The corvette hummed with quiet efficiency as Elric worked at the engineering console, reviewing the ship's current capabilities. The recent addition of RX-47 had improved their resource-gathering potential, but the ship was still far from self-sufficient.
"Sigma, what's our operational capacity now?" Elric asked, scanning the display.
"Current capacity is 42%," Sigma replied, its hologram flickering beside him. "Subsystems are functional, but limited power allocation restricts advanced operations."
Elric sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's progress, but not enough. We need better energy management—or I'll burn out trying to do everything myself."
His system chimed faintly, drawing his attention.
[New Skill Opportunity Detected.]
Skill Branch Unlocked: System Manipulation – Efficiency Streamlining.
Objective: Develop and apply advanced system-tuning techniques.
Reward: Skill Unlock: Energy Optimization.
Elric's eyebrows shot up. "Energy optimization, huh? Sounds like just what we need."
"Analysis suggests the skill will enhance power distribution across subsystems," Sigma said. "A prudent choice."
"What's the catch?" Elric asked, already familiar with the system's tendency to make him earn his upgrades.
[Training Required: Successfully re-tune power flow during a high-stress scenario.]
Elric groaned. "Of course. Nothing's ever easy."
The opportunity came sooner than he expected. The Ardent Horizon was running a routine salvage operation near a derelict freighter when the ship's sensors picked up a spike in radiation levels.
"Vale, we've got a reactor leak in the salvage bay," Harris barked over the comm. "Get down there and fix it—now!"
Elric was already moving. He raced through the corridors, his heart pounding as alarms blared around him. By the time he reached the salvage bay, the air was thick with tension—and faint traces of ionized particles.
"Damn it," Elric muttered, pulling on a protective suit. The reactor core of the derelict freighter had destabilized, its energy bleeding into the salvage systems.
"Sigma, what am I looking at?" Elric asked, scanning the console.
"Localized energy overload," Sigma replied. "Power fluctuations are cascading through the grid. Immediate re-tuning is necessary to prevent critical failure."
Elric's system chimed again.
[Skill Challenge Initiated: Re-Tune Power Flow.]
Objective: Stabilize energy output under high-stress conditions.
Elric's fingers flew across the console, his mind focused as he adjusted power levels and rerouted circuits. Sparks flew from a nearby panel, and the console flickered, but he didn't stop.
"Vale, what's going on down there?" Harris's voice cut through the comm.
"Working on it!" Elric snapped, sweat dripping down his face.
The reactor's readings spiked dangerously, and for a moment, Elric thought he'd lose control. But then, a strange clarity washed over him. His system's guidance seemed to flow through his thoughts, directing his actions with precision.
"Almost there," he muttered, isolating the damaged circuits and stabilizing the flow.
The reactor's readings began to level out, the alarms fading into silence. Elric let out a shaky breath, leaning heavily on the console.
[Skill Challenge Complete. Skill Unlocked: Energy Optimization.]
Back aboard the corvette, Elric sat in the captain's chair, staring at the skill menu displayed in his vision.
Skill Unlocked: Energy Optimization I
Description: Increases power efficiency across all systems by 15%. Allows for dynamic redistribution of energy during critical scenarios.
Elric grinned. "This is going to make a big difference."
"Application of the skill will enhance operational capacity," Sigma said. "Efficiency gains will allow for more sustained activity and faster restoration of systems."
The Sentinel, standing near the bridge door, added, "Observation: Commander's performance in high-pressure scenarios is improving. This trait aligns with leadership protocols."
Elric chuckled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, big guy. Let's put this skill to use."
Using his new ability, Elric fine-tuned the corvette's energy grid, reallocating power to critical systems while reducing waste. The results were immediate: smoother navigation, faster response times, and improved subsystem performance.
As the corvette hummed with renewed vigor, Echo's voice chimed through the speakers. "Power efficiency has increased by 17%. Navigation and life support are now fully optimized."
Elric leaned back, a satisfied smile on his face. "We're getting closer, piece by piece."
Sigma flickered beside him. "Progress is evident. However, continued challenges are inevitable."
Elric nodded, his gaze fixed on the stars outside. "Bring them on. We're ready."