Xen waited, sensors focused, as his internal systems processed the complex data streams from the wide-area scan he had initiated. The HUD overlay indicated
, the progress bar filling rapidly thanks to his upgraded processors. Then, the notification chimed.
The map in his vision refreshed, blossoming with new details specific to the area surrounding the Precursor Assembly. Green zones indicated stable footing, yellow marked caution areas, and red highlights pulsed around a precarious-looking section of the ruined building directly above the assembly ([High Collapse Risk]).
The scan confirmed and clarified several points:
- Precursor Assembly: Still tagged [POI: Precursor Assembly (Inert - Probable Precursor Tech)], made of [Chrono-Crystalline Alloy (Extreme Hardness)], with the sealed [Potential Data Port/Interface Node (Requires Type-Omega Cyber-Key / Specific Energy Signal)]. The Lvl 2 scan reiterated [Analysis Blocked: Internal shielding/Complex Temporal/Energetic Fields exceed Lvl 2 Scan resolution].
- Portal Aftermath: The [Unknown Alien Object] remained marked with its [Radiation Hazard Zone (Low-Level Mutagenic)]. The scan confirmed the [Spatial Anomaly Residue - Dissipated] – no lingering rift energy was detected. The [Exotic Energy Scarring] he'd seen earlier was also precisely marked on the map's periphery.
- New Discoveries (Assembly Area):
- [POI: Damaged Sensor Array] – The collapsed pylon nearby held [Offline - Severe Damage - Potential Salvage: [Advanced Optic Lens (Cracked)], [High-Frequency Receiver Coil (Damaged)]]. Access looked tricky due to surrounding debris.
- [POI: Stabilized Rubble Field] – The fused scrap area near the assembly was confirmed, analysis adding [Localized Vitrification Detected - Possible High-Energy Event Aftermath?]. Still no obvious resources.
- [RESOURCE NODE: Scattered Tech Fragments] – Several small blue icons appeared near the base of the assembly, away from the alien object. Scan identified them as [Assorted Precursor Tech Fragments (Qty: ~8)] - Materials: Unknown Alloys, Crystalline Polymers. Function: Indeterminate due to damage/fragmentation. Potential minor research/crafting value?]. These seemed distinct from common scrap.
- General Area: The scan confirmed a lack of active Energon signatures (besides Xen himself) or other mobile entities within the 30-meter radius. It mapped several potential pathways around the assembly, highlighting stable routes and dead ends.
<+15 XP Gained! (Detailed Area Mapping & POI Confirmation)> <+5 XP Gained! (Multiple New POIs Identified)> XP: 85/250.
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Xen quickly parsed the data dump. The wide-area scan provided invaluable intelligence. While the assembly itself remained a frustrating enigma, the surroundings were now clearly mapped. The biggest hazard was the potential collapse above the assembly and the radioactive alien object. The key opportunities seemed to be the damaged sensor array (difficult salvage) and the scattered Precursor tech fragments (easier access, unknown value).
Given his current capabilities, investigating the scattered fragments seemed like the most logical and lowest-risk next step. They were nearby, away from the main hazards, and might provide clues or even usable materials related to the assembly itself.
Before moving, he decided topping off his energy was prudent. He was about to explore and potentially use more skills.
Inventory. Retrieve one Energon Crystal.
The crystal materialized in his palm (Inventory: [Energon Crystal (MG) x3]). He pressed it to his palm intake port.
The crystal dissolved to dust. Full power again.
Map updated, energy full, target identified. Xen took a breath he didn't need, focused his optics on the location of the scattered tech fragments marked just a dozen meters away near the base of the assembly, and began to move cautiously from his overlook position, ready to see what remnants of Precursor technology he could uncover.