Chapter 19

This Blitzcrank is not the same as the one from Valoran. It merely shares the same name for convenience.

Blitzcrank was originally a mass-produced robot, but its creation was an accident. Viktor discovered the discarded, heavily damaged robot.

Seeing potential within its cold shell, Viktor was inspired to conduct a series of experiments, introducing new elements to elevate the robot to new heights.

Hextech crystals made this possible, but Viktor couldn't replicate the experiment's success, making it seem like a coincidence.

Orlan managed to recreate Blitzcrank using some technology from the Project Universe, a parallel timeline in Valoran where highly advanced AI pushed robotic development to new levels.

"Is it an illusion? Why does it feel different from when it first started?" Kate asked, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease as she watched Blitzcrank salute.

Kate wanted Orlan to answer her question, but Blitzcrank responded instead. "Miss Kate, you are correct. I am no longer the same."

"Orlan, what exactly has changed?" Kuma asked, looking up at the towering robot.

"It's an upgrade. The definition of a robot varies. The most basic robots are tools, no different from a hammer except more intelligent and convenient," Orlan said, inspecting Blitzcrank's parts before closing the energy core compartment.

"But machines can be upgraded. Beyond being controlled, they can operate autonomously—this is artificial intelligence. The most basic AI can logically respond to pre-set rules. Such programs are rigid but safe. However, Blitzcrank is different; it can think."

After the final check, Orlan disconnected the various lines attached to Blitzcrank and led it out of the workshop.

"Think? Can a robot really think?" Kuma asked, trying to understand what Orlan meant by thinking.

"Yes, it can think like you. It can perform self-compilation beyond its programmed tasks, giving it greater growth potential. Under optimal conditions, it could become a robot with emotions, the highest level of AI. For now, its current state will suffice."

Blitzcrank raised its mechanical arm to observe a butterfly landing on its hand, gently releasing it afterward. Despite lacking the touch of flesh, it had made its first contact with life.

"Emotions... It sounds a bit unbelievable. So, Orlan, is that why you told me that the soul inside is the essence?" Kate asked.

"Yes. When it possesses emotions, it becomes a sentient being, even though its body remains cold. This sea is too dangerous. Whether achieving future goals or surviving, we need some safeguards.

Strengthening the body takes time and is limited by one's natural talent. At such times, we need something to break those limits."

Orlan also spent this time training, even though he wasn't primarily a fighter. He couldn't be too weak; otherwise, even with powerful weapons, he'd be vulnerable.

"Given your habits, shouldn't you strive to make the best directly?"

Orlan was somewhat of a perfectionist, never lowering his standards unless pressed by circumstances, especially for his own equipment.

"Limited by conditions. Fully utilizing my capabilities requires perfect facilities. To create a truly flawless machine, rivaling an entire country, I need hundreds of specialists and thousands of supporting factories. At least one visionary ruler. So far, I haven't seen any nation capable of this."

"I'm sorry. It's my slow learning."

"It's not your fault, Kuma. This isn't something you alone can solve. The environment here is inherently limited. Starting from scratch here is no different than building from nothing. Blitzcrank is like a newborn. You can help it grow. Its future potential is unpredictable."

Orlan had another experimental project in mind, currently unfeasible—research on Haki. Haki's power originates from the heart and isn't limited to humans; animals can use it too. If given a soul, could steel also develop Haki? This remains unknown.

For now, Orlan couldn't pursue this research. He hadn't yet grasped Haki training methods himself.

While basic training involves physical strengthening and enduring hits, it's not just about getting beaten up. Not everyone can become Luffy, nor can every fighter be Kaido.

For now, Orlan focused on physical training. The environment forces maturity; even though Ginny and the others are still children at heart, Blitzcrank's birth sparked their curiosity, especially after Orlan mentioned its need for growth.

At night, while Kate and the others slept soundly, Blitzcrank stood alone outside, gazing at the stars, trying to understand what friendship meant.

Orlan had also entered a dream, but his dreams were unique.

In the lush green landscape covered by night, the stars shone brightly in the sky. Orlan sensed a familiar presence as a few furry tails brushed past his face.

"What a rare guest. You actually came to my place."

A seductive voice reached Orlan's ears, a voice that could make ordinary people weak in the knees, but it had no effect on him.

"Ahri, you should know I can't control this. And your tricks don't work on me."

Turning around, Orlan's gaze met a pair of violet eyes. The purple hue faded, revealing a humanoid nine-tailed fox standing behind him, trying to tease him with her tails, only to be coldly rebuffed.

"How boring. You remain the most unusual man I've ever met. Sometimes I wonder how many interesting stories are in your memories."

"Stolen memories will never be yours."

"I know. So, do you have any interesting stories to share today? I'm curious about the idol singer version of me you mentioned."

"We'll get to that later. First, let me confirm something. When was the last time we met?"

Looking at the stars' positions in the sky, Orlan noticed something off. The time here hadn't progressed much.

"A week ago. What happened to your famously good memory? How could you forget this?"

"A week? But I've been gone for months."

(End of Chapter)