Chapter 20 : Past

Bounding off the final building, Lincoln found himself suspended mid-air, his body enveloped in the crackling crimson energy that propelled him forward. The vast expanse of the desert stretched out before him, its sandy dunes punctuated by scattered tents and structures.

As he flew, Lincoln unleashed a torrent of spiked energy projectiles, their lethal force raining down upon the unsuspecting army camps below. Dim screams of confusion and panic echoed through the air as chaos erupted in the wake of his onslaught. The element of surprise was his ally, momentarily keeping the enemy off balance as he pushed his limits.

But the exertion was taking its toll. Fatigue crept into his limbs, a subtle reminder that his energy reserves were depleting. He knew he had to conserve his strength, for there were still challenges to come.

As the last echoes of his energy assault faded, Lincoln propelled himself forward with renewed determination, hurtling through the desert at breathtaking speed. The rugged terrain unfolded before him, a landscape marked by countless mountains that reached towards the sky.

In a moment of instinctual clarity, Lincoln closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to expand beyond his physical form. His vision shifted to a detached third-person perspective, granting him a broader view of himself and his surroundings. Through this heightened perception, he surveyed the mountains, searching for any signs of activity or concealed threats.

Every crevice, every crag, was scrutinized as he sought out any anomalies or movements that might betray the presence of their leader or his hidden stronghold. The intense concentration that fueled his abilities sharpened his senses, enabling him to discern even the faintest disturbances in the landscape.

As Lincoln's keen senses honed in on the mountain radiating with the distinct shade of kinetic energy that could only be electricity. He knew he had found his target, Haven Alpha. With a surge of determination, he enveloped his body in a solidified energy shell, preparing for the imminent collision.

Like a comet streaking through the sky, Lincoln dove towards the side of the mountain with unwavering speed, propelled by his enhanced strength and momentum. The impact was forceful, yet controlled, as he crashed through the fortified exterior, breaching the facility's defenses.

Inside, the facility revealed a sprawling network of high-tech corridors, pulsating with an eerie glow. The hum of machinery filled the air as robotic arms meticulously loaded advanced weaponry and missiles into secure containers. The robots continued their work with precision and efficiency, unaffected by the intrusion, while human personnel scattered in disarray, triggered by the alarm that had sounded upon Lincoln's arrival.

The facility's interior bore the marks of modern warfare, combining sleek aesthetics with functional design. Holographic displays flickered with live feeds, providing real-time data on strategic targets and surveillance information. State-of-the-art weapon racks lined the walls, showcasing an array of cutting-edge firearms and experimental energy-based armaments.

As Lincoln navigated the complex, his eyes locked onto the containers being loaded with missiles. Each container held the potential for untold destruction, and he knew that disabling them was of utmost importance to safeguard innocent lives.

As Lincoln approached the cluster of missiles, his focus intensified. With a deep breath, he channeled his energy, gathering it within him until it formed a pulsating sphere of energy. The ball grew larger and more volatile with each passing moment, crackling with unrestrained crimson matter.

With a swift, fluid motion, Lincoln hurled the immense energy ball towards the line of missiles. The impact was catastrophic as the ball collided with its targets, unleashing a torrent of destruction in a blazing, straight-line trajectory.

Explosions erupted in a fiery display, consuming the missiles and their containers in a devastating chain reaction. The concussive force sent shockwaves reverberating through the facility, shattering walls and scattering debris in all directions.

The once-secure containers crumpled under the overwhelming force, reduced to twisted metal and smoldering wreckage. Flames danced amidst the chaos, casting an eerie glow that painted the scene with flickering shadows.

The thunderous roar of the detonations melded with the blaring alarms, creating a symphony of destruction that filled the facility. The robots, programmed to continue their tasks regardless of the chaos, were caught in the fiery storm, their mechanical forms torn to pieces.

As Lincoln burst through the shattered glass, he found himself in a sprawling auditorium, filled with robots going about their tasks. His gaze swept across the room, taking note of the glass room perched atop the space, overlooking the operations below. If his suspicions were correct, that room should be connected to the leader's whereabouts. Time was of the essence, and he needed to act swiftly to prevent their escape.

In an instant, Lincoln vanished, leaving behind wisps of crimson energy as he reappeared in the glass room above. He knew he had to catch the leader before they could slip away.

Summoning his power, Lincoln created three identical clones and issued a command to destroy the auditorium. As the clones unleashed their energy-fueled onslaught, chaos erupted below, adding to the cacophony of destruction.

Without hesitation, Lincoln blasted through the door that stood before him, emerging into a corridor that exuded an air of sophistication and advanced technology. It further supported his theory that he was getting closer to his target. Closing his eyes, he focused his consciousness, surveying the rooms that lay ahead. It didn't take long for his heightened senses to detect a room occupied by individuals.

With calculated precision, Lincoln unleashed a barrage of energy shards, propelling them towards the men in the room. The shards penetrated their clothes, pinning them against the wall, rendering them immobilized. In the tense silence that followed, Lincoln's voice cut through the air, laden with a mixture of determination and remorse.

"Which one of you is the leader?" He demanded, his energy blade materializing in his hand, its menacing glow illuminating the room. "I'll spare the one who tells me."

In the depths of his being, Lincoln felt a pang of guilt, an unanticipated rush of regret. He couldn't help but question how he had become so cold, so unyielding in such a short period. But he knew that the stakes were high, and his resolve pushed him forward.

Lincoln pointed his energy blade at one of the captives as the room reverberated with tension. Sweat glistened on the captives' foreheads as they exchanged apprehensive glances, fully aware of the gravity of the situation.

"He... he is the leader," the captive stammered, pointing a shaky finger towards the figure Lincoln had confronted. "Please... spare us."

Lincoln's eyes narrowed as he studied the designated leader, searching for any flicker of deception. A surge of conflicting emotions washed over him, duty, regret and a lingering flicker of hope for a peaceful resolution.

"You," Lincoln pointed his blade directly at the figure before him. "Are you the leader?"

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of their destinies hanging in the balance. The leader caught off guard but refusing to show fear, met Lincoln's gaze with defiant eyes.

"You think you can intimidate me?" The leader retorted, his voice laced with a mixture of defiance and calculated composure. "I am not so easily swayed."

Lincoln's energy blade brightened as he stared down the leader, the room permeated with an electrifying tension. Deep within him, conflicting emotions raged with regret for the path he had taken, the lives he had taken, and a yearning for a resolution that didn't require further bloodshed.

"I'm offering you a chance," Lincoln responded, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness. "Surrender the territory, leave the country, and your army will be spared. The choice is yours."

A moment of contemplation passed between them, the weight of their decisions pressing upon their shoulders. The leader's expression wavered for an instant, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. But then, a defiant smile curled upon his lips.

"You underestimate me," the leader replied, their voice laced with a mix of arrogance and determination. "I will never surrender. This fight is far from over."

Lincoln's heart sank, but he knew what he had to do. The energy blade in his hand glowed brighter as he took a step forward, his resolve hardening.

"I'm sure you'll change your mind," Lincoln said, his voice a low, solemn tone.

With a swift motion of his wrist, Lincoln dematerialized the energy shards that held the other soldiers captive, releasing them from their temporary prison. Turning his attention to them, he spoke with unwavering resolve.

"Tell everyone to leave this country. Spread the message that their lives depend on it," Lincoln commanded, his voice filled with a mix of authority and a touch of melancholy. "And know that if you continue to wage war against us, I will hunt you down, without mercy."

The captives wasted no time in seizing their chance for freedom. Fear and relief mingled in their eyes as they scrambled out of the room, their footsteps echoing down the corridor. Their escape was a hurried symphony of breathless gasps and the patter of desperate feet, each step carrying them closer to the possibility of a new beginning.

Lincoln watched their departure, his expression a mixture of concern and resolve. He knew the task at hand was far from over, and the weight of his decisions bore heavily upon him. With a deep breath, he steeled himself for what lay ahead, knowing that the path to peace often demanded sacrifice and difficult choices.

The leader watched Lincoln with a mix of defiance and resignation, their eyes locked in a battle of wills.

Lincoln turned back to face the leader, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and a touch of sadness. He took a step closer, his energy blade still crackling with power, a visible reminder of the force he wielded.

"Listen carefully," Lincoln said, his voice low and steady. "Even if you refuse to surrender, I can ensure that your army will leave this country. But without your admission of defeat, more people from your country will come, and the cycle of violence will continue. This will mean more work for me. But remember, I will not spare anyone."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, the weight of the truth hanging in the air. The leader's gaze hardened, their pride and stubbornness refusing to waver. Lincoln pressed on, his tone filled with both warning and a glimmer of hope.

"Understand this," Lincoln continued, his voice now carrying the burden of responsibility. "The lives of your soldiers, your people, lay in your hands. If you choose to continue this fight, I will be forced to end it, and it won't end well for any of you. The choice is yours."

The room fell into an oppressive silence as the leader grappled with the gravity of the decision before them. Lincoln's words echoed, the weight of impending consequences heavy in the air. Time seemed to stretch, each passing moment filled with the weight of countless lives hanging in the balance.

Finally, the leader's shoulders sagged, and their defiance wavered. They met Lincoln's gaze, a mix of resignation and a flicker of realization shining in their eyes.

"Fine," the leader whispered, their voice carrying a touch of defeat. "I... I surrender. The territory is yours."

A sense of relief washed over Lincoln, though tempered by the somber reality of the situation. He knew that their surrender would bring about its own challenges, but it was a step towards peace and an end to the bloodshed.

"Good," Lincoln replied, his voice gentler now, filled with a glimmer of compassion. "You've made the right choice. Your army will leave this country, and I expect you to ensure their compliance. Lives have been lost, but there is still a chance to prevent further tragedy."

He lowered his energy blade, its glow diminishing, symbolizing the easing of tensions. The room seemed to exhale, the atmosphere shifting from hostility to a fragile sense of hope. The leader nodded, a mix of resignation and acceptance etched on their face.

"Remember this day," Lincoln said, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "The lives of your people now rest on your actions. Ensure they understand the consequences of their defiance, and maybe... maybe there can be a chance for healing and forgiveness."

As Lincoln contemplated the next steps in this delicate situation, he turned back to the leader, his expression serious and filled with concern. He knew that the resolution reached within their immediate conflict was only a small part of the larger picture, and the repercussions of their actions could extend far beyond their borders.

"There is one more thing," Lincoln stated, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Once your army leaves, I implore you to reach out to your leaders. Request that they seek a truce with Canada, to prevent any further escalation and bloodshed."

The leader's eyes widened, his brows furrowing with a mix of surprise and contemplation. He had not anticipated such a request, but the logic behind it began to resonate within him.

"You must understand," Lincoln continued, his tone persuasive yet firm. "Without a truce, there is no guarantee that Canada won't seek revenge on Greenland or attempt to annex their territory. We must break this cycle of violence."

The leader nodded slowly, a newfound understanding dawning upon him as he realized the importance of preventing further conflicts and protecting the lives and sovereignty of their neighboring nations.

"I will... I will do as you suggest," the leader finally replied, their voice tinged with a glimmer of hope. "I will reach out to my leaders and request a truce."

Lincoln's expression softened, a flicker of relief and gratitude shining in his eyes. He knew that this decision held the potential to safeguard countless lives and pave the way for reconciliation.

"Thank you," Lincoln said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your cooperation in this matter is crucial. We must strive for a future where diplomacy and understanding prevail over conflict and animosity."

With those words, Lincoln turned away from the leader, knowing that their conversation marked a turning point in the ongoing struggle. He would continue his efforts to ensure a just and peaceful resolution, both within his own country and beyond its borders. The path to lasting peace would still be fraught with challenges, but with every step taken towards diplomacy and reconciliation, the possibility of a brighter future grew stronger.

With a profound hatred for war and a burning desire for peace, Lincoln's purpose transcended the borders of his country. He embraced the weight of countless lives and was willing to sacrifice himself to bring an end to the horrors of conflict. He was no longer content with protecting his nation alone. He was ready to carry the burden of peace and reshape the destiny of nations, even if it meant descending into the depths of hell itself.