The side quest titled «King of the Tunnel» becomes accessible after defeating Tachy, the Alpha Nayteba, and returning from the Matrix 11 region in Stellar Blade. After finishing the Tachy mission, approach Cedric, the unfriendly Sentinel located in Xion, near the vending machine beside the Sister’s Junk store.
Cedric will request that EVE navigate the deserted Hypertube in the Great Desert to find a missing fusion cell. Although he appears to have his own agenda, successfully completing this task will provide valuable upgrade materials for EVE’s gear and weaponry. This guide will assist you in locating the Hypertube and the lost Fusion Coil.
Locating the Hypertube in the Great Desert
To access the Great Desert, converse with Adam at Xion. After accepting Cedric’s quest, be sure to talk to Adam at the safehouse by the ship. You’ll have to watch a cutscene before he takes you to the Great Desert. Upon arrival, open your map, mark the King of the Tunnel quest, and head southwest towards the large metallic tube protruding from the ground.
Beware of numerous dangerous enemies near the Hypertube, such as Lurkers. If your controller has a rumble feature, you’ll feel the vibrations in the ground before they attack. When the rumble intensifies, prepare to dodge.
Arriving at the entrance of the tunnel marked on your map, Adam will confirm you’re at the right spot. Prepare yourself for a slide down to the tunnel’s base while dodging explosives along the way.
The Hypertube Cave (Locating the Fusion Cell)
At the bottom of the Hypertube slide, EVE will find herself in a water pool. Prior to diving underwater, it’s a good idea to explore out of the pool to examine two bodies for XP and a Data Bank entry. Climb the ropes at the end of the cave to unlock the gate and activate the campsite, assuming you have interacted with the Solar Tower.
Obtaining the Old Fusion Cell
Return to the water pool and dive beneath the surface to explore. Behind a pile of boxes, EVE will find another body to investigate, providing XP and another Data Bank entry. Swim to the other side of the water to access a chest that contains the Old Fusion Cell. When prompted, select «Return to client now?» to teleport back to Xion and talk to Cedric. After a short dialogue, Adam directs EVE to install the Fusion Cell in the Fusion Drive located nearby. Inside, EVE will discover a video memory of Cedric’s wife. Concluding the conversation, EVE will receive 30 Micro Coils, 60 Micro Motors, and 120 Micro Drives.
