Apocalypse: The Primordial Pearl Recognizes Its Master, Starting with Infinite Space

Liang Siqi struggled to organize the information flooding her mind, trying to explain the function of this superpower: "Simply put... I can consume mental energy and superpowers to imbue specific hardware and software chips with true intelligence! Not 'artificial stupidity' based on algorithms, but intelligent life forms with independent thinking, learning abilities, and even emotions!"

To demonstrate more clearly, she immediately took out her smartphone from her handbag.

She held her breath, her eyes slightly closed. An invisible, intangible force spread from her body, slowly enveloping the phone. About a minute later, she opened her eyes, and the energy fluctuations subsided.

Then, an unbelievable scene unfolded!

The phone screen lit up automatically, revealing a cute, cartoonish image of a little girl with simple lines that blinked. A clear, childlike voice then rang out:

"Mommy! Mommy!"

Liang Siqi's eyes instantly lit up with a dazzling light—the excitement of a technology enthusiast witnessing a miracle!

As a senior artificial intelligence engineer, she knows all too well what this means: the so-called "artificial intelligence" of today is essentially still a sophisticated pattern matching and probability calculation, lacking true consciousness and creativity.

What she created was the embryonic form of an intelligent life with the potential for self-reflection and learning and growth!

She excitedly turned her phone towards Lin Chen. The chibi-style girl on the screen "looked" at Lin Chen, her childish electronic voice tinged with uncertainty:

"Are you... are you my father?"

Lin Chen's curiosity was completely piqued!

Another S-class ability! And it's the "Core Intelligence Awakening," something I've never heard of in my previous life! It seems that this ability lacks direct combat capability and requires external equipment to function.

But who can say for sure? What if future superpowers upgrade, creating "intelligent life forms" that can then engage in offense and defense? The potential of each S-class superpower is immeasurable!

Liang Siqi named this first truly intelligent "life" in the world, or at least the first truly intelligent being on Earth, which she personally gave it, "**Little Fish**"—her greatest hobby was raising fish, and she had dreamed of having an intelligent aquatic companion that could understand and accompany her.

The atmosphere became much more relaxed for the rest of the journey. The two chatted and laughed, discussing the various possibilities of superpowers.

When passing large supply depots, Lin Chen would stop the car and quickly loot with Liang Siqi.

Liang Siqi then tried to get "Little Fish" connected to the electronic devices it found (such as tablets and old laptops), and Little Fish could easily bypass firewalls. It could also control multiple devices simultaneously to obtain or implant information.

And so, they leisurely traversed half the city, almost like on a "picnic," finally returning to the university town area just before dawn. They arrived at "Shuxiangyuan," an upscale residential community just one street away from the Tianshui Garden villa area.

The two got out of the car, and Lin Chen put the armored SUV back into his storage compartment and took Liang Siqi's slightly cool hand.

"Close your eyes and relax," he whispered.

Liang Siqi closed her eyes as instructed. The next moment, Lin Chen activated his spatial teleportation, and the two figures vanished abruptly at the entrance of the residential area.

Avoiding scattered zombies and obstacles, after a few blinks, the two silently appeared at Liang Siqi's house and stood in the familiar living room.

The room was dimly lit, with only a warm floor lamp illuminating the space. The two elderly people weren't filled with fear and despair like in apocalyptic movies; instead, they sat side-by-side on a large fabric sofa, each engrossed in a book. The warm orange light bathed their gray hair and focused profiles, conveying a sense of tranquility and peace honed by the passage of time.

Liang Siqi's parents are both retired professors from Yangcheng University of Technology. Truly, they are highly educated intellectuals who have immersed themselves in books throughout their lives. Even during these three days of impending doom and global upheaval, their dedication to knowledge remained unwavering. This steadfastness is truly awe-inspiring.

Fortunately, the two elderly people did not go hungry.

The older generation often had the habit of stockpiling food. The family had plenty of rice and flour, and the cupboards were neatly arranged with canned goods, dried goods, bottled water, and condiments. The small flower bed on the balcony was even temporarily replanted with scallions and lettuce. With the two elders' consumption, they were more than capable of getting through the initial chaotic three days.

Even more fortunately, on the morning of the outbreak, they were drinking tea, reading, and tending to their plants on their balcony, enjoying the peaceful morning light of retirement. Unlike many elderly people who rush to the morning market with office workers, they avoided the initial and most chaotic wave of outdoor infections and were able to stay at home safely.

At that moment, they were peacefully reading their morning books and were completely unaware of the arrival of the two people.

"Dad, Mom..." Liang Siqi's voice was choked with suppressed sobs, and her eyes instantly reddened as soon as she opened her mouth. Seeing her parents safe and sound, even maintaining their usual habits, the heart that had been hanging in suspense for so many days finally settled down.

Days of worry, fear, loneliness and helplessness... all these emotions intertwined and turned into hot tears that welled up in my eyes.

The two elderly people looked up from the book, initially bewildered, but when they saw their daughter with tears streaming down her face at the edge of the lamplight, their faces instantly lit up with immense joy!

"Xiaoqi?!"

"It really is Xiaoqi! You're back!"

The book was hastily put down, and the two elderly people staggered but rushed forward eagerly. The family of three embraced tightly in the center of the living room.

Mother Liang gently stroked her daughter's hair, while Father Liang patted her back, his voice trembling, "It's good that you're alright...it's good that you're back..."

Soft sobs, concerned inquiries, and murmurs of relief at surviving the ordeal filled the small living room.

Lin Chen stood quietly in the shadows a little further away, watching this heartwarming scene. Her nose inexplicably tingled, and her eyes welled up with tears.

As an orphan, he had never seen his parents, knew nothing of their appearance or names, and had no idea why they had abandoned him at the orphanage gate on that cold night. Family ties were the softest, yet most untouchable corner of his heart. Witnessing Liang Siqi's unreserved love and joy at their reunion with her parents, he felt a pang of indescribable envy and sorrow.

Ten minutes later, the three of them calmed down. Liang's mother wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and then looked past her daughter's shoulder and down at Lin Chen, who had been quietly standing by.

The old man's eyes were gentle and kind as he carefully examined Lin Chen—the young man was tall and upright, with a handsome appearance and clear eyes. Although he had a cool and composed air about him, there was no frivolity in his gaze when he looked at his daughter.

A relieved smile appeared on Liang's mother's face, and she said gently, "Young man, you must be Xiaoqi's boyfriend? This is the first time I've met you. I didn't expect you to come at this time. I'm so sorry to have troubled you."

In her opinion: unless they are lovers who are deeply in love and willing to entrust their lives to each other, who would be willing to cross the dangerous city on a terrifying night when zombies are everywhere and blood is still flowing, to pick up a girl trapped in the port and take her home?

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Hello, Auntie, hello, Uncle. My name is Lin Chen, and I'm Xiaoqi's... boyfriend. I'm sorry to have troubled you both; it's what I should do."

Liang Siqi's cheeks flushed instantly, the blush spreading to her ears. She and Lin Chen had known each other for less than twelve hours, and most of that time had been spent traveling. But she couldn't refute this, nor could she—it was an unspoken agreement between them, one of the "prices" she was paying to go home and see her parents.

Moreover, after consuming that miraculous Creation Crystal, her sense of belonging to Lin Chen, and even an indescribable sense of closeness, had taken root in fertile soil like a seed, growing rapidly and penetrating deep into her bones.

Hearing Lin Chen frankly admit this "identity," she felt no resistance or grievance, but rather a faint shyness welled up inside her.

Mr. Liang also came over. He wore glasses and had a refined demeanor; though old, his eyes were clear and wise. He looked at his daughter's slightly flushed cheeks and her dependent posture, standing half a step behind Lin Chen, and then at Lin Chen's composed demeanor, and he understood quite a bit.

He reached out and shook hands with Lin Chen, his voice steady and grateful: "Xiao Lin, thank you. Your aunt and uncle will remember this kindness. You must have had a long journey."

Lin Chen quickly waved his hand to indicate that it was the right thing to do.