Cyber Chronicles 3: Plague Genesis

Chapter 2: Conversion

A ball of crackling electricity surged toward Lincoln, its vibrant green energy arcing through the air. His expression hardened with determination as he extended his hand. Focusing intently, he willed the green energy to shift into a deep crimson. The ball of energy halted abruptly in mid-air, suspended by his will. The sensation of control coursed through him, exhilarating and powerful.

Aytrex watched with a nod of approval. He flicked his wrist guard, the device powering down with a soft, reassuring hum. "You're making good progress," he said, his voice calm and encouraging.

Lincoln let his hand fall to his side and sighed. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of this."

Aytrex gestured toward a cluttered table covered with various energy tools. He picked up a small, glowing orb, its light casting a warm, inviting green glow. "You've demonstrated Combat Energy well. You know enough about Life Energy, which is essential for sustaining you."

Lincoln nodded. "And then there's Condense Energy, which allows me to warp or transform my form."

Aytrex picked up a sleek, metallic device with a soft red glow. He turned it in his hands, showing it to Lincoln. "Exactly. Condense Energy allows you to transform your physical form or objects into energy, making them intangible or shifting their position instantaneously. This is what lets you teleport or manipulate physical states. It also aids in healing your body, mending injuries by converting damaged tissue into energy and back again."

Lincoln's gaze followed the device as Aytrex set it back down. "So, I can control not just my body but also objects around me?"

Aytrex's expression grew serious. "Perhaps even people. It's a powerful tool for manipulating your surroundings. But there's something more about your abilities that you need to understand."

Lincoln nodded, waiting for Aytrex to continue.

"With most abilities, charge is only consumed when someone actively uses their power—like when they launch an attack or create a barrier," Aytrex explained, his tone steady. "But for you, the process is a bit more complicated."

Lincoln frowned slightly, trying to grasp the distinction.

"Think of it this way," Aytrex continued, "every time you take control of foreign energy, you're not just stopping or redirecting it. That energy actually passes through your body, almost like it's being filtered or reprogrammed to match your own energy signature. That process—of converting energy—requires charge. It's as if your body is fueling the transformation itself."

"So, the charge is consumed during the conversion, not when I use an ability," Lincoln said slowly, starting to piece it together.

"That's a simple way to put it," Aytrex confirmed. "Your main source of power is your own energy, not the charge you store. The charge is like fuel for your ability to change foreign energy into something you can control. That's why, every time you convert or release energy, some of that charge is used up."

Lincoln's eyes widened slightly as it clicked. "So, I'm burning through charge every time I take over energy—even if I'm just holding it."

Aytrex nodded. "Right. It's a unique aspect of your power. It makes you incredibly versatile, but it also means you need to be mindful of how much charge you have left. The more you convert, the more it drains you."

Lincoln absorbed this information thoughtfully. "So, managing my energy and charge efficiently is crucial."

Aytrex nodded. "Yes, mastering this will make a significant difference in your effectiveness. Now, let's move on to the other aspects of energy manipulation."