Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 27: Lincoln(Present)

As the energy ball hurtled toward Crescent, his demeanor remained unchanged and he didn't move a muscle. Lincoln, anticipating impact, closely observed his opponent's reaction. However, in a display of remarkable control, Crescent's body underwent a fluid transformation. It seemed to dissolve into shadows, rendering his form intangible. 

Like a silhouette cloaked in darkness, Crescent allowed the energy ball to pass through him effortlessly as if it were encountering mere wisps of smoke.

The expected impact never occurred.  Instead, the energy ball continued its trajectory, colliding with the canyon walls behind Crescent. The sheer force of the attack obliterated sections of the rugged terrain, sending a storm of dust and debris into the air. It was as if an explosion had erupted in the canyon, the aftermath casting a veil of chaos over the battleground.

Reacting swiftly to the unforeseen consequence, Lincoln summoned a forcefield of energy, creating a protective barrier that deflected the swirling fragments of rock and debris. The forcefield enveloped him, a shimmering shield against the collateral effects of his own attack.

Amidst the swirling dust, Crescent's form began to solidify. The pale eyes, betraying no hint of emotion, met Lincoln's gaze. The canyon, now veiled in the remnants of the energy ball's impact, became the arena for a battle where each move held the potential to reshape the course of destiny.

The silence that followed the failed attack was profound, broken only by the settling echoes of destruction. Lincoln, undeterred by the initial setback, braced himself for the next phase of his plan. The unpredictability of Crescent's abilities had only begun to unfold, and the true test of strategy and adaptability lay ahead.

Lincoln's forcefield diminished on command, and with determined swiftness, he dashed towards the shadow manipulator, intent on closing the distance. Crescent mirrored his movements.

To an observer, Crescent seemed like a normal assailant sprinting unarmed. Yet, an underlying sense of danger emanated from him, creating an unsettling contrast with his seemingly harmless approach. Lincoln pressed on, realizing the urgency of understanding Crescent's abilities.

In a seamless motion, an energy blade manifested, fusing into Lincoln's right arm as he leaped forward, ready to engage Crescent. 

However, the clash took an unexpected turn. Despite Crescent appearing unarmed, Lincoln's blade was deflected, the opposing force eerily similar to another blade colliding against his. However, to Lincoln's eyes, Crescent held an invisible object, a concealed weapon that disrupted the anticipated trajectory of the energy blade.

Suddenly, a surge of excruciating pain overwhelmed Lincoln as he felt himself being stabbed by multiple unseen blades. Reacting swiftly, he vanished from sight, utilizing his ability to warp, and reappeared back in the well-lit expanse of the canyon. 

This time, instead of maintaining a distance, Crescent took on an offensive stance as he persistently began closing the gap between them, each step purposeful and unyielding.

Lincoln, adjusting to the unexpected revelation about Crescent's shadows, quickly launched energy blasts toward his elusive opponent. However, every attempt was met with the same result – the energy blasts were effortlessly deflected by an unseen force. 

A sudden realization struck Lincoln - what he thought was an invisible barrier was actually Crescent's shadows interacting with his energy constructs. It wasn't an unseen force deflecting the shadows; it was their shadows colliding in a hidden clash, creating the appearance of an invisible barrier.

Warping away to increase the distance between himself and the charging Crescent, Lincoln processed the newfound understanding. 

Crescent's shadows seemed to be capable of taking various forms. What Lincoln initially perceived as an invisible force clashing with his blade were the shadows of their respective blades engaging in a cryptic dance. Since Crescent could generate shadows without a physical object, it created the illusion of invisibility.