Chapter 8: The Buried Cruiser

Wei sped his Scrap Space Bike across the uneven terrain, the metallic wind howling around him. The horizon was dominated by mountains of wreckage and clouds of toxic dust, but his eyes were locked on the target: a buried star cruiser in the distance, where the Ghost had detected another fragment of its memory.

"We're close," the Ghost reported, floating beside Wei with its soft blue light pulsing rhythmically. "But be careful—I'm detecting multiple life forms. Some are droids, but others are harder to classify."

Wei tightened his grip on the bike's controls, his gaze fixed on the looming cruiser.

Reaching the Cruiser

The cruiser lay half-buried at an angle, as if it had crash-landed at high speed and split apart. A massive section of its hull was exposed, revealing dimly lit corridors flickering with red emergency lights. Around it, humanoid scavengers rummaged through piles of debris, while patrol droids roamed the perimeter.

[Ghost's Analysis]

Detected Signals:

Humanoids: Likely armed scavengers.Droids: Mid-tier defense models.Memory Fragment: Located in the ship's core.

"Great. Humans and machines," Wei muttered, hiding the bike behind a heap of scrap. He retrieved his Level 1 Hand Blaster and accessed his HUD to check what he could craft for the mission ahead.

New Blueprint: Scrap Sniper Rifle (Level 1)

Requirements:

Simple Circuits x2Heavy Metal x3Modular Components x1

Wei had the materials. Within seconds, the system crafted a makeshift sniper rifle, complete with a rudimentary scope fashioned from salvaged glass.

"Now I've got some range," Wei said, smirking.

Assault on the Cruiser

From a high vantage point atop a pile of wreckage, Wei surveyed the scavengers. They were armed but disorganized, bickering as they scavenged the area. He focused on the nearest target, adjusted his aim, and fired.

The shot was clean, taking down the first scavenger before the others realized what was happening. Wei shifted positions, taking out a second before confusion turned to chaos.

The patrol droids activated instantly, scanning the area with precision sensors and unleashing laser volleys toward his last known location.

"Their defense system is responsive," the Ghost remarked. "I recommend a more direct approach."

Wei sighed. "You always do."

Opening the HUD, he crafted an EMP Pulse Grenade (Level 1) and lobbed it toward the droids. The blast temporarily disabled them, allowing Wei to charge forward with his blaster.

After a brief but intense close-quarters skirmish with the remaining scavengers, Wei secured the entrance to the cruiser.

[Enemies Neutralized]

XP Earned: +100Loot Recovered: Heavy Metal x4, Advanced Circuits x1, Energy Cartridge x2Inside the Cruiser

The ship's interior was in disrepair, with sparking wires dangling from the ceiling and sections of the floor missing. The Ghost illuminated the way as Wei moved toward the ship's core, where the memory fragment awaited.

"This ship seems to have belonged to a rebel faction," the Ghost observed. "The technology is advanced, but the damage suggests it was taken down by something far more powerful."

"Great," Wei muttered. "Let's hope that means more loot for me."

As they approached the core, a low hum filled the air. In the center of the room, a glowing sphere hovered, encased in a shimmering energy barrier.

Side Mission: Disable the Energy Barrier

Objective: Locate and deactivate the three generators powering the barrier.

Using the Ghost's scanner, Wei pinpointed the locations of the generators, each in a different corridor and protected by various defenses.

First Generator: Guarded by scavengers armed with energy swords. Wei used his sniper and quick reflexes to neutralize them before deactivating the generator.Second Generator: Defended by an advanced combat droid. Wei deployed a Portable Defense Turret (Level 1) to assist in taking it down.Third Generator: Unprotected but required hacking. With his Level 1 Hacking Tool, Wei bypassed the system in minutes.Memory Fragment Recovered

With the generators offline, the barrier dissipated, and the Ghost absorbed the glowing fragment. Its blue light brightened, and its voice carried newfound confidence.

"Memory partially restored. I can now access blueprints from Destiny 2, including advanced Light-based technology. Additionally, I've uncovered valuable intel about this planet's origins."

Rewards Unlocked:

Blueprint: Light Fragment (Destiny 2)

New Ability: Emergency Resurrection (1 use per day)

Wei grinned at the upgrades.

"Finally, something useful."

The Ghost's light flickered in acknowledgment. "This will come in handy, but use it wisely. There's still much to uncover, and the challenges will only grow."

As Wei exited the cruiser, the horizon stretched before him—a world filled with hidden dangers and opportunities. With the Ghost growing stronger and his arsenal expanding, Wei felt a surge of confidence.

"One fragment at a time," he said, revving up his bike. "If there are more out there, I'll find them."

Accelerating toward the next adventure, Wei knew he was just beginning to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic world—and the power it held.