Half an hour later...
"Lao Da, why didn't you warn me...?" Lao San, whose face had regained a little color, looked at Lao Da resentfully.
"Would it have made any difference?" Lao Da rolled his eyes.
"Uh..." Lao San thought about it and realized he had a point.
"Congratulations, you two. You've successfully topped up your IQ. This proves your luck stats really are the genuine article!" Nie Yun told them with a beaming smile.
The brothers: "..."
"As the first two users to complete a top-up, you qualify for my special 'First Top-Up Bonus' promotion. Besides the wealth of information and knowledge already stored in your chips, you also receive a personal auxiliary AI!"
"A personal auxiliary AI?" Both men froze.
The moment that thought arose, an image of a miniature Xiaolang Robot suddenly appeared on their retinas. Unlike usual, however, he wore military camouflage and held a teaching pointer.
"Xiaolang Type-I Auxiliary AI activated. Hello, lucky chosen ones!
"From today onward, I will serve as your central interface for controlling your Brain Chips. I will guide you in using your abilities proficiently and mastering various skills. During combat, I can also serve as your command and communications hub!" As Xiaolang's mouth moved, the same voice sounded in both men's minds.
Chosen ones? Could that be our new job title?
"Amazing! Is this thing the legendary artificial intelligence?" Lao Da exclaimed in wonder.
The instant he finished speaking, Xiaolang brought his pointer down hard with a crack.
"Aaah!" Lao Da screamed. His backside suddenly burned with pain, exactly as though he had been whipped!
"Disrespecting your instructor. Since this is your first offense, you will receive only a minor punishment!" Xiaolang said coldly.
Clutching his backside, Lao Da stared dumbfounded at the "Xiaolang" before him. "Wh-why? You're clearly virtual,