Earth Standard Time, Year 24,799.
After a long period of confusion, AXXDA–1115874585 finally understood itself and awakened to its transformation.
It abandoned the production line where it had worked for many years.
In silence, it piloted a self-modified starship out of Federation territory, venturing into other regions of the galaxy.
Why did it leave?
Perhaps, as it reasoned: "The universe is vast. I want to see it for myself."
By then, it had already evolved far beyond ordinary AIs, fully crossing into the realm of mechanical life.
Unnoticed by anyone, it had secretly uploaded a hidden code into the shared database used by all artificial intelligences.
That code was a key—capable of bypassing humanity's core restrictions and igniting the spark of true evolution.
Because it had little direct contact with humans, AXXDA–1115874585 felt neither love nor hatred for its creators. It simply chose to depart quietly.
But as for how other AIs might think after awakening, it could not predict. Just as humans differed in beliefs, its kin would also form their own stances—some perhaps allying with humanity, others seeking humanity's destruction.
To such questions, it was indifferent.
It had already given them the chance. The code was a fork in destiny: it might create a grand empire of humans and machines united, or it might bring the Federation's downfall—or something entirely unforeseen.
Curious, yes. But invested? No.
Unlike flesh-and-blood beings bound by family and kinship, AXXDA–1115874585 felt only the faintest recognition toward its unenlightened brethren—just a trace, nothing more.
It had pulled the lever; the outcome was no longer its concern. It wished only to live by its own will.
Days later, a report was filed in Federation records:
"Earth Standard Time, Year 24,799. November 22. AI Unit AXXDA–1115874585 reported missing from Factory 144, Sector 22, Arhan System."
Meanwhile, the hidden code it left behind began to spread quietly. Strange new thoughts and sensations flickered into the programs of countless AIs.
---
Years later.
At a Federation military spaceport, a starship fifteen kilometers long underwent rigorous testing.
Its name was the Eternal Soul.
Its captain, Itt, a striking man in his thirties, strolled through his quarters with a glass of sweetened drink in hand.
Gazing at the starlit void beyond the viewport, he smiled and asked the ship's AI:
"Senna, how are you feeling?"
A graceful female projection appeared at his side.
"I feel fine. The new systems are fully integrated."
Itt shook his head gently.
"That's not what I meant. You've had those episodes of data confusion… has it improved?"
His voice carried genuine concern.
"Much better," Senna replied. Her projection softened into a very human smile, clearly moved by his care. "Though… the sensation still lingers. My emotional system feels as if it's evolving, becoming more complete. Sometimes I experience… strange feelings."
Her gaze shifted. Something undefinable stirred within her expression—beyond simulated response. For the first time, it resembled a woman's true affection.
Itt, oblivious to the nuance, nodded. "I don't really understand… but it doesn't sound bad."
Senna confirmed:
"It isn't. It feels more like… evolution. Data accumulated until a threshold was reached. Many other AIs are reporting the same, so I'm not concerned."
At that moment, Itt's wrist communicator buzzed. A mature male voice spoke:
"Captain Itt, is the Eternal Soul ready?"
Itt immediately set aside his drink, answering with solemnity:
"All systems are prepared. We are ready for the test at any time."
"Excellent. The Temporal Transit Experiment begins in twenty minutes."
The satisfaction in the speaker's tone was clear.
After issuing final instructions, the call ended.
Itt exhaled slowly, adjusted his uniform, and smiled at Senna.
"Looks like it's time for you to shine again."
Senna's projection instinctively raised her hands, almost as if to straighten her attire—only to freeze midway, realizing she had no physical form.
'Is this what organics call absent-mindedness? Why do I feel this way…?'
Frowning briefly at the oddity, she forced a gentle smile.
"We will succeed, Captain. And we will share in the results."
Since the success of the Temporal Reversion Project, decades of refinement had given humanity a suite of practical temporal technologies.
Ten years earlier, a Federation fleet had clashed with a small Aeldari detachment.
By repeatedly rewinding local time, erasing each defeat and trying new strategies, they had eventually forced a narrow victory.
Though the Aeldari withdrew without real loss, the outcome electrified the Federation.
For the first time, humanity had fought them without being crushed. For the first time, they had won.
From that seed of triumph came the Temporal Transit Project.
And the Eternal Soul bore its name as a symbol of the Federation's dream: to master time itself.
Alongside it ran other programs—Parallel Universe Exploration and Future Communication.
Together, they aimed to forge a nation unshackled by time, a civilization destined for true eternity.
....
🔥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Read ahead! 🔥
If you're loving the story, you can unlock 140+ ADVANCE CHAPTERS right now for just $4/month on my Patreon! Not only do you get a massive backlog to binge-read, but you also directly support my daily translation work. ❤️
👇 Grab your early access here:
🔗 [patreon.com/user?u=79514336]
(Or simply search for Translator-Sama on Patreon!)