Chapter 11: Exploring Ocean World
Wei woke up to the gentle glow of the Solar Energy Processing Module illuminating the base. The Automated Defense Turrets slowly rotated on their axes, ready to eliminate any threat. He felt the base was finally becoming a true survival stronghold, but the challenge of a junk planet was that there was always more to do.
He opened the HUD, reviewing his progress as he did every morning.
[PERSONAL MENU]
Current Level: 6 Main Quest: Uncover the Secret of the Junk Planet Active Side Quests: Explore the possibilities of Ocean World Eden Crafters. Build an Underground Water Purification Station.
Unlocked Games:
Warframe Halo No Man's Sky Subnautica Starcraft Space Engineers Destiny 2 Ocean World Eden Crafters (New!)
Locked Games:
Warhammer 40k (Level 8 required) Other mysterious games yet to be revealed
Updated Inventory:
Hand Blaster (Level 1) Scrap Sniper (Level 1) Light Fragment (Activated) Heavy Metal x5 Advanced Circuits x2 Modular Components x3
Wei was intrigued to see the new unlocked game: Ocean World Eden Crafters. He didn't know much about this universe, but the name suggested an aquatic world filled with exploration and creative possibilities.
"Finally, something different," Wei said.
The Ghost floated beside him, its blue light softly pulsing.
"This game might be more useful than it seems. Submerged technology could help us explore underground areas and even process contaminated water into something drinkable."
Wei opened the menu for the new game and found the first unlocked blueprints.
Ocean World Eden Crafters: Initial Technologies
Blueprint: Underground Water Purification Station
Description: Converts contaminated water into drinkable water, crucial for prolonged survival. Requirements: Lightweight Metal x3 Chemical Filters x2 Simple Circuits x2
Blueprint: Basic Submersible Drone
Description: A remotely controlled underwater vehicle, ideal for exploring hazardous submerged environments. Requirements: Heavy Metal x4 Advanced Circuits x3 Simple Submersible Engine x1
Blueprint: Modular Aquatic Habitat (Level 1)
Description: A basic shelter for underwater operations, integrated with solar power. Requirements: Metal Blocks x10 Simple Solar Generator x1 Pressure Seals x2
Wei frowned. "It looks promising, but I'll need a lot of materials. Where do we start?"
The Ghost responded, "I've detected a partially submerged structure southeast of here. It appears to be an old waste treatment station. You might find chemical filters and even submersible engines there."
Wei hopped on his Scrap Hoverbike and headed toward the location.
Exploring the Submerged Station
The structure was massive, a network of tanks and corroded pipelines. Parts of the station were entirely submerged in a greenish lagoon, emitting a strong chemical odor. Wei parked his hoverbike and activated the Ghost to scan the surroundings.
"I'm detecting signs of mechanical and chemical life," the Ghost said. "There are mutant creatures and active aquatic drones. It will be dangerous."
Wei opened his HUD to prepare, crafting two Electromagnetic Pulse Grenades and adjusting his Scrap Sniper.
[New Blueprint: Simple Breathing Tube (Ocean World Eden Crafters)]
Description: Allows underwater breathing for short periods. Requirements: Chemical Filters x1 Durable Fabric x2
Lacking the filters to craft the breathing tube, Wei would need to act quickly underwater.
As he approached the station entrance, two aquatic drones emerged from the water, their blades glinting as they charged.
[Alert: Enemies Detected]
Aquatic Drones (Level 6)
Wei used his sniper to take out the first drone before it reached the shore. The second, faster one, leapt toward him. He rolled aside and fired his Hand Blaster, hitting the enemy's core.
With the drones neutralized, he entered the station, carefully navigating the broken walkways.
Gathering Resources at the Station
In the first room, Wei found a stack of chemical filters near a broken machine. He quickly gathered them.
[Resource Collected: Chemical Filters x3]
The next area was partially submerged, the green water glowing ominously. Holding his breath, he dove into the water and swam to a room where he found an intact submersible engine. As he collected the item, a mutant creature emerged from the water.
[Alert: Enemy Detected]
Mutant Subaquatic Predator (Level 7)
The creature charged, its mechanical jaws opening wide. Wei threw an Electromagnetic Pulse Grenade, stunning the monster long enough for him to escape. He surfaced, gasping, with the submersible engine in hand.
[Resource Collected: Simple Submersible Engine x1]
Building the Basic Submersible Drone
Back at the base, Wei placed the resources in the Automated Construction Platform and began crafting the submersible drone.
[Basic Submersible Drone Constructed]
Functions: Remote operation with limited range Scans underwater areas for resources and enemies Capable of collecting small items
The drone, sleek and functional, floated in front of Wei, ready to explore the nearby lagoon.
Exploring Submerged Mysteries
Using the drone, Wei scanned the lagoon's depths near the station. He discovered a submerged cave filled with glowing crystals and technological scrap.
[Submersible Drone Analysis]
Resources Detected: Energized Crystals (x2) Modular Components (x1) Submerged Power Wires (x3)
With the drone's help, Wei collected the crystals and power wires, essential for future constructions.
Planning the Aquatic Habitat
Wei knew the next step would be constructing the Modular Aquatic Habitat (Level 1), but to do so, he needed to reinforce his base with more energy and protection. He mentally listed his upcoming goals and gazed at the polluted horizon of the planet, feeling like he was just scratching the surface of its true potential.
"This underwater world is just the beginning," he said, activating the drone for one last dive.
The Ghost floated beside him, its blue light pulsing in sync with the glowing energized crystals.
"We're exploring infinite possibilities, Wei. Get ready to dive deeper."