Ethan sat on a crate in the aftermath of the battle, sweat dripping from his brow as the smoky air of the scrapyard hung heavy around him. The others moved with the weary rhythm of survivors, tending to injuries, checking gear, and stacking the salvaged Syndicate crates in a secure corner. The battlefield had fallen silent, but Ethan's mind was anything but. His Interface hummed faintly, the glow of new notifications demanding his attention.
[Advanced Weapon Blueprint Acquired: Plasma Disruptor Cannon.]
Blueprint Details:
• Damage Output: Extreme.
• Range: Long.
• Special Effect: Disrupts energy shields and mechanical systems.
Required Materials: Enhanced Servo Motors (x4), Overclocked Energy Core (x2), Rare Alloy Plating (x3).
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Tactical Deployment.]
Effect: Allows rapid placement and optimization of defensive or offensive systems during combat. Includes predictive modeling for enemy movements.
Ethan couldn't suppress a grin as he read the blueprint. The Plasma Disruptor Cannon was exactly the kind of firepower he needed if the Guild or the Syndicate decided to retaliate. It wasn't just a weapon—it was a game-changer.
Briggs walked over, wiping grime from his face with a rag. His plasma rifle rested casually on his shoulder, but his sharp eyes scanned the area for any lingering threats. "You're not half bad under pressure," he said, breaking the silence. "Most people would've folded against a force like that."
"I didn't have much of a choice," Ethan replied, standing. His muscles ached, and the adrenaline was fading, but the buzz of victory still lingered. "If we hadn't held them off, none of us would be here."
Briggs smirked. "True enough. But it's not over yet." He glanced at the crates stacked against the far wall. "That prototype weapon in there—it's worth a fortune. The kind of fortune that'll make a lot of powerful people very interested in this scrapyard."
Ethan followed his gaze, his mind already calculating. The Syndicate and the Dungeon Hunters Guild were just the beginning. If the wrong factions found out what they had, this little outpost could turn into a warzone.
"What's the plan, then?" Ethan asked.
Briggs hesitated, rubbing his chin. "Rhea's been digging into the prototype. It's some kind of modular energy weapon, adaptable for both personal use and large-scale systems. Cutting-edge stuff. We've got two options: sell it to the highest bidder and cash out, or keep it and use it to climb the ladder."
Ethan frowned. "Selling it sounds like the safer play, but it also puts us on someone's radar permanently. If we keep it, we're a threat to whoever's already after it."
"Exactly," Briggs said. "That's why I want your input. You've got a knack for seeing the big picture."
Ethan's Interface chimed softly, offering its own analysis.
[Decision Point Detected: Prototype Weapon.]
Option 1: Sell to the Syndicate.
• Reward: +50,000 Credits, Syndicate Favor +30.
• Risk: Permanent hostility from the Dungeon Hunters Guild.
Option 2: Retain and Develop.
• Reward: Access to Modular Energy Weapon.
• Risk: Increased hostility from multiple factions.
Ethan crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on the glowing crates. Keeping the weapon would give them an edge, but it would also escalate the conflict. Selling it would bring immediate wealth, but it would put them at the mercy of whoever bought it.
"I need more information," he said finally. "Let Rhea figure out exactly what this thing can do. Then we'll decide."
Briggs nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Smart call. We've got time—barely."
Rhea appeared, her console in hand and her expression grim. "Barely is right," she said. "I've intercepted some chatter. The Guild's regrouping, and the Syndicate's sending reinforcements. They'll be here within twenty-four hours."
Ethan cursed under his breath. They weren't going to get a moment's rest. "Then we use that time to prepare. I'll need everyone's help fortifying the scrapyard."
Garret groaned. "More fortifications? Didn't we just do this?"
"Unless you want to get flattened by a second wave, yeah," Ethan shot back. "This isn't over until we make it over."
Ethan's team split up, each taking on tasks to prepare for the next attack. Garret and Briggs reinforced the outer barricades, using the remaining rare alloy plating to patch weak points. Shade disappeared into the shadows, scouting the perimeter for potential ambush points. Rhea worked on dissecting the prototype, her fingers flying over her console as she tried to unlock its secrets.
Ethan focused on the Plasma Disruptor Cannon. If the next wave was bigger—and it would be—they needed something capable of turning the tide. He activated his Advanced Crafting Protocols, laying out the required materials and beginning the delicate process of assembly.
[Crafting in Progress: Plasma Disruptor Cannon.]
Estimated Completion Time: 6 Hours.
Progress: 0% → 15% → 35%…
Time blurred as Ethan worked, every movement precise and deliberate. The Interface provided real-time feedback, highlighting inefficiencies and suggesting adjustments. Sparks flew as he welded the rare alloy plating to the weapon's frame, the glow of the overclocked energy cores illuminating his workspace.
By the time the cannon was complete, the sun had begun to dip below the horizon. Ethan stepped back, wiping sweat from his brow as he admired his handiwork.
[Crafting Complete: Plasma Disruptor Cannon.]
Attributes:
• Damage Output: Extreme.
• Range: Long.
• Durability: High.
• Special Effect: Disrupts energy shields and mechanical systems within a 10-meter radius.
Ethan hefted the weapon, its weight reassuring in his hands. This wasn't just a tool—it was a statement. If anyone thought the scrapyard was easy prey, they were about to learn otherwise.
He carried the cannon outside, where the others had gathered. The scrapyard had been transformed into a fortress, its defenses stronger than ever. The team stood together, battle-worn but determined.
Rhea looked up from her console, her expression a mix of exhaustion and excitement. "The prototype's functional," she said. "And it's more than we thought. It can adapt to any energy source, which means it's basically a plug-and-play superweapon."
Briggs whistled. "No wonder everyone wants it."
Ethan nodded, his mind racing. The next twenty-four hours would decide their fate. They could sell the prototype, keep it, or lose it entirely. But one thing was certain: they weren't going down without a fight.
He glanced at the horizon, where the faint glow of approaching forces began to flicker. The second wave was coming.
"Everyone, get into position," he said, his voice steady. "This is going to get ugly."
The scrapyard fell silent as the crew prepared for battle. The air was thick with tension, the kind that only came before a storm. Ethan gripped the Plasma Disruptor Cannon, his eyes narrowing as the enemy drew closer.
"Let's show them what happens when they pick the wrong fight."