The components lay before Xen on the relatively clean metal floor of the crevice: the plasteel body of his [Crude Energon Staff (Poor)], the [Advanced Optic Lens (Cracked)] salvaged from the sensor array, the single [Micro-Capacitor (Type Gamma)], and the short but crucial [High-Bandwidth Data Cable Fragment] extracted from the flight recorder. His inventory held his last [Energon Crystal (Medium-Grade) x1] and the inert [Damaged Flight Recorder], leaving 3 slots free (Inventory Slots Used: 2/5).
His energy was high (EN: 124.0/150), HP full, and he was incredibly close to Level 3 (XP: 240/250).
This modification was ambitious. Integrating salvaged, mismatched parts into a functional energy projector using only [Improvised Assembly] Lvl 2 felt like performing micro-surgery with construction tools. But the limitations of his current contact-only staff, especially its unreliability, were too dangerous to ignore. He had to try.
He activated his [Improvised Assembly] skill (Proficiency: 0.9%), feeling his processors shift focus, accessing the limited technical knowledge and structural intuition the skill provided. His [Micro-Manipulation] (Proficiency: 1.5%) would be essential for the delicate work ahead.
First, prepping the staff head. He carefully removed the depleted low-grade crystal and its crude wiring, then used scrap metal edges to meticulously modify the plasteel rod's tip, creating a more stable, slightly recessed mounting point designed to cradle the large, cracked lens. Aligning it perfectly was critical. (IA Prof -> 1.0%, MM Prof -> 1.6%).
Next, the power circuit – the heart of the modification. He needed to route energy from the staff's internal feed (where the old crystal connected) through the [Micro-Capacitor] (for stabilization and regulation), then through the [High-Bandwidth Data Cable Fragment] (for efficient transfer), finally terminating at an emitter point positioned precisely behind the lens's focal center. He carefully fused the capacitor's input lead to the staff's power feed using precise fingertip energy control. He then meticulously stripped the ends of the short, shielded cable fragment and fused one end to the capacitor's output.
Routing the other end securely and creating a stable emitter nub just behind the lens mounting took intense concentration. (IA Prof -> 1.4%, MM Prof -> 1.8%).
Finally, the trigger mechanism. He integrated the salvaged [Positronic Relay (Micro)] near the staff's grip, wiring it between the capacitor and the emitter cable, and connecting its trigger input to the small metal contact plate he'd fashioned earlier. Touching the plate would now activate the relay, instructing the capacitor to discharge through the cable and lens. It was a far more sophisticated (though still jury-rigged) setup than the original staff. (IA Prof -> 1.8%, MM Prof -> 2.0%).
The entire process was a masterclass in focused effort, taking well over an hour. Xen ignored the slow passage of time, pouring all his concentration (INT 11, CPU 11) and dexterity (DEX 13) into the task. He rechecked connections, tested fittings, ensured the lens was seated as securely as possible in its makeshift mount despite the cracks.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
At last, he leaned back, inspecting the finished product. It still looked undeniably improvised, but the components seemed cleanly integrated, the high-bandwidth cable a clear visual upgrade over the previous low-grade wiring. As he completed his final check, the System chimed.
<[Improvised Assembly] Lvl 2 attempting Complex Item Modification... INT Check (vs Difficulty 12 - Multiple Salvaged Systems Integration): Target INT 11 (+0 Mod) + Skill Bonus (+1). Roll: 19. Result: 20. Critical Success! (Minor positive quirk added alongside standard result!)> [Improvised Assembly Lvl 2 skill proficiency increased by 10.0% to 11.8%] [Micro-Manipulation Lvl 1 skill proficiency increased by 0.5% to 2.5%]
The XP bar flashed, overflowed. A triumphant, resonant tone echoed solely within Xen’s processors.
Xen felt the familiar surge of restorative energy, topping off his reserves instantly (EN: 150.0/150). He looked down at the staff – no, the Projector – in his hands. Fair Quality! Reduced EN cost! Reduced malfunction chance! And most importantly, ranged damage. It had worked! His gamble, his effort, his scavenging – it had paid off, culminating in a crucial upgrade and achieving Level 3!
His status updated:
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STATUS: Xen
LEVEL: 3 (50/400 XP)
RANK: Scrap-Tier (0)
HEALTH (HP): 100/100
ENERGON (EN): 150/150
ATTRIBUTE POINTS AVAILABLE: 3
SKILL POINTS AVAILABLE: 1
CORE STATS: [View]
SKILLS: [View]
-----------------------------
Level 3! And 400 XP needed for the next level – the climb was definitely getting steeper. But he had points to spend now. Three more attribute points, one more skill point. Where to put them? Improve his core stats further? Boost his newly acquired [Data Analysis] or crucial [Improvised Assembly] skills? Or maybe start investing in something completely new if the System offered options?
He hefted the [Improvised Energon Projector (Fair)]. It felt different – heavier with the lens, but more balanced, more potent. The possibilities it opened up felt vast compared to the crude contact staff. The scrap heap was still dangerous, but he finally felt like he had a fighting chance beyond just running and hiding.