Standing behind the relative safety of the scarred metal crate, Xen meticulously analyzed the wreckage of the [Damaged Sensor Array]. His primary target, the [Advanced Optic Lens (Cracked)], gleamed dully high up on the leaning pylon structure. The secondary target, the [High-Frequency Receiver Coil (Damaged)], remained buried near the base.
Logic dictated securing the lens first; it seemed crucial for the ranged weapon modification he envisioned, and assessing its extraction difficulty would inform whether attempting the buried coil was even feasible today.
He initiated a series of focused Lvl 2 [Basic Scan]s, targeting the lattice structure of the pylon leading up to the lens housing.
The scans painted a dangerous picture. The climb was possible, but riddled with weak points and requiring careful navigation around compromised sections. Using the scan data overlaid on his visual feed, Xen plotted a potential ascent route – zigzagging across the leaning lattice, utilizing beams marked green while avoiding the red-flagged bent support and putting minimal stress on the yellow fractured joints. It would be slow, demanding absolute focus.
He holstered his staff securely across his back, freeing both hands. Taking a simulated breath, he moved from his cover and began the climb.
The metal of the pylon was cold and rough beneath his manipulator fingers. He relied heavily on his DEX 13 and [Micro-Manipulation] Lvl 1 (Proficiency: 1.1%) to find purchase, testing each potential handhold and foothold by applying gradual pressure before committing his full weight.
The structure groaned ominously under him, metal protesting its unnatural angle. He moved deliberately, using the scan data to guide his placement, climbing perhaps three meters up the leaning structure.
He reached a section marked yellow on his HUD map – a joint visibly stressed, with fine cracks spiderwebbing out. As he carefully shifted his weight to reach for the next stable beam (marked green), the metal beneath his lower foot shifted with a sudden, sharp SCREEECH!
He lost purchase for a terrifying instant! His small body swung outwards, held only by his upper handhold.
His fingers clamped down with enhanced strength, [Micro-Manipulation] instinctively maximizing grip (Proficiency: 1.2%). He slammed back against the lattice, his shoulder impacting a crossbeam hard.
He clung there for a moment, ventilation cycling rapidly, optics scanning the now slightly shifted joint. Close call. Very close. That single point of HP damage was a stark reminder of the stakes. Shaken but undeterred, he carefully resumed his climb, bypassing the compromised joint via an adjacent, more stable plate. ([Micro-Manipulation] Proficiency: 1.3% after continued climbing).
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Finally, after another few minutes of tense ascent (~10 mins total climb), he reached the mangled section housing the optic lens. It was even larger up close, the cracked crystalline surface reflecting the dim ambient light in fractured patterns.
The housing itself was bent, and the retaining clips his scan had identified were visibly warped and jammed against the lens edge. Getting it out would require finesse, not force.
He positioned himself as securely as possible on a relatively stable crossbeam adjacent to the housing. Okay, System, analyze the extraction puzzle.
[Scan Analysis: Lens Housing Retaining Clips (Qty: 4)] [Clip Status: 1x Sheared Off, 2x Jammed/Bent, 1x Partially Engaged but Stressed] [Extraction Potential: High probability of lens release if Partially Engaged Clip (Clip 4) is disengaged first. Requires precise, minimal force application. Warning: Applying force to Jammed Clips (2, 3) may cause further housing collapse or shatter lens.]
The scan provided the key: release the single stressed clip first. It identified Clip 4 on his HUD overlay. Xen extended his manipulator hand, fingers moving with the utmost care thanks to [Micro-Manipulation] (Proficiency: 1.4%). He needed to apply just enough pressure to release the clip without jarring the whole assembly. This wasn't about strength; it was about precision and understanding the mechanics.
System, assess optimal pressure point and release vector... calculating... (INT 11 / CPU 11 aiding the process).
He found the spot indicated by his internal calculation, a tiny leverage point on the stressed clip. Applying micro-fine pressure with one fingertip... click. The clip sprang loose! The heavy lens immediately shifted in its damaged housing, held now only by friction and the two jammed clips. It was free, but Xen had to catch it before it tumbled out and shattered on the scrap below!
He reacted instantly, abandoning his secure handhold to grab the shifting lens with both hands just as it began to slide. It was heavy, awkward, nearly pulling him off balance again, but he held on. Success!
He carefully maneuvered the large, cracked lens until he had a secure grip. It pulsed with faint, residual energy from its previous function. He immediately focused on storing it. Inventory!
<[Advanced Optic Lens (Cracked)] added to Inventory.> Inventory Slots Used: 4/5 (Crystals x1, Chip x1, Plate x1, Lens x1). <+20 XP Gained! (Complex Salvage Operation Successful)> XP: 219/250. Almost Level 3! [Micro-Manipulation skill proficiency increased by 0.2% to 1.6%]
He had it!! The key component for a potential ranged weapon upgrade.
Relief warred with the immediate need to get down safely. The climb down was just as nerve-wracking as the ascent, especially knowing the structure might be even less stable now. He moved slowly, deliberately, testing every hold, eventually reaching the ground near his crate cover without further incident.
He leaned against the crate, safe for the moment. Checking status: HP: 99.0/100. EN: 134.5/150. XP: 219/250. Lens secured.
He looked at the base of the pylon where the receiver coil was supposedly buried under heavy debris. His scan had confirmed its presence, but also the difficulty. It would require significant digging, shifting heavy objects far beyond his STR 5 capabilities, likely needing tools or a major stat increase.
Trying that now, especially after the tense climb and with slightly damaged HP, felt like pushing his luck too far.
The smart move was to secure the valuable lens he had retrieved. Return to the crevice. Let his HP fully recover. Evaluate the lens with [Data Analysis].
Plan how to potentially use it with [Improvised Assembly]. The coil would have to wait for another time, when he was stronger or better equipped.
Micro-Machina: Chapter 36 - Perilous Ascent, Prized ComponentWith the high-value component secured and a logical plan formed, Xen turned away from the hazardous wreckage of the Sensor Array and began the journey back towards his crevice shelter, the weight of the cracked optic lens in his sub-dimensional inventory a tangible symbol of hard-won progress.