The scrapyard was eerily quiet when the crew returned, the usual clang of metal and hum of machinery replaced by a stillness that set Ethan's nerves on edge. The hauler rolled to a stop, and Briggs jumped out first, signaling to the others to unload the crates. Ethan followed, scanning the area for any signs of trouble.
"You did good out there," Briggs said, motioning for Ethan to join him near a stack of scrap. "Not many rookies could've handled a job like that, especially with Syndicate enforcers breathing down their neck."
Ethan gave a slight shrug. "I didn't have much of a choice."
Briggs chuckled. "You'll find that's the way things work in Neo Arcadia-2. The only real choice you have is whether you're moving up or staying down. From what I've seen, you're the kind who moves up."
Ethan didn't respond immediately, his gaze drifting to the crates as the others unloaded them. Inside was the key to his next step—high-grade parts that could elevate his equipment to a whole new level. He wasn't just thinking about survival anymore. He was thinking about domination.
[Quest Reward Processed: High-Grade Parts Cache.]
Contents:
• Enhanced Servo Motors (x3)
• Overclocked Energy Core
• Plasma Matrix Stabilizer
• Rare Alloy Plating
[Bonus Unlocked: Rare Item Found—Prototype Neural Link Device.]
The last item caught Ethan's attention. A Prototype Neural Link Device wasn't something you found every day. It was the kind of tech that blurred the line between man and machine, allowing for direct control of advanced systems or even augmentations.
He crouched beside the crate and pulled out the device, a sleek, palm-sized orb with glowing blue circuits running across its surface. The Interface immediately reacted.
[Item: Prototype Neural Link Device.]
Status: Functional.
Effect: Enhances control and reaction time when interfacing with mechanical systems. Potential to unlock advanced combat capabilities.
Warning: Prolonged use may cause neural strain.
Ethan's mind raced with possibilities. This device could give him an edge in both combat and crafting, but it came with risks. Still, risks were nothing new to him.
"Interesting find," Briggs said, leaning over to examine the device. "Most people wouldn't know what to do with something like that."
"I'm not most people," Ethan replied, tucking the device into his bag. He could feel Briggs's eyes on him, but the older man didn't push the issue.
"Suit yourself," Briggs said. "Now let's talk about what's next."
Ethan straightened, crossing his arms. "What do you have in mind?"
Briggs gestured toward the distant skyline, where the towers of Neo Arcadia-1 gleamed like beacons. "Jobs like this are good for building reputation, but if you want to make real money, you need to get noticed. The factions up top control everything—dungeons, tech, trade routes. If you're not playing in their league, you're just scraping by."
"And you're suggesting we start playing in their league?" Ethan asked.
"Exactly," Briggs said. "I've got a contact in the Mechanic Syndicate. They're always looking for fresh talent, especially people who can build and hack. Someone like you could make waves."
Ethan considered the offer. Joining the Syndicate could open doors, but it would also paint a target on his back. The Syndicate wasn't known for playing fair, and once you were in, it was hard to get out.
"I'll think about it," Ethan said finally. "For now, I've got some upgrades to work on."
Briggs nodded. "Fair enough. Just remember, the clock's always ticking in Neo Arcadia-2. You wait too long, and opportunities disappear."
Back in the workshop, Ethan laid out the parts from the cache, his mind buzzing with ideas. The Overclocked Energy Core alone was a game-changer, capable of powering systems far beyond anything he'd built so far. He activated the Interface, which hummed to life with a list of potential projects.
[Advanced Crafting Protocols Initiated.]
Available Upgrades:
1. Compact Plasma Turret Mk. II: Enhanced damage, increased range, and automated targeting system.
2. Energy Amplifier Module: Boosts power output of all connected systems by 25%.
3. Neural Link Integration: Incorporates the Prototype Neural Link Device into existing equipment for enhanced control.
Ethan's fingers hovered over the options, his excitement tempered by caution. Each upgrade had its merits, but the turret upgrade seemed like the most immediate priority. If another fight broke out, he needed firepower he could rely on.
[Upgrade Selected: Compact Plasma Turret Mk. II.]
Required Materials:
• Enhanced Servo Motors (x2)
• Overclocked Energy Core
• Rare Alloy Plating
Estimated Completion Time: 4 hours.
Ethan got to work, the workshop filling with the steady hum of tools and the occasional spark of welding. His focus was absolute, every movement calculated and precise. The Interface provided real-time feedback, highlighting inefficiencies and suggesting improvements as he went.
By the time he finished, the turret was a sleek, deadly machine. Its upgraded plasma nozzle glowed faintly, and the automated targeting system hummed as it ran diagnostics. Ethan couldn't help but smile.
[Crafting Complete: Compact Plasma Turret Mk. II.]
Attributes:
• Damage Output: High.
• Range: Moderate.
• Durability: High.
• Special Feature: Automated Target Prioritization.
The satisfaction of a job well done was short-lived as the workshop door creaked open. Ethan spun around, hand instinctively reaching for his plasma pistol. To his relief, it was Rhea, her expression unreadable.
"We've got a problem," she said, her voice low.
Ethan frowned. "What kind of problem?"
Rhea stepped closer, glancing over her shoulder as if to ensure they weren't being overheard. "Briggs didn't tell you the whole story about that Syndicate shipment. Turns out, it wasn't just parts—it was a prototype weapon."
Ethan's stomach sank. "And now they're coming for it?"
"Not just them," Rhea said. "The Dungeon Hunters Guild got wind of it too. Word is, they're sending a team to reclaim it."
Ethan cursed under his breath. The Guild was one of the most powerful factions in Neo Arcadia, and their teams weren't the kind of people you could outwit or overpower easily. If they wanted the prototype, they'd tear the scrapyard apart to get it.
"So what's the plan?" he asked, his mind already racing through potential strategies.
Rhea's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I was hoping you'd have one."
Ethan's Interface chimed softly, pulling his attention to a new notification.
[New Quest: Protect the Prototype.]
Objective: Defend the scrapyard from incoming forces and secure the Syndicate weapon.
Primary Tasks:
1. Fortify defenses around the scrapyard.
2. Repel the first wave of attackers.
3. Ensure the prototype weapon remains intact.
Optional: Identify and disable Guild leadership during the assault.
Rewards: +1,500 EXP, Syndicate Favor, Advanced Weapon Blueprint.
Ethan sighed, the weight of the situation settling over him. "Looks like I've got some fortifications to build."
Rhea nodded. "Good. Because they'll be here by dawn."