Pokémon:Nexus Asencion

Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Cracking the Code



The faint glow of dawn crept over the shattered docks, casting long shadows across the wreckage left by the Syndicate's assault. The air was thick with the scent of burnt metal, scorched earth, and the metallic tang of blood. The Syndicate had been forced to retreat, but Erik knew better than to believe the battle was truly over.

This is just the beginning.

Kade leaned against a twisted cargo crate, cleaning his Nexus-modified weapon with the same casual ease he displayed during combat. Nova sat nearby, her amber eyes glowing faintly as she stared into the distance, lost in thought. Riolu rested against Erik's leg, exhausted but alert, its small form a reminder of just how much they'd endured in such a short time.

Erik's Nexus interface flickered, bringing his focus back to the encrypted data chip they'd recovered from the Syndicate shipment.

[Objective Update: Access Nexus Encryption Key]

• Task: Decode the Syndicate's encrypted files.

• Reward: Classified information regarding Nexus Syndicate operations.

Kade glanced over, noticing Erik's hesitation. "You planning to stare at it all day, or are we going to see what's worth killing us over?"

Erik took a deep breath, inserted the data chip into his Nexus device, and initiated the decryption sequence.

The Data Unveiled

The screen filled with lines of encrypted code, symbols, and fractured data fragments. The Nexus System worked to translate the information, its interface pulsing with faint, rhythmic energy.

[Decrypting… 20% Complete… 50%… 90%… Decryption Successful.]

The screen flashed once, then displayed a series of classified documents, blueprints, and—most disturbingly—biological data files labeled "PROJECT ASCENDANT."

Nova's eyes narrowed as she read the title, her body tensing.

"Project Ascendant…" she whispered, her voice layered with fear and rage.

Erik scrolled through the files, revealing images of Outlanders in containment chambers, hooked up to Nexus conduits. Each file detailed experiments designed to integrate human biology with Nexus technology—forced evolutions, weaponization of Pokémon, and mind-control implants designed to subjugate even the strongest wills.

One file stood out among the rest—a profile marked with Erik's name.

• Subject ID: 047

• Status: Activated

• Designation: Potential Catalyst

• Notes: High compatibility with Nexus core. Memory fragments remain unstable. Subject unaware of true purpose.

Erik's heart raced, his mind flashing back to the fragmented memory—the white lights, the cold table, the pain.

I wasn't just brought here by accident.

Nova placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip surprisingly firm. "They did the same to me," she said quietly. "You're not the only one."

Kade, for once, was silent, his usual smirk replaced by a grim expression.

The Nexus Syndicate's True Goal

A hidden folder caught Erik's attention. Its file name simply read: "THE NEXUS CORE."

Opening it revealed a holographic projection—a map marked with multiple locations spread across the region. At the center of the map was a dark, pulsing node labeled "The Nexus Core - Omega Site."

Nova's breath hitched. "That's it. That's where they're controlling everything—the experiments, the Syndicate, maybe even the Nexus System itself."

Kade crossed his arms, studying the map. "No wonder they wanted this shipment. They're moving pieces into place for something big."

Erik clenched his fists. "Then we're going to stop them."

Kade raised an eyebrow. "You're serious?"

"They experimented on us," Erik replied, his voice low and steady. "They're experimenting on others. This isn't just survival anymore. It's about fighting back."

Nova nodded, her determination mirrored in her glowing eyes. "I'm with you."

Kade sighed dramatically but smirked. "Guess I'm in too. Someone's got to keep you two from getting yourselves killed."

A New Mission Begins

Erik's Nexus interface updated with a new objective.

[Main Quest: Fractures in the Nexus]

• Objective: Infiltrate the Omega Site and uncover the Nexus Core's true purpose.

• Optional: Recruit allies to strengthen your team.

• Warning: High-risk mission—failure may result in permanent consequences.

Before they could make their next move, Kade's device pinged with an urgent alert.

"Looks like we're not the only ones interested in this data," he muttered, flipping his screen to show a message.

[Incoming Transmission: Anonymous Sender]

• "If you want to survive, meet me at the ruins of Blackspire Outpost. I have information about Project Ascendant—and Erik Lawson."

Erik's heart skipped a beat.

"Who the hell knows my name?"

Kade grinned. "Only one way to find out."

Nova stood, her fists crackling faintly with Nexus energy. "Then let's go."

Erik looked at Riolu, who nodded despite its exhaustion.

This is our fight now.

End of Chapter 10


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