Arc of Destiny

Eric trudged through the darkened alleyways of the industrial district, his senses on high alert. The AI's guidance led him through the maze-like streets, avoiding the main roads where his pursuers might be searching. The faint hum of the arc reactor in his chest felt like a ticking clock, a constant reminder of how little time he had left.

"Approaching substation," the AI announced. "Warning: Surveillance detected in the area."

Eric came to an abrupt halt, crouching behind a stack of old pallets. Ahead, the substation loomed, a monolithic structure surrounded by a high chain-link fence. Its transformers hummed with barely contained power, and a web of cameras dotted the perimeter.

"Figures it wouldn't be a cakewalk," Eric muttered. He scanned the area, noting the guard stationed at the front gate. The man's uniform was nondescript, but the tactical gear and advanced rifle slung over his shoulder were anything but. Whoever had anticipated his arrival wasn't taking chances.

"Recommendation: Disable surveillance systems and neutralize hostiles to ensure uninterrupted access to power grid."

"Neutralize?" Eric whispered harshly. "I'm not a hitman."

"Non-lethal methods are viable. Suggesting electromagnetic pulse to disable electronics and tactical engagement to incapacitate hostiles."

Eric exhaled, gripping the wrench tightly. "Alright, let's see what this thing can do."

Focusing on the arc reactor, he felt its faint warmth spread through his chest. The AI's guidance helped him redirect energy to his hands, a familiar blue glow sparking to life around them. He crept closer to the fence, keeping low to avoid the cameras. His heart pounded as he reached out, channeling a pulse of energy into the chain links.

The fence shimmered, the blue energy racing along its length before dissipating. The cameras' lights flickered and went dark, and the hum of the transformers faltered for a split second before stabilizing.

"Surveillance systems offline. Hostiles will likely investigate."

"No kidding," Eric muttered. He slipped through the now-inert fence, keeping to the shadows. The guard at the gate had already noticed the disruption, raising his radio to call it in. Eric moved quickly, closing the distance before the man could react.

A quick jab with the wrench knocked the rifle from the guard's hands, and Eric followed up with a shoulder check that sent the man sprawling. Before the guard could recover, Eric placed a boot on his chest, wrench poised.

"Stay down," he growled. The guard hesitated, then nodded, raising his hands in surrender. Eric grabbed a pair of zip ties from the man's belt and secured him to a nearby railing. "Nothing personal."

The path to the substation's control hub was clear for the moment, but Eric's time was running out. He dashed inside, finding a cramped room filled with blinking monitors and rows of switches. The hum of electricity was louder here, almost deafening.

"Locate primary grid interface for direct reactor connection," the AI instructed.

Eric's eyes scanned the room, landing on a large console marked "GRID ACCESS." He approached it, pulling a bundle of cables from the reactor's casing. The AI guided his hands as he connected the cables to the console's ports.

The room's lights flickered as the reactor began to draw power. Eric felt a surge of energy course through him, the warmth in his chest intensifying. The faint blue glow of the reactor grew brighter, its rhythm stabilizing.

"Reactor recharge at 45% and climbing," the AI reported. "Caution: Hostile reinforcements inbound."

"How many?" Eric asked, his voice tight.

"Multiple signatures detected. ETA: 90 seconds."

Eric cursed under his breath. He glanced at the control console, the recharge progress crawling upward. He couldn't afford to leave yet, but staying meant facing whatever reinforcements were on their way.

The first burst of gunfire shattered the quiet, bullets pinging off the walls outside. Eric ducked instinctively, his mind racing. He spotted a stack of heavy-duty breakers near the door and an idea formed.

"AI, can I use the reactor to overload those breakers?"

"Affirmative. Overload will create an electromagnetic pulse, disabling electronics within a 50-meter radius."

Eric grinned despite himself. "Let's light it up."

He crouched behind the console, focusing on the reactor. The energy flowed through him like a current, his hands glowing brighter as he directed the charge into the breakers. A high-pitched whine filled the room, and Eric braced himself.

The EMP detonated with a thunderous crack, the lights in the substation going dark. Outside, the gunfire ceased abruptly, replaced by confused shouts. Eric peeked out to see the reinforcements struggling with their now-useless weapons.

"Time to go," he muttered, detaching the reactor from the console. The recharge had reached 72%—not ideal, but enough to keep him going.

Eric slipped out the back of the substation, staying low as the disoriented guards searched for him in the darkness. He ducked into an alley, the faint glow of the reactor his only light.

"Reactor synchronization at 75%," the AI reported. "Sustained engagement not recommended."

"Don't worry," Eric said, his breath coming in short gasps. "I'm not sticking around for round two."

He disappeared into the night, his mind already racing with questions. Who had sent the reinforcements? How had they known where he'd be? And most importantly, how long could he keep running before the next fight found him?