Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 25: Lincoln (Present)

The clash of swords echoed through the open arena as Lincoln's blade met Aytrex's with a resounding clash. The sheer force of Aytrex's strength pushed Lincoln back, even with his seasoned combat skills. Landing steady on his feet, Lincoln found himself challenged in landing hits on the skilled Alvan.

Dashing forward once more, Lincoln anticipated Aytrex's sidestep, his movements calculated to outwit the skilled Alvan. Yet, Aytrex's keen instincts proved formidable. With uncanny precision, he foiled Lincoln's plan, effortlessly blocking the strike with the resounding clash of their blades.

Amidst the intensity of the battle, Aytrex spoke, his voice cutting through the clash of steel. "The leaders of the Guardian Council have requested your presence in Alvanian. I'll take you there in a week from now."

With a grunt, Lincoln acknowledged, "I figured they would," pulling back to create some distance from Aytrex in preparation for the next exchange.

Aytrex, now on the offensive, parried and attacked in a fluid motion. As Lincoln successfully blocked the onslaught, Aytrex revealed, "A lot is going on in Alvanian, and soon I will have to bring you up to speed." 

Lincoln absorbed the Alvan messenger's words. Though he concealed it, the prospect of exploring another planet stirred excitement within him. The unknown adventures waiting beyond Earth's boundaries beckoned, but for now, he focused on the immediate challenge.

As dawn broke, Aytrex had sought out Lincoln at the crossroads of pending revelations. With a shared understanding of the weighty discussions ahead, they had opted for a sparring session as a prelude. Journeying to the Lower Imperiale, the heart of the military, they arrived at the training compound, where the cadence of their sparring would set the stage for the forthcoming revelations.

Intrigued, Lincoln was about to probe Aytrex for more details when he was interjected, "But before you meet them, there's a test you need to pass." Without a moment's delay, Aytrex lunged into action. Swords clashed, and the clash of steel echoed in the training compound. In a swift maneuver, Aytrex disarmed himself, catching Lincoln off guard. A well-executed kick to Lincoln's legs sent him sprawling to the ground.

Grumbling, Lincoln accepted Aytrex's extended hand, rising to his feet. A quick exchange of glances, and Aytrex resumed his combat stance, ready for the next round. Lincoln tossed his opponent's sword back to him. "What is the test?" Lincoln inquired, his eyes fixed on Aytrex, searching for clues in the Alvan's unreadable expression.

"It's a duel," Aytrex replied as Lincoln launched into the offensive once again. The air crackled with the intensity of their sparring, and Aytrex's eyes remained focused on Lincoln, gauging his every move. Lincoln, driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, pressed on, his movements calculated and deliberate.

"A duel?" Lincoln questioned between the exchanges of blows, his brow furrowing.

"I'll explain more later. Now, tell me what it was you wanted to talk about," Aytrex requested as their blades clashed once again, each strike resonating through the open arena. In a swift motion, Aytrex blocked a blow from Lincoln, using his free hand to push him backward, creating a momentary stagger.

Regaining his balance, Lincoln's movements flowed seamlessly as he lunged toward Aytrex. A sudden zigzag at the last moment disarmed Aytrex, creating an opening for Lincoln's next move. Swift as a shadow, he attempted a leg sweep, forcing Aytrex to react. The seasoned Alvan gracefully leaped to avoid the sweeping attack.

In a surprising twist, Lincoln's maneuver was a clever ruse. As Aytrex hung midair, expecting the imminent strike, Lincoln exerted a surge of force that propelled Aytrex backward. The orange-haired Alvan grunted as he tumbled to the ground.