Microscopic Technology (I)

Chapter 6: The Glorious Fight

[three decades ago]

My heart raced like a stampede of wild beasts as Cyber A's wicked axe cleaved through the air towards me. Swift as a lightning strike, I dodged to the side, my sword slashing in response, leaving a shallow gash on her belly. She grunted, recoiling with a nimble hop to regain distance. Our labored breaths harmonized, the aftermath of an intense duel that left us both drained.

"Interesting skirmish, but it lacks a certain punch," Cyber A smirked, her taunts as biting as her attacks. "How about a rematch tomorrow at the abandoned arch? And oh, don't forget to bring your band of little Techno toys for the spectacle. They can watch as I crush you."

The challenge was a trap, a noose tightening around my choices. I couldn't refuse without inviting further havoc into Tech-Verse. "Fine," I conceded, exhaling a heavy sigh.

Cyber A's laughter rang out, a sinister symphony in the air, and a colossal beam of energy radiated from her, enveloping the chamber. The blinding blaze subsided, leaving a void in its wake. She had vanished.

Dread settled like an ominous fog within me. This is going to be awful.

----

I sprinted towards the heart of the Lobby, surrounded by Technos in various states of agitation, vanishing into thin air as they teleported to combat the raging malware infestation proliferating across Technology. My fingers danced over the control panel, commands typed with urgency as I pinpointed the infected nodes throughout the system. The blight was spreading like a relentless wildfire, consuming everything in its path.

Then, as if emerging from the digital chaos itself, Techno R appeared by my side, a furrow etched into his brow, mirroring the mounting tension. "The situation's spiraling out of control in Tech-Verse, Leader. Yet, you're heading back into the ring with Cyber A?" he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of disbelief and concern.

A sigh escaped me, a sigh laden with the weight of my responsibilities. "It's a mess, isn't it? The malware outbreak is intensifying, and I'm stuck dealing with that infuriating Virus."

Techno R handed me a stack of paperwork, his concern palpable. "We've traced the major source of the Melissa Virus to its point of entry—email attachments," he explained urgently. "We've got humans on the networking stations working to eradicate the virus from countless computers. Our support is critical."

I nodded, acknowledging the necessity. "Good. Dispatch the core locations to the Combat Technos where the virus is wreaking havoc."

Techno R briskly relayed the information, deploying telepathy to communicate with the Combat Squad's leader. My attention turned back to Techno R, and I couldn't resist voicing my own self-doubt. "Do you think I'll falter in my fight against Cyber A?"

"Of course not!" Techno R interjected, his voice resonating with steadfast assurance. "You've weathered a century, danced with death, and embraced countless risks. Failing against a single Virus? Unthinkable."

A genuine smile tugged at my lips. "You really have a way with words, Techno R."

He maintained his resolve. "Don't get cocky, Leader. But hey, remember the 'special weapon' Mother Computer has provided," he continued, handing me a key. We stepped into the elevator, the 'P & M' button our destination.

Descending, the elevator seemed to amplify the heaviness in my chest. The realization of the impending duel loomed, the outcome an equilibrium teetering between my grasp and oblivion.

The elevator doors opened with a soft hiss, unveiling the dimly lit sanctum designated as 'Power and Mirrors.' An intangible energy charged the air, a hum of potential hidden beneath the surface.