Chapter 251: Please, Do Not Let Go of Me

"Just what exactly was it that triggered the strike from the Neutron War Star…"

Xu Xi pondered.

Was it because of the Mechanical Force?

The Mechanical Force was miraculous; in the vast Universe, Xu Xi had never seen a second instance of its existence.

Evidently, the Mechanical Force was a special ability exclusive to his traits.

With sufficient Mechanical Force and Materials, Xu Xi could single-handedly establish a complete production system in an instant. His threat level was indeed not low.

Or perhaps, was it due to Machine Spirit Pleasure?

Resonating with machine spirits and Intelligent Machines—that mysterious, profound communication ability was Xu Xi's primary method for developing technology.

"If it really is because of the machine spirits and Mechanical Force, then there's no way for me to evade the strikes from the Neutron War Star side regardless."

Xu Xi sighed.

Since the simulation began, the effects of his traits had been continuously active.

It wasn't something Xu Xi could simply discard just because he didn't want it.

Furthermore, what triggered the Neutron War Star's mechanism might not necessarily be those two traits; it could be something else he had overlooked.

"Let's continue forward, Ele."

"Understood, Master."

…

[You prepared for a long time, trying every possible way to evade the Neutron War Star, but unfortunately, your efforts were in vain]

[You still encountered a targeted strike from the Neutron War Star]

[You are utterly perplexed]

[Ultimately, you give up on thinking about it]

[You never believed you could easily evade the Neutron War Star's strikes anyway; your current situation is simply the same as before, seeking a chance of survival within the bleak span of centuries]

[You smile, not dwelling on it, and calmly accept this outcome]

[Once the starship fleet finishes its recovery, you return to the reconstructed Ecological Starship and resume your urgent scientific research, hoping to create a way to leave this cage within your limited time]

[Ele is your capable assistant, constantly aiding you at your side]

[Whenever you finish an experiment, you can always see a hot drink Ele prepared in advance at the first possible moment]

"Master, this cup of water has a trace amount of Sea Azure Grass added to it, which can effectively relieve your fatigue. However, please be careful, as it is currently a bit too hot."

"You can choose to let it sit for a while."

"Or I can blow on it to cool it down before you drink."

Ele's tone was very calm.

Her expression was meticulous, serious, and rigorous—a loyal posture of always considering her master, perfect to the point where no fault could be found.

Especially those silver-blue eyes, which held both the coldness of machinery and the loyalty of humanity.

Bending at the waist.

Holding a tray.

Dressed in a black-and-white maid dress, the Mech-Servant served a steaming cup of tea to Xu Xi after his experiment ended.

Xu Xi hesitated to speak—couldn't he choose to blow on it himself?

To this.

The loyal Mech-Servant replied as follows.

"You do not need to perform such trivial matters. Please leave it to Ele with confidence; Ele is very happy to serve you."

Very good, very loyal.

The Mech-Servant's voice was calm, always looking out for Xu Xi.

She firmly believed that all insignificant daily chores should be handled by her; in this way, she could prevent Xu Xi's energy from being wasted.

"Ele, I'll still do it myself."

Ultimately.

Xu Xi still declined the Mech-Servant's kindness.

In terms of processing speed, Ele was indeed superior; with just a slight deployment of her computing power, she could control countless Intelligent Machines to complete tasks.

But Xu Xi wasn't so tired that he needed Ele's help even for a cup of water.

[You are gratified by your Mech-Servant's concern]

[Sipping the hot drink, lying on the sofa, and watching the well-behaved and sensible Mech-Servant, you feel that the lonely space voyage has gained a touch of warm peace]

[The hot drink is delicious, and you praise the Mech-Servant's skill]

[For some reason, a complex emotion appears on the girl's face, both happiness and a sense of loss]

[You are confused]

…

[Simulation Year 275: You are 294 years old, and it is the 272nd year Ele has accompanied you]

[Another period of time has passed]

[The help of genetic potions and Mechanical Force has kept your appearance young, but your inner self has gradually begun to 'cool']

[It is not just the mental changes from the passage of time, but also an indescribable stiffness, like machinery rusting]

[You speculate that perhaps it is because the long hours of scientific experiments are too monotonous and repetitive; thus, you set aside some time to relieve your mental stress while accompanying Ele as she grows]

[Simulation Year 291: You are 310 years old, and it is the 288th year Ele has accompanied you]

[Your fleet encounters an ultra-large-scale swarm]

[The sheer number of them is a spectacle unlike anything you have ever seen]

[This is the first time you have seen Interstellar Zerg that truly live up to the name of a calamity; that vast, surging tide almost drowns the stars]

[The moment the swarm is discovered, the loyal Mech-Servant, concerned for you, sends an evacuation warning]

[Even knowing you have the ability to resurrect, Ele does not want to see you die]

[Your reaction is swift]

[To avoid unnecessary death and wasting resurrection counts, you decisively activate various defensive measures immediately after Ele's warning arrives, so fast that the Mech-Servant is momentarily dazed]

The Mechanized Calamity and the Zerg Calamity.

The former focuses on productivity, using mechanical self-replication to form an endless tide of metal.

The latter focuses on fertility; a mature Broodmother can spawn infinite eggs, from which lower-level hatching units are born, converging into an interstellar sea of insects.

When the two great calamities clashed head-on, the result was naturally tragic.

But in the end.

It was Ele who claimed victory.

With Xu Xi's Machine Spirit Pleasure and Machine Power Resonance traits constantly buffing their units, and with newly developed Force Field Weapons in hand, victory was practically inevitable.

However, facing this victory in hand and seeing the safe and sound Xu Xi.

The hollow heart cavity cast from metal began to vibrate unconsciously.

Ele clearly remembered that when the Federation Planet suffered an orbital strike, the heavily injured Xu Xi had decisively shot himself to avoid trouble.

That decisiveness, fearless of life and death.

Unknowingly, it seemed to be disappearing.

"…Master."

"What is it, Ele?"

"…I will always protect you."

"Haha, good, I believe in Ele."

After the war ended, Xu Xi stepped out of the defensive measures and smiled as he patted the top of Ele's head.

Ele lowered her head, her eyes fixed on the ground, quietly feeling that familiar warmth enter her frame through Xu Xi's palm.

It was very warm.

Like a winter sun, warm and rare.

"Master, could you please… not let go…"

After a moment of stroking, Xu Xi was about to pull his hand away when his wrist was actively held by the Mech-Servant.

She looked up, her eyes still calm, yet a silent emotion burst forth from her realistic face as she made a very rare request to Xu Xi.

"Of course I can."

Xu Xi's pupils widened slightly in surprise, then he smiled and agreed.

"…Thank you."

And so, Ele lightly held Xu Xi's wrist with both hands, letting that warm palm inject light into the cold machinery, leading her timid and lost Soul.