43: start

It was unclear how much time had passed. By the time Zhang Huaiyuan's brain—despite having undergone several enhancements—finally overloaded and succumbed to unconsciousness, the Warp Device, powered by the majority of the mining area's backup energy, had finally come to a halt.

"Current location... some unknown planet."

"Diameter 3900 kilometers..."

"Current temperature minus 68 degrees Celsius..."

"Oxygen content below 0.015 percent..."

"No obvious signs of life detected..."

"Preliminary assessment, not suitable for survival. Master, please keep your combat suit on."

"Asroth, can you determine the specific location?"

Awakening under the other party's repeated reminders, Zhang Huaiyuan injected a shot of "Advanced Cell Activation Agent" before he had the energy to look around.

This seemed to be a completely desolate asteroid.

The land and ice were full of craters, and there was no vegetation whatsoever. However, some areas had inexplicably huge deep pits, as if they had been swept by heavy firepower.

"Preliminary assessment: this location is in the buffer zone between the Star Dome Empire and the Free Star Alliance... I have not yet found relevant information regarding the specific situation, apologies, Master."

"It's fine."

A flash of astonishment crossed Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes. "The buffer zone between the Star Dome Empire and the Free Star Alliance" meant that this Warp Device had almost carried him across the better part of the Star Dome Empire.

"Have you detected any traces of Galaxy Beasts?"

"No relevant traces have been scanned within the scope of this planet."

"It seems we are safe for the time being."

Zhang Huaiyuan let out a slight sigh of relief and then remembered to ask: "Asroth, this time it was all thanks to you. Tell me, how did you manage to build this Warp Device while lacking the core technology?"

"In fact, this is not entirely my credit."

Asroth's voice carried a hint of respect: "You once taught me to learn to exercise subjective initiative, to expand upon your commands, and to distinguish what you need; only then can one become a qualified assistant. I am merely carrying out your orders."

"Stop flattering me, get to the point."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but laugh and scold. Since this guy invaded the mining area system and replaced its server terminal for him, its growth speed had been increasing day by day, almost changing every day, and in many aspects, it was already approaching a true intelligent lifeform.

"Understood... In fact, I found many abandoned Warp Devices in their warehouse, integrated the parts that could be used, and added a bit of my own understanding..."

"So it was completed a long time ago, right? Why didn't you tell me in advance?"

Zhang Huaiyuan keenly grasped the main point.

"Apologies Master, while learning, I read in a book that carbon-based lifeforms often prefer an emotion called 'surprise,' which causes their brains to secrete more dopamine."

"That only applies to some people. I need to know everything, understand? Do not let it happen again."

"Yes, Master."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded thoughtfully.

The knowledge obtained from that silver robot wreckage gave Asroth a growth speed and potential far exceeding ordinary intelligent lifeforms, but it also seemed to have caused some subtle changes that were hard to define as good or bad.

In layman's terms, it was becoming more like a human, and human hearts are prone to change.

Of course, at least for now, with the underlying algorithm restrictions, it was wholeheartedly loyal to him.

But who could guarantee whether it would develop other thoughts after continuous evolution in the future?

"It seems necessary to think of a permanent solution."

Zhang Huaiyuan actually had a vague idea in his mind.

His supernatural abilities had been expanding his brain capacity and mental strength exponentially as his level increased. It was estimated that once he reached A-rank or even S-rank, he would far exceed the average large-scale supercomputer.

As long as his brain could withstand it, after some kind of modification, making it the terminal for all intelligent lifeforms would mean he would never have to worry about the problem of betrayal again.

"But this is not urgent... The most important thing right now is to have self-preservation capabilities, and this uninhabited planet is just right."

After a moment of thought, Zhang Huaiyuan had a plan in his mind.

"Asroth, how many resources do we currently have?"

"Master, due to the limited space in the storage device, we currently only have a total of 202 tons of conventional general-purpose alloys, 88 tons of energy-type minerals such as Star Stone crystals, three sets of various workbenches, 213 auxiliary mechanical arms, and 120 ordinary combat mechs..."

"Very good, enough for us to establish an initial base."

Zhang Huaiyuan felt a slight joy in his heart and immediately ordered: "Find a suitable location, put down the workbenches, we need to start working immediately."

"As you wish, Master."

Three suitcases, similar to the ones Zhang Huaiyuan used to store his modification shop equipment, unfolded on the ground, forming three complete facilities.

He stepped forward and began to establish a file model.

"Target: engineering robot."

"Requirements: Construction, maintenance, cleaning, collection, and the ability to change the environment to a certain extent (such as drilling, paving, etc.)."

"Additional unit: Primary intelligent algorithm."

"External design: Equipped with kinetic mechanical arms that can easily lift heavy objects, nano-repair devices, high-power drills, pulse fusion guns..."

"Implanted conventional knowledge: Civil engineering, star machinery maintenance..."

"Concept complete, starting to write the program."

Under Zhang Huaiyuan's control, the auxiliary mechanical arms began to carve and modify the refined alloys.

Soon, a big guy about 3.5 meters tall, with a grayish-black metallic luster all over its body, appeared on the workbench.

It was equipped with deformable tracks underneath, which could be freely transformed into mechanical power legs to adapt to different environmental terrains. The left hand was equipped with a huge tool box, which could switch between different auxiliary tools at any time.

As the chip activated, its eyes suddenly lit up with blue light, and a synthesized electronic voice sounded:

"engineering robot No. 1, awaiting your instructions."

"Clean up the nearby area and build a habitable residence."

"Order received, moving..."

It quickly drove over the nearby ground, crushing the uneven parts and ice layers, then compacted it, clearing out a flat surface. Then, its left arm switched to a large fusion gun, forging the alloy into the appropriate size and starting to pave it.

"Not bad. Asroth, start mass production according to the blueprints I input."

A smile appeared on Zhang Huaiyuan's face. After injecting himself with another "Advanced Cell Activation Agent," he began to set about constructing the next target.

"I must get the micro-detection satellites out as soon as possible, otherwise I won't know if enemies are approaching."

For a time, the sound of metal processing echoed on the desolate planet.

As if witnessing the origin of a myth.