Chapter 19: Exploring the Mine
Wei was in the command tower, monitoring the base's activity through the HUD. Since integrating the Hybrid Energy Core, the orbital ship was in an advanced stage of construction but still required final adjustments. His base, now a fortress filled with automated defenses, seemed ready to face any threat.
However, the Phantom brought unsettling news. "I've detected an increase in raider and droid activity. It seems the groups around us are organizing for a coordinated attack."
Wei narrowed his eyes. "So, they know I'm close to leaving this planet. I won't make it easy for them."
He opened the HUD, reviewing the next steps and considering technologies that could help him survive the attack while progressing in his mission to explore the energy crystal mine.
[PERSONAL MENU]
Current Level: 9
Main Mission: Complete the ship and escape the planet.
Active Side Missions:
Explore the energy crystal mine and collect resources. Strengthen the base to withstand the imminent attack. Develop new systems with unlocked blueprints.
Unlocked Games:
Warframe, Halo, No Man's Sky, Subnautica, Starcraft, Space Engineers, Destiny 2, Ocean World, Eden Crafters, Warhammer 40k, Star Wars Outlaws.
Updated Inventory:
Hand Blaster (Level 1) Scrap Sniper (Level 1) Light Shard (Activated) Energized Crystals x2 Ferritic Alloy x1 Advanced Circuits x2 Void Core x1
Newly Unlocked Blueprints:
From Warhammer 40k:
Orbital Laser Turret
Description: Fires concentrated laser beams from orbital satellites for extreme defense. Requirements: Energized Crystals x3, Dimensional-Energy Structures x1, Advanced Circuits x2
Annihilation Field Generator
Description: Creates a destructive field that disintegrates any enemy crossing it. Requirements: Void Core x1, Ferritic Alloy x2, Rare Energy Crystals x1
From Star Wars Outlaws:
Advanced Defense Droid T-7
Description: A droid equipped with multiple weapons and repair capabilities. Requirements: Modular Components x3, Advanced Circuits x1, Imperial Data Processors x2
Imperial Relic Plasma Bow
Description: A portable weapon that fires destructive plasma bursts. Requirements: Energized Crystals x1, Heavy Metal x2
Wei knew these technologies could make all the difference, especially with the imminent attack. "If I'm going to face an army, I need everything I've got."
Mission: Explore the Energy Crystal Mine
Wei mounted his Scrap Spacebike and headed toward the mine marked by previously gathered data. The entrance was a cavern filled with gleaming crystalline formations, but something felt off.
"The energy levels here are unstable," said the Phantom. "I detect signs of hostile life and possible cave-ins."
The Underground Mine
As Wei entered the mine, he was greeted by a dazzling light show as energy crystals glowed along the walls. Corrupted mining droids patrolled the area, their eyes glowing menacingly.
[Alert: Enemies Detected]
Corrupted Mining Droids (Level 8) Subterranean Predators (Level 9)
Wei used his Scrap Sniper to pick off the droids from a distance, but the subterranean predators were quicker. He activated the Light Shard, creating a defensive barrier, and threw an Electromagnetic Pulse Grenade to stun the enemies before finishing them off with precise shots from his Hand Blaster.
In the central chamber, he discovered a cluster of vibrant blue crystals.
[Resource Collected: Rare Energy Crystals x1]
[Resource Collected: Energized Crystals x3]
As he gathered the crystals, a tremor shook the mine. Rocks began to collapse, and Wei sprinted toward the exit, dodging falling debris while eliminating the remaining enemies.
Back at the Base: Preparing for the Attack
Wei returned to the base just in time to finalize preparations. Using the crystals and other materials, he constructed new defenses.
[Orbital Laser Turrets Installed]
Functions:
Fires concentrated laser beams at enemies beyond terrestrial range. Remotely controlled via the Imperial Command Tower.
[Advanced Defense Droid T-7 Activated]
Functions:
Repairs base structures during combat. Eliminates targets with automatic multi-weapon systems.
With the new defenses installed, Wei activated the tracking system in the Imperial Command Tower. On the HUD, he saw a massive wave of enemies approaching.
Defending the Base Against a Massive Attack
The attack began with raiders on speeder bikes, followed by heavy droids and even improvised vehicles. Plasma turrets and orbital lasers fired at the enemies, taking them down before they could get close.
[Alert: Armored Vehicle Detected]
Description: An improvised tank with heavy armor.
Wei rushed to his defense position and used the Imperial Relic Plasma Bow, firing destructive bursts that penetrated the tank's armor. Combined with orbital laser strikes, he managed to destroy the vehicle before it caused significant damage.
As the battle raged, the Advanced Defense Droid T-7 moved across the base, repairing damaged turrets and providing strategic support.
After an intense fight, the last enemies retreated, leaving a field of wreckage around the base.
Wei wiped the sweat from his forehead as he surveyed the debris. "They're getting desperate, but that just proves I'm close to winning."
The Phantom floated beside him. "With the rare crystals and your new defenses, we're one step closer to the goal. But this planet still holds secrets that could be useful."
Wei smirked. "Let's uncover them. This planet hasn't seen everything I'm capable of yet."