Chapter 103: Technology

[ Access granted. The chamber is open. ]

Whoosh~

With a hiss of depressurizing seals, the door swung wide, revealing the heart of the laboratory's secrets. Inside, amidst a nest of wires and pulsing lights, lay the ultimate prize: a device of unknown origin, its purpose obscured by the dust of neglect.

"Cloud... Can you scan it or something?" Shane muttered as he didn't immediately approach the unknown device.

Before him stood a device, its design both alien and familiar, and seemed to be a masterpiece of pre-apocalypse technology.

[ Yes... ] Cloud replied.

Then, the A.I.'s sensors bathed the device in a soft blue light, meticulously analyzing its structure and composition.

[ Initiating scan... Analyzing material composition and energy patterns. ]

This action seemed as if it triggered the device as it felt like it hummed to life under the scrutiny of the A.I. Anyway, he must be imagining it as its surface patterns glowing faintly. It was as if responding to the presence of Cloud.

[ Material unrecognized. Cross-referencing with Human technological databases... No direct matches were found. ]

The A.I. worked continuously, its algorithms sifting through huge amounts of data in search of a clue to the device's purpose.

Shane could probably obtain a system response once he touched it, like many other items. However, touching an unknown device that seemed to be extremely important may not do well for him.

Because of that, he patiently waited for the A.I. assistant to complete its investigation.

[ Energy signature detected. It's consistent with defensive shield technology, but far more advanced than any known human-made models. ]

Finally, after several moments of intense computation, Cloud delivered its conclusion.

[ Scan complete. The device is an advanced defensive barrier generator. Capable of creating a protective field of significant strength and radius. ] Cloud reported.

"Ohhh..." Shane eyes widened after hearing this.

"A defensive barrier generator... That sounds cool. Is it safe to approach it?"

[ Yes. ]

Shane heaved a sigh of relief after hearing this.

Then, he finally decided to touch the device.

As soon as he did this, the Apocalypse System seemed to have recognized this achievement!

[ Congratulations, Shane! ]

[ You have discovered: The Aegis Force - A relic of defensive mastery. For uncovering this special item, you have been awarded:

+500 Experience Points ]

+10 Reputation Points ]

[ The Aegis Force

Description: The Aegis Core was a monolith of sleek metal and pulsating energy conduits, standing as a testament to the ingenuity of a lost age. Its surface was etched with intricate patterns that seemed to channel the very essence of protection. At its base, twenty sockets lay dormant, awaiting the Power Cores that would awaken the device from its slumber. ]

Defense Rating: Epic

Durability: 90 days once fully charged

Activation Requirement: 20 Power Cores

Special Ability: Creates an impenetrable barrier within a 200-meter radius, shielding all within from danger. ]

"A barrier!" Shane's eyes lit up after hearing this...

As his hand hovered over the cold metal, Shane couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This item now belongs to him!

However, it seemed that a god was on his side as he was able to find this place!

After taking a deep breath to calm down, Shane continued checking the other components. After all, he would certainly use them to make other devices!

[ Quantum Cohesion Modules

Description: Enhances the structural integrity of barriers at a molecular level.

Potential Use: Could prevent the barrier from fracturing under stress.

[ Energy Redistribution Conduits

Description: Channels excess energy away from critical systems to prevent overload.

Potential Use: Allows the barrier to adapt to fluctuating power levels and maintain stability. ]

[ Harmonic Resonance Plates

Description: Absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy from sonic and seismic attacks.

Potential Use: Adds an extra layer of protection against unconventional weaponry. ]

Shane nodded after seeing these. He had gathered over 30 components, and none of them were useless!

After checking the other components like wires, metal casings, and others, he found three more interesting items meant to create barriers.

"This is really interesting..." Shane mused.

[ Thermal Nullification Coils

Description: Neutralizes extreme temperature variations to protect the barrier's integrity.

Potential Use: Shields the barrier from thermal-based attacks and environmental hazards. ]

[ Graviton Flux Stabilizers

Description: Balances gravitational anomalies to keep the barrier anchored in place.

Potential Use: Ensures the barrier does not collapse under its own weight or external gravitational forces. ]

[ Electromagnetic Pulse Suppressors

Description: Shields sensitive electronics from the effects of EMPs and other electronic disruptions.

Potential Use: Protects the barrier's operational systems from being disabled by electronic warfare. ]

"Hey, Cloud... Is this really made by human researchers? This is quite incredible..."

[ The origin of this technology is unclear. The craftsmanship and complexity suggest a level of expertise that is highly advanced. It is possible that human researchers, perhaps with external assistance or access to unknown resources, developed this. ]

Shane pondered the implications, the pieces of a larger puzzle slowly coming together in his mind.

"If the government did create this, then the knowledge was lost or hidden. If they have such incredible defensive items, I don't think this continent would be zombie infested... Something must've happened. It's almost as if we're rediscovering forgotten secrets."

Shane smiled at the thought.

[ That is a plausible hypothesis. It is also conceivable that this technology was developed in secrecy, away from the public eye and historical records. Also, the researchers' early deaths may be the reason why this technology failed to see its day of activation. ]

"Right... You are from Anima... What do you think of this technology compared to your A.I. civilization?

[ By standards, the barrier technology here, while impressive, is considered elementary.]

Shane's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"So, we're dealing with tech that's advanced for us but basic for others out there... There's so much more to learn and discover."

After Shane completed his chat with the A.I., he finally decided to activate his Otherworldly Talent!