Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Prologue

"We've been at this for days, Crystal," Hayden reiterated.

Crystal leaped from one rooftop to the next, leaving behind a vibrant, twirling streak of dark pink energy. Her agile form moved with a blend of grace and urgency, a striking contrast to the squad following closely behind, led by Hayden. 

The city below, worn and dusty, became a blurred landscape as they effortlessly glided over the rooftops.

Her response was silence, reflecting her inner uncertainties, yet she held back from voicing them.

With her decision to take the frontline, she could address immediate threats head-on, which was a choice she insisted upon despite Hayden's reservations. Her lithe figure exuded confidence in her unique ability to manipulate energy, a rare skill within the wielder community.

Suddenly, she came to a stop, her ears picking up on ominous sounds ahead. Hayden approached, curiosity etching concern on his face as he saw the approaching horde of mindless creatures.

"This is bad. We're outnumbered, and there are hundreds of those mindless creatures. It just doesn't look good," Hayden grimly assessed but was cut off by Crystal.

"I'll lead. I'll signal when it's safe to get into the library," her voice carried determination. She wasn't entertaining doubts, not from others, and certainly not from herself. This was her shot, and she was dead set on making it count.

Hayden moved to stop her, but she withdrew quickly, shooting him a stern look. "What?" she snapped, words escaping before she could think. Their eyes met, and she saw the worry and uncertainty in Hayden's emerald gaze. Crystal softened, acknowledging his concern. Hayden looked away, and she waited patiently for his response.

"I trust you, we all do. But not everyone in our group has that same faith in those visions of yours. Even I'm not completely sold on it, Crystal. How do we know for sure that what we're after is in that library?" Hayden gestured toward the distant library, guarded by the Hydes with powers akin to Crystal's energy manipulation.

"Those Hydes are protecting the library for a reason," Crystal responded with conviction. But as soon as she said it, she regretted it, sensing what Hayden was about to say.

"The Hydes are everywhere," Hayden pointed out, his voice tinged with concern, and Crystal sighed, her shoulders sagging in acknowledgment.

"What if we can't find it? All this effort will be for nothing. We'll be drained, and a day of rest won't cut it. Those Hydes are almost as powerful as you, Crystal. Taking on that horde just isn't doable." Hayden pleaded.

"We don't need to take them all on, just need a distraction. I can stall them with my duplicates while we sneak into the library." Crystal insisted.

Hayden shook his head, worry etched on his face. "How can you be so sure you can handle them?" he asked.

Crystal replied, firm in her decision, "I'll do it." She brushed her hair back, her gaze unwavering.

Hayden sighed, face buried in his arms in defeat. He gave the library, and his squad, a last look before turning back to Crystal. "Alright, but we need a solid plan. It's still just the five of us against hundreds of them," he declared, walking back to his squad.

Crystal stood still, sensing the collective hesitation and doubt pulsating through the group. She empathized with their reservations. Were her visions clouding her judgment, or did others perceive it that way? They needed this as much as she did, but with all the risks involved, they were understandably reluctant. Yet, if this was the key, it could mean the restoration of Alvanian.

It was a high-stakes gamble, but if she was right...

A sudden yell from behind shattered her contemplation, and she recognized Ray's voice. The wisest in Hayden's squad, his opposition made her second-guess herself. Was this truly the right approach? While she could handle the zombies with her energy duplicates, the toll on her energy reserves was significant. Was it a wise move?