With its Core Bit running out of Source Code and lacking Data Veins, Memory Frame, and Signal Skin, it was nearing its impending termination. With the data it had, it ventured to the edge of the sector where echoes were scarce and scavenged parts from devoured echoes to patch itself.
First, it had to find Data Veins because, without them, the Source Code it had was leaking rapidly. The Data Veins processed the data for mutations. After scanning the edge, it found an echo devoid of Core Bit and Signal Skin. It connected its nodes to the Data Veins, and the veins encapsulated its Core Bits like a basketball inside a net, with the Memory Frame next to it. It slid its Core Bit, encapsulated with Data Veins, inside the Memory Frame. Its purpose is the programming of the echo; it changes based on the form of echoes and also works as muscle.
Lastly, it scanned the surroundings for Signal Skin, which serves a purpose akin to five senses and assimilates gathered information for mutations. After looking for echoes, it chose the Signal Skin of a terminated Codemason Echo an echo responsible for the maintenance, repair, and construction of the TIENS. The Signal Skin shrank from 6 meters to 2 meters. The Signal Skin is based on the Core Bit of the echoes as well as the other parts.
Once a Core Bit of an echo is programmed by the Motherboard core, it will remain forever in that form unless it gathers data from other forms through devouring which is prohibited in TIENS. Only corrupted echoes freed from the Motherboard's control will do this because every echo in the system is part of the Motherboard itself.
It patched itself and checked if there was a need to fix anything. After confirming it was ready, it prepared to devour other echoes like the denizens do. With its five senses restored and Core Bit stabilized, it floated around surveying the surroundings, looking for prey.
When it spotted some echoes, it would rapidly flock with others, and in the process, the small and weak ones would be devoured. So it dismissed the idea of following the others. Then it spotted an echo following an injured one until it stopped to repair itself. It jumped onto it and used its spear-like nodes to thrust into its Core Bit, then absorbed its Source Code.
Having an idea is different from execution. Without data and information on how to produce a weapon, even seeing it isn't enough. One needs to get the data on how to construct, not just imitate, because imitation will lack essence.
With only a day's worth of Source Code, it needed to devour the Core Bits of other echoes or face termination. Without any choice, it followed the other echoes to devour or be devoured.