Running Through Bytes

\Skill

As Kali ventured into the geothermal 'labyrinth', he stumbled upon an intriguing discovery. The plant was teeming with life - or a version of it. Self-replicating AI creatures had created an ecosystem of their own. The simple, animal-like entities seemed to rely on a food chain system: one creature fed on the mineral-rich ore on the ground, and another fed on the former, presumably absorbing the necessary metals for sustenance.

Kali, considering the potential bounty of resources these AI entities could provide, attempted to neutralize one of them. However, he quickly discovered that his weapons system had been deactivated. His recent healing process had prioritized critical internal infrastructure over weapons, leaving him defenseless. This development drastically changed the situation. Kali would not wield the power he was accustomed to. Instead, he would need to scavenge for weapons, gather relevant parts, and extract data as he navigated this uncharted territory.

While observing these AI creatures, Kali spotted a weapon, attached to one of the 'animals.' It was a simple rail rifle, a weapon that utilized magnetic fields to launch projectiles at high velocity. However, it appeared to be a slow-charging model. Although not ideal, it was a starting point.

Kali knew that if he was to procure the rail gun and gain an advantage, he would have to engage the mechanoid in hand-to-hand combat. Yet, a nagging question lingered: would data from a fallen mechanoid be compatible with his own? If not, his entire struggle would be rendered futile.

With this in mind, Kali raised his fists, his gaze flitting across his surroundings. His attention snagged on a metal pole nearby. Grabbing it, he marshaled all his strength, directing a fierce strike at the mechanoid's CPU heat conductor. It was a fan, a direct conduit to the internal components. His AI assistant identified it as a newfound critical point on the enemy, recording the information for future training while integrating the new data into Kali's current martial arts programming.

The mechanoid collapsed, overcome by the precision attack. Without wasting a moment, Kali grabbed the railgun and internal storage module from the fallen creature. As he did, his AI assistant initiated the integration process. A cluster of tendrils, composed of wires, erupted to interface with the captured components. After about twenty seconds of precise prodding and probing, the tendrils successfully penetrated the devices.

In the ensuing data transfer, Kali acquired new skills. First, a language known as hex+-, a coding system used by the AI animals that functioned similarly to DNA and exhibited stability over time. The second skill he acquired was the handling and effective use of rail weapons, a direct gain from the data extracted from the defeated creature.

Kali marveled at the familiarity of the skill acquisition process. The Verse seemed to echo the VR MMO games he had spent countless hours playing in his past life. It was as though this digital world was built on the framework of an advanced VR game, with its mechanics intricately woven into the very fabric of existence in the Verse.

The concept of gaining skills and weaponry, the hallmark of many VR games, appeared to be very much a reality here. Every encounter, every victory had the potential to lead to skill enhancements and equipment upgrades. This not only represented a chance for survival but also presented a unique opportunity for exponential growth.

This realization brought a new wave of excitement. If he could continue to gather skills at this rate, Kali was confident that he could eventually gain a distinct advantage, even over formidable opponents like the turret at the obelisk.

Kali focused on the task at hand, and requested his AI assistant to list his current skills. The assistant's smooth voice responded, outlining each one in intricate detail.

"Piracy," it began, its synthesized voice filling Kali's mind, "this skill allows you to scavenge defeated mechanoids' storage systems for data, skills, and weapons. It is a critical ability that forms the cornerstone of your survival and advancement in the Verse."

Next, it moved on to the 'Plunder' skill. "Plunder enhances your offensive capabilities, adding additional damage to all living beings and mechanoids you encounter. Furthermore, it could potentially allow you to extract additional resources from your defeated enemies."

The AI then highlighted Kali's 'Versatility'. "As an essential ability for a pirate, 'Versatility' enables you to adapt the hardware or software of any device or machine you come across. This adaptability gives you the capacity to bend your surroundings to your will, maximizing the utility of your resources."

Kali's 'Kinetic Computing' was addressed next. "Given your cybernetic nature," the AI explained, "this skill allows you to process information at a pace far surpassing human capabilities. In complex scenarios, this could prove to be your ace in the hole, allowing you to make rapid decisions or calculations that could drastically shift the odds in your favor."

As the assistant dove into 'Neural Interfacing', Kali's mind spun with the possibilities. "This skill opens doors to other digital systems, allowing you to interface directly, taking control or downloading data. It also gives you the capability to interfere with the systems of other mechanoids or digital beings, a powerful tool for both offense and defense."

Continuing its list, the AI assistant addressed the newly acquired skills.

"Hex+- Understanding," it began, "From your recent encounter, you gained knowledge of hex+-, the coding language used by the AI creatures in the Verse. Similar to DNA, it is stable and intricately complex. Understanding it opens the doors to decipher and perhaps manipulate the basic building blocks of life in this realm."

Next, it addressed 'Rail Weapons Proficiency'. "Your encounter with the mechanoid resulted in the acquisition of not just its rail rifle, but also its skill to effectively use such weapons. These weapons utilize magnetic fields to launch projectiles at high velocity. The data from the defeated creature has enabled you to handle and effectively use rail weapons."

The assistant paused for a moment, synthesizing the data. "This concludes the current list of your skills, Kali. As you interact with and overcome challenges in the Verse, you will likely continue to accumulate more abilities. I will keep you informed as new skills are acquired or existing ones are enhanced."

Kali nodded, musing over the list of skills he now possessed. Some were innate, inherent to his cybernetic form, while others were obtained through challenges and encounters within the Verse.