Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 5 : Lincoln (Present)

Lincoln's eyes snapped open, emerging from the depths of an arcane dream. He couldn't remember how he had gotten to his room.

Fragments of his dream began to seep back into his mind, a hiking trip, a heart-stopping fall, and, most intriguingly, the red gemstone.

Swinging his legs off the side of the bed, he ran his hand through a rebellious mop of hair that stubbornly refused to stay in place. His mind was overwhelmed as he tried to recall what he had dreamt about, but the memories slipped away, leaving him with a frustrating sense of emptiness.

How exactly did he find the stone?

Memory loss had been a constant companion since he acquired his extraordinary ability, a decision he had made under less than favorable circumstances. Yet, as his past slipped away like grains of sand, he couldn't shake the fear of the consequences of his choices.

The stone had appeared insignificant, a mere trinket that had accompanied him through his military service and the years leading up to it. He had no idea why he continued to keep it, but he was too overwhelmed with other matters to give it any thought. 

Had the recent battle already begun to exact its toll on his memory?

Lincoln struggled with another memory lapse, this one seemed to be connected to his late parents. He could hardly remember their faces now.

Exhaling a heavy sigh, he attempted to shake off the disturbing amnesia and muttered, "Just another day."

With resolve, he proceeded to complete his morning routine – brushing his teeth, donning his military uniform, and securing his sword on his back.

As he exited his room and closed the door, a glance at the clock revealed it was half past ten. According to the intelligence reports, enemy forces were expected to assault their walls around noon, leaving him with ample time. So, he decided to stroll around until he rendezvoused with his team.

His driver awaited him outside his dorm, ready for Lincoln to embark. Once they were en route, they made their way to the military camp situated on the outskirts of the lower Imperiale.

Following a short trip, Lincoln exited the automobile and embarked on a stroll around the city's periphery. 

As he meandered through the lower Imperiale, the contrasting facets of the city became evident. The lower Imperiale, despite its futuristic design, bore the marks of industrialization, a stark reminder of the economic disparities within the metropolis. Lincoln observed the humdrum of daily life, where pockets of poverty intertwined with the imposing structures of progress.

After an hour of contemplative wandering, he adjusted his course toward the western entrance. The anticipation of the imminent attack lingered in the air, prompting Lincoln to make his way toward the arsenal. As he traversed the lower Imperiale, the stark disparity between the lower and upper regions unfolded before him. 

This realization, a persistent thorn in his thoughts, nagged at him each time he walked around both cities. The upper Imperiale, pristine and untainted, stood in stark contrast to the industrialized lower Imperiale, serving as a constant reminder of the socio-economic divisions within the metropolis.

He kept his sword, a constant companion, prepared for any unforeseen dangers.

In his role as Commander of the army, he'd become adept at anticipating surprise attacks, regardless of their source, whether within the country or outside it. His sword remained a constant companion, a reliable contingency. 

He had harbored a lingering doubt that his powers might one day fail him, as he knew little to nothing about them. Therefore, he made sure to have a reliable weapon as backup. Additionally, he'd come to realize that his unique abilities could greatly enhance the effectiveness of his sword.