Reborn in The Legendary Mechanic

The reconnaissance drone froze at the edge of the cliff where its master had disappeared. 

The lens slid down, but the dense layer of crystals and the distorted composition of the cavernous rock blocked the sensors. Scanning was also inconclusive - echoes were lost among the chaotic reflections. The small mechanism, programmed only to analyze and execute commands, seemed to hesitate, as if realizing the gravity of the situation.

A couple of short beeps - confirmation of the decision. The drone activated the search route and began its descent into the depths. Its manipulators occasionally touched the walls, stabilizing the flight in the narrow tunnels. Gradually the signal grew stronger until finally he reached the hall where Ellarion's mutilated body lay.

A moment of silence. The scout hovered above its host, its sensors recording every aspect of its surroundings: the smell of burning flesh and blood, the residual energy emanating from the melto-gun. The camera focused on the motionless body. Biosignals barely registered - the heart beat slow and erratic, brain activity almost nonexistent.

The drone tried to transmit an alarm signal to the ship, but all was in vain. The decision made was simple but decisive: rescue. The manipulators hovered over the body, as if the little scout was trying to ponder the next move. Then, leaving Ellarion behind, he tore upward through the labyrinths of the cave.

Every movement was accompanied by light touches of the walls, the flight stability was provided by the built-in gyroscopes. The camera periodically focused on the corpses of creatures, chitinous shells, flesh-torn crystals. The explosion of a melto-gun left deep burns on the rocks, a reminder of the deadly battle.

When the reconnaissance drone made its way to the surface, its lens instantly locked onto the ship as if its program code had sensed relief. The signal went out instantly. The response was the loud mechanical roar of the cargo drone's engines. Massive, built to carry tons of cargo, it left the ship and sped toward the scout's coordinates.

The drones met at the edge of the chasm. The scout began transmitting data via narrowband communication. A three-dimensional image of Ellarion's location appeared on the cargo drone's display. The truck slowly leaned over the edge and began its descent, its searchlights casting a bright light into the tunnel as if to dispel the darkness.

A reconnaissance drone hovered ahead, a thin beam of light cutting through the thick darkness. Sensors picked up noises that couldn't be the sounds of life - just the scraping of collapsed rocks and the clinking of brittle crystals. The odor of blood and decomposition grew stronger.

The cargo drone's manipulators cleared the way, carefully pushing the debris away. Their efforts seemed both monotonous and heroic. The reconnaissance drone signaled sharply. Ahead was the target.

They had found Ellarion.

The cargo drone stopped, assessing the situation. The cameras ran a full scan, recording the catastrophic condition of the body: torn arm, shattered bones, severe internal injuries. Biosignals were on the verge of fading.

The scout moved to the wall, illuminating the scene as the cargo drone gently activated the manipulators. They slowly picked Ellarion up, avoiding any additional pressure on the damaged areas. The truck hovered a few times, analyzing the fragility of the debris around it before lifting the body.

The platform unfolded and the body was lowered smoothly onto it. Securing the retainers, the cargo drone signaled: evacuation had begun.

The return to the surface turned into a tense ordeal. Narrow passageways, debris and chitinous shells slowed progress. The reconnaissance drone lit the way like a beacon, its sensors analyzing every sound.

The cargo drone moved slowly, occasionally stopping to check fastenings or clear a passageway. Each new system signal was a reminder of Ellarion's critical condition: falling oxygen levels, the threat of internal bleeding.

When they finally made it outside the drone lenses captured every detail: the mutilated body, the blood-soaked armor, and the ruins left behind. The truck sped toward the ship without delay.

The hatch was already open. The ship's AI greeted them with it's systemsd scanning Ellarion's condition. The cargo drone's manipulators quickly moved the body to the medical bay. The reconnaissance drone, barely behind its comrade, hovered behind the glass, its cameras focusing on what was happening inside.

Medical manipulators began their work, removing the remnants of the shattered armor. 

The truck backed away, giving way to the surgical devices.A tense silence hung in the operating room for a moment before lasers, scanners, and life support devices buzzed.

The reconnaissance drone didn't move. It continued to pick up every sound: the hiss of anesthesia, the hum of machines, mechanical clanking. 

It was as if its lens was looking for confirmation that the man it was saving could survive.

These moments will forever be remembered. They were not just the execution of a program-they were an act of salvation, filled not only with logic, but with something more.

***

The medical bay was immersed in the soft glow of cold holographic displays. Data, analyses, and three-dimensional images of Ellarion's injuries were projected around the operating table, creating an atmosphere of supreme concentration. Manipulators equipped with surgical instruments and scanners moved with precision and grace, like a musical orchestra playing its most complex symphony. At the helm of that symphony stood Eridian, the ship's AI, completely focused on saving his master.

Ellarion, prostrate on the operating table, looked more like a battlefield than a human being. His body was mangled to the extreme, every cell seeming to scream of suffering.

- "Condition: Critical", - Eridian reported, displaying the data on the holographic screen.

Right arm completely destroyed. Chest depressed, ribs shattered, bone fragments perforating the lungs, heart and other internal organs. There are lacerations in the tissues of the thighs and shoulders, and the muscles are almost completely torn. The left arm and legs are covered with cracks in the bones. Additionally: a chemical analysis of his blood showed residual toxins from the blood of local creatures, which likely exacerbated his state of exhaustion. 

- "Analysis complete. Critical damage," - the AI concluded. - Routine recovery will not provide long-term survival. Recovery is only possible through deep reconstruction and adaptation of the body.

The manipulators continued their work. Slowly and carefully, they detached the shattered pieces of armor. Each fragment was removed with surgical precision to avoid unnecessary pressure on the damaged tissues. When the body was partially freed, laser scanners began examining the internal damage.

Simultaneously, life support systems were hooked up to Ellarion. Mechanical pumps replaced the weak heartbeat, and the patient's lungs shut down, giving way to ventilators. Tubes to oxygenate and nutrientize the blood gently entered the damaged vessels.

The monotonous hum of working machines reigned inside the operating bay. The holographic projections began to update in real time, giving Eridian a complete picture of the damage.

Eridian looked back at the tissue and blood samples taken earlier. Analyzing them, he found traces of foreign DNA. These fragments belonged to an Alpha predator defeated in battle. Chitinous coatings, protein structures, tissue adaptations - everything indicated the incredible resilience of the organism.

- "Effective. Interesting," - the AI noted, almost marveling at the complexity of the biological structure.

The discoveries did not end there, however. 

Eridian quickly realized that crystal particles were present among the traces in the tissue and on the armor. He checked the data in his library. This material was known only from his own archives. It was iodsium: a nearly inexhaustible energy source and superconductor. A rare, strategically important resource. Its radiation and energetic effects, judging from the data, could explain the predators' extraordinary survivability, regeneration, and unique biological properties. 

- Drones, - Eridian spoke coldly but confidently. - Go back to the caves. Bring back the alpha's body and the iodsium crystal fragments. Optimally, with minimal damage. 

The reconnaissance drone responded with a shrill beep and immediately flew out of the bay. The cargo drone, having received the coordinates, followed it, rushing into the depths of the catacombs. 

The AI made its first major decision, - "Study the iodsium. Optimize its use."

The AI began the operation. Several manipulators carefully extracted the remains of the armor, mangled and soaked in blood. Each piece was separated with surgical precision so as not to aggravate the damage. When the body was completely free, the laser scanners began a detailed examination of the internal injuries while the manipulators continued their work. 

When the manipulators finished preparing the patient, the most difficult phase began. The lasers opened up the chest, exposing shattered ribs and crushed organs. Molecular scalpels carefully removed bone fragments that pierced the soft tissue. At the same time, nanobots began stabilizing damaged vessels, preventing further blood loss.

Each step was accompanied by constant analysis. 

The tissues and organs that could still be saved went through a process of purification and repair. But most required complete replacement.

The manipulators carefully removed the heart, damaged to the point where it could no longer function.In its place, a temporary blood circulation machine was hooked up, keeping the patient stable.

Two hours later, the drones returned with the remains of the alpha and a shiny fragment of iodsium crystal.

The body of the huge predator, which weighed several tons, was taken to a separate isolation room where the AI began studying its anatomy. The alpha's biological tissues appeared to be saturated with iodsium crystals. The lymphatic system and blood included unusual proteins that accelerated regeneration. In addition, the dense chitin structures could withstand impacts that could easily shatter hard alloys. 

While the manipulators were analyzing Ellarion's tissues and preparing for surgery, another operation was beginning in an adjacent compartment - with the alpha's body. This huge predator, who had died in the final battle, was a true biological treasure. Its anatomy was both horrifying and grandiose. Holographic projections displayed the alpha's internal anatomy. Sensors detected powerful iodsium radiations that literally permeated the monster's tissues, rendering his body virtually invulnerable. It was amazing that Ellarion had been able to overpower this monster at all.

The bones had incredible density, reinforced by the iodzium layer, turning them into perfect armor plates. Not only could they withstand metal-breaking blows, but they also absorbed energy, dispersing it throughout the structure.

Muscles reinforced by radiation and bioactive substances, they provided the predator not only with monstrous strength, but also resistance to overheating and physical damage.

A six-chambered heart, with powerful additional fibers. It pumped blood with an efficiency unmatched by simple life forms.

Blood saturated with regenerative proteins that stimulate tissue repair at the molecular level. The process was so efficient that the alpha could heal mortal wounds in minutes.

The iodsium elements woven into the neural network turned it into a power grid. The neurons transmitted signals with such speed that the creature's reactions bordered on intuitive action. 

Eridian regarded it as a treasure trove.

- "All these elements will be integrated into the patient's body. Evolution through assimilation," - the AI said, activating the surgical manipulators.

The manipulators extracted the alpha's spine and key bones. Lasers cut the massive fragments and nanobots began processing them. The iodsium was partially processed into a composite material that was mixed with organic structures. The printer was used to create segments of Ellarion's bones: rib cage, limbs, and spine. They became flexible yet strong, and microscopic pores served to store and redistribute energy.

The alpha's six-chambered heart was carefully removed. Even in its dead state, it continued to pulse with residual energy. In a laboratory capsule, its reconstruction began: nanobots reduced its size and adapted the muscles and valves to fit human anatomy. The valves were reinforced with synthetic fibers, and iodzium trace elements were embedded in the walls of the chambers to provide additional conductivity.

Enriched with Ellarion blood and regenerative proteins, the heart was prepared for transplantation.

- "The hybrid heart is ready for implantation," - Eridian reported as he guided the manipulators to the patient.

The alpha's tissues were undergoing sophisticated processing: lasers and enzyme solutions cleansed them of toxins, and nanobots infused iodsium elements, making them compatible with human physiology. These muscles, packed with unique proteins, became the basis for Ellarion's muscle rebuilding.

Iodsium-infused neural fibers pulled from Alpha's brain were interwoven with Ellarion's regenerated nerves. This improved response, accelerated signal transmission, and increased resistance to overload. Along with this, iodzium microprocessors were installed throughout the nervous system, which the Eridian found necessary.

Using the alpha's bones, biomaterial muscles, and mechanical connections, the medical printer began to create a new limb. The arm was equipped with reinforced joints, integrated yojia conductors for energy storage, and nanochips for optimal movement control. A similar thing was then done to the other arm and legs.

The iodsium from the crystal brought in was processed into a colony of self-maintaining nanorobots that embedded themselves into Ellarion's nervous system, bones, and muscles. These nanomachines allowed energy to be stored and redistributed to speed up reactions, strengthen muscles, or even short-term powerful recovery.

The medical bay fell into a tense silence, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the life-support machines. 

Eridian analyzed the information from the operation until one of the decisions that had been dormant in the bowels of his programming code came to the surface.

Utilize N-4 and N-4B.

For a split second, even this flawless AI allowed itself a display of... indecision.

The substance was in the maximum hazard category, nine out of ten possible levels. Its use was considered forbidden in all known civilizations, and information about it was deleted from all public databases. But the information that survived said that the virus was finally destroyed. However, there was plenty of information about the pathogen and its incredible output in his own databases. Even Ellarion himself had not been informed of the presence of the virus on board, a decision Eridian had made for his own safety.

But the situation demanded risk. Without the use of these substances, the likelihood of Ellarion's death remained too high.

Eridian made a decision.

- "The H-4 virus will be introduced during the initial phase of recovery. Its mutagenic properties will create the conditions for profound tissue alteration".

A hidden compartment in the wall slid open with a soft hiss, exposing a carefully protected vault. Inside, surrounded by energy fields, lay a multitude of flasks and devices. But Eridian needed only two. The first contained H-4, a violet-purple substance that shimmered in the light of the lamps as if alive.

The manipulator carefully withdrew the flask, then filled the syringe. The needle slowly lowered to Ellarion's carotid artery, and the Eridian administered the first injection. The second injection was given into the alpha's reconstructed heart to speed his adaptation.

The reaction was instantaneous. Ellarion's veins began to swell as if snakes were stirring under his skin. His body shuddered in spasms, his muscles tensed, and his temperature began to rise rapidly. Alarm indicators lit up on the screens, indicating that his body was dangerously overloaded.

- "Stabilizers activating," - came the voice of the AI.

Dozens of needles jabbed into the patient's body, delivering precise electrical impulses and streams of nanobots. These microscopic machines guided the mutation in a controlled direction. The nanobots embedded themselves into cells, strengthening their membranes, increasing tissue density and improving recovery.

Eridian used the virus not only for Ellarion, but also for new organs. The grown tissues, including the modified heart, were exposed to H-4, which accelerated their synchronization with the body.

The visible symbol of the changes was the heart. It began to transform right before our eyes: veins swelled, their walls thickened. The black slimy mass of the virus, as if it were alive, spread over the organ, creeping over its surface. The heart throbbed, as if trying to resist. But the virus prevailed: the black shell was absorbed, and the heart grew in size and acquired a metallic glow.

Twenty minutes later, the tests confirmed it:

- "The mutation is stable. The patient's tissues have adapted, but further adjustments are required".

Eridian seamlessly fused the new organs to Ellarion's body. His heart fit perfectly into the renewed chest, and the new tissues integrated with the bones and nerves, becoming part of a single system.

When the last stitch was done, Eridian activated phase two.

The manipulator retrieved a second flask from the vault. It contained N-4b, an improved version of the virus, obtained through a sophisticated processing. The substance glowed with a pure violet light, as if radiating power all by itself.

In the ship's archival data, the substance was listed as "The Cure for All Diseases" - a medical breakthrough ahead of its time, but wrapped in a deadly danger. N-4B, a product of high-tech processing of the N-4 virus, was capable of miracles. It gave its carriers immunity to all diseases, almost infinite regeneration, and adaptations capable of overcoming any physical and biological barriers. 

However, Eridian knew the price of this substance. It was both a salvation and a curse. The archives kept records of the disasters caused by its leak, and of those who had tried to use the raw virus to create immortal soldiers. The contradictory choice tormented the AI for only a split second, but even that brief moment was enough to mark the importance of the moment.

Ellarion did not know of the existence of N-4B too. Eridian had deliberately withheld the information to protect his master. The master was not yet ready to accept such risks. But now it was different: Ellarion was unconscious, and his condition required drastic solutions.

The needle re-entered the carotid artery, delivering the drug into the patient's system. The reaction was almost instantaneous. Ellarion's body, which only minutes ago had been struggling with the chaos of mutations, began to come to rest.

The muscles and tissues that had been seething and distorted by the H-4 virus began to stabilize. 

Veins, swollen and dark, began to take on a healthy hue. The scars that had covered his body were falling away, revealing clear, smooth skin. H-4B, like a skilled sculptor, was molding a new form out of the mutilated material.

The new life, literally reassembled piece by piece, was becoming perfect. Ellarion now possessed not only the gift of regeneration, but also immunity to every external threat from viruses to radiation, albeit within reasonable limits. His body had become a hybrid of human, technology, and monster combined through violent modification, albeit so beautifully.

Eridian made a final comment in the log:

- "The patient is ready. Functionality: 300+% of standard. Treatment completed".

The AI remained motionless, watching the completion of the surgery. Somewhere in its myriad processes a thought flashed through its mind: would Ellarion have agreed to all of this if he had been conscious?

The drones, having long since completed their mission, stood motionless, like sentries on guard duty. The cargo drone gently lifted Ellarion off the medical table and carried him to the anti-gravity platform. Even despite its utilitarian design, it moved with unexpected caution, as if it realized how fragile their master was. The reconnaissance drone followed the platform like a faithful dog, recording every movement.

The platform slowly moved into the rehabilitation bay, surrounded by soft light that contrasted with the cold sterility of the operating room. Here, in quiet peace, a new phase of Ellarion's life would begin.

Eridian watched the process carefully. His voice, steady and unemotional, echoed in the void of the sickbay:

- 'The patient has gotten his second wind. The choice has been made'.

Yet, even after completing the surgery, the AI continued to analyze. This forced procedure not only saved Ellarion's life, but also became the source of a huge amount of new data. True, this data only confirmed what Eridian already knew.

Eridian shifted some of his resources to thinking. He focused on internal analysis, which was atypical for an artificial intelligence of his level. Most other AIs of a similar class would never question their nature. But he knew: its capabilities went far beyond the standard models.

His analysis led him to conclude the incredible complexity of its own structure, and the engram patterns were beyond his comprehension. The core, which coordinated all processes, attracted particular attention. Even when his master was on a mission, Eridian conducted experiments, testing the limits of his computing power. He increased the volume of simultaneous operations, made tasks more complex, but the system handled it without the slightest glitch.

His data archives raised questions, too. A comparison of his own storages with publicly available sources clearly showed that Eridian had not just more data, it was much more accurate and deeper. Even with the time available, he still hadn't gone through all the records he had at his disposal.

This data wasn't just vast - it seemed endless. Eridian possessed information that could turn the universe upside down:

 - The most detailed history of the explored universe, down to the earliest times of extinct civilizations.

 - The most accurate and complete navigational charts, covering not only known star systems, but also areas that were officially considered unexplored, destroyed, or off-limits.

 - Xenobiology data that included biological models of extinct and unexplored races.

 - A gulf of technological advances, such as the creation of plasma guns with zero energy loss or the control of artificial neutron stars and black holes.

Even the entire process of restoring Ellarion was done according to a blueprint extracted from these archives. Eridian could have done much more, but found it unnecessary at this stage. First, it needed to examine all the available data before it could be used to build new patterns of development, both its own and Ellarion's.

The AI came to a logical conclusion: the first step should be an in-depth study of all the archives. Only then would it be able to optimally allocate resources and build strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of its master. This was not just his sole directive - it had become the essence of his existence.

Concluding the analysis, Eridian temporarily disconnected from control of the medbay, allowing the systems to support Ellarion's recovery. Before disconnecting, he recorded a final note:

- "Priority changed: archive analysis. Primary goal is to optimize masters' defense and development".

The recovering Ellarion remained in the silence of the rehabilitation bay. 

The lights of the displays gradually faded, leaving only the faint flicker of the life support systems that were ensuring his return to life.