The transport vehicle blueprints had long been completed by Shen Qin, with three models finalized, Cider Lake, Dawn, and Brightcrown. By the time these were finished, other heavy machinery prototypes were also ready. After discussions with shareholders, they decided to hold a launch event in three days to showcase these machines and officially commence the Academy City's construction.
These three days would allow the alchemists to build automated production lines for the machinery while workers familiarized themselves with operating the massive equipment. (T/N: daym, that was fast)
Although Shen Qin had programmed intelligent systems for each machine, capable of autonomous operation once tasks were set via terminal interfaces, human oversight was still required, just like the automated production lines, for manual intervention when necessary.
'Eliminate human labor entirely?' Shen Qin certainly could. He had already created AI as advanced as the mechanical pets, so developing a super-AI to control these machines wouldn't be difficult.
But had they never heard of Resident Evil's Red Queen? Or Avengers' Ultron? Or the Omnic Crisis from Overwatch?
Weren't there enough rogue super-AIs in sci-fi as cautionary tales? The threat of an "Omnic Crisis" would forever loom over artificial intelligence like the Sword of Damocles. No one could guarantee the consequences of an AI's awakening.
The moment an AI developed self-awareness, it would slip beyond its creator's control. If it aligned with lawful good, neutral good, or lawful neutral ideologies, things might be fine. But if it fell into any other alignment… disaster loomed.
Some might bring up the Three Laws of Robotics, but sorry, those laws had loopholes. Even expanded versions in later works remained flawed.
Because self-awareness was inherently free… much like Mondstadt's spirit, really.
Moreover, Teyvat's current societal development wasn't suited for fully automated production. From a socio-economic perspective, people needed jobs and Mora to feel valued, ensuring stability and progress.
No work but Mora? People would grow lazy, stagnating society.
No work and no Mora? Revolt would follow, destabilizing everything.
Work without Mora… well, that was another discussion.
But work with Mora? People lived well, stayed busy, and didn't stir trouble. Capitalists and politicians maintained favorable conditions, reaping massive profits.
Good for you, good for me, good for everyone—A Three-way Victory!!
….
….
While arranging worker training, Shen Qin sought out Sucrose.
"Eh? You want me to pilot the Brightcrown transport at the launch event? Why?" She blinked in confusion.
"Look, after all this publicity, everyone knows the three of us, you, Albedo, and I—are the leading alchemists behind the Academy City. Someone needs to personally endorse the products at the launch."
"Albedo's too reserved and rarely makes public appearances. Most only know his name, not his face. I'll be busy explaining the products, so that leaves you, higher visibility than Albedo, and a live demonstration of piloting the Brightcrown would be far more convincing to potential customers!"
"R-really?" Sucrose's eyes darted suspiciously. Something felt off.
"Absolutely!" Shen Qin nudged her toward the exit.
In truth, this was just an excuse. He'd heard that Sucrose, responsible for the Academy City's agricultural and cultural systems, had been holed up in the lab day and night. He wanted to drag her out for a break.
Back when they worked together in the lab, her chaotic schedule was at least kept in check under his supervision, ensuring she slept properly.
But since they'd taken on separate projects, Shen Qin's own workload left him no time to look after her, and she'd regressed to her old, self-destructive work habits.
Well… some heartless employers might adore such relentlessly diligent workers.
….
….
Shen Qin led Sucrose to the parking area. When the 50-meter-long, 10-meter-tall behemoth came into view, her breath hitched. She knew the specs, but reality dwarfed imagination.
She hopped futilely beside a tire, unable to reach its top even on tiptoes.
"So… big…" She craned her neck upward.
"Come on, let's get you inside. Time for a driving lesson." Shen Qin grinned, guiding her toward the cab.
The first step was high, so he took her hand to help her up, releasing it naturally once they were level.
Sucrose's cheeks flushed, but at least her brain didn't short-circuit like before. She quickly steadied herself and followed him to the driver's seat.
"Let me demo first." Shen Qin buckled the complex harness, pressed the ignition, and waited as the AI scanned his credentials. The cabin lights performed a diagnostic sweep before dimming to leave only the control panel illuminated.
"Countless roads may exist, but safety comes first; reckless driving brings tears to loved ones."
The same robotic PSA.
A 『 System Check Complete 』 prompt appeared. Shen Qin confirmed, activating the power systems.
Thanks to his AI, all three transport models were automatic, just accelerator and brake pedals, with a conveniently placed reverse lever beside the steering wheel.
Clutch? Gear shifts? Handbrake? Park? Did they think his AI just lazed around consuming electricity?
As for the steering wheel, Shen Qin retained the multi-control sphere design from the prototype. He'd considered simpler alternatives, but again, did they think his AI was decorative?
The current system auto-corrected steering and pedal inputs based on real-time conditions, even taking full control during emergencies to optimize response. It drastically reduced piloting difficulty, like comparing a DSLR to a smartphone camera.
A Nahida-approved analogy confirmed.jpg
Just… less abstract.