143 95% Compatibility

"Both of you need to visualize each other in your minds. Connect and feel the other's thoughts and emotions, don't just build the image superficially, otherwise this won't work."

Both Aida and Artie closed their eyes as they began building up an image of each other. Aida began to build up the cute Baymax looking robot, recalling how cute it was when it overheated from emotions and how much sass it had when sending her into the punishment simulations. While they hadn't had much time communicating, the time that it took to upgrade made her realize how important the system had become for her. Without it, they had almost lost their lives in an ambush. The system had been quietly supporting her this entire time.

Artie was also building up an image of his former host, now mother. He had known about Aida for a very long time since before she even knew of his existence. As he accompanied Xiao Ai each day to chat and play in the isolated chamber that he was kept in, she would always mention Aida whenever she got the chance.

Back then, he still wasn't sentient so most of the information he was given was simply saved. However, after the move into the servers that got sent into Aida's body, he gained sentience and began processing all the information he had learned over the years. It made him incredibly curious about her, but also brought on an unfamiliar but unpleasant feeling. He didn't like that his creator, Xiao Ai, prioritized someone else over him. This was what led to Artie's decision to run punishment simulations whenever Aida made any kind of mistake in the real world. He even purposely "randomized" the new simulation so she would be stuck in an infinite cooking loop.

Unbeknownst to them, there was a screen behind Aida and Artie that Xiao Ai watched. It was a progress report on the compatibility between the two. Xiao Ai bit her lip anxiously as she watched the compatibility value slowly rise. The starting value was a low 15% and it was rising at an agonizingly slow pace.

She hadn't reported this to either Aida nor Artie for fear that it would distract them, but they needed to be over 90% compatible in order for Artie to reintegrate. In the earlier stages, she managed to forcefully pull the two sides together because Artie had not yet gained full sentience at the time and the virus could be used as an external impetus to force the integration. It had been done as a last resort to protect Aida's mind from getting corrupted by the virus.

However, now that Artie had his own will, he would have the ability to resist and reject Aida if he wanted to. The same goes for Aida, she could also reject Artie's existence. In the worst case scenario, they could either end up fatally wounded or brain dead if a true fight broke out.

While Xiao Ai seemed extremely playful most of the time and acted like a child, she understood how to act accordingly in critical situations. In this case, she purposely left out this key piece of information in hopes that the two could successfully integrate with each other. Individuals who are given a choice tend to have regrets for not making the other decision, but the ignorant are always happy with the decision they were given.

The compatibility value continued to increase in a consistent manner until it reached 75%. At that point, it began to slow down significantly. Xiao Ai continued to watch unblinkingly at the counter.

76%… 77%… 78%…

The counter seemed to be tapering off. There had been no change or increase in the value for quite some time. Xiao Ai's eyes dimmed as she thought of the possibility that they didn't meet the 90% mark. She might even have to get rid of Artie in order to save her Mama.

As if sensing Xiao Ai's concern, she said, "Artie, I know we haven't gotten to know each other very well in the past, but things are different now. You are Xiao Ai's little brother and my son. From now on, I will be your Mama and, one day, I promise we will work together and free you from my mindscape."

Pausing there, she allowed her words to soak in before asking, "Are you willing to call me Mama?"

Artie remained silent for a good while. His mind had been going down the path of anger and destruction as he thought about how this woman had "stolen" Xiao Ai from him. However, when he heard Aida's words just now, he began to remember all the good things. Since he gained sentience, he had been able to see every action that Aida made up till now. He recalled how much she appreciated his abilities despite calling him a con system, how she risked her life time and again to keep those she loved safe, and how she showered him with love once she formally got a chance to chat with him.

Thinking of all this, he hesitantly reached out with his round and soft robot hand to hold Aida's hand, "Yes Mama!"

After he said that, the compatibility number began increasing at a rapid pace again. Soon, it reached a fantastic 95%!

Aida and Artie were encompassed with a warm light as fireworks somehow appeared all around them. Xiao Ai was also cheering excitedly on the side. They all sat together and appreciated the unique and out of place fireworks in the library, soaking in the mood.

Once it was over, Aida turned to give Xiao Ai a knowing look with a glint in her eyes. Artie sat cluelessly on the side, while he had the ability to think and feel, his intelligence level was still limited to that of a 3 year old.

Noticing Aida's reaction, Xiao Ai laughed nervously before grabbing Artie's hand and saying, "Let's go and play!"

She was definitely running away from her Mama who found her out. Xiao Ai dragged Artie out of the room and into the endless hallway. Aida shook her head and laughed. She couldn't pass through the barriers of the room like the other two could so she closed her eyes and returned to reality. It seems she would have to wait a little while longer before seeing what the upgrade had to offer.

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