118 A giant thorn in the ass

[Later]

Xiao Qiangwei was following the Ex-Machina, who was lifting up Riku and all of his things before carrying them to the human settlement that Riku told her about.

When they reached the place, the Ex-Machina threw Riku down and said.

Ex-Machina: We have arrived.

Xiao Qiangwei: Heh, it was 10 years since I came here to give you a new home...

Riku: So, when it comes to mobility you really don't use any spiritual energy?

Ex-Machina: Correct. Utilizing spiritual energy would have saved 55,782 seconds.

Riku: Ugh…

Xiao Qiangwei: C'mon, don't be such a wuss.

Riku: Easy for you to say that, sometimes I still don't believe you are human…

Xiao Qiangwei: You need a blood test?

Ex-Machina: Addendum: This unit is a Prufer, a model primarily used for analysis. It's capabilities are lesser than other Ex-Machinas.

Riku: Who the fuck has a race like this waging war? It's no wonder the world has gone to Hell.

Xiao Qiangwei: Well, you ain't wrong…

Riku sighed and took out a coat from his backpack.

Riku: Whatever, wear this coat, otherwise everyone would question your identity because we can't survive without clothes to cover us from the Black Ash.

Xiao Qiangwei: You are right.

He took the coat and put it on since the only thing he was wearing was pants, his shirt was destroyed some fights ago. Then the three of them entered in the settlement.

Riku: What should I call you?

Ex-Machina: Meaning unknown.

Riku: Your name. Do you have one?

Ex-Machina: Understood. Designation number: Uc207Pr4f57t9.

Riku: You're kidding? That's your name? Forget that, you need to go with something easier.

Xiao Qiangwei: What did you expect from a machine? Would you name your weapons?

Riku: ...And World Piercer?

Xiao Qiangwei just turned his head away and whistled, as if he didn't hear that question.

Uc207Pr4f57t9: Query: If this unit wins, it will stay with Riku until it is able to fully comprehend the human heart. Should this unit conceal that it is a machine?

Riku: The heart is like an unspoken feeling. It is formed through mutual understanding. And if you're gonna be with me, you're gonna need to dress like a human.

Uc207Pr4f57t9: Query: Is self designation an object?

Riku: Sure, whatever…

Uc207Pr4f57t9: Response: I shall be called Schwarzer.

They finally reached the door for entering the settlement, and Riku continued to talk.

Riku: No. That's hard to say and weird. Not gonna work for me. Let's just go with Schwi.

Schwi: Unclear: adjustment was made for self configuration.

Riku: Before we get started, can we do something about the way you talk?

The cyborg closed her eyes and started to reprogram herself.

Schwi: Laden: Adopting personality 1610.

She reopened her eyes and said in a cheerful manner.

Schwi: Hee-hee-hee. Is this better for you big brother?

Xiao Qiangwei: Pfft…

Riku: Denied.

She turned back to her emotionless self and spoke.

Schwi: It was the most logical choice available.

Riku: And what logical bullcrap did you use to position yourself as my younger sister?

Schwi: Answer: I merely presented what was the most optimal option.

Riku: You know, it would be a big problem if people started asking about our past. Just act shy and don't say more than you have to. And quit starting every sentence sounding like a robot. Understood?

Then he covered her head with an animal-shaped hood.

Schwi: Understood.

She slowly raised her head and with a shy voice she said.

Schwi: Something like this?

Xiao Qiangwei: Ok, is this a joke?

Riku: Huh?

Xiao Qiangwei: It's like I met another Sora and Shiro…

Riku: Are those two your friends?

Xiao Qiangwei: Yeah, they are just like you two, except for the hair color and their shitty physical prowess.

Riku: Heeh? Then I would like to meet them, if I come out alive for tomorrow.

Xiao Qiangwei: At least be lucky you are still alive now without even training as I said.

Riku: Give me a break, asking a 8 years old kid to give you 30 push-ups? That's just pure evil. Anyway, do you know how to act here?

Xiao Qiangwei: Yeah, don't show any strange behavior, kid, I lived around 60 years in total, even if I look like a 17 years old. And believe me that reaching my level of power in 60 years isn't something many people can do, especially without a good source of pills or fortunate encounters.

Riku: Alright… Wait, you are 60 years old?!

Xiao Qiangwei: Technically now I am 28 years, I lived 33 years in my past life, so I am 61 years old. Besides, I am immortal, if I wished so then I could live until this planet will die and I will still look like I am now. Now let's enter in, I wonder if anyone still remember me.

Riku: I guess they will not, you were there for less than 1 day 10 years ago, maybe someone could have some memories about you, but I don't think they remember you.

[Later]

?: She's so cute! Who is she?

There was a dark-pink haired woman hugging Schwi while Riku and Xiao Qiangwei watched at the side.

Riku: I found her on the way back in a colony that got wiped out, she was in a…

?: So… Is she… Your wife?

Schwi: His wife?

Riku: Uh…

Xiao Qiangwei: '...How in god's name I keep meeting people that are stupidly similar to the ones I know already? Is she Steph's ancestor or what?'

?: And who is he?

The girl looked at Xiao Qiangwei, who glanced back at her.

Riku: He's Xiao Qiangwei, he was here 10 years ago to leave me here.

?: ...Oh! Now I remember! You were that guy who disappeared in a mysterious manner! ...How did you not age in these 10 years…?

Xiao Qiangwei: Being bathed 24/7 in dragon's blood cause you this, pretty nice, isn't it?

?: ...What?

Xiao Qiangwei: Just a joke… So, who are you?

?: Oh, I'm Couronne! So, I heard that you traveled with Riku when he was small, how was it?

Xiao Qiangwei: A giant thorn in the ass.

Riku: Oof.