Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 6 : Lincoln (Present)

Crimson energy spikes materialized out of thin air, orbiting Lincoln before slicing through the air and incapacitating the sound manipulator.

With their adversaries now subdued on the ground, unconscious but unharmed, Lincoln affirmed his decision not to resort to lethal force. He needed answers, not casualties. Four years of solitude, thinking he was the sole wielder, had given way to the unsettling realization that there were others—possibly more than the six before him.

Each of them possessed unique abilities. Time, Sound, Lightning, and Fire manipulation were discernible, but the capabilities of the other two remained elusive to Lincoln. 

All six were equipped with wrist guards capable of emitting orange energy, a technology Lincoln had encountered before. However, this version seemed to be an upgraded model, granting its users enhanced strength. 

This revelation explained the unnaturally powerful punch Lincoln had endured at the beginning of his confrontation with Edgar.

Lincoln found himself unsurprised that he had to resort to using the Overdrive mode to overcome his adversaries. It marked the first time he faced individuals with abilities. 

The decision to use this potent move, despite his resolve not to use it again after past experiences, reflected the gravity of the threat before him.

However, Lincoln realized that he seemed to exhibit more control over his Overdrive this time.

Typically, maintaining control over his actions during Overdrive proved challenging. Emotions would swiftly cloud his decisions, and his body would act independently. Moreover, the consequences extended beyond losing minor memories; he risked forgetting something crucial.

Acknowledging that he was the most powerful among those he faced, as Edgar had pointed out, Lincoln couldn't shake the realization that his lack of formal training put him at a disadvantage. The prospect of facing a more trained opponent loomed, and Lincoln grappled with the uncertainty of the battles yet to come.

Lincoln dismissed his doubts with a firm shake of his head; the battle was far from over.

Disappearing momentarily, he left lingering traces of energy behind, only to reappear on the battlefield. The scene that greeted him was gruesome, a stark reminder of the cost of the conflict. While the immediate fighting seemed to have ceased, the toll on the army was evident. It dawned on Lincoln that, while he was engrossed in his duel with Edgar, the other five adversaries had wreaked havoc, causing significant casualties before they came to back their leader up.

The aftermath weighed heavily on him, and the earlier confidence he held for this battle now felt misplaced. The somber reality of the situation urged Lincoln to set aside his internal conflict and focus on the urgent task at hand—stemming the tide of the enemy army. 

The city's fate hung in the balance, and he couldn't afford to waver now.

With a heavy sigh, Lincoln closed his eyes and transmitted a message to Dexter, instructing him to collect the incapacitated powered individuals and transport them to the lab. 

While this news might cheer the scientists, it would undoubtedly cast a shadow over the soldiers who had witnessed the destruction caused by these powered individuals. 

The grim reality of their situation lingered, and Lincoln couldn't shake off the discomfort that accompanied such decisions.

Moments later, a reply from Dexter confirmed his observation, mentioning that he would commence the retrieval once the damage assessment was complete. With a wearied sigh, Lincoln lowered himself to the ground, feeling the toll of the battle on his body.