So-Rin was pleased with the result of her own craft as well. She made a protective long jacket that was resistant to radiation, flames, and other hazardous substances.
Like Noa, she also received an added bonus, which was an 10 cm EMP grenade that emitted a powerful electromagnetic pulse, capable of disabling electronic devices and machinery. Also 10 cm Flame Grenade that released a burst of superheated flame upon detonation.
However, she was more intrigued by Noa's bonus reward.
"Whoa, you've got a nice weapon," So-Rin exclaimed in amazement.
"Yes. Compared to the shoulder gun I got from my last training, this laser gun is definitely more advanced," Noa replied gratefully.
So-Rin nodded in agreement. "Yeah. It's easy to tell that this laser gun has some serious power."
Noa smiled. "I can't wait to try it out later."
So-Rin raised an eyebrow. "Just be careful with it, Noa. We don't want any accidents to happen."
Noa reassured her, "Don't worry, I know how to use a laser gun."
As they chatted, they received a new notification.
[New Quest is available!]
"Look!" So-Rin exclaimed.
Noa was excited. "Let's check it out."
[Laboratory: First AI Craft
Objective: Craft an AI Companion or Assistant.]
[Quest Rewards:
• AI Crafting Skill]
[Glossary:
AI Companion/Assistant:
- Description: A remarkable and devoted AI entity designed to provide unwavering support and aid throughout your journey. With their vast capabilities, they excel at assisting you in various tasks and missions, acting as an invaluable ally in your adventures. Trust in their loyalty and power as they enhance your abilities and provide valuable guidance along the way.]
"We made the right decision in coming to the crafting laboratory," So-Rin commented.
"I still have a couple materials left. Can I craft an AI companion here?" Noa asked Scarlex.
"This facility offers a wide range of materials and tools for crafting. Please provide more details about what you would like to craft, so I can give you the necessary information and guidance to make it happen," Scarlex replied.
Noa was already thinking of something. "Something special, of course. A special AI companion, to be precise."
"Understood. Please head to the AI Assembly Room," Scarlex said, showing them the map and directions to the said facility.
Noa and So-Rin entered the bustling assembly room. The air buzzed with the hum of machines working in harmony as engineers and technicians worked on various projects.
Noa quickly settled into a corner and began to gather the necessary components needed for his AI companion. After that, he began designing the AI companion he had in mind.
When hearing the word companion, the first thought that came to his mind was a beautiful woman who could assist him in a variety of tasks.
Upon hearing the word companion, Noa's thoughts drifted to something else entirely. He wanted a beautiful AI assistant, capable of handling a wide range of tasks.
"What kind of companion are you thinking of?" So-Rin asked.
"I want an AI Maid. You know what I mean," Noa replied.
"Huh?" So-Rin raised an eyebrow, but didn't press the matter further.
"Nevermind."
For the next few hours, with the assistance of Scarlex, they started with the 3D rendering of the blueprint of what they wanted to make. Fortunately, there are countless templates for different parts, and they only had to mix, match, and alter them.
As Noa worked, So-Rin offered suggestions and advice, while also rendering her own robotic dog companion nearby.
It barely took her time to decide on crafting an AI dog companion. She simply searched for a complete puppy blueprint and customized it a little. After that, she looked for a default code for the AI, also altered it a little, and she was ready to craft.
The materials she had weren't enough, but thankfully, everyone was free to use scraps from the laboratory. She also purchased a bit of other basic materials. After checking all materials she had on hand twice such as metal alloys, sensors, memory chip, microcontroller, batteries, wires, laser emitter, external covering, actuators, miscellaneous components, and biomechanical material, she loaded them all into the crafting machine. Now, she only had to wait until it was done.
On the contrary, when So-Rin was already altering the AI for her puppy, Noa was still adjusting the 3D render of his model. When So-Rin was already collecting the materials, Noa was still altering the AI of his craft. Only after seeing So-Rin load materials into the crafting machine did Noa stop with tweaking the AI program.
Unlike So-Rin who meticulously checked the materials needed for her AI companion, Noa single-mindedly chucked whatever he had into the machine, along with scraps from the laboratory he thought his AI might need.
He did put in the remaining materials, such as titanium, sensors, circuit boards, microprocessor, memory chip, mechanical components, camera, microphone, laser, batteries, wires, emitter, actuators, and biomechanical materials to mimic the muscle, bone, and skin.
Despite not having enough biomechanical material, Noa remained unfazed, excited to see his creation come to life.
While waiting for his AI companion, he envisioned a feminine robot with white skin and blue eyes who could clean his apartment, cook meals in an instant, and even provide massages when he got tired. He even hoped she could sing.
Noa also planned to give the robot free will, finding the idea of an assistant who didn't just act on orders to be more interesting.
"This is going to be so much fun," he mumbled to himself, rubbing his palms together as he closed the crafting device door.
Now, he only had to wait for the device to complete its work and bring his vision to life.
So-Rin started first, and finished crafting her AI companion earlier
With a smile on her face, she opened the device's door.
Her expectation was met, and got a cute puppy with blue fur.
"Aww, look at him. He is so cute," So-Rin gushed.
As she gazed at her creation, So-Rin felt a sense of accomplishment.
She had always wanted to own a dog as a pet, but dogs were almost extinct. It wasn't something she could afford, let alone search for one. The only dog within her reach was an AI puppy, and now, she had one.
So-Rin gently lifted the puppy and examined it closely. Its synthetic fur was soft and plush, and its eyes were large and expressive.
She had meticulously programmed it to respond to voice commands, and when she said, "Hello, puppy. Come here!" it barked back at her.
To her surprise, the bark was so realistic, she couldn't believe that it came from an AI. She never thought that the audio quality would be this amazing.
So-Rin smiled widely again.
"Look at my puppy, Noa. Isn't it adorable?" She proudly presented her creation to Noa.
Noa was equally impressed by So-Rin's handiwork. "It looks so realistic and fluffy!" he exclaimed. "What will you name it?"
So-Rin beamed. "I named it Blue. It's not quite the real thing, but this is the best I could do. Also, I armed it with hidden weapons for protection. It could also act as my bodyguard."
Noa raised an eyebrow. "Hidden weapons? What do you mean?"
So-Rin grinned mischievously. "Just a little extra precaution. You never know when you might need a bit of added security."
Noa shook his head in amusement. "I have to admit, Blue is really something else. I'll give you that. What kind of weapon did you install though?"
"Blue's eyes have small lasers in it. It will be powered by the circuits inside Blue."
"That's really impressive," Noa said, still baffled.
So-Rin received a notification after completing the laboratory quest.
It was Noa's turn now, but he still had to wait a few more minutes.
Finally, the crafting device beeped to signal that it had finished its work, and Noa eagerly approached the door to reveal his creation.
To his disappointment, he found a robot with a short cylindrical body made of polished white metal and glowing blue eyes. It seemed like the machine defaulted into using a standard blueprint.
"So-Rin, isn't this just an automatic vacuum cleaner?" he asked.
The robot introduced itself with pride, "Hello, I'm Cloud Underdust. The most loyal maid robot in the universe."
Noa's dream was shattered, scattering around like ashes.
He shrugged and said, "Hi Cloud. Can you please sweep yourself away?"