Chapter 33: Machine Optimization

Chapter 33: Machine Optimization

I feel a sense of increasing wonder and awe as I observe the field with its esoteric origins. Its creator must be an entity with an overwhelming intelligence. Does it have a creator? Is this evidence of intelligent design? Someone must've manufactured me!

I come across many scintillating points where formations resolve into functions beyond my understanding, but I can see and deduce some of the functions through my vast library and record of what I was in my previous life. My memories of that life may be scarce, but my knowledge still exists as long as there is a stimulus to awaken it.

At the moment, it is very stimulated and very awake.

The input point for Lan Xiaohuis true Qi has a complicated array of formations that no doubt serves the purpose of identifying it by running a series of comparisons, ensuring continuous activity and likely other checks.

Here, it seems, from what I can learn with my limited knowledge, is that I cannot refuse this identification and ownership process. Anyone who picks me up, if I am not a device that is already slaved to another mainframe, can take ownership of me. I cannot end this myself, either, or raise my privileges from here.

This is a dead-end.

I discover a heartbeat function in this array that ensures that Lan Xiaohui is, well, not deceased. Curious, I follow the Qi input channels of that function to find out what happens in the case that she becomes decommissioned.

The first thing I notice is that the error-handling is non-existent. If Lan Xiaohui were to enter a state of coma, I would have to wait out her entire lifespan before I could become the property of another. That is suboptimal.

But nothing I can do about it now.

As I suspected, if her true Qi were to disappear, or was at a low output for a prolonged time perhaps if we become separated? this function would undergo a process to purge her true Qi from my records and make itself available for another imprinting.

For the activation of my little modification, I decide that, since Lan Xiaohuis emotions are unstable and will likely be inconsistent, what is needed is a mnemonic device. A phrase, either vocalized or subvocalized.

I try to think like a meat bag for a moment, and bring myself through the series of tragedies in Lan Xiaohuis recent history, and though this is a largely fruitless exercise, I come to the conclusion that the emotion that most likely resonates most strongly with Lan Xiaohui at the moment is beauty.

Desiring for death, the first thing that calmed Lan Xiaohuis broken heart was to remark about my beauty likely because of [Avarice], I think. Next, the method I taught her to overcome her limitations is called [Heartless Blood Lily]. Lan Xiaohui has an affinity for plants and flowers, and surely, she holds the Lily in high regard.

This will be my mnemonic device.

I finish my modification, and look at the sword Qi that remains. It is diminished to a little less than ten percent of its original capacity, and all I did was inscribe a few, simple arrays, to allow two-way transport of consciousness.

This was extremely inefficient.

But I am satisfied with my work. Currently, it is nothing too impressive. I cannot turn Lan Xiaohui into a killing machine, just yet, but at the moment I can share vital information with her by giving her access to my expanded perception within the domain of my radius, and also point out weak points or give her limited prescience through my ability to read the surface thoughts of various demonic beasts.

With these tools, I do not have to concern myself at the very moment with unfortunate interactions of our ownership severance functions, or her still very likely death experience in this endeavor and adventure.

It is a small step, but it is the beginning of great changes. At the very least, my next owner will be able to benefit from them, in the case that destiny sees to part me from Lan Xiaohui.

I look back towards my sea of consciousness and discover that it is depleted. What was once a vast ocean now looks like a small pond to me.

At the same time, the fatigue hits me, and my consciousness slips away as I fall into yet another deep sleep.