Returning to the etheric plane was always a relief, far more comfortable than the constraints of the physical world. Something about this place—its boundless, chaotic energy felt uniquely inviting. Here, the weight of numerous calculations, projects, and strategies lifted ever so slightly, granting me a clarity I couldn't achieve elsewhere.

As I surveyed the swirling maelstrom surrounding me, I noted the unmistakable signs of growth. It was a process I still didn’t fully understand, though I had my theories. Perhaps it was tied to the knowledge I absorbed or the sheer amount of information I retained, like a mental exercise expanding my capacity. I was still devouring the contents of the Valurian archive, its rich history, culture, and advanced technologies flowing into my consciousness.

I couldn’t afford to risk losing the archive’s priceless information. Even the thought of its destruction spurred me to absorb it at a relentless pace. Every piece of data, every fragment of insight, had to be absorbed.

The enemy's psionics intrigued me. Their methods of personal growth centred on meditation. It was an approach I found fascinating but impractical for me. My mind was never still, always abuzz with overlapping projects and countless threads of thought. Meditation was not possible for my mind.

Through the chaos of the etheric plane, I extended my focus, pinpointing the enemy’s psionic forces. Their fear was palpable. Whenever they sensed my attention, they recoiled, retreating behind their spherical barriers.

For now, I let them go. My primary purpose in the etheric plane wasn’t confrontation but restoration. This space allowed me to refresh my mind, and to let days pass as the physical world churned on without my constant oversight. I returned here to strategize, to focus on the long-term goals that required more than brute force or immediate action.

In the physical world, my drones and sub-minds continued their relentless work. The mining of minerals within the lava tubes had become my key focus stocking up resources to fuel my future war front. Each mineral was tested and catalogued, and its properties were assessed for potential use.

One project consumed more of my attention than the rest: the next iterations of plasma weapons. It was still in its infancy, but the promise it held was undeniable. Yet progress was slow. Each test brought new complications, new failures and successes to dissect and study.

Days passed as I enjoyed the less burden on my psyche. Reports from my sub-minds flickered in and out of my consciousness, their progress measured and catalogued. Adjustments were made where necessary, but most tasks proceeded without my direct input.

The intelligence sub-mind delivered its latest update on the state of Sanctuary. Its radiated remains offered new insights into enemy movement. Patrols encircled the tomb, and the surrounding areas teemed with their combat drones, which increased in number daily. This escalation confirmed my deception had succeeded they still had no idea where I was.

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Here, hidden and observing, I could see the enemy squandering resources chasing shadows. Even as I continued to grasp the nuances of the etheric plane, their inability to track me within it was an undeniable advantage. Every moment they wasted bolstered my position.

The war sub-mind redirected my attention to a report on new plasma weapon prototypes. It was a promising avenue, with recent mineral discoveries providing critical resources. The weapon’s components were being refined through bio-organic engineering, matching known properties catalogued in the Human and Valurian periodic systems.

The designs focused on various plasma generation methods, each tailored for specific combat roles:

The first iteration was a silica-based plasma weapon integrating a crystalline silica chamber into a bio-organic framework, enabling it to superheat plasma for discharge.

The biological system consumes silicate materials to create crystalline tubes, while bioelectric impulses heat gases into plasma. Specialized muscles then expel concentrated plasma bolts with precision.

The weapon's exceptional durability and heat resistance allow for sustained fire without overheating, making it ideal for use in vacuum environments. However, its slow rate of fire, due to the time required to heat gases, and its dependence on silicate materials limit its versatility.

This weapon would excel in long-range engagements where precision is paramount looks like I had another upgrade to the sniper.

The second iteration was focused on the abundance of iron its design incorporates iron oxide deposits within bio-organic plasma chambers, allowing for enhanced magnetic field generation to contain and propel plasma.

The system metabolizes iron to form magnetic coils that direct plasma bursts into highly focused and intense beams capable of piercing heavy armour as tests showed its worth.

The precise magnetic control enables directional plasma adjustments, making this weapon ideal for breaching fortifications and engaging heavy units.

Despite its effectiveness, it is energy-intensive, limiting its sustained firing capabilities, and it requires a constant supply of iron-rich materials. This weapon could be equipped for project beetle units and be specialized for anti-armour roles, where raw penetration power is critical.

The third iteration would have to be produced in limited quantities with the minimal magnesium deposits currently found.

With alloy integrated into bio-organic plasma chambers to produce high-temperature plasma bursts. Through controlled biological reactions, magnesium oxidizes to create superheated plasma, while magnesium fibres reinforce conduits for added durability.

This weapon excels in short-range assaults, delivering devastating plasma bursts that can melt most materials and disorient enemies with their brightness.

Lightweight and mobile, it is well-suited for fast-paced combat scenarios. However, the rapid consumption of magnesium necessitates frequent resupply, and the weapon risks overheating if overused.

Possibly creating an explosive device with the mineral or maybe a very high-powered short-range breaching weapon.

As I reviewed the prototypes, I directed the construction sub-mind to prioritize production trials of the silica-based and iron-based variants. Their complementary strengths made them ideal for my immediate plans: precision strikes and heavy engagement against fortified positions.

Yet, I wasn’t content to rely solely on these weapons. The intelligence sub-mind continued to sift through sensor data and drone feeds, seeking any exploitable weaknesses in enemy deployments.

Over the following days, my mind remained relentlessly focused, reviewing incoming data from all ongoing operations and projects.

Among the most promising updates was the successful activation of the Mosquito, which had entered rigorous testing phases. Additionally, both the iron and silica plasma weapons had begun mass production, though the process was progressing more slowly than I had hoped.

I immersed myself within the collective data streams on most days, moving through each drone’s perspective. The overwhelming flow of information was staggering but necessary. Minutes became hours as I searched for overlooked opportunities, strategic openings, and anything that could tip the balance before the final push.

When I finally withdrew my consciousness, my sub-minds continued their tireless efforts, managing logistics and refining strategies. My focus, however, shifted to a singular goal: forcing the enemy to overreach. Their reliance on superior numbers and unrelenting production would inevitably falter if they faced unexpected resistance. By leveraging precision and efficiency, I could dismantle their momentum piece by piece.

Let them waste their forces patrolling an empty tomb. When I emerged, it would not be as prey. It would be as the predator, armed and ready to claim the moon.