Chapter 5: Star, the Robot, and a Ton of Trouble
Lin Yan sat back in the captain's chair, rubbing his temples.
"Star… so I have a robot on this ship, right?"
"Yes, Master. One operational unit. However, it cannot fight or protect you. Its function is solely resource collection."
Lin Yan blinked.
"So… basically a glorified delivery boy with arms?"
"If you wish, Master. That is an accurate summary."
Lin Yan smiled despite himself.
"Perfect. I'm naming it… Star Jr. You can call me Lin Yan."
"Designation registered, Master Lin Yan. Star Jr. will begin resource collection immediately."
Lin Yan watched the small robot scuttle out of the hangar, its little lights blinking like a toddler on caffeine.
"It's… kind of cute," he muttered.
"Also terrifying if it breaks my stuff."
Meanwhile, Star's calm voice cut through the room:
"The previous captain also left a gift. A gene-enhancing serum. Once consumed, it will unlock latent potential and upgrade your body to level one."
Lin Yan raised an eyebrow.
"Level one? So… basically a starter pack for immortals?"
"If you can survive it, Master."
Lin Yan groaned.
"Great… nothing ever comes easy. Chains, electric shocks, mysterious AI… and now a super serum. What could go wrong?"
He paced, debating whether to take it.
Five minutes later…
Lin Yan shrugged.
"Fine. I'll do it. If I survive, at least I can finally lift more than 50 kilograms without nearly passing out."
He poured the serum into a small vial and drank.
The effect was immediate.
Pain. Everywhere. His muscles burned as if they were being rebuilt from the inside out. A black, pulsing energy surged through his veins. His vision blurred. His bones felt like they were both breaking and strengthening at the same time.
"AHHHHHH!" he screamed, grabbing the nearest console for support.
Star's calm voice was the only thing that kept him from panicking completely.
"Master, your body is currently absorbing the serum. Pain is normal."
Lin Yan gritted his teeth.
"Pain is normal?! Star… you didn't warn me this would feel like being shredded into space dust!"
Minutes passed like hours.
When Lin Yan finally collapsed onto the floor, gasping, he realized something remarkable.
His strength had increased. His reflexes… sharper. His vision… clearer.
"Ding ding, Master. Star Jr. has returned from collecting resources. One ton of crystal energy stones delivered."
Lin Yan staggered to his feet, blinking.
"One ton?! That little guy did all that by itself?"
"Yes, Master. Star Jr. is highly efficient. Although it refused to do your laundry."
Lin Yan laughed despite the lingering pain.
"Of course it did. Perfect robot behavior. Do everything except the one thing I actually need."
He paused, staring at Star's calm voice interface.
"And this… this ship… it's not even mine yet. I'm still figuring out what it can do. And somehow, it's already making me stronger."
Star's reply was quiet, almost smug:
"Correct, Master. This is only the beginning."
Lin Yan gritted his teeth, a mixture of exhaustion, fear, and excitement in his chest.
"Great. My life just got a whole lot weirder. And I… kind of like it."