Back within the relative sanctuary of the crevice, Xen turned his full attention to the object resting in his metallic palm: the [Mini-Con Power Regulator Fragment (Damaged)]. The System had identified it, even offered potential interactions, but all were currently beyond his reach. Still, it represented something tangible, a piece of technology from the world he was now inextricably part of, and maybe, just maybe, examining it further could yield some insight. His HP ticked up fractionally as he settled in, the [Sheltered] buff slowly doing its work (HP: 79.4/100).
He brought the smooth, dark grey cylinder closer to his optical sensors, utilizing the zoom function.
The self-repairing alloy it was made from was fascinating – unlike his own plating, which clearly showed the micro-fractures and abrasions from his recent experiences, this object's surface was almost flawless, save for the obvious crack where the power cell had presumably been housed or connected, and a few very faint, almost polished-over scratches that indicated past damage that had already been healed.
It felt dense, heavier than a similarly sized piece of terrestrial steel would be. The spiraling lines etched into it weren't just decorative; they looked like inlaid conduits or data pathways, currently inert.
His [Micro-Manipulation] skill allowed incredible precision. He ran a fingertip along the almost invisible seam identified by the scan as a data port. It was tightly sealed, no obvious latch or button.
Was it magnetically sealed? Pressure-activated? Or did it require a specific tool or electronic handshake provided by the [Data Port Interface] skill the System had mentioned? He tried applying gentle pressure with his fingertip, then a little more force, testing the seam. Nothing. He attempted to snag the edge with the very tip of his finger, trying to find purchase to pry it open.
The System's warning was enough to make him stop. With his STR stat at a pathetic 5, attempting to force it seemed unwise, especially without knowing the mechanism. Damaging his only potential lead for Cybertronian tech felt counter-productive, and damaging himself further was out of the question.
Fine. Physical manipulation was out. What about more scanning? Perhaps focusing on the data port specifically?
Scan target: Data Port on Artifact Fragment.
The scan pulsed, focusing tightly on the seam.
The results flickered onto his HUD, largely repeating the previous analysis.
[Analysis: Data Port Detected (Compatibility Unknown)] [Port Status: Sealed / Dormant] [Interface Requirement: CPU 15 / [Data Port Interface] Skill] [Additional Data: Trace metallic particles detected within port seam - Possible contamination or damage.]
Minimal new information. The port was sealed, potentially contaminated or slightly damaged internally, reinforcing the need for a proper interface rather than brute force. He tried scanning the crack where the energy had leaked.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Scan target: Damaged area on Artifact Fragment.
[Analysis: Structural breach in casing detected.] [Internal Matrix Connection Point: Severed / Depleted] [Residual Energy: Negligible] [Repair Status: Minor self-repair active on micro-fractures around breach (Extremely Slow due to lack of power)]
The scan confirmed the power connection point inside was destroyed and the artifact was trying to repair itself even without power, albeit incredibly slowly. It also confirmed his Lvl 1 [Basic Scan], even having just ticked over to 1.0% proficiency (a meaningless distinction for now, it seemed), wasn't powerful enough to reveal anything fundamentally new about the object's function or purpose beyond basic identification and damage assessment. It was like trying to diagnose a complex computer using only a voltage meter – he could tell if it was getting power, but not what the software was doing.
Frustration prickled again. He needed better tools, better skills. How did one get skills like [Data Port Interface] or [Energon Weaving]? Were they learned through practice? He hadn't practiced anything related to data ports yet. Were they granted by leveling up? He recalled the initial System unlock mentioning leveling might grant Stat and Skill points, but he needed 35 more XP for Level 2 just to find out. That felt like a long way off. Could he find schematics, data chips, manuals out in the scrap? That seemed plausible. The scrap heap was full of discarded technology; surely some of it must contain readable data or usable components?
And what about his core? That [Fragmented Core Integration] skill with its [Spatial Harmonics] still echoed in his processor. The scan had failed utterly. Was there another way? Could he… meditate? Focus inward without the System's tools? He closed his optical sensors – an act that simply slid protective shutters over them – and tried to concentrate on the energy within his chest, the Spark the dying giant had given him. He felt the familiar low hum, the faint resonance of the foreign components, but received no enlightenment, no sudden understanding. Just a vague, complex feeling of otherness tangled with his own nascent consciousness. It was another dead end, for now.
He spent perhaps fifteen minutes in total focused on the artifact and his internal state, the silence of the crevice broken only by the faint sounds from outside and the almost imperceptible tick of his HP regenerating.
Almost two hit points recovered. Slow progress was still progress.
With a sigh he didn't physically need but felt appropriate, Xen carefully placed the Power Regulator fragment back into the debris pile at the rear of the crevice, ensuring it was hidden from casual view. It was a goal for later, a marker of the capabilities he needed to acquire.
His immediate needs remained unchanged: Energy, Repair, Information. Sitting here passively healing was safe but inefficient. He needed to be proactive, but smart. Maybe there were resources within the crevice his earlier scan missed? Small stuff, materials for potential crafting or repair attempts?
Scan target: Crevice Interior. Focus: Material Composition & Small Objects.
The blue pulse filled the small space once more.
The scan highlighted the rock and metal walls, the dust, the inert organic traces, the hidden artifact... and a few new points of interest. [Loose Wiring Cluster Detected - Copper/Unknown Polymer Blend - Low Conductivity - Damaged] - A small tangle of frayed wires peeking out from under a rock. [Small Metal Shards Detected (Qty: 5) - Composition: Brittle Ferrous Alloy - Sharp Edges] - Scattered near his feet. [Unidentified Crystalline Formation Detected - Non-Energon - Trace Mineral Content]- A small, geode-like structure embedded in the rock wall.
Nothing immediately useful for Energon or major repairs. The wires were damaged, low conductivity.
The shards were brittle but sharp – maybe useful as a makeshift cutting tool if he could handle them? The crystal wasn't Energon. Still, it was information. He logged the locations mentally. Maybe these materials could be used later if he figured out how to craft or repair.
He leaned back against the wall, the cold metal a solid presence. Okay. Internal investigation complete, yielding little. Shelter scanned, revealing minor potential resources. HP slowly climbing. Energon critically low.
The outside world remained a dangerous unknown.
What was the smartest next step?