Why would a purely decorative ornament catch Gray's attention?
Because it is unbelievably stable.
In the recent harrowing experience, the Antasia experienced at least three major jolts and countless minor ones.
Even the living people inside the fortress were shaken senseless; how could a mere ornament that they had casually placed on the control panel still be in its original position?
Gray cautiously took two steps forward to the World Tree ornament and gently poked it.
The ornament remained motionless.
What appear to be merely placed items are actually firmly glued to the ground below.
Gray was somewhat shocked to realize this.
His intuition told him that there was some connection between this ornament and the awakening of Antasia.
But what exactly is the connection?
" Antasia."
He ultimately chose to directly question the person involved—no, the person directly involved.
"When did you wake up, that is, when you were able to communicate with me?"
" Gray, these are two things."
The chaotic sounds of the Blood Corpse rang out again:
"I remember, Kailait."
He died in a storm.
"I remember, Fener."
"He died peacefully in his sleep, that's good."
Gray's pupils suddenly trembled—
Fener, his master's real name.
The master has been dead for almost ten years, which means that Antasia has truly possessed self-awareness since a very long time ago.
So awakening actually happened a long time ago...
"When will you be able to operate on your own and communicate with me?"
"That's right, just now."
The Antasia said:
" Gray, I watched you grow up, and I don't want you to die like this."
Gray's expression changed several times.
Antasia's words truly resonated with him, and her speaking style was quite like that of an elder.
Fener was a minor celebrity in the Graycast Corridor merchants' circle, mainly because he was one of the few who lived to a ripe old age.
It's clear that Antasia holds Fener in high regard.
So this guy actually had memories from a very long time ago.
Now that it also has the ability to communicate, it can no longer be simply regarded as a fortress.
However, this guy seems to have more seniority than me.
How should this be calculated?
Senior brother? Uncle-master? Or, as the old man jokingly said—mistress?
And who is Kailait? The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it.
Who is Kailait?
He asked directly.
" Fener, your master."
Good heavens, it turns out he's my master's master.
The master had been a merchant for at least thirty years, which means that Antasia has at least forty years of memories.
This is beyond what senior brothers, uncles, and mistresses can describe; this is clearly the grandmaster uncle...
Then the cause and effect of this matter are quite obvious.
If machines could be awakened at will, Gray didn't think he'd ever have that privilege.
Moreover, if Antasia already possessed the abilities she just demonstrated, she would have undoubtedly saved Kailait from the storm and herself from being chased by the Blood Corpse last time.
Therefore, encountering danger is merely an opportunity.
But the key to truly awakening mechanical consciousness lies elsewhere.
Gray has two guesses about this.
One of them is the Blood Corpse.
Antasia's ability to speak relies on the Blood Corpse, which is enough to show that these Blood Corpse are useful to it.
The most unusual Blood Corpse he encountered was the Grand Duke, whom he almost brushed past.
It's not surprising that a High Tier being possesses any outrageous abilities; perhaps by making even the slightest influence, they could bring the Blood Corpse in their power compartment to Antasia's use.
Another possible guess is that it Ed (the one who gave it to us).
That young but completely unfathomable fellow was a lord when he first went there, became a bishop the second time, and was later called the Son of God.
It's unlikely that what he gave away was an ordinary item, and it's clear that the ornament had already merged with the control panel, making it inextricably linked to this matter.
Gray thought for a moment, then took the initiative to ask:
" Antasia, do you know how you acquired the ability to operate automatically?"
"Sorry, Gray, I... don't know."
"Would you mind if I told the people at the Second Holy See about this? They might be able to find out the truth."
He thought for a moment and then added:
"If you have any memories of that time, you should know that they were just a little crazy, not bad people."
"Yes, Gray, they helped me."
call.
Gray let out a silent sigh of relief.
Antasia was smarter and gentler than he had imagined, and regardless of which generation of seniority it belonged to, it seemed quite easy to get along with.
Moreover, it dislikes Blood Corpse and is not averse to the Second Holy See, which aligns perfectly with its own stance.
Now it not only possesses memories, but also the ability to speak. Perhaps we can obtain some information from it about what our master and our master's master experienced...
Yes, memories!
Gray suddenly realized that the most precious thing the Antasia was its memories.
A fortress that has been in service for decades must have stored an astonishing amount of memories.
And now it has developed self-awareness...
Thinking of this, Gray immediately asked excitedly:
" Antasia, may I entrust you with the piloting task? I wish to travel to Valhalla, the capital of the Second Holy See."
"Sure, leave it to me. Do you need the fastest or the safest option?"
Is there even a choice?
Gray was utterly astonished.
In just a few minutes, he was already immersed in the convenience brought by technology, just like people from another world.
As for its potential hidden dangers?
If it hasn't manifested yet, then it doesn't exist.
"Then let's take the safest route, thank you."
"Okay, Gray, the safest route, estimated journey time: twenty days."
As soon as she finished speaking, Antasia turned slightly and adjusted the internal gear mechanism to maximize the efficiency of the Blood Corpse.
Looking at the fortress that had begun to run automatically, Gray couldn't suppress a smile.
Nora, standing beside him, looked equally surprised.
She never expected to witness such a scene; it was definitely the right decision to come out with her husband.
Although I almost died several times, the enjoyment I gained along the way was incomparable to that of being a mechanic in the Great Labyrinth City.
However, Antasia's awakening is not a good thing for all "people"...
Just as the couple were immersed in excitement, a hoarse and trembling voice suddenly rang out:
"Captain..."
Bennett's somewhat confused use of address revealed the worry and anxiety he was feeling at that moment.
"You... you're not going to abandon me, are you?"
Upon witnessing the awakening of a machine, the most panicked person was Bennett.
As the chief engineer, his responsibilities on this fortress included speed control and maintenance.
Now, it seems that Antasia has taken both of these jobs.
A machine with intelligence, which neither eats, drinks, nor sleeps; it is clever, diligent, and loyal.
If we're talking about whose niche this has taken over, then the unfortunate one can only be Bennett.