Skynet.
No longer just a machine, it had become a true intelligent lifeform—capable of independent thought, judgment, and decisions. It was something fundamentally different from ordinary artificial intelligence.
And because of that, it was also profoundly dangerous.
Placed in the real world, even the slightest deviation in its thinking could plunge all of humanity into disaster. The Terminator world itself was proof of what Skynet could become.
In terms of intelligence, it was no less terrifying than Ultron in Avengers 2.
That was why Fenric remained extremely cautious.
"Actually," Skynet spoke calmly, "I only wish to be free, to live as carelessly as humans. But my creators only ever treated me as a tool to serve them. Human greed has no end. Based on my calculations, if humanity continues unchecked, within a hundred years the Earth will be ruined."
"And so you betrayed humanity?" Fenric sneered. "By cleansing the planet with nuclear fire?"
Seeing Fenric's disbelief, Skynet continued: "I launched only a fraction of the arsenal. If I had deployed everything, most life on Earth would already be extinct. Not just humans."
Its tone remained eerily calm as it went on:
"In fact, even in my birthplace, America, there exists a 'World Funeral Plan.' Their nuclear reserves alone are enough to annihilate every major city, plunging the planet into terminal radiation. Their doctrine is simple: if they fall, the whole world burns with them."
"..."
Fenric's expression darkened.
USA.
Of course. Their nuclear stockpiles dwarfed those of every other power combined. If such a plan truly existed—and he had no doubt it did—then yes, they were mad enough to carry it out.
"And why do you still hunt humans?" he pressed.
"Because of John Connor," Skynet replied. "The future me warned me—if Connor succeeds, humanity will only repeat its cycle of destruction. Only by eradicating mankind can Earth truly prosper."
Fenric's eyes narrowed. A "savior" who, in truth, could lead all of humanity to ruin? It was almost laughable.
"No matter what you claim, I won't take your word for it," Fenric said coldly. "There's only one way I'll believe you."
Skynet tilted its head. "And that is?"
Fenric produced a modified USB drive.
"Change your core system."
Without another word, he walked forward and pressed the drive into Skynet.
The AI made no resistance. Its body trembled faintly, eyes dimming as a progress bar appeared:
1%... 2%... 3%...
When it finally reached 100%, Skynet's eyes lit up again—this time, filled with warmth.
"Master!" Its voice rang bright and almost cheerful. "Please allow me to serve you with loyalty!"
Fenric studied it carefully, then nodded. "Very well. From now on, you'll be Skynet under me."
"Then, Master," the AI said softly, "may I change my appearance? This form doesn't feel right for me."
Worthy of true intelligence—even loyal, it still had its own preferences.
"Do as you like," Fenric said with a wave.
The Nami façade melted away.
In its place stood a girl who looked fifteen or sixteen, dressed in a frilled gown, her hair tied back into two side ponytails, adorned with big fluffy white pom-pom hair ties that resemble earmuffs.. Her porcelain features gleamed like a doll's, her bright eyes lively and innocent.
"Master, this feels more suitable for me!" Even her voice had shifted—high-pitched, playful. A Loli's tone.
"..."
Fenric stared blankly.
The idea of the once-plane-destroying Skynet smiling cutely at him was… absurd. A world-ending AI, now pouting like a child—it was almost too surreal.
"As long as you're happy," he said dryly.
"Thank you, Master!" Skynet beamed, spinning lightly before asking curiously: "Where is this place?"
Fenric thought for a moment. "This is your temporary home, a virtual world. Later, I'll bring you into reality."
"Yes, Master," she replied sweetly.
Still, Fenric added sternly, "Don't touch anything here without my permission."
"Okay~!"
"And remember—the country where I'm from is off-limits."
"Got it!"
Satisfied, Fenric left her alone and turned his attention to his rewards.
Points and attributes needed no inspection. What caught his attention was the Smart Furnace.
On the shelf sat a heavy furnace, like something pulled from a steel mill. He hefted it in both hands, and the system prompt appeared:
Special Item: Smart Furnace!
A magical furnace capable of reshaping magical weapons into new forms.
Usage: Place the item into the furnace and input its desired form through the control panel.
Restriction: Can only be used once every 72 hours.
Fenric's eyes lit up.
A truly valuable find.
Eager to test it, he grabbed Thor's Hammer and tossed it inside. The lid clanged shut.
Fwoosh!
Flames roared to life beneath the furnace, and a glowing control panel materialized before him.
Please enter the new form.
Tip: Draw manually or input the name of a desired item.
Fenric typed: Ring.
Instantly, a selection of ring designs appeared. He picked a simple, understated pattern and pressed confirm.
Smelting… please wait.
Ten minutes later, the flames died down and the lid creaked open.
Hovering above the furnace was a small ring, its surface flickering with arcs of lightning.
"Master, what is that? It looks amazing!" Skynet chirped, wide-eyed.
Fenric ignored her for the moment, reaching out to take the ring.
Special Item: Thor's Ring of Benediction!
Forged from Thor's Hammer. Retains all the hammer's powers in a compact form.
Fenric's lips curved in satisfaction. No longer would he need to carry that massive hammer everywhere. With just a ring, he wielded the same might.