Chapter 7: Expanding the Base with Space Engineer Technology and Exploring

Wei, now rested and with the Ghost hovering by his side, opened the personal menu on his HUD to plan his next steps. The presence of the Ghost seemed to ease the tension in the air, its pulsating blue light and calm, precise voice bringing a sense of stability.

"Let's see what we've got here."

[PERSONAL MENU]

Current Level: 4

Main Mission: Discover the Secret of the Junk Planet

Active Side Missions:

Expand the base with Space Engineers technology.Explore the Ghost's corrupted memories.

Unlocked Games:

Warframe

Halo

No Man's Sky

Subnautica

Starcraft

Space Engineers

Destiny 2

Locked Games:

Ocean World Eden Crafters (Requires Level 6)

Warhammer 40k (Requires Level 8)

Other mysterious games yet to be revealed.

Inventory:

Hand Blaster (Level 1)Scrap Hoverbike (Level 1)Ghost Fragment (Activated)Advanced Circuits x1Heavy Metal x3Modular Components x2

Wei scanned the list of games and unlocked technologies. Each new option expanded his chances of survival and conquest. "Still a lot to unlock, but we're making progress."

Closing the menu, he turned to the Ghost. "Time to see what you can do for me."

The small floating device glowed brighter as it spoke:

"My core is partially functional. I require access to a larger data unit to fully restore my memories. However, I can assist with essential tasks. Where should we start?"

Wei considered his options. "Expanding the base seems like a priority. If we're going to survive here, we need something more robust."

"I agree," the Ghost replied. "I can help design a structure using Space Engineers technology, but specific materials are needed."

[New Mission: Advanced Base (Level 2)]

Description: Expand your temporary base to include storage areas, a stable energy generator, and vehicle space.

Required Materials:

Heavy Metal x10

Modular Components x5

Magnetic Field Generator x1

Wei sighed. He already had some of the materials, but finding the magnetic field generator would be tricky. "There's always a rare item."

"I've detected signals from a cargo ship in the northeastern sector," the Ghost added. "It's likely to contain the generator we need, but the site is active. Droids are still patrolling the area."

Mounting his hoverbike, Wei headed toward the location with the Ghost following closely behind.

Confronting the Cargo Ship

The cargo ship was enormous, with its hull nearly torn open, exposing cargo compartments. Wei dismounted and advanced cautiously. The Ghost scanned the surroundings as he moved.

"There are four droids in the area. Two on the ground and two patrolling the upper levels," the Ghost reported.

Wei nodded, quickly formulating a plan. Opening the HUD, he crafted a useful item:

[New Blueprint: Portable Defense Turret (Level 1)]

Requirements:

Simple Circuits x1Heavy Metal x2

He constructed the turret and positioned it strategically behind a pile of debris. Once activated, the small turret began firing at the nearest droids. Taking advantage of the chaos, Wei dispatched the remaining two with swift blaster shots.

[Enemies Eliminated]

XP Earned: +70

Resources Collected: Magnetic Field Generator x1, Heavy Metal x4.

Satisfied with the haul, Wei returned to his base.

Building the Advanced Base

Back at the base, Wei used the construction platform to begin the expansion. With the materials gathered, the process was relatively quick. Piece by piece, the upgraded structure took shape, featuring:

A storage area capable of holding up to 200 kg of resources.A stable energy generator powered by the magnetic field.A simple hangar space for vehicles, including his hoverbike.

[Advanced Base (Level 2) Completed]

Wei looked at the new base with pride. "Now this is starting to feel like something functional."

"This is only the beginning," the Ghost replied. "With time and resources, we could turn this into a fortress."

With the base upgraded, Wei turned his attention back to the Ghost. "So, what's next? What else can you tell me?"

The Ghost glowed brightly once more. "There are additional fragments of my memory scattered across the planet. Recovering them will unlock new schematics and make me more useful. One of these fragments is nearby, in a partially buried star cruiser."

Wei nodded. "A buried cruiser… That always means more trouble."

"Undoubtedly," the Ghost replied, emitting something resembling a robotic laugh.

What Lies Ahead

With the base expanded and resources becoming more accessible, Wei knew the planet was slowly bending to his will. However, he also sensed that greater forces were at play.

"Let's go after that fragment," he said, mounting the hoverbike once more.

As he sped toward the star cruiser, Wei knew that each recovered piece would bring him closer to mastering this world — and perhaps the universe itself.