Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 7 : Lincoln (Present)

He materialized in the midair, taking a moment to appreciate the panoramic view beneath him. The sprawling city stretched out like a mosaic of lights and shadows, a canvas painted by urban life. However, his tranquil observation was abruptly interrupted as his focus shifted to the fleeing prisoners.

Surprisingly, they weren't difficult to spot—four elusive figures gracefully darting between the rooftops. Two among them exhibited a noticeable lag in their movements, likely weakened or injured. Lincoln hypothesized that their slower pace initiated the group's cautious advancement.

Opting for an advantageous vantage point, Lincoln warped to the summit of a towering building. From this elevated position, he mirrored the prisoners' movements, utilizing his energy as a propellant to bridge the gap between each leap from one structure to the next.

Amid his pursuit, Lincoln closed one eye, his Iris screen projecting Dexter's message.

Dexter: Lin, be careful! We're analyzing the situation here. The city's in a state of chaos after the escape. It looks like they've triggered some sort of diversion.

Lincoln: There are only four of them here, and they're heading towards the east walls. They might pass through Berm Square. Send a team to intercept them at Royal Mall while you go after the other two.

Dexter: Okay, got it. We're on the move.

Lincoln: Good, ensure that the citizens remain unaware. We don't want them to feel unsafe.

Dexter: Lin, it's too late for that. I told you, the city is in chaos. The lab incident is already all over the news. Citizens saw you destroying the lab's side. You'll need to explain yourself.

Lincoln sighed, realizing the gravity of his oversight.

Lincoln: We'll address it later...

As Lincoln closed in on the fleeing prisoners, one of them detected his presence. Swiftly, the adversary retaliated, conjuring a fiery orb that streaked through the air, hurtling directly toward Lincoln.

The fireball crackled with an ominous intensity, aiming to disrupt Lincoln's advance and fend off the relentless pursuit.

Lincoln soared through the air, his body outlined by the vibrant energy that enveloped him. 

He extended his arms forward, a technique he hadn't attempted on the chaotic battlefield the day before. Drawing upon his experience with managing explosives, he harnessed the energy, allowing it to wrap around the fiery projectile hurtling toward him.

The fireball succumbed to the embrace of Lincoln's energy. Gradually, it dissipated into nothing more than a wisp of smoke. The absorbed energy, extracted from the flames, seamlessly merged with Lincoln's own. 

He needed all the energy he could get.

Reacting swiftly, Lincoln utilized his warping ability to disappear from the fiery opponent's direct line of sight. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind the fire manipulator, energy blades at the ready. With a decisive move, he thrust one of the blades forward, aiming to land a solid hit.

However, the resistance against Lincoln's blade was formidable, preventing it from penetrating deeply. Before Lincoln could gain a decisive advantage, a sudden surge of power from the fire manipulator sent him flying backward. The forceful counterattack left Lincoln momentarily off-balance, prompting a need to reassess his approach in the ongoing clash.

Gaining his posture, Lincoln acted swiftly, conjuring his energy platform to propel himself back into the battle. Adjusting his approach, he sought to close the distance, engaging the fiery adversary in a physical struggle.