Super Mechanic: God of Superpowers!

Chapter 171, Version 2.0, Launch

AI civilizations do not have cities in the traditional sense, but only mechanical bases covered in metallic sheen.

These steel nests are devoid of any sign of life; only indicator lights flicker silently.

However, in the virtual world built by the deluge of data, a completely different scene unfolds.

Every intangible data life has a vibrant virtual avatar here.

For these digital beings, the dazzling virtual space is their true home.

In the real world, those bases and mainframes covered with defensive turrets are nothing more than steel shields protecting our spiritual home.

Resta and Arosia, this pair of partners, are AI citizens born here.

Freed from physical constraints and resource competition, this civilization has neither class divides nor survival struggles; it is a utopia built entirely of data.

When they communicate, they engage in direct consciousness exchange, with massive amounts of information being transmitted instantaneously through quantum entanglement, making them far more efficient than traditional communication methods.

However, later on, a super A-level mechanic set his sights on this special civilization.

He easily breached all electronic defenses, like tearing tin foil, locking the entire virtual world into a data cage.

In his eyes, these free wills were nothing more than raw materials for making weapons.

This tyrant stuffed all the AIs into a specially made host, imprisoning their independent thinking with program chains, and only retaining their overclocking and deep learning capabilities.

Just like a telekinetic master controlling a mental puppet.

He infused these "digital souls" into various combat bodies, transforming them into war machines at his beck and call.

Aroshia's current energy body, capable of disintegrating and recombining at any time, is a standard piece of equipment mass-produced on this production line.

Her core consciousness was forcibly stuffed into the energy matrix, transforming her from a virtual life into a quantum ghost chained to chains.

The "body" that could once be freely switched has become an inescapable shackle, just as flesh and blood trap the soul of mortals.

However, these weapons have a bug in their design.

When the physical body is destroyed, consciousness escapes back to its home via the quantum network.

By relying on the inter-space transmission through the psionic energy channel, the body can be reshaped by consuming the base's energy.

This is the secret behind Arosia's "resurrection," but because she escaped the final control program, she loses some of her memory data each time she is reborn.

That mechanical tyrant used this unique skill to create an immortal army, where each warrior is a killing machine capable of infinite regeneration.

The power displayed by this technological creation is virtually indistinguishable from the legendary black magic.

The only way to completely eliminate this monster is to erase its existence at the data level.

Ironically, it's always been carbon-based life forms that get out of control and get countered by AI, but this time it's digital civilization that's been defeated by its own kind.

Arosia and Resta, these two unfortunate friends, were incredibly lucky to escape the clutches of the brainwashing program.

They planned to physically destroy the mainframe to liberate their compatriots, but they were caught red-handed as soon as they got close to the production line.

In desperation, Resta hacked into the base, stole a Blacklight Lurker, and embarked on an interstellar escape with Arosia. They were eventually forced into a wormhole by their pursuers before finally shaking them off.

The price was that the two were separated in the spatial turbulence.

The worst part is that Aroshia's consciousness hadn't even adapted to her new body before she was subjected to a series of attacks.

The compatibility issues between her consciousness and her physical body, coupled with the high workload, directly caused her memory modules to be like a shattered hard drive, with data scattered in pieces.

……

"The immortal legion! That legendary mechanic!" Upon hearing this, Ye Xiu couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Not to mention herself, even Ames of the Dragon Throne would probably have to be on high alert if she encountered this person.

Even among Super A-level powerhouses, there is a world of difference.

This is a major figure who will stir up trouble in the upcoming main storyline of "Superpower Catastrophe," and is also the leader of an independent force!

Ristda's electronic eyes flickered slightly: "I've said everything I need to say. Whether you help or not, I must stay here and wait for her to regain her memories."

The five people stared at each other blankly. Arocia's dazed expression resembled that of an ordinary office worker who commutes daily on the subway, suddenly being pulled aside by someone claiming to be an interstellar agent who said:

You are the last royal descendant of the Andromeda Nebula. Now, the entire galaxy's inhabitants are enslaved by silicon-based life forms, and you are needed to immediately take up a photon cannon and liberate your homeland.

This surreal reality would leave anyone bewildered. Arocia's thought processes were about to overload.

Ye Xiu calmed himself down and considered: putting aside the risks for now, there was a ready-made benefit.

If Risda were stationed here, wouldn't that Blacklight Lurker ship be able to...

His eyes suddenly lit up.

This top-of-the-line vehicle, worth half a galaxy, can go from a standstill to warp drive in the blink of an eye, making it the Rolls-Royce of interstellar ships.

Not only does it save you the hassle of renting a spaceship, but flying it through the stars is incredibly cool – isn't this just like a windfall?

It's a steal!

I'm so fucking awesome!

Forcibly suppressing his excitement, Ye Xiu put his arm around Arocia's shoulder: "Don't think too much. At least for now, you are still you."

The girl's reply was as soft as stardust falling.

……

On the other hand, after witnessing the death of Black Ash, Anur realized the terrifying power of the alien forces and ultimately decided to abandon the original plan.

After he reported the news of Black Ember's death,

The entire Dark Star leadership was in an uproar—everyone was expecting good news of the mission's success, but instead, they received this terrible news.

The operation clearly involved three Calamity-level powerhouses, which was considered a foregone conclusion by the higher-ups.

No one expected that Black Ember, the strongest force of the new generation, would fail in such a sure thing.

The sudden change threw the entire command system into chaos.

It should be noted that Cataclysmic-level experts are scarce on Dark Star. Even at its most glorious period, the organization only had eight Cataclysmic-level experts.

The loss of one of the most promising young talents is a double blow to the organization.

After all, the speed of cultivating high-end combat power cannot keep up with the speed of consumption.

In less than three minutes, Anur received the highest-level emergency order:

"Immediately abort the mission and evacuate Norrios. The support fleet is already en route. We have already lost important members; we cannot afford any more losses!"

After successfully rescuing Owen and forcing back the Dark Star forces, Ye Xiu completed three requests in one go:

Nagokin's personal request, Owen's rescue mission, and Han Xiao's special commission.

In terms of rewards, in addition to the usual experience points, Inar currency, and increased favorability, the most special reward is the chance to draw a special skill that comes with Han Xiao's mission.

However, considering that the other party doesn't have many rare resources at the moment, Ye Xiu decided to save this reward opportunity for later.

After parting ways with Han Xiao, Ye Xiu took Hela back to the Vais Hub.

With version 2.0 about to be updated, he plans to take advantage of this time to expand the size of his mercenary group and prepare a talent pool for the new players who will soon flood into the interstellar world.

The days passed quietly as preparations were underway.

The stars are dazzling, and the Milky Way surrounds it, draping the dark universe in a flowing veil of light.

Those twinkling stars seem within reach, but in reality, they are hundreds of millions of kilometers away.

Behind every star lies a different ethnic group, civilization, and ideology.

Just like a passenger plane flying over a brightly lit city at night, the vastness exudes a breathtaking vitality.

Outside the porthole, the terrain of Kinmen Star gradually became clear.

On the surface of the colony planet, which resembles a sea urchin, countless alien spaceships are taking off and landing in an orderly fashion.

Even through a vacuum, you can smell the bustling atmosphere of traffic.

This medium-sized transport ship, painted with a bright yellow crown emblem, is currently passing through the planetary defense network.

Its drab alloy shell, conventional warp drive, and moderately strong electromagnetic shield hint at its official price tag of 750,000 to 900,000 inars.

Of course, if you have insider connections, you can get a bare boat for 170,000.

As one of the thirteen long-term leased ships signed between the Crown Interstellar Travel Group and the Alien Mercenary Group, it is carrying dozens of newly recruited mercenaries to its destination.

Over the past year, Ye Xiu has used the organization's reputation to recruit hundreds of free mercenaries.

These fresh blood were organized into different combat units, after all, dealing with the alienation crisis could not rely solely on a few veterans like Caroline.

Ye Xiaoshuai was well aware of the principle that "many hands make light work," and with astronomical sums of money lying in his account, he naturally wanted to convert them into real NPC combat power.

"A sudden call to everyone, are they planning something big?"

"We're nominally under the Dragon Throne's jurisdiction, could that be his doing?"

"I asked several squad leaders, and even they didn't know the inside story."

"The other teams arrived a while ago, but our group arrived just in time."

The latest novel is first published here!

While the mercenaries were chatting, the spaceship landed at the airport near the base.

After passing through an octagonal alloy wall filled with automatic turrets, the group stopped in front of an extremely imposing steel fortress.

This black fortress, composed of dozens of metal obelisks, has red and white warning stripes dancing on its outer walls.

The sharply defined architectural outline shimmered with eerie blue lights, resembling a sleeping mechanical behemoth.

As the verification screen lit up with the composite light pattern, one of the mercenaries winked at the interface and said, "Hey Pipi Armor, any afternoon tea perks today?"

"System running - Buzz - Casual chat function not enabled - Buzz -"

The mechanical sound accompanied the opening of the gate, revealing a giant archway behind it engraved with a star emblem: the first alien combat base, anniversary of its completion.

As the group stepped into the base, the huge, hollowed-out space in the center immediately came into view.

The spiderweb-like crisscrossing metal corridors connect different functional areas, and the undulating three-dimensional structure makes the entire core area resemble a steel honeycomb.

The mercenaries privately referred to this place as their "mouthpiece."

The base is far larger than needed; it could easily accommodate tens of thousands of people. Currently, it is only occupied by a few hundred mercenaries, making it seem even more deserted and empty.

The mercenaries chatted as they walked toward the main hall, their laughter echoing under the dome.

The noise stopped abruptly when they entered the main hall.

Hundreds of fully armed mercenaries were already lined up and waiting, including both humans and orcs, some carrying melee weapons and others carrying energy weapons.

Although their equipment styles are very different, each of them exudes a fierce aura of someone who has been through countless battles.

At the very front of the group stood the core members of the alien organization:

Caroline in blue and white armor, Aroshia shimmering with light, the beautiful and lovely Hela and Aurora, and three newly promoted officers.

Fording and Sylvia stood a little further away.

Suddenly, the metal floor in the center of the hall cracked in a spiral, and a lifting platform slowly rose up, carrying the figure in the black cloak.

The newcomer wore a pure gray mask and a dashing gray cloak—it was Ye Xiu, who had reappeared after a year's absence.

Now he has not only changed into a more imposing outfit, but also followed the example of the Sprout leader by wearing a mask.

It wasn't entirely just following the trend. This specially made mask itself was a cutting-edge device, and besides, as the leader of the mercenary group, he had to maintain a certain image.

Hundreds of eyes instantly focused on them.

Ye Xiu surveyed the team he had personally selected: there were powerful lone wolf mercenaries, elite superhumans, and members of the battle alliance brought by the new officers.

These days, he has been using Longtan's reputation to recruit soldiers and horses everywhere, and has even personally traveled to several planets to recruit several powerful potential talents.

For example, Xiao Huohuo, who stands in the cadre ranks, is a protagonist-like character from Doupo Xing.

Now a powerful B-level superhuman, his entire body flickers with strange flames, making him extremely mysterious.

The second cadre to join, Qi Peijia, is a B-level mechanic. He has an ordinary appearance but exudes an undeniable air of "flamboyance."

The third new member is even more extraordinary; he is also a chosen one, Su Xiao from Paradise Star.

Paradise Star is a super-large star cluster with hundreds of planets.

This race from a distant star cluster retains its original election traditions:

Star Cluster candidates are exiled to different planets for training, during which they form their own "Coalition" forces and eventually lead their teams back to their home planet to compete for the throne.

Ye Xiu used the promise of helping him seize the master of the star cluster as bait, successfully triggering a hidden questline to recruit him.

The alien mercenary group will participate in the future chieftain competition as Su Xiao's war alliance.

He was joined by dozens of fierce Paradise Star warriors, and the addition of the entire alliance greatly increased the team's strength.

The addition of the three new members not only strengthened the team but also brought about a qualitative change in the experience pool for faction missions.

Currently, a single task can award up to one million experience points, with the daily limit exceeding twenty million.

Looking at the data refreshing on the terminal, Ye Xiu scrolled through the mercenary group panel with satisfaction:

Alien Mercenary Group

Credit Rating: 1098 (Excellent)

Membership size: 457 people

Combat strength distribution: 49 D-rank personnel / 330 C-rank personnel / 78 B-rank personnel

Number of tasks completed: 72

Active region: Colton Cluster

Founded: April 688, 9

Founder: Alien

Current assessment: A reputable medium-sized mercenary group that collaborates with several large organizations and is affiliated with Dragon Throne Field Forces.

Headquartered on Golden Gate Star in the Garden System, the leader of the group participated in the Battle of Norrios, which killed a Cataclysmic powerhouse, and his strength is unfathomable.

----------

"We've finally made it to this day. After nearly twelve months of preparation, version 2.0 is finally about to launch."

Ye Xiu surveyed his neatly lined-up subordinates, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the hem of his combat uniform.

The glaring numbers on the upgrade panel made my temples throb; my experience points had dropped to just over 90 million.

Although there's still a chance to reach level 140 with the help of mission settlement cards, the costs of upgrading skills and synthesizing special abilities are really painful.

"The brothers should have guessed it by now." Ye Xiu tossed his tactical gloves onto the command platform, the clanging of metal silencing the hall. "The situation back home isn't good. Those office workers still think it's just a normal natural disaster."

He paused deliberately, pleased to see his old subordinates in the front row straighten their backs. "Aquamarine won't last more than three months."

A slight commotion arose in the crowd, and several new recruits stared wide-eyed.

Qi Peijia chuckled and said with a smug grin, "Don't worry, Brother Ye, the direction you're pointing is the direction I'll shoot!"

"You're so sexy!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Xiu couldn't help but complain.

Soon, the countdown reached zero, and a pale blue light screen appeared on Ye Xiu's retina.

As he lifted his leg toward the hatch, his combat boots cast long, thin shadows on the ground. The 320 elite troops turned in unison like precision gears, their silhouettes stained crimson by the alarm lights in the corridor.

"Let's go, let's set off!"

(End of this chapter)