The small fire crackled softly in the corner of the room, casting a faint glow on the faces of the sleeping figures around it. Elara was resting closest to the fire, her breathing deep and steady. Serena and Nia were huddled under their makeshift blankets on the other side of the room, their bodies curled up against the cold that seeped in through the cracks in the walls.
Alex lay on his back, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling. His mind raced, filled with thoughts of the techniques he had learned and the weight of the expectations now hanging over him. They were all depending on him to make something work—to use his newfound knowledge to fix the broken world around them.
But he knew that he wasn't ready. Not yet.
His energy reserves were too low to pull off any significant repairs, and without materials or a reliable power source, he was limited to small-scale fixes. If he wanted to make a real difference, he needed more energy—much more than his body could currently store.
That's when the thought hit him.
The power plant.
It was risky, maybe even reckless, but the energy at the plant was abundant. The elite who controlled the Rust Quarter's power hoarded it behind heavily guarded walls, and Alex had already had one close encounter there. But with the AI's help, he could navigate the plant's defenses again. If he could absorb even a fraction of the energy stored there, it would give him the boost he needed.
AI, how much energy could I absorb from the power plant? Alex thought, his pulse quickening.
"Based on previous scans of the facility," the AI responded, "energy reserves in the plant are substantial. Absorption would significantly increase your energy storage capacity. However, caution is advised—security measures and guards present a significant risk."
Alex lay there for a few moments, weighing his options. It was dangerous, but he didn't see any other way. If he wanted to move forward, he needed that energy. He took a deep breath and made his decision.
Let's do it.
Quietly, he slipped out from under his blanket, careful not to disturb the others. The cold air immediately bit at his skin, but he ignored it, moving swiftly and silently toward the door. The night was still, and the streets were dark, offering the cover he needed.
Once outside, Alex pulled his coat tighter around himself and moved quickly through the narrow alleys of the Rust Quarter. The wind was harsh, howling through the deserted streets, but he kept his pace steady, relying on the AI to guide him through the safest routes.
"Guards will be more alert at this time of night," the AI warned. "It is recommended to approach from the south, where security presence is thinner."
Got it, Alex thought, adjusting his path as he made his way toward the south side of the power plant.
The closer he got, the more his heart raced. The power plant loomed ahead, its towering walls and fences standing as a grim reminder of the divide between the elite and everyone else. Bright lights illuminated the perimeter, and Alex could see the faint figures of guards patrolling the area, their flashlights sweeping across the snow-covered ground.
He crouched low, slipping into the shadows of a nearby building as he watched the guards move in a practiced rhythm. He had to time his approach perfectly if he wanted to avoid being spotted.
AI, scan the guards' patrol routes, Alex ordered.
"Scanning… Patrol routes detected," the AI responded. A detailed map appeared in his mind, showing the precise movements of the guards, their timing, and the blind spots in their surveillance.
There, Alex thought, spotting an opening. That's my chance.
When the nearest guard turned the corner, Alex moved. He darted from his hiding spot, keeping low to the ground as he slipped past the outer fence and into the shadow of the power plant's walls. His heart pounded in his chest, but his movements were smooth, guided by the AI's calculated precision.
Once inside the plant's perimeter, Alex navigated the narrow alleyways between the plant's outer buildings, avoiding the areas with the brightest lights and the heaviest guard presence. He could feel the thrum of energy in the air as he got closer to the central power generator, the source of the plant's immense reserves.
Finally, he reached the back of the main building, where an old access door stood slightly ajar. The door wasn't part of the regular security system—it had likely been overlooked for years, forgotten by the elite who now controlled the plant. Alex slipped inside, the AI guiding him as he moved quietly through the dimly lit corridors.
The hum of the power generators grew louder as he neared the central chamber, the air thick with the raw energy coursing through the plant's systems. He could feel it—pulsing, waiting to be tapped into.
"This is the optimal location for energy absorption," the AI informed him. "The generator core is located in the chamber ahead. Absorption from this distance is possible but will require careful control."
Alex took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation build inside him. Let's begin.
He crouched beside a large pipe that ran along the wall, placing his hands on the cold metal surface. Closing his eyes, he focused on the energy around him, letting the AI guide his movements. Slowly, he began to draw the energy into himself, feeling it flow through the pipe and into his body.
The sensation was overwhelming at first—an intense surge of power that flooded his system, threatening to overload his senses. But with the AI's help, he maintained control, carefully regulating the flow of energy to prevent himself from taking in too much at once.
Steady, Alex thought, his body trembling slightly from the strain.
"Energy absorption at 30% capacity," the AI reported. "Increase absorption rate carefully to avoid detection."
Alex nodded, focusing on the steady rhythm of energy entering his body. He could feel his reserves growing, the raw power filling him, strengthening him. Every second brought more energy into his system, pushing him closer to his limit.
Just as he began to feel the weight of the energy nearing his threshold, the AI's voice interrupted his concentration.
"Warning: Guard approaching the central chamber."
Alex's eyes snapped open. He could hear the faint sound of footsteps echoing through the corridor. His heart raced as he quickly pulled his hands away from the pipe, cutting off the flow of energy. He had to move—now.
He darted behind a large piece of machinery, pressing himself flat against the cold metal as the footsteps grew louder. The guard's flashlight flickered at the entrance of the chamber, casting long shadows across the floor.
Stay still. Don't move.
The guard paused for a moment, scanning the room with his light. Alex held his breath, his body tense, every muscle ready to spring into action if he was spotted. But after a few agonizing seconds, the guard seemed satisfied and turned away, his footsteps fading as he continued down the hall.
Alex let out a silent breath of relief, his heart still pounding in his chest.
That was too close.
"Energy absorption at 65% capacity," the AI informed him. "Recommend retreat to avoid further detection."
Alex nodded, knowing he had pushed his luck far enough. He had absorbed enough energy to make a difference, and staying any longer would only increase the risk of being caught.
Quietly, he slipped back through the narrow corridors, retracing his steps to the old access door. The night air hit him as he emerged from the plant, his breath visible in the cold. He crouched low, avoiding the patrolling guards as he made his way back toward the perimeter fence.
With the AI's help, he timed his movements perfectly, slipping past the guards unnoticed and disappearing into the shadows of the Rust Quarter.
By the time he reached the shelter, the streets were silent, and the sky was heavy with clouds, threatening snow. Alex slipped back inside, careful not to wake the others. His body buzzed with the energy he had absorbed, a quiet hum of power that filled his reserves. It wasn't enough for anything massive, but it was a start.
He lay down quietly, pulling the blanket over himself as the room settled back into silence. His heart still raced from the near encounters with the guards, but a sense of satisfaction washed over him.
He had done it.
With the energy he had now, he could begin experimenting with the techniques he had learned. He still had a long way to go, but tonight had given him the boost he needed.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, Alex let his mind rest, knowing he was a step closer to mastering the power within him.