3: First piece of the puzzle

“Oh, right, I almost forgot. It just occurred to me that there was a prompt saying I directly unlocked Level 3 authority. What’s that?”

“Oh, that? It’s nothing much, really. The World Tree Database core has five levels of authority in total, with Level 5 being the lowest and Level 1 the highest. Your level will increase as your mastery of the core improves, Host.”

“Level 5 authority only has a parsing function, which is like only being able to give a library a book title and then getting that book. Level 4 authority is like having a membership card; you can browse freely in the library but can’t take anything out. Level 3 is like being the librarian; you can look at whatever you want, take whatever you want, and even live there if you wish. Level 2 is like being the owner; all the data in the entire library is etched into your genes.”

“What about Level 1?”

“I don’t know. No relevant information can be found, only a brief description: ‘A gift for the transcendent.’ ”

“Uh, that’s like saying nothing at all. Not only did it not clarify anything, but it also raised more questions. Forget it, that’s too far off. I won’t think about it for now; I’ll focus on what’s in front of me.”

“Oh, right, that Imaginary Gate can summon characters? Can I summon an Ada Wong? Anyway, it can be explained by Biotechnica. Once I’m powerful, who would dare to mess with me?”

“Yes, you can. She will retain some memories. Her loyalty can basically be considered 100%, as long as you don’t ruin her good impression. You know what I mean, Host?”

“Understood, understood. I’m not some lecherous pig. Being lustful doesn’t mean I have to be crude or despicable. Xiao Jixiang, you’re already in my head, so you should know me. Let’s focus on serious matters first; women will only slow down my sword draw.”

Chen Hao was thinking about what technology would be most cost-effective for the free parsing when his gaze unconsciously fell on the computer screen. Suddenly, Chen Hao’s eyes lit up. He searched for a video, and that was it.

“Xiao Jixiang, I’ve made my choice. It’s decided; it’s Honkai Impact 2’s Super AI, Aila.”

“Oh ho~ I didn’t expect the Host to be quite cunning, actually thinking of parsing an AI.”

Chen Hao’s lips curled into a smile. “As expected of me.”

Although Honkai Impact 2 didn’t provide detailed explanations of Aila’s performance, considering that Anti-Entropy and Schicksal, with all their black technology, couldn’t create her, Aila, from at least 80,000 years ago, must be a prime example of technology relying entirely on archaeology.

Just like that embarrassing Firstborn of God, completely shameless.

Since the Marine from StarCraft can be fully parsed, there’s no reason Aila from Honkai Impact 2 can’t, as it’s logically consistent. As long as he can achieve fifty percent control over the network world, making money will no longer be an issue.

Of course, making money is only one aspect; the second is naturally for safety. As soon as he starts converting technological theories into reality, he will inevitably leave traces in this world. Before he has sufficient self-preservation capabilities, hiding himself is the most important thing. Given this, becoming a ghost on the internet is the optimal choice. Although there’s no good way to deal with official-level human searches, as long as clues can be eradicated in their infancy, he can conservatively hide for three to five years.

The last reason, of course, is that there is a need, or rather, a necessity. Since there’s a plan to build a private space station, he naturally needs an assistant who can help him manage it. Compared to humans, AI is more trustworthy.

As for why he didn’t choose Cortana or Jarvis, isn’t the answer obvious? As an old otaku, is this even a choice? It’s a single-choice question! Of course, it’s not that Cortana isn’t good-looking; it’s just that the Western style isn’t Chen Hao’s cup of tea.

“Major technologies capable of realizing the theoretical functions of this creation have been found. Existing technological data of human civilization has been excluded, the architecture has been optimized, technology adaptation is complete, and analysis is finished.”

[World Tree Database] Technical File # B-114514

Project Name: Autonomous General-Purpose Strategic Unit - Aila (Prototype)

Original Source: “Honkai Impact 2” General-Purpose Combat System

Danger Level: Beta (Thought-simulation AI requires special logic lock)

Technical Module Disassembly

1. Super-Quantum Chip

Technology Level: 4

Requires unlocking [Quantum Structure Effect] basic theory

2. Star Code

Technology Level: 2

3. Ternary Tristate Algorithm

Technology Level: 2

4. Neural Potential Model Deconstruction

Technology Level: 3

Requires unlocking [Consciousness Upload] basic theory

5. Artificial Neuron Crystal

Technology Level: 3

6. Room Temperature Superconducting Material

Technology Level: 3

.......

Unlock Condition: 850,000 credit points (Free this time)

Memory Synchronization: 460 days

“Can Aila’s main program be used with existing computer hardware levels?”

Chen Hao looked at the technology in the parsing list and thought, “Good heavens, this parsing is really complete. It looks like it includes all the technologies needed to maximize Aila’s capabilities. And it seems to be an upgraded version, a huge win. But there’s no foundation for it yet; the full version’s performance is too much. If possible, it would be best to get a lite version that’s sufficient for the early stages.”

“Yes, by using Star Code and Ternary Tristate Algorithm, some of Aila’s main functions can be realized on binary chips. However, limited by underlying technological constraints, even with the most advanced hardware on Earth, the overall computing power would be less than one-trillionth of the full version.”

“Project modified. Estimated synchronization time: 40 days.”

“Only one-trillionth, and even less?! So, rounded down, it’s practically zero, right?”

“But it should be enough for the short term… right? Xiao Jixiang, add it to the transfer list.”

“Added. Remaining time: 39 days, 23 hours.”

As Chen Hao watched the progress on the virtual light screen in his mind, he suddenly felt something awaken deep inside him, along with a surge of adrenaline.

“Oh, right, I forgot to tell the Host. Transfer can be understood as synchronizing the detailed knowledge of the parsed and matched technology with the Host’s memory. It cannot be read before synchronization is complete. It’s similar to copy-pasting; you can’t read the file during the pasting process. After training is complete, the relevant knowledge will directly merge with the Host’s memory. The merging process will force you into a deep sleep state. The merging time generally does not exceed 6 hours, so I personally suggest the Host confirm the operation before going to bed.”

“Oh? Direct merging, huh? That’s quite convenient. By the way, if I learn the relevant theories before synchronization is complete, I can speed it up, right?”

“Yes, you can! I didn’t expect the Host to be quite ambitious.”

Chen Hao felt a little proud, his lips curving upwards.

“Of course, I’m a proper rabbit. Only children make choices; I want it all, because I’m an adult.”

“Oh, right, seeing as the Host is so ambitious, the beginner’s gift package won’t be given out. It’ll be changed to a mission reward instead. If you complete it, the package can be upgraded. If you don’t, then no package for you. Does the Host want to accept it? It’ll be impressive if you can complete it~”

Chen Hao’s eyelids twitched, and he forcibly suppressed a national expletive. What did she mean? Not only was he not getting a beginner’s package, but he had to complete a mission to get it? What was the meaning of this? Others offer flowers to Buddha; you’re offering sacrificial items to Buddha? Even someone burning newspapers at a grave would have to kowtow to you.

His fists clenched. But what could he do? He was cornered. How could any young man resist those four words, ‘It’ll be impressive if you can complete it’? Chen Hao steeled his heart and asked through gritted teeth.

“What mission? Ah!”

“Build a small interstellar spaceship within four years.”

“You damn! Xiao Jixiang, you’re messing with me! Is that even possible? If you want to keep the beginner’s gift package for yourself, just say so, don’t make excuses!”

Chen Hao finally couldn’t hold back and blurted out a national expletive.

“Oh dear~ Don’t be angry, Host. I wouldn’t intentionally make things difficult for you. Please be understanding; it’s my first time on the job, after all. A high-quality Host like you is hard to come by. Besides, Host, just think about it. As long as the development strategy is correct, it’s still possible, isn’t it~”

Listening to the system’s explanation, Chen Hao calmed down. His feet left the ground… no, his brain cooled down, and his intelligence quickly regained the upper hand.

“Wait, if the development strategy is reasonable, it doesn’t seem impossible.”

“Setting aside everything else, having a super AI that can do whatever it wants in the current network world means it’ll be absolutely crushing in finance. Wall Street will be my wallet; if I need money, I’ll just take it directly.”

“With ample funds, new technological parsing can almost be seamlessly integrated, and I can even set up a super factory for production. As for the template, EVE’s Raitaru is not bad. Logically, it can produce everything from cannon shells to spaceships. Finding a factory to set up a miniature production line for experimental testing would be more than enough.”

“For the interstellar spaceship template, an EVE rookie frigate would be sufficient. It just needs some modification; I don’t have anywhere to get capsuleers. That ethical issue is a no-go. But making a fighter-jet-like control system should be much simpler than capsuleer technology, right?”

“I have to say, EVE is a great game. There’s so much useful technology that can be obtained for free, hehehe.”

“Great Xiao Jixiang, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have doubted you. What you said before really was a good idea.”

Chen Hao was brainstorming when the system suddenly interjected.

“It’s alright, I’m in a good mood, so I forgive you.”

Chen Hao was startled again, his cowlick standing on end.

“My little cookie, Xiao Jixiang, you can hear my thoughts?”

“Yes~ I live in your brain, so why wouldn’t I hear them?”

“Is that reasonable… Uh, it actually seems quite reasonable, huh? Never mind, never mind, that’s not important. Xiao Jixiang, bring on the mission!”

“Okay~ Here comes the mission~”

“Special Mission: Beacon of the Space Age”

“Completion Deadline: Four years”

“Completion Reward: Beginner’s Gift Package Pro-Plus-Max Collector’s Edition”

“Failure Penalty: One blank IOU, sign first, then fill in the blanks”

“Accept mission?”

Seeing the string of text after “Failure Penalty,” Chen Hao immediately realized one thing. This Xiao Jixiang was definitely a prankster. Aha should have a lot in common with her.

“Hahaha, Xiao Jixiang, just you wait. I’ll definitely complete the mission before I graduate from college. Don’t even think about a blank IOU.”

“Accept mission!”

“To the stars and sea, here I come!”

Xiao Jixiang’s internal monologue: “The birthday gift Grandpa gave me when I was three actually came in handy. I didn’t expect there to be some useful spare items in the backpack I casually brought along when I left. I knew the future belongs to hoarders! It seems I’ve gone from unlucky to lucky! Yay~ I’ll take the company’s new employee standard gift package and subsidy~”