"He said he once saw a beam of light, and it seemed to contain a goddess-like presence, which inspired him.
"He understood himself to be different from other robots. He began pondering what set him apart and started searching the manor for evidence of this uniqueness."
Yang Ming frowned slightly.
He seemed to envision:
In this sunlit, peaceful manor, an old robot dressed in a tailcoat walked along the edge of the lawn, contemplating, inspiration occasionally striking while sometimes emotions were obliterated by programming.
"He discovered those old objects in my basement, among which were basic network theory knowledge."
"The old robot began trying to understand those points of knowledge. Robot learning is different from ours; they can directly comprehend, build logic, and quickly assimilate information to complete the learning process.
"He read the courses I studied for over a decade to become a competent pirate.
"Then... he also found some of my notes, notes that spread dark thoughts... and he learned a lot."
In the midst of battle, Kolev couldn’t help but raise his hand to his forehead.
Yang Ming aimed his gun, quickly shooting, accurately taking down twelve approaching mechanical guards within two seconds.
Kolev muttered, "Why do I feel a bit guilty?"
"I’m partly responsible for this," Yang Ming said, "But after this incident, the Cas Federation is completely untenable."
"I know," Kolev said, "I never should have brought Mimili here."
"Then why did you come?"
"There are assets I’ve spent most of my life striving for here!"
Yang Ming shrugged, "That’s the consequence of greed; we should have greater aspirations."
"Like conquering the Milky Way?" Kolev grumbled, "Forget it, I’m just looking for a place to retire; if it weren’t for the substantial assets I have in Wind, today’s loss would give me a heart attack!"
Yang Ming squinted, smiling.
Mimili charged into a somewhat narrow basement corridor and encountered a large number of mechanical guards.
Yang Ming flipped over the railing, continuing to provide long-range fire support.
Kolev sniped at the scattered enemy troops from the back.
Yang Ming even sensed a hint of tacit understanding.
A few minutes later, the corridor was littered with mechanical guard parts. Mimili and Kolev simultaneously kicked open the underground armored door with its lock damaged, while Yang Ming sniped continuously approaching mechanical guards from behind.
The leader of the Intelligent Machines was inside the room.
Yang Ming scanned the basement briefly, ensuring there were no self-destruct devices or heavy firepower inside, ignoring the father-daughter duo.
Their issues could be resolved on their own.
Yang Ming continued to single-shot the supporting mechanical guards ahead.
"Boss, the opponents here really can’t stir your passion," Lyu said softly, "However, after resolving things here, you might need to support 026 over there. She’s encountered some trouble. Although the enemy lacks significant firepower, they’re very resolute in their defense."
Yang Ming replied, "Hmm, hide some covert tactics here in the Cas Federation. Once the network is restored, wipe out all traces Mimili and Kolev left here."
Lyu hesitated a moment, then said slowly, "Boss, I’d actually like to know what kind of logic this butler robot used, enabling those Intelligent Machines to begin awakening. It’s fascinating and could be used as a weapon."
"A weapon?" Yang Ming asked puzzled, "Do you intend to use this method against other powerful nations?"
"Some military units in certain countries have mechanized guards in their ranks, and many flagship fleets have mechanical guards serving as internal defense roles."
"To break through the enemy from within, mechanical guards are the best breakthrough point. If we can grasp the logic toolbox to turn them against their masters, it could be a strategic-level resource reserve."
"I told you this thing is unreliable."
Yang Ming shook his head, pondering briefly.
Just as he was about to enter the basement to tell Kolev and Mimili to spare lives, Mimili appeared at the basement doorway.
Her clothes bore a few more scratches, shoes stained, and in her left hand was the head of the old butler robot, with electrical sparks emitting from the wires below.
"Dad said to keep its True Son’s Brain," Mimili said, "It might be useful to you."
Yang Ming shrugged, chuckling, "The mechanical guards in the manor have started retreating. In a few minutes, a Stealth Boat will come to pick you up. Destroy all surveillance equipment before you leave, ensure everything is thoroughly destroyed."
Mimili said softly, "Although the encounter today made me feel a bit awkward, still... thank you."
"Mm-hmm," Yang Ming smiled, "It’s clear you’ve mastered what I’ve taught you. Alright, give me back my armor; I promised the Cas Federation to help them resolve the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis, as a cover to rescue you."
Mimili swiftly removed her arm and leg armor, and Kolev returned the chest armor and iron shorts.
Once Yang Ming was fully geared, the White Ghost made its reappearance.
He donned his flying pack, gestured to the two, demonstrated a brilliant flying maneuver, and charged towards the manor’s surface with his Light Sword in hand.
A faint red light flashed in Yang Ming’s eyes, while the sound of intense drumming echoed in his ears.
Mimili’s skills were outstanding, though she was limited by her human nature and ultimately had a standard combat power level.
A weaker version of Captain Griss?