Chapter 10: Space Engineers and the Fragment of Light

Wei awoke to the rhythmic sound of the Automated Construction Platform processing another pile of scrap. He looked around the Advanced Base (Level 2), which now felt more like a small outpost than just a patched-up pod. Since unlocking the Fragment of Light, everything seemed to be falling into place, but he knew the challenges were just beginning.

Before getting up, he opened his HUD to review his progress, as he did every morning.

[PERSONAL MENU]

Current Level: 6

Main Quest: Uncover the Secret of the Junk Planet

Active Side Quests:

Install the Solar Energy Processing Module (Space Engineers). Expand the base with automated defense.

Unlocked Games:

Warframe Halo No Man's Sky Subnautica Starcraft Space Engineers Destiny 2

Locked Games:

Ocean World Eden Crafters (Unlocking in progress – Level 6 required!) Warhammer 40k (Level 8 required) Other mysterious games yet to be revealed.

Updated Inventory:

Hand Blaster (Level 1) Scrap Sniper (Level 1) Fragment of Light (Activated) Heavy Metal x6 Advanced Circuits x3 Modular Components x4

Wei focused on the Solar Energy Processing Module, knowing it was crucial to making his base self-sustaining.

"Without enough energy, I won't last long here," he muttered, slinging his Scrap Sniper over his back and heading to the construction platform.

Building the Solar Energy Processing Module

Wei checked the module requirements in the HUD:

[Blueprint: Solar Energy Processing Module (Space Engineers)]

Description: Converts sunlight into electrical energy to power advanced equipment and systems.

Requirements:

Heavy Metal x4 Advanced Circuits x2 Simple Solar Generator x1

"I need a solar generator… it's always the trickiest item," Wei muttered. The Ghost, floating beside him, immediately offered assistance.

"I've detected a partially buried ship east of here. Sensors indicate it might contain the generator you need, but the site is guarded by multiple droids."

Wei sighed, climbed onto his Scrap Hoverbike, and said, "Let's grab that generator."

Exploring the Buried Ship

The ship was larger than Wei had imagined. Its partially buried hull formed a natural labyrinth, with debris scattered everywhere. Droids patrolled the site, their red eyes glowing in the dust.

[Alert: Enemies Detected]

Light Defense Droids (Level 5) Heavy Defense Droids (Level 7)

Wei dismounted the bike and surveyed the terrain. He opened the HUD and crafted two Scrap Barricades for cover.

[New Recipe Used: Scrap Barricade (Level 1)]

Description: Provides temporary cover during combat.

The first wave of droids fired quick, precise shots, but Wei used his Scrap Sniper to pick them off from a distance. A heavy droid advanced, its footsteps echoing on the metallic ground. Wei switched to his Hand Blaster and fired repeatedly, but the droid was too resilient.

Opening the menu, he crafted an Electromagnetic Pulse Grenade (Level 1) and launched it. The explosion created a shockwave, temporarily disabling the droid and allowing Wei to strike its core with precision.

[Enemies Eliminated]

XP Gained: +150

Resources Collected: Advanced Circuits x2, Heavy Metal x3, Simple Solar Generator x1.

Back at the Base

With the generator in hand, Wei returned to the base and began installing the Solar Energy Processing Module. Using the Automated Construction Platform, he connected the generator to the base's main structure.

[Solar Energy Processing Module Installed]

Unlocked Features:

Energy generation sufficient to support advanced systems. Stabilization of equipment and expansion of technologies.

Wei watched the generator's panel as it began capturing sunlight, providing a stable power source for the base.

"The first step towards self-sufficiency," he said with a smile.

Planning Automated Defense

Wei knew that as his base and resources grew, attacks from scavengers and droids would become more frequent. He needed automated defenses to protect everything he'd built.

"Ghost, what can we use for defense?"

"Based on your unlocked technologies, I recommend fabricating automated turrets using Space Engineers technology. They're effective and can be integrated with the newly installed solar energy system."

Wei checked the blueprint in his HUD:

[Blueprint: Automated Defense Turret (Space Engineers)]

Description: A fixed unit that automatically detects and fires on hostile targets within range.

Requirements:

Heavy Metal x3 Modular Components x2 Advanced Circuits x1

With the materials already available, he crafted and installed two turrets around the base.

[Automated Defense Turrets x2 Installed]

Features:

Range: 30 meters. Automatic enemy detection. Continuous operation with solar power.

Testing the turrets, Wei felt for the first time that his base was truly secure.

From the watchtower, Wei observed his expanded, functional base. The integration of solar energy and the new automated defenses gave him a much more comfortable position to explore the planet.

"With this, I can focus on unlocking new technologies and expanding further. Ocean World is next," he said, glancing at the HUD, where the next game awaited activation.

The Ghost floated beside him.

"We're just getting started, Wei. Every step brings us closer to a new world of possibilities."

Wei smiled. "Let's turn this junk planet into something extraordinary."