Hi @Patfine welcome to the /e/ forum.
This is a dynamic partition device. These do not respond well to “user error”.
One thing at a time …
If you think the device seems bricked …
Do you have the original login to the unlock tool you used?
If yes, go there.
I used XiaoMiTool V2 - Modding of Xiaomi devices made easy … see also https://xdaforums.com/t/tool-win-lin-mac-miunlocktool-unlock-bootloader-of-xiaomi-devices-on-mac-linux.3782444/ this is a Linux tool.
When I logged in again after a “bricked situation” it recognised my phone and offered an “un-brick” option … please beware not to upgrade beyond the Android version recommended in your install /e/OS guide.
Also some reading here https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-unlock-how-to-restore-the-state-of-unlocked-bootloader-in-merlin-xiaomi-redmi-note-9-xiaomi-redmi-10x-4g.4220013/
I made this comment at the time Xiaomi, Downgrade MIUI V12.0.5.0 and ARP (anti roll back protection) … … things have probably changed since I had a merlin now merlinx on /e/OS but I think that you have to be sure not to upgrade to a point where you might have to downgrade Android version for /e/OS … and beware of certain MIUI versions … maybe enquire at Xiaomi Community