Free?

Voices echo from behind, growing louder with each passing moment. The footsteps of approaching figures reverberated through the chamber, and Akira's heart raced with fear as he sprint away from them.

Desperation gripped Akira as he glanced around, searching for an hiding place. Spotting a narrow opening at the side of the chamber, he squeezed through just in time to avoid detection. Hidden in the shadows, they watched as members of the Nova Corps, dressed in pristine uniforms, entered the chamber.

"Search the area thoroughly," one of the members commanded, their voice echoing off the walls.

As the Nova Corps combed through the chamber, Akira's pulse continued to race. The crystal, now clutched tightly in hus hand, seemed to pulse in response to his fear.

As if responding to Akira's emotions, a chilling breeze swept through the chamber. The Nova Corps members shivered, their breath visible in the suddenly frigid air.

One of the Nova Corps members turns its head to face Akira directly.

Akira's heart pounded as he realized his position had been discovered. He broke back into a sprint and activated the powers of the gem, freezing everything behind him without even realising.

Any soldiers fast enough to keep up with Akira were instantly frozen. Panic set in as alarms blared, and the Nova Corps members exchanged worried glances.

Akira's gaze darted from one malfunctioning device to another, overwhelmed by the old tech. He turned and sprinted through the chamber's exit, the crystal still clutched in their hand, unintentionally freezing everything around him.

Panicking, Akira's fingers brushed against a metal railing in an attempted to catch himself. Instantly, the railing turned to ice, encasing the area in a frosty sheen. The city's bustle became a blur as they ran, leaving behind a trail of frost and wonder in their wake.

Amid the chaos, Akira's path led him deeper into Synthoria, where the sounds of the city and his racing heartbeat were the only companions. With every step, his confidence grew. But as they looked back at the icy path and the now frozen technology, uncertainty clouded his determination.

Unbeknownst to Akira, his journey had just begun, and the crystal's power had set in motion events that would forever change the course of his destiny.

To be continued :)