[ ess granted. The chamber is open. ]


    Whoosh~


    With a hiss of depressurizing seals, the door swung wide, revealing the heart of theboratory''s secrets. Inside, amidst a nest of wires and pulsing lights,y 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 andposition.


    [ Initiating scan... Analyzing materialposition 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 toplete 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 intenseputation, Cloud delivered its conclusion.


    [ Scanplete. 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!


    [Congrattions, 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 socketsy 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 imprable 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!


    The Aegis Force was more than a mere artifact… It was a means to protect his territory.


    ''Unfortunately, I only have seven Power Cores in my collection… I have to find more.'' Shane mused.


    It was indeed unfortunate that its potential was locked behind the need for Power Cores.


    Shane knew what he had to do. The search for the cores would be difficult, but he knew that it would be worth it.


    With the Aegis Force, he could create a sanctuary, a bastion against the undead!


    Anyway, Shane didn''t immediately take the core with him.


    His gaze swept across the room, taking in the myriadponents thaty discarded like forgotten treasures.


    "Mhmm… These things…"


    His instincts as an Otherworldly Mechanic told him that these were not mere scraps, but more likely unused or extracted parts of the Aegis Force!


    He wasn''t sure if it was his talent, but he could feel the potential hidden within them.


    Gathering the parts, Shane''s hands moved with precision, which belied theplexity of the task. Or perhaps, this was also rted to his talent.


    [ Otherworldly Mechanic ( Legendary Talent ): The Survivor can easily create and modify any mechanical device, such as weapons, vehicles, automatons, and gadgets. The Survivor has limited ess to alien technology and materials that are unavable to other survivors. ]


    After gathering the items , Shane turned to Cloud once more, his curiosity piqued by the array ofponents he had gathered throughout the chamber.


    "Cloud, can you give me a detailed scan of these parts? I need to know if they''re what I think they are."


    [ Affirmative, Shane. Initiating a secondary scan now. ]


    Once again, the A.I.''s sensors whirred to life, casting a grid of light over theponents. One by one, Cloud identified the parts, its database cross-referencing the unknown technology with known defensive mechanisms.


    [ Scanplete. I have identified severalponents that are integral to defensive barrier technology. Here are the details… ]


    "That''s fast…" Shane muttered as he checked them immediately.


    [ Enhanced Deflectors


    Description: Utilizes a prized energy field to deflect iing projectiles and energy sts.


    Potential Use: Could significantly increase the durability of any barrier by dispersing kic energy upon impact. ]


    [ Point Defense Matrix Disk


    Description: An automated system designed to track and neutralize iing threats in real-time.


    Potential Use: Ideal for a barrier''s active defense against high-velocity projectiles. ]


    [ Dynamic Shielding Fabricators


    Description: Capable of rapidly constructing and repairing barrier segments on the fly.


    Potential Use: Ensures the barrier remains intact even under sustained assault. ]


    [ Force Field Generators


    Description: Emits a powerful energy field capable of withstanding extreme forces.


    Potential Use: Forms the core of the barrier, providing a strong defensive perimeter. ]


    "Okay…" Shane stopped for a moment after seeing these items… Without a doubt, these parts were indeed valuable!


    This was indeed a treasure trove! A perfect ce to use his Otherworldly Mechanic Talent!


    Now, Shane couldn''t help but think that his previous self had also nned for him to make this ce his starting region!


    After all, the Otherworldly Mechanic talent seemed to be only suited to such advanced ces like the A.I. Rebellion and Alien Invasion…


    He wasn''t really hoping much to use this in the Zombie Outbreak.


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


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


    [ Quantum Cohesion Modules


    Description: Enhances the structural integrity of barriers at a molecr 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 tes


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


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


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


    After checking the otherponents 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: Bnces gravitational anomalies to keep the barrier anchored in ce.


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


    [ Electromaic 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 andplexity suggest a level of expertise that is highly advanced. It is possible that human researchers, perhaps with external assistance or ess to unknown resources, developed this. ]


    Shane pondered the implications, the pieces of arger puzzle slowlying 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 usible 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 technologypared 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 Shanepleted his chat with the A.I., he finally decided to activate his Otherworldly Talent!