Chapter 104: Beacon
He already had a good grasp of this Otherworldly Mechanic Talent. Although it wasn't easy to activate as it required certain conditions to be met, he knew that it would be a game-changer once activated.
After all, this talent could allow him to build or rebuild things without much effort as long as he possessed the requirements he needed to do so.
As soon as he examined all the items, they all glowed with either blue or red. Just like before, the radiant blue segments indicated the device's good continued while the red glow highlighted the areas in need of repair.
"Amazing…" Shane nodded in satisfaction after seeing the 30 or so items with his talent activated.
He realized that about 90% of them had blue indicators! This means that they can still be used since there were really few red parts!
Just like that, the talent assisted him with the possible devices he could create with these components, and the system recognized them immediately.
Ding!
The system interface shimmered into view, presenting Shane with three distinct blueprints for different barrier generators, each a marvel of engineering that could provide sanctuary during chaos!
[ You have learned three possible Barrier Devices that can be created through the scanned materials: The Bulwark Beacon, The Guardian Node, The Sentinel Sphere ]
[ The Bulwark Beacon
Defense Rating: Master
Durability: 30 days
Activation Requirement: 120 Zombie Cores, 5 Reputation Points
Special Ability: Generates a protective field with a 100-meter radius, capable of repelling up to mid-tier undead.
Building Requirements: View Here. ]
[ The Guardian Node
Defense Rating: Exceptional
Durability: 20 days
Activation Requirement: 100 Zombie Cores, 4 Reputation Points
Special Ability: Creates a barrier that electrifies upon contact, deterring low-tier undead and providing a safe zone for survivors.
Building Requirements: View Here. ]
[ The Sentinel Sphere
Defense Rating: Exceptional
Durability: 10 days
Activation Requirement: 80 Zombie Core, 2 Reputation Points
Special Ability: Projects a small, mobile barrier around the user, ideal for solo excursions into infested territories.
Building Requirements: View Here. ]
"Wow…" Shane's eyes lit up after seeing each of them.
Shane weighed his options, the blueprints glowing with potential.
The Bulwark Beacon was a miniature fortress with its range, the Guardian Node was like an active protector in its offensive mode, and the Sentinel Sphere was like a personal guardian.
Each had its merits, and Shane knew that in the right hands, they could turn the tide of survival.
However, he wasn't done checking them yet, so he decided to view the building requirements for each barrier.
[ The Bulwark Beacon
Building Requirements:
Enhanced Deflectors: For deflecting projectiles and dispersing kinetic energy.
Force Field Generators: To form the core of the barrier.
Dynamic Shielding Fabricators: For rapid construction and repair of the barrier.
Energy Redistribution Conduits: To adapt to power fluctuations and maintain stability.
Quantum Cohesion Modules: To enhance structural integrity at a molecular level.
Harmonic Resonance Plates: To absorb and dissipate vibrational energy from attacks.
Additional Parts worth 5 Reputation Points:
Energy Amplification Lenses: To focus and intensify the barrier's strength.
Spectral Analyzers: For real-time threat assessment and barrier modulation.
Required Power Cores: 7 ]
"Ahhh… So that's why I need 5 Reputation Points… There three missing things that weren't here." Shane muttered after seeing the Energy Amplification Lenses, Spectral Analyzers, and Power Cores!
In short, if he actually had those three items, he would probably only pay the Zombie Cores to build the barrier generator!
'Awesome…' Shane felt excited after this discovery. He felt that with this talent, he would really be able to create a powerful fortress in the middle of this forest!
Of course, Shane also checked the requirements of the other two barrier generators.
[ The Guardian Node
Building Requirements:
Point Defense Matrix: An automated system to neutralize incoming threats.
Thermal Nullification Coils: To neutralize temperature extremes and protect integrity.
Electromagnetic Pulse Suppressors: To shield operational systems from EMPs.
Harmonic Resonance Plates: To absorb and dissipate vibrational energy from attacks.
Additional Parts worth 4 Reputation Points:
Ionic Discharge Capacitors: For the electrification effect upon contact.
Resonant Frequency Oscillators: To disrupt the neural pathways of approaching enemies.
Required Power Cores: 5 ]
"Ahh… I only have three sets of Dynamic Shielding Fabricators…" Shane muttered after seeing the Dynamic Shielding Fabricators once again… He had no issue with the harmonic resonance plates since there were enough in the chamber, so he didn't mind if the generators required them.
Then, Shane checked the last blueprint.
[ The Sentinel Sphere
Building Requirements:
Graviton Flux Stabilizers: To keep the barrier anchored and mobile.
Electromagnetic Pulse Suppressors: To protect against electronic disruptions.
Energy Redistribution Conduits: For barrier stability during movement.
Thermal Nullification Coils: To neutralize temperature extremes and protect integrity.
Dynamic Shielding Fabricators: For rapid construction and repair of the barrier.
Additional Parts worth 2 Reputation Points:
Mobility Enhancement Gears: To ensure the user's freedom of movement within the barrier.
Adaptive Interface Matrix: To allow the barrier to respond to the user's combat style.
Required Power Cores: 2 ]
As Shane was about to manually count the number of generators he could make with the materials he had, he immediately recalled his A.I. and asked about the combinations he could make if he had enough Reputation Points.
[ You can make 3 Bulwark Beacons and 6 Sentinel Spheres. ]
"What else?"
[ 1 Bulwark Beacon, 2 Guardian Nodes, and 5 Sentinel Spheres. ]
"Oh… The Sentinel Spheres lessened. Is it because of the Thermal Nullification Coils? I don't have enough of them, huh…" Shane muttered as he felt that the Bulward Beacons were more than enough for him to protect the estate.
The Aegis Force was certainly the best barrier generator that he had right now, but it just required too much Power Core, and he had none of them.
Well, he could probably compensate with Reputation Points but it seemed to be much of a waste. He'd rather buy Power Cores from other Survivors. He was sure that he would be able to find someone keeping one of them in their Inventory.
With a decisive nod, Shane set to work.
He started making the Bulwark Beacon!
With the help of his Otherworldly Mechanic interface, the parts fused together, energy conduits connected with a satisfying click, and the Enhanced Deflectors aligned into a protective array…
After some time, the Bulwark Beacon took shape, its elegant and formidable form.
The Beacon was a tower of resilience, standing about two meters tall with a base that anchored it firmly to the ground. Its surface was a tapestry of silver and blue, with panels that pulsed softly, indicating the flow of power within. At its apex, a crystal lattice emitted a soft glow, the heart of the Force Field Generators ready to spring to life.
Ding!
[ Crafting Successful! ]
[ You have created a Bulwark Beacon.
For your ingenuity and resourcefulness, you have been awarded:
+50 Experience Points
+2 Reputation Points ]
[ You are the first to craft a Master-Grade Device! ]
[ You have obtained:
+100 Experience Points
+10 Reputation Points ]
[ You can transfer your own creation to your Inventory. ]
Shane stepped back, admiring the rewards he got and the Beacon itself.
"This... this is more than I hoped for. It's not just a machine; it's a guardian of our estate!"
Shane smiled seeing the result before he decided to test it.
"Alright, let's see what you can do."
***
Gene, clad in his weathered armor, stood vigilant at the estate's watch tower.
His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where he could see some movements in the mountain.
'Is that another Giant Zombie?' He mused.
Rustle~
The stillness of the day was suddenly broken by the rapid, rhythmic pounding of feet—Runner Zombies, their gaunt figures sprinting towards the estate's wooden walls.
With a seasoned warrior's calm, Gene gripped his crossbow, ready to intercept the oncoming threat.
He did not consider alerting Shane since this was a challenge he could handle alone.
As the first Runner Zombie neared the unprotected section of the perimeter, Gene braced himself for combat.
But then, the ground beneath his feet hummed, and a pulse of energy rippled through the air.
"What's this? Is it a Zombie Wave?" Gene was momentarily alarmed as he considered ringing the bell that Leo had created.
However, something felt off with the direction of energy he suddenly felt.
It was a sensation he had never felt before, a surge of power emanating from the manor itself.
Thud! Thud!
The sound of the Runner Zombies' advance came to an abrupt halt.
Before Gene's astonished eyes, a dome of light materialized, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow.
The Runners collided with the barrier, their momentum halted as if they had struck an invisible wall.
"This is…" He didn't know what to say as he was extremely shocked by the situation.
Gene watched, awe-struck, as the creatures clawed futilely at the barrier.
He had no idea that the Bulwark Beacon had already activated at the most opportune moment, casting its protective shield over the estate.
In the safety of the barrier's embrace, Gene put down his crossbow.
Then, a silent laugh escaped his lips.
"Seems the manor has a few tricks up its sleeve..."