.

Searching for the truth.

These are the three milestones set by the Hsu Department.

However, the vast cosmic scale makes the Hsu system’s plans just unfolding with insurmountable difficulties.

[Distance].

In the endless river of brilliant stars, even light cannot travel freely through it.

Light years and hundreds of light years at every turn is the norm in this cold deep space.

Rightfully so.

Solving the speed of the starships became the primary difficulty for the Xu system.

“The speed of the starships of the old Federation era, which could only be described as barely navigating the universe, has had a certain degree of uptick in performance after my remodeling.”

“But that boost, relative to the speed of light, remains insignificant.”

“What’s more–“

“In this vast universe, only FTL navigation technology can truly solve the navigation difficulties.”

The Xu system calculated silently.

At the current speed of the starship, if it wanted to reach its destination, it would take at least two hundred years to travel to the nearest ruins of civilization.

Yes, that’s right.

Through genetic modification and armament increase, the Xu system’s lifespan far exceeded that of normal people.

The first time a genetic potion was taken, the life expectancy limit of the Xu lineage was about 300 years.

On the second dose of the gene potion, this upper limit was extended to about 600 years.

In time to come, the evolved Super Ailee would inevitably be able to develop newer types of genetic potions that would continue to enhance the lifespan of the Xu lineage.

But a mortal body has limits after all.

Department Xu estimated that he would be extremely lucky to have a lifespan of two or three thousand years before the end of the simulation.

Sounds like a long life.

But after comparing the long distances of cosmic voyages.

It would seem insignificant.

For example, in the real world, the Milky Way galaxy, the diameter range of about 100,000 light years, the light have to run for 100,000 years, let alone the mortal body of the Xu system.

“And it’s a complete unknown whether you’ll live to the end of your life ……”

The Xu system closed its eyes in contemplation.

Every time he recalled the frightening Star Ocean Graveyard, he had a vague feeling in his mind that some invisible threat was approaching, slow and silent, but real.

If one belittles the enemy, the man behind the curtain who does not know his true nature.

Then.

In the end, it is only you who will suffer.

“I’m sure we still need to pick up speed, Ailee, are you ready?”

“Yes, at your service.”

“Create a program file, divided into three phases, sublight – light – FTL.”

“Yes, the program file was created successfully, and Ailee is at your service at all times.”

……

“The twenty-first year of the simulation, your fortieth year, and the nineteenth year of Ailee’s company.

[You are aware of the vastness of the universe, the strength of your enemies, and your own transience.]

After Ailee’s evolution, that vast arithmetic power has become your most important pillar, and you’ve decided to embark on an increase in the speed of your starship.

[It’s a tough job.]

[Although your goal is only to increase speed]

[But in the system of science and technology, everything is interconnected, and what you’re really dealing with is actually a problem that stems from a number of areas, such as materials, energy, precision, etc.]

[You begin to squeeze yourself more often to trigger the pleasure of the machine’s soul and to learn the direction of research and development.]

[Ding–]

[Ding–]

[Ding–]

[You’ve worked hard, communicated with Starfleet as a whole, and have been informed of some of the right technological developments.]

[Airey’s arithmetic power quickly digests these inspirations and completes the transformation of the results at an incredible rate of stacking]

[Somehow, in the process, you faintly hear the wail of a starship’s spirit.]

“Airey.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Have you felt that the starship’s life support system has become a bit unstable lately?”

“I apologize for interrupting your rest, I’ll fix it now.”

[Mechanical decay is incomparably slow, allowing for parts replacement even in the event of malfunction and necrosis.]

[The beautiful machine servant is still the exquisite look you remember, elegant and gentle, often smiling happily at you in a very pure way]

“At the same time, I’m concerned about your health.

[She’s taking your mention of starships very seriously.]

[On that afternoon, the Eco Starship and other starships were all back to normal.]

[You are overwhelmed with relief, and feel in your heart that your own machine servant is really very capable]

[“You’re too kind. It’s what I’m supposed to do.”]

[The machine servant speaks calmly, pouring hot tea for you once again, her gray-blue maid’s outfit is beautiful and striking, adding a bit of color to it]

……

“The 22nd year of the simulation, you’re 41 years old, and Alette’s been with you for 20 years.

[It’s been several years since you left the Federation planets, and you don’t find it boring, studying technology and acquiring knowledge day and night so that you rarely notice the passage of time.]

[You’re in what they call middle age.]

[But the genetic potion and the increase in your own mechanical strength have kept you from aging, and you’re still strong and healthy.]

[You’re happy with that.]

[At the same time, you feel that Ailee’s mushroom soup is having some effect, and for some reason, you often feel that you have an inexhaustible amount of strength.]

Twenty-fifth year of simulation, you’re 44 years old, 23rd year of Ailee’s company.

[Thanks to Airey’s terrifying arithmetic power, the scientific research process that should have taken decades or centuries has come to fruition this year]

[Elle shared with you the conceptual blueprint for the pilot sublight engine]

“Woo-!!!”

The engines roared and rumbled and shook.

Inside the empty and secluded space proving ground.

Huge gray and black engines, set up on rocky planets, were fixed to rush out at the highest frequency, in the most raging attitude, testing that limit out.

Eventually.

Due to the high level of overheating, the massive engine exploded in place, becoming a tiny bit of blinding light in a dark universe.

“I apologize for failing you, Master.”

“No, Ailee, you’ve done well enough.”

The Xu system’s palms trembled with excitement as they rubbed the top of Ailee’s head, soothing the apologetic machine spirit.

This time a soft meal.

Suspiciously a little too flavorful.

[Ding–]

[Machine Soul Pleasure, due to your affirmation, Ailee’s arithmetic efficiency has increased by 101 TP3T]

[Loyal servant apologizes, says current starship engines are barely capable of a tenth of light speed.]

[You’re satisfied with that.]

[With one-tenth the speed of light, can one-half the speed of light be far behind?]

[You, who are aware of the relevant knowledge, know how counter-intuitive the speed of Ailee’s research is, and you smile to calm Ailee down so she doesn’t have to rush]

[Ailee nods, indicating that she heard you]

[Ding–]

[As a result of your encouragement, the machine spirit is in a state of struggle, and Ailee’s arithmetic efficiency has increased by 501 TP3T]

Twenty-sixth year of simulation, you’re 45, 24th year with Ailee.

“Airey has developed a quarter-light engine.

The 27th year of the simulation, you’re 46 years old, and Alette’s been with you for 25 years.

[Ailee apologizes again, the standard for sublight engines is 90% light speed, but she still hasn’t developed it yet]

[Elle shared with you an ion engine that travels a third of the speed of light]

Hsu Department: Huh?