The fire had died down to embers by the time Alex felt his pulse finally returning to normal. The shelter was quiet now, the heavy silence of the Rust Quarter hanging over them like a suffocating blanket. Serena and Nia had drifted off into a restless sleep, huddled together for warmth and comfort. Elara, still tense and vigilant, sat near the door, her blade never far from her hand.
Alex sat alone near the dying fire, his mind still racing with the events of the day—the fight, the power he'd unleashed, the lives he had taken. But beyond the exhaustion, beyond the weight of what he had done, another thought gnawed at him. The energy techniques he had used were powerful, but they felt… incomplete. They were tools, yes, but there had to be more. More he could learn, more he could do.
AI, Alex thought, keeping his mind focused inward. Have you fully analyzed the techniques from the holo-display?
The AI's voice was calm, steady, as always. "Yes. The techniques absorbed from the old-world device have been fully analyzed. You currently possess detailed information on the energy-rotation technique, as well as the specific abilities for energy absorption, repair, and comprehension."
Alex nodded to himself, the faint buzz of energy still lingering in his veins. The abilities he had unlocked were powerful, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was untapped potential within them—something more he hadn't yet discovered.
Can you create more techniques based on those? Alex asked, his curiosity piqued. Can you use the data we have to develop new energy arts?
There was a brief pause before the AI responded. "Theoretically, it is possible to extrapolate new techniques based on the principles of the existing energy arts. By analyzing the underlying structure of energy rotation and manipulation, I can attempt to generate new abilities. However, the effectiveness and safety of these techniques would require testing and refinement."
Alex's heart quickened. The idea of expanding his repertoire of abilities—of creating something new, something no one else had access to—was both thrilling and terrifying. He had already seen how powerful the existing techniques could be. If there were more to unlock, it could change everything.
What kind of techniques could we create? Alex pressed, his mind racing with possibilities. Can you give me some examples?
The AI responded, its tone still calm but now more analytical. "Based on the principles of energy absorption and manipulation, I can propose several potential techniques. These are theoretical and will require testing for functionality and control."
A brief pause, then the AI continued:
1. Energy Surge:
"This technique would allow for a short burst of intense energy to be released in a single, powerful strike. The energy surge could be used to disable or destroy devices, overwhelm enemies, or create large-scale repairs in a short amount of time. However, it would require a significant amount of energy and could result in temporary exhaustion or system destabilization."
2. Energy Shielding:
"By rotating energy around the body at a high frequency, it may be possible to create a temporary barrier of energy that deflects physical attacks or absorbs incoming damage. This would be a defensive ability, but the energy demand would increase based on the strength and duration of the shield."
3. Energy Redirection:
"This technique would allow for the absorption of external energy—such as from an attack or device—and redirect it to a different target. This could be useful in combat situations or when dealing with dangerous energy sources, but precise control would be required to avoid backlash."
4. Enhanced Energy Repair:
"This variant of the basic repair technique would allow for more complex and large-scale repairs by drawing additional energy from the environment. By integrating external energy sources with internal reserves, you could repair entire systems or devices beyond your normal capacity."
Alex sat back, his mind spinning with the possibilities. These techniques—if they worked—would give him an even greater edge. The idea of creating an energy shield or redirecting attacks seemed like something out of a legend, but with the AI's guidance, it wasn't just possible—it was within reach.
How much energy would these techniques require? Alex asked, already thinking ahead. And can I even handle them with my current reserves?
"The energy demand for these techniques would be significantly higher than your current abilities," the AI explained. "At present, your internal reserves are insufficient to maintain these techniques for extended periods. However, with external energy sources—such as power storage units—you could theoretically use them for short durations without overloading your system."
Alex nodded, his fingers tapping absently against his leg as he considered the implications. He had found the power storage unit earlier in the ruins, and if he could get it working, it might provide the external boost he needed to experiment with these new techniques. But even then, he would need to be cautious. One misstep, one surge of energy too far, and he could end up doing more harm than good.
I need to start slow, Alex thought, his mind already racing with plans. Test these techniques one at a time. If I can get the power storage unit working, I'll have more flexibility.
The AI chimed in, offering another piece of advice. "It is also recommended to practice energy regulation and control. Expanding your energy reserves through regular use of the techniques will gradually increase your capacity and endurance."
Right, Alex agreed. I'll need to work on that, too.
The possibilities were endless, but Alex knew better than to rush. He had already seen the consequences of pushing too far, too fast. The energy inside him was powerful, but it was also dangerous. If he wasn't careful, he could easily lose control—and in the Rust Quarter, losing control could mean death.
But the thought of these new abilities—of creating something entirely his own—was too enticing to ignore. He had the AI, and with it, he had the potential to become something more than just a scavenger fighting for survival.
He had the potential to change everything.