Chapter 002: Mechanical Deification

Upon hearing this, Adam could not help but show a look of confusion

Hayden, I am currently the Deputy Manager of the Business Department and the Supervisor of New Projects at Mitra Group in Seattle, and I will be forming my own team

Wow, a five-digit monthly salary sounds really impressive. The average salary for workers in Xinyatu is only about 2,000 a month.

Why do we like magic? Because magic is the power to fulfill wishes! Regardless of what academia may say, the essence of magic ultimately remains: 'What do I want to achieve?' Let those self-limiting individuals go to hell!

He was even speaking incoherently and drunkenly while making his wish

Would a person of high status care about the drunken ramblings of someone of low status

He raised his hand and simply uttered the word "ventus". With just a single word, the magic immediately took effect on him. Hayden's body instantly dispersed into trillions of tiny molecules, forming a gust of wind that drifted out of the wedding venue and into the light rain of New Yatu tonight

As the effects of the alcohol took hold, Hayden began to speak nonsense while grabbing the staff that was placed in the corner of the wall

It is impossible

Isn't magic simply the power to fulfill wishes

Can the backward defeat the advanced? Is it possible that what has been eliminated is actually superior?

With a sense of intoxication, Hayden walked to the control panel, raised his head, and laughed uproariously

The surging magic flowed through the room. The blind chaos and indescribable colors completely exceeded the realm of rational explanation, erupting with hurricane-like force, scattering various objects in all directions. The mad and bizarre roars shattered countless bottles and jars around. Hayden was left with no magic at all, struggling to endure under this impact.

Beneath this soft nano-skin, there is no flesh or blood; rather, it is composed of billions of small gears, artificial fibers, superconducting simulated nerves, reinforced silicone, ceramic-carbon alloys, springs, alchemical circulating fluids, and various other components

I wish for this doll to receive a love that is solely for me, to love me, especially to love me, um, not to love anyone else, to love me unconditionally, to build a family for me, to love my soul!

One in a million? One in ten million? Or is it only one in a hundred million? Just how great is the probability of using this original magic to fulfill one's wishes? Due to the inability to effectively quantify it, no one truly knows.

A chilling sense of happiness

In fact, as Karen mentioned earlier, "it is not difficult to just want a talking robot flying × cup"

I apologize for the trouble I have caused you

Elohim, the God of Hosts! Elion, the Most High God!

The most primitive form of magic is, in fact, the power to fulfill wishes

Hayden wrapped his hand around the back of the doll's neck, inserting the platinum winding key into the winding hole hidden behind the white hair, and turned it three times. The magic furnace deep within its chest immediately began to operate, infusing energy into the entire mechanical body. Accompanied by a nearly silent low-frequency sound, nano runes emitted a vibrant green glow, indicating that the machine was ready to be activated

Even though Hayden dislikes those super enterprises, he also acknowledges that only large companies possess the most advanced technology

However, the magic that truly tears open space for teleportation is exceedingly expensive, requiring an astonishing amount of magical power. Generally, only high-ranking individuals can afford it. Therefore, impoverished wizards without funds can only transform themselves into wind or some form of energy stream, moving at high speed for a distance before reverting to their original form. This technique is highly complex, with few practitioners, and it is quite uncomfortable, carrying risks of accidents, and it is not as fast as teleportation. The only advantages are its low consumption and the fact that it is indeed slightly faster than conventional personal flight spells. This technique is highly complex, with few practitioners, and it is quite uncomfortable, carrying risks of accidents, and it is not as fast as teleportation. The only advantages are its low consumption and the fact that it is indeed slightly faster than conventional personal flight spells

One day a year ago, Hayden suddenly realized that if things continued this way, he had a high chance of growing old alone.

It is certainly not the power source of the automaton, but rather the controller, which also has a function similar to that of a car key

What? Adam, what are you saying? I expect a mysterious technology to descend from the heavens? Very well! Adam, let me tell you!

Perhaps there are indeed gentle and considerate girls in this world who do not seek to elevate their social status and are willing to live a leisurely and free life together with him, but the likelihood of encountering such individuals is probably akin to being struck by a meteor; the chances of meeting a bad woman are evidently much higher.

But Hayden does not want that kind of thing

As an expert in ancient magic, his abilities are sufficient to chant spells fluently even while intoxicated—at least until the moment of wishing, when he remains quite fluent.

However, Hayden forcibly suppressed the urge to vomit. He passed through his home's defensive barrier, slipped inside, removed his evening attire, and donned only shorts and a T-shirt. Stretching to relieve the stiffness in his muscles, he then made his way to his magical workshop

A year ago, upon realizing how terrifying this was, Hayden finally felt a genuine shock and shudder from the depths of his heart. This is why, a year ago, he resolved that even if it meant exhausting his savings, he would create the perfect mechanical bride—because continuing down this path was not an option

However, although Hayden does not possess the infinite power of a large corporation, he has many tricks up his sleeve. For every task he can accomplish, he has nearly five different methods to complete it, just as he can fly like the wind instead of teleporting, even though he lacks the magical power to tear open space directly

He waved his hand gracefully and turned to head home

I truly find his tricks to be quite fashionable

Are you really not planning to order a synthetic human? Consider it as the advertising cost for today's farce; I can offer it to you at cost price

However, perhaps because he was still not fully sober, Hayden immediately scoffed and brazenly said, "You, who just graduated and became a salesman, dare to discuss this with me? I'll throw a topic from a mandatory freshman course at you, and you might not even be able to solve it now"

Look at the miracle I achieved with a single draw

It is only natural, after all, it is indeed not human

I can handle this matter, and in fact, the one who truly causes trouble is Karen. Your drunken remarks actually make some guests find it quite amusing. As a form of promotion, it is not without benefits for the business

In ancient times, there were very few individuals capable of wielding magic, and they were revered by others as if they were gods

Even if one could live to an old age, the only companion would be the hospital bed, with no one visiting, completely disconnected from the concept of happiness. One can only endure unimaginable pain in this world and die in a state where tears have long since dried up, unable even to emit a sound of lamentation.

Hahaha! Those two fools! They absolutely did not expect that I started creating my own mechanical doll wife a year ago!

The differences in the scenes between various regions of Xinyatu are a microcosm of the class disparities in this world

Thus, in this era, almost no one believes in these most primitive forms of magic. They have become mere superstitions. It is akin to the superstition that placing relevant items next to your phone before drawing cards in a game can increase the success rate

Would you like to come work with me? I can offer you a monthly salary in the five-digit range at least, along with a stable job at a large company, which would also make it easier for you to find a girlfriend

Adam spoke behind him

The key for the master is exclusively for winding; otherwise, it cannot be started.

Magic is not omnipotent. The most practical form of strong artificial intelligence at present is to directly utilize the blank souls of human fertilized eggs. No matter how talented you are, it is impossible for you to overcome this challenge on your own

With a physical body and energy, the only thing this puppet currently lacks is a soul

I was born to fulfill your wishes. I love you and will help you attain happiness

As he crossed the boundary of the urban area, the surrounding scenery changed abruptly. The buildings along the road suddenly became shorter, as if this New Yatu, this Emerald City, this elegant giant, had been severed at the knees

After simulating life at the ages of thirty, forty, fifty, and even further into the future, Hayden finally realized that if things continued this way, the only outcome for him would be an extremely lonely and unfulfilling life

But he was startled by the situation before him, breaking out in a cold sweat. Now, he was dumbfounded, recalling the foolish things he had done. He quickly raised his head to look at the automaton on the control panel.

His words are not without reason

So what exactly do you plan to do? Just as Karen said, even with the highly advanced arcane technology of modern times, we still cannot create an AI that possesses at least human-level emotions and intelligence

The reason, to put it simply, is quite straightforward

Yet the magic remained effective, and it was stronger than any spell Hayden had cast in his lifetime. The surge of magical power shattered the staff in his hand. The impact was as shocking as a massive hammer, causing his veins to bulge, his body to bend, as if the tide were washing away his vitality, leaving him feeling cold all over. The pain from overexertion ravaged him, and the vital signs monitor on Hayden's wrist immediately reported disturbances in his nervous system, accelerated heartbeat, and rising blood pressure

The city center is a well-maintained modern urban area, featuring a dense array of skyscrapers, beautiful parks, and comprehensive public service facilities. The mansions of the affluent are situated on the hills, creating an overall ambiance that is as tranquil as poetry. The neon lights seem to flaunt their excessive allure, illuminating the night and adding infinite charm to this technological hub of the Americas

If it weren't for the fact that I know he simply cannot afford the cost of the teleportation spell

If Hayden had not consumed too much high-concentration magical fine wine at the wedding today, if he had not thought of the phrase "Magic is the power to fulfill wishes"... If Adam had not just said something to him about "expecting mysterious technology to descend from the heavens"... Then he probably would not have attempted to cast this most primitive and ancient form of magic

Of course, Hayden did put in some effort at the beginning. Although the cyclops is large in stature, perhaps he has a good heart within? The orc, despite his terrifying appearance, might have a side that enjoys gardening? Perhaps a green tea type who juggles multiple relationships could become a virtuous woman after encountering him?

As for Hayden, ha, he never cared about how the upper management viewed him. Rather, it is true that the company people would only regard him as one of the lower ranks. Moreover, with Karen's recent outburst, no one is now preoccupied with the crazy things Hayden just said.

Others would probably think he is foolish upon hearing this. If Hayden had not been intoxicated, he certainly would not have said such nonsense

But Hayden immediately shook his head: "Giving G and *T* books to modify babies for accelerated maturation and brainwashing? That's too disgusting, not my cup of tea"

For the past five years, Hayden's doghouse has been situated here, a very ordinary single-story house enclosed by a fence, consisting of one bedroom and one living room, along with a kitchen and a storage room. The living room is quite spacious, featuring a single bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The underground storage room has been transformed by Hayden into a magical workshop, making for a rather pleasant solitary living arrangement. The low-level laborers and gang members living nearby are well aware that they should not casually trouble him, or they risk being turned into frogs. The living room is quite spacious, featuring a single bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The underground storage room has been transformed by Hayden into a magical workshop, making for a rather pleasant solitary living arrangement. The low-level laborers and gang members living nearby are well aware that they should not casually trouble him, or they risk being turned into frogs.

... ...

Ultimately, a living person is a living person, and a machine is a machine. This is common knowledge

Then the magic finally dissipated, as the silence of a miracle once again filled the entire studio. Hayden slumped his shoulders, resting one hand on his knee, breathing heavily, resembling an athlete after a marathon.

... ...

He is gazing at things that cannot be seen and listening to sounds that cannot be heard

If Karen or Adam were to see the scene in his studio, they would surely be astonished

Because in the center of this basement, there lies a mechanical doll in the shape of a young girl!

Before the wedding banquet concluded, Karen, realizing she had caused a scene, slipped away quietly. She had originally attended the wedding as a representative of the company's Human Resources Department to express the department's stance, but ended up losing her composure and shouting a series of negative remarks about marriage. Upon her return to the company, she would undoubtedly face the consequences.

However, Hayden refused

Adam, upon hearing his drunken ramblings, was not angry; instead, he became increasingly curious: "What other secrets are you hiding in your gourd? Do you expect some mysterious technology to fall from the sky for you?"

The initial movements were somewhat stiff, but soon became fluid. She stepped down from the control platform and stood lightly on the concrete floor like a feather. This was the effect of the gravity control system that allowed her to take light and precise steps. Her pure white attire enveloped her slender limbs, resembling a wedding dress

If someone asks Hayden, when he is not drunk, "What kind of magic is this?" he would tell them that it is the oldest and most primitive magic in the world. It is the magic from ancient legends, where wishes are made upon a magic lamp, dreams are entrusted to miracles, wealth is conjured from a magic pot, and fairy godmothers transform pumpkins into carriages and create glass slippers.

As she spoke, Shuhui revealed a gentle smile, her voice as clear and melodious as that of a music box

However, speaking of which, why did he start creating this clockwork automaton as early as a year ago

Adam paid no heed to this; instead, he inquired about another question

But the magic is still in effect

The wind transformed by Hayden weaves through the jungle of skyscrapers in the heart of New Yatu, navigating around the busy flying taxis, gliding past the new Space Needle that reaches towards the sky, and passing through the upscale apartment buildings that overlook the bustling masses below, all the way flying towards his own home

A square peg cannot fit into a round hole; forcing it will only lead to problems

The dream of the great inventor Edison has fallen, yet the technology of clockwork dolls has not been lost. Over the past two hundred years, robotics technology has been improved generation after generation, and software technology has made remarkable leaps. Today, many companies are selling humanoid robots on the market, ranging from priceless custom-made clockwork idols to household servants affordable even for the middle class. Of course, there are also courtesan robots used in the legal adult entertainment industry.

However, even if one can achieve physical desires through money, what should be done about the soul

As of today, modern arcane arts have enabled even those who do not possess magical abilities (theoretically) to enjoy the benefits of contemporary technology. Individuals lacking knowledge of magical techniques can utilize magical items and can also download simple spells online. Consequently, primitive forms of magic have naturally been rendered obsolete. With modern technology, who still needs to stake everything on entirely unknown miracles?

Her jade-like eyes adjusted to several focal lengths, as if she had suddenly awakened from a dream. Looking at Hayden, she revealed an expression of surprise. Yet this expression, like a withered tree blossoming, made her occasional demeanor appear vividly alive

Good evening, Master

As early as two hundred years ago, the great inventor Edison created the first clockwork automaton that resembled humans in both appearance and movement, in an effort to embody the concept of "ideal love." However, such clockwork automatons are ultimately soulless. Despite their human-like appearance and behavior, they merely replicate human actions through a cylinder, simulating a certain degree of emotional expression. Lacking self-awareness and a soul, they naturally cannot embody what the great inventor referred to as ideal love.

A maddening sense of omnipotence

Sounds great, right? But in reality, due to the primitive chaos of the original magic, it is impossible to determine whether it will take effect, and in what manner it will do so. Its success rate is as low as a miracle.

What he desires is an ideal wife! Just like the dream of the great inventor Edison two hundred years ago

Its appearance resembles that of a human female around eighteen years of age, lying on the operating table with her eyes closed, showing no signs of movement. Her hair, colored like pearls, frames a symmetrical and flawless beautiful face, complemented by delicate and smooth fair skin. A slender waist accentuates a full bosom, and her body, refined to perfect proportions, possesses a certain beauty that transcends humanity

Thus, Hayden had indeed considered settling for a secondary option, contemplating whether to simply order a high-end blank AI and cultivate it from scratch, which might barely meet the requirements. The idea of directly utilizing the consciousness of a living person to drive a mechanical puppet, similar to Adam's concept, is indeed a backup plan, but where could he find an ideal soul? Moreover, even if he were to proceed with this approach, the differences between flesh and machinery might not guarantee success.

O world, O world! Hear my wish (iwish)

Thus, he initiated his "Mechanical Bride" project

Hayden is already twenty-nine years old this year, yet he has never been in a relationship. It is not that he hasn't tried methods such as social gatherings, blind dates, or online dating, but what has been the result? Every time he goes to these events, he finds himself facing a group of bizarre individuals, with appearances ranging from goblins to cyclopes, making Hayden seriously doubt whether he has mistakenly wandered into a dungeon in the wilderness.

However, such good fortune will never occur in reality How frustrating

However, the situation in other parts of the city is not necessarily as optimistic. It is clearly poorer here, and also more dangerous. The buildings along the streets are both ugly and shabby, with most residences being low-rise townhouses, and there is a significant amount of graffiti on the walls. The streets at night are dimly lit, with streetwalkers lingering in the shadows of the streetlights, drug addicts huddled in the porches, and fat rats jumping out of half-opened trash bins, scurrying into the sewers on the other side of the road

He waved his white ash staff and shouted loudly in a drunken stupor

Hayden cannot independently design groundbreaking strong artificial intelligence. He is not specialized in this field, and even if he were, it would be impossible for him to accomplish it alone. His major in university was in the field of spellcasting arcana, and his thesis topic was ancient magic. While this may sound fashionable, ancient magic is merely something that has been rendered obsolete by modern arcana. The world of magic is ever-evolving, and today's arcanists are far more advanced than the magicians of a thousand years ago. His major in university was in the field of spellcasting arcana, and his thesis topic was ancient magic. While this may sound fashionable, ancient magic is merely something that has been rendered obsolete by modern arcana. The world of magic is ever-evolving, and today's arcanists are far more advanced than the magicians of a thousand years ago.

I am a man as free as the wind, not suited to the daily grind of the 996 lifestyle

When Hayden transformed into the wind and flew to his doorstep, the magic dissipated just in time. He immediately felt his tiny molecules suddenly coalesce at an unimaginable speed, forming a solid mass with a loud bang. It was truly painful, and it made Hayden, who had drunk too much before, feel like vomiting. While transforming into wind may seem fashionable, it is actually quite uncomfortable. Transforming oneself into wind is more troublesome than regular flying, because when flying, at least you can see things and know where you are. However, when you become wind, each of your tiny molecules has its own perspective, which the human brain cannot process properly, leaving you only able to roughly estimate where you seem to have flown.

Yet no one knows how to create a soul, and Hayden is no exception

Hahaha! Adam! What do you think gives me the audacity to speak so boldly at your wedding? It's because I'm just one step away from getting it done!

So he wants to do something crazy

Then, the wind-up doll politely bent down

Having dreams makes everyone remarkable, and I can still fly a plane after drinking! Today, I just ask the heavens to grant me an AI!

Dating requires spending money, and marriage demands even more financial investment. The money spent may not even be recouped, and there is a greater risk of it being entirely taken away by unscrupulous women. Therefore, if one must spend money, it is better to take a gamble on something significant

Watching him transform into the wind and fly away, Adam couldn't help but speak to himself

The effects of those high-end wines mixed together at the wedding banquet can be quite potent, their magic still swirling in Hayden's bloodstream, causing his wishes to come out in a jumble of incoherence, clearly the ramblings of a drunken man

Hayden did not respond, merely smiling mysteriously and saying, "You will know soon enough"

That said, they are ultimately nothing more than machines simulating humanity through pre-programmed algorithms and emotional engines. Although they possess intelligence capable of passing the old Turing test, their essence remains that of a philosophical zombie. Most consumers do not see this as an issue. Many are content to simply have a pet at home that can chat, assist with household chores, and even twist its waist back and forth.

However, today, perhaps due to having consumed too much alcohol, and also because of what everyone had said earlier, Hayden has come up with a new, clever, and loophole-exploiting method

This is the Bay Area of New Seattle, one of the lowest and most deteriorated regions of the city, only a notch above a true slum. Walking in such a place requires considerable courage, and the dangers of living here are even more pronounced. However, Hayden's house is located in this district. On one hand, it is because someone like him, who does not belong to any corporate entity and has no relatives, simply cannot afford to buy a decent house. On the other hand, the Bay Area has a principle that is hard to find in many parts of New Seattle: it is quite simple, "You don't mess with me, and I won't mess with you (unless someone is worth my trouble)."

The puppet has already opened its eyes

The seven seconds, which felt as if they were an eternity, passed just like that

Fortunately, Karen is an elf, and her parents are senior executives in the Human Resources Department of the Mitra Group. After all, it is unlikely that she would be dismissed over such a trivial matter

However, Hayden is not an ungrateful person. After being pulled outside the banquet hall, he immediately realized that he had gotten himself into trouble and quickly apologized to his old classmate.

Winding Key