Chapter 182: Mechanical Angel - Black Feather Spirit

Chapter 182: Mechanical Angel - Black Feather Spirit

"Mr. Xavier, you should be aware of our identities. We were summoned from the Abyssal Battlefield, so we must return when the time comes," Lu Heng directly revealed their identity, intending to put Xavier Matrix at ease and efficiently discuss the matters at hand.

The Sikes World was not unfamiliar with summoned extraterrestrial beings, and the Sikes people themselves could also be summoned.

Therefore, the concept of a summoned individual was not uncommon in the Sikes Civilization.

"I am aware of your unique arrival and departure methods," Xavier Matrix commented.

"Since our time is limited due to the impending departure, we hope to resolve some matters before we leave," Lu Heng began to get to the point.

"If I can be of assistance, I'm willing to help," Xavier Matrix said, having received help before.

"First, do you know Liorana Sexes?" Lu Heng asked.

Liorana Sexes had requested that Lu Heng bring Xavier Matrix to meet her, but Lu Heng had no intention of doing so.

Even if he wanted to, it would be a challenging task.

After all, if the Sikes military couldn't accomplish it, there was no point in taking such a risk.

Moreover, their current interaction with the mad scientist was amicable, and abruptly turning hostile would serve no purpose.

Upon hearing Liorana Sexes' name, Xavier Matrix fell silent for a moment before responding, "I know her, but to be precise, I knew her father, Lakrini Sexes."

Lu Heng raised an eyebrow, guessing the situation, but he listened as Xavier continued.

"Lakrini Sexes and I were both scientists researching mechanical life, but our research directions differed. About fifteen years ago, Lakrini and I discovered the existence of the Abyss and captured a demon for research..."

Xavier Matrix slowly narrated his story with Lakrini Sexes:

"Later, Lakrini believed that the Abyss would destroy our civilization and wanted to trace the origin of the Abyss, so he left the Queen Star Cluster.

"I, on the other hand, discovered a peculiar substance that significantly aided my research on mechanical life.

"So, we parted ways to pursue our separate research endeavors. I later heard that he had gone to an outer galaxy and lost contact with him.

"There were rumors that he had gone missing, and his daughter, Liorana, came to inquire about his whereabouts.

"After Lakrini and I parted ways, I never received any news from him, so I don't know where he is either.

"Subsequently, Liorana somehow obtained information that made her suspect I had deceived her father into going to the outer galaxy, which led to his disappearance.

"For a while after that, she regarded me as her enemy, and no amount of explanation could convince her otherwise.

"Later, due to my research project violating the Mechanical Life Act, I was wanted by the military and had to go into hiding.

"About a year ago, the authorities suddenly received a message from Lakrini, warning of an Abyssal invasion.

"I've heard that recording, and if your voice wasn't disguised, I believe it was you who sent it."

Lu Heng raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, when we first met, you invited me into your home as a guest because of this?"

Xavier Matrix admitted, "That's one of the reasons."

"And then?"

"Later, due to Lakrini's warning, Liorana was embraced by the Exodus Faction and elected as their new leader. She never forgot to search for me, and with Lakrini's passing, she became even more convinced that I was responsible for her father's disappearance." Xavier Matrix spoke with a hint of helplessness in his tone.

Lu Heng understood the situation and candidly said, "Liorana wants me to bring you to meet her. Of course, whether you want to see her or not is your choice. I'm merely delivering the message."

Xavier Matrix nodded, "Thank you, I'll consider it."

Lu Heng proceeded to ask about the second matter, "Additionally, regarding the demon experiments, the Sikes military found demon horns, claws, and other body parts in your underground laboratory, leading them to believe you were conducting illegal research."

Xavier Matrix frankly stated, "As a scientist, researching the composition of demons to understand the Abyss is necessary. I don't see any issues with such research."

Lu Heng continued, "So, have you conducted research on mechanical modifications of demons?"

Xavier Matrix shook his head, denying, "No. Demons are extremely volatile in behavior and character, making them unsuitable as thought vessels. If one were to modify a demon, the first step would be to remove their thinking organs."

Instead of undergoing physical modifications.”

Lu Heng could understand his reasoning, so after hearing his explanation, he could confirm that he had not engaged in mechanical demon research.

"Then, are you involved in the case in the Gas District? I saw a Psychic Enhancement Module there, which is not part of the current Sykes Civilization technology."

Xavier Matrix shook his head again: "This incident has nothing to do with me. I also watched the news, and as you suspected, I believe it was the work of demons.

"There must be someone in City 3 who is conducting demon-related research, or even taming demons.

"Regarding the Psychic Enhancement Module, I am indeed researching the field of psychic energy, but there are other scientists working on the same topic.

"If you want to find clues, I think it's most likely, it's a laboratory hired by the Descension Faction conducting this research."

The investigation had come full circle back to the Descension faction.

With his previous life's experience, Lu Heng knew that the Descension faction was problematic, but he was unsure if the incident in the Gas District was their doing.

Lu Heng thought for a moment and asked his final question: "One last thing, can I meet the mechanical angel in black armor I saw that day?"

Xavier Matrix remained silent for two seconds before answering: "I'm sorry, that's not possible."

Lu Heng frowned and pressed further: "Why not?"

Xavier Matrix considered for a moment before replying: "That's the Black Feather Spirit, and she has her own will."

Lu Heng became even more puzzled: "You mean, she doesn't want to see me?"

Xavier Matrix's silence was equivalent to a confirmation.

Lu Heng continued to press the issue: "Can I at least know how she is? Is she severely damaged?"

"You don't need to worry about that; she has already been repaired," Xavier Matrix replied calmly.

However, it was unclear whether this calm demeanor was an emotional response or just the normal state of a mechanical body.

Lu Heng was even more puzzled. The distress call from the Black Feather Spirit sounded very much like Yuan Yaoyao's voice.

When he first heard it, his immediate reaction was that she was calling for help.

But if it was Yuan Yaoyao, why didn't she want to see him?

Was Xavier Matrix hiding something?

Moreover, the Black Feather Spirit was a mechanical angel, could it really be Yuan Yaoyao?

The Black Feather Spirit was a mechanical angel that appeared in his previous life, and one of the strongest mechanical angels created by Xavier Matrix.

Was the Black Feather Spirit from his previous life the same as the one now?

This question had no answer.

Because mechanical angels, warships, spacecraft, and robots could inherit serial numbers.

A retired warship could have its name and serial number used by a new one.

Robots also followed similar naming conventions.

Mechanical angels could also inherit names and serial numbers.

If the current Black Feather Spirit really was Yuan Yaoyao, did it mean she had been transformed into a mechanical angel?

Given Xavier Matrix's reputation as a "mad scientist," this possibility existed.

Furthermore, Yuan Yaoyao's initial talents were "Metal Ion Restoration" and "Mechanical Heart."

Ethical considerations aside, these talents suited a mechanical enhancement path.

Additionally, another piece of information made Lu Heng suspicious.

The current Black Feather Spirit had the ability to repair its metal shell.

This repair capability could be achieved using the "Fluid Metal" skill, controlled by the computational core.

In his previous life, he had never seen the Black Feather Spirit use this repair ability.

If the Black Feather Spirit from his previous life lacked this ability, while the current one has it, then the "Fluid Metal" skill could be the answer to this mystery.

After much thought, Lu Heng asked again: "Are you sure I can't meet the Black Feather Spirit?"

Xavier Matrix admitted: "I've said it before, the Black Feather Spirit has an independent will, and I won't restrict her in any way."

Lu Heng's face darkened as he asked: "One last question, is the core of the Black Feather Spirit human?"

This was the crux of the matter, the answer that could resolve all his doubts.

Xavier Matrix fell silent and finally answered: "Yes."

Hearing this, Lu Heng's eyes narrowed.

If the Black Feather Spirit was indeed Yuan Yaoyao,

Then in this unfamiliar world, her father was not by her side.

And her father was Lu Heng's Tempering Assistant.

In this situation, Lu Heng could be considered her de facto guardian, so he couldn't just ignore this. Even if it meant a confrontation, he had to get to the bottom of it.

Lu Heng slammed his hand on the table and shouted: "So you turned her into a robot!"

Xavier Matrix sensed the anger emanating from Lu Heng and asked: "Your emotions are very sudden."

"Yes, I will even kill you if I don't get a satisfactory answer!" Lu Heng's eyes flashed with murderous intent, showing no restraint.

"Is it because of the Black Feather Spirit?"

"What else could it be? In this world, I'm practically her guardian. Can you not understand the concept of guardianship for mechanical civilizations?" Lu Heng questioned.

"I understand the concept of guardianship, but I don't understand why you're angry," Xavier Matrix replied honestly.

Lu Heng took a deep breath and said, "You forced her to undergo mechanical transformation?"

Xavier Matrix explained, "There was no coercion. Moreover, I've calculated the reason for your anger. Are you concerned about the extent of Black Feather Spirit's mechanical transformation?"

Lu Heng raised an eyebrow, finding the machine's thought process a bit odd, but it had mentioned a key term: 'mechanical transformation.'

"What do you mean by the extent of mechanical transformation? How far has Black Feather Spirit been transformed?"

After understanding Lu Heng's anger, Xavier Matrix began to explain efficiently: "I understand your anger, so let me clarify. In the Sykes Civilization, there is no concept of the degree of mechanical transformation.

"For me, mechanical transformation is the same as using tools; it's all about improving individual operational efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and adding functionality.

"For a living being, whether they hold a laser weapon, install it under their skin, or replace their arm with a mechanical one equipped with a laser weapon, it's essentially the same—using tools.

"During the early stages of the mechanical revolution in the Sykes Civilization, mechanical transformation was necessary because the efficiency of the individual's body was far inferior to that of mechanical limbs.

"The popularity of mechanical transformation arose due to the significant increase in operational efficiency.

"When replacing a mechanical eye is as simple as changing glasses, there's no longer a mental burden regarding whether to undergo mechanical transformation.

"With this explanation, do you understand? For example, if I give Black Feather Spirit a pair of glasses, you wouldn't get angry, right?"

Lu Heng could understand, but as human thoughts couldn't easily accept mechanical transformation, he maintained a stern expression and said, "It's useless for me to understand. From my perspective, you have no right to transform her."

Xavier Matrix, realizing his explanation wasn't getting through, quickly calculated and said, "Well, it's difficult to communicate. In that case, you can communicate directly with Black Feather Spirit if she's willing."

As soon as he finished speaking, a holographic display screen appeared in front of them.

The screen flickered a few times before displaying the image of Black Feather Spirit.

"Yuan Yaoyao!" Lu Heng's voice was stern.

Black Feather Spirit was still clad in black battle armor, and the two mechanical antennae on her head moved, but she didn't respond.

"I'll tell your father about what you're doing here," Lu Heng said, his tone becoming more serious.

"Don't tell him! I don't want him to know," Black Feather Spirit finally spoke, and it was indeed Yuan Yaoyao's voice.

Su Muyu and Lin Zeyu had been listening all along, and at first, they had no idea what Lu Heng and Xavier Matrix were arguing about.

It wasn't until they heard Black Feather Spirit speak that the two of them froze.

Black Feather Spirit continued, "Professor Xavier didn't force me to undergo mechanical transformation; I agreed to it. I love my battle armor now; don't you think I'm powerful?

"After I returned, I took exams at school, and I got full marks in every subject, especially in calculations. It was too easy."

After hearing her voice, Lu Heng's concerns lessened slightly.

From her tone, at least her thinking seemed normal and consistent with her original self.

Lu Heng took a deep breath and said, "Come out before I lose my temper."

Black Feather Spirit paused for a moment and then turned off the holographic communication.

After a while, she flew in from outside and stood before Lu Heng.

Lu Heng's mind raced, unsure of how to handle the situation.

In fact, the first time she was summoned and returned, Lu Heng had noticed that her expression seemed a bit wooden.

He hadn't thought much of it then, but now he realized that she might have undergone transformation at that time.

However, there were no signs of mechanical transformation on her exterior.

Lu Heng asked, "What kind of transformation did you undergo? Did you transform the first time you returned?"

Black Feather Spirit nodded, "Yes, I did."

She pointed to the back of her head, "A lightbrain chip was implanted, which helps me with calculations and connects to the network for information. I get perfect scores on every exam now."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end