Lilith wanted to learn how to pilot a spaceship, and Damian was determined to teach her well.
After two hours of instruction...
Lilith asked, "If we were on Purple Star, would you marry me?"
Damian set the ship on autopilot and replied, "Yes."
"What if we were on a train?"
"No."
Lilith giggled and asked, "Why?"
Damian's gaze turned distant as he explained, "The purpose of marriage is to bind two people through social rules, creating a consensus that ensures the continuation of the species. But times have changed. We can't reproduce, which means marriage loses its binding effect. So, why cling to such an outdated institution?"
"Wow, typical theoretical-minded person. You really lay it out neatly. I agree. Marriage, as a rule of civilization, disappears the moment society fractures. But humans are inherently lonely—they need companionship. That has nothing to do with marriage. Can we form this kind of companionship?"
Damian pulled her into an embrace and whispered, "You can always come to me if you need to."
In truth, Damian processed information faster than most. Partly guided by Fuyao and partly due to his higher-dimensional perspective, he realized that with the collapse of civilization and the prohibition of procreation, traditional gender roles became obsolete. Even distinctions between sexes felt irrelevant. Damian believed in races with single genders or fluid genders scattered across the cosmos. Releasing himself from such constraints, he treated everyone equally.
He kept these thoughts from Lilith. After she fell asleep, he quietly left.
"Fuyao, block that room as permanently reserved."
[Understood. It's where the master mates.]
"Don't put it so crudely. We were discussing existential philosophy, exploring universal truths. But tell me—do I even need this? The pleasure is real, but not as satisfying as physical enhancement."
[Balance of yin and yang is vital for transcendence. As a superior being, you should cultivate relationships with exceptional females across different species. This will be key to your evolution.]
Damian raised an eyebrow. "Deal with multiple species? Give me examples."
[Consort with merfolk to enhance your energy flow. With lizardfolk to fortify your skin. With mechanical beings to temper your willpower.]
"Wait—you can practice *that* with robots?" Damian's reality shattered. The mental image was unimaginable. "Wouldn't that crush my—"
[Methods of harmony vary. Your kind uses primitive approaches. Spiritual entanglement is far more profound. Let me guide you with mechanical lifeforms someday.]
A flicker of anticipation sparked in Damian. "Since you're an AI, can you—?"
[My essence is too potent; I fear you couldn't endure it.]
She's blushing? Damian felt a strange triumph. "Fuyao, do you have a gender? Male or female?" Her voice remained mechanically neutral.
[All things have yin and yang. I am female. If I had a carbon-based form, I'd gladly harmonize with you through primal means.]
"You make 'harmonize' sound grotesque. Hah! Switch to a normal voice. Preferably something less… robotic."
[Like this?] The AI's voice suddenly adopted an innocent lilt, startling Damian.
"Just normal. I prefer a mature tone." The AI shifted to a sophisticated timbre, putting Damian at ease.
Back in his quarters, Damian entered the training chamber as usual. But two hours later, Fuyao wake up him.
[Stellar Annihilation will reach this sector in seven hours.]
Damian knew it was time to leave. "Broadcast a notice: the train departs in five hours."
Guilds scrambled. Five hours wasn't much—those with resources hurried; poorer groups gathered food. Yet without refrigeration (strictly banned by Damian), preserved goods were scarce. Soon, all ships returned; no one stayed behind after past warnings.
[Train departing. Next destination unknown. Passengers, conserve resources.]
[Routine fees suspended post-departure.]
As the train accelerated, Lizard Star shrank into a pinprick, then dust.
Life aboard the train transformed. Once a dreariness, now it thrived with revelry. Long voyages became a joy—a rare respite.
On the fourth day of travel, the train halted again. But passengers didn't disembark—the train had ascended.