Pokémon:Nexus Asencion

The world slowly faded back into focus.

Erik's heartbeat thundered in his ears, a constant reminder that he was still alive. His body ached, muscles burning with exhaustion, and the metallic scent of blood—both his and Riolu's—lingered in the air. His trembling fingers reached out, brushing against the small, battered form of his Pokémon companion.

"Hey… you okay?" His voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.

Riolu's chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, its fur matted with blood from the vicious bite on its shoulder. The little Pokémon's eyes fluttered open briefly, filled with pain but also stubborn determination.

[Status Update: Riolu - Critical Condition]

[Bleeding Effect: Active | Risk of Fainting: High]

Damn it. What do I do?

His mind raced. In the games, you'd just pop a potion or rush to a Pokémon Center, but this was different. This was real. He had no bag filled with convenient healing items, no friendly Nurse Joy waiting around the corner. The forest around him was indifferent to their struggle, silent save for the rustling of leaves and distant cries of wild Pokémon.

The Nexus System chimed again.

[New Quest Unlocked: First Aid]

• Objective: Stabilize Riolu's condition.

• Time Limit: 1 hour

• Reward: Basic Healing Protocol Unlocked

A faint icon blinked in the corner of his vision—a small, red cross hovering above Riolu.

So it's not just for battles… the system can guide me.

Erik forced himself to move despite the pain, crawling over to his injured partner. A new interface appeared, highlighting Riolu's wounds in red, with faint indicators showing where pressure should be applied to slow the bleeding.

"Alright… I've got you."

Using torn scraps from his own shirt, Erik fashioned makeshift bandages, applying pressure where the system instructed. His hands shook—not from fear this time, but from the adrenaline fading. Every second felt like an eternity.

After what felt like forever, the bleeding slowed. Riolu let out a weak whimper but seemed more stable.

[Objective Complete.]

[Reward: Basic Healing Protocol Unlocked.]

A faint, green light pulsed from the system, flowing over Riolu's wounds. It wasn't a full heal—far from it—but the bleeding stopped completely, and Riolu's breathing grew steadier.

Erik slumped back, exhaustion overwhelming him.

This isn't a game.

He stared at the sky again, realization hitting harder than before. He wasn't just in the Pokémon world—he was in a version where death was permanent, and mistakes had real consequences.

But questions burned in his mind.

Why was he here?

What was the Nexus System?

And… was he truly alone?

Later That Night

A small campfire crackled weakly, its warmth providing little comfort against the creeping cold. Erik sat beside Riolu, who now rested peacefully with its head on Erik's lap. The faint glow of the Nexus interface remained ever-present, hovering in the corner of his vision like an omnipresent shadow.

Time to figure this out.

"System," he muttered, feeling ridiculous for talking to thin air. "What are you? Why am I here?"

Surprisingly, the system responded.

[Query Registered: User Purpose and System Functionality.]

[Response:]

• You are Erik Lawson, designated as an Outlander Class User.

• You have been integrated into the Nexus Realm following premature termination of your previous life.

• The Nexus System exists to assist in your adaptation and progression within this realm.

• Primary Objective: Survive, Adapt, Ascend.

Outlander Class User? That confirmed it—he wasn't from this world. But why him? He wasn't special. Just a competitive gamer with decent strategies. No hero's destiny. No prophecy.

Before he could spiral into more questions, the system continued:

[Secondary Objective Unlocked: Trainer Ascension Path - Initiate.]

• Goal: Capture and train Pokémon, grow stronger, and uncover the truth behind the Nexus Realm.

• Optional Objective: Locate other Outlanders.

Erik's heart skipped a beat.

Other Outlanders?

I'm not the only one.

A mix of relief and dread washed over him. If there were others like him, it meant potential allies… but also potential enemies. People with knowledge from another world could become dangerous, depending on their intentions.

His gaze drifted to Riolu, sleeping peacefully beside him. Despite everything, they'd survived their first day.

"I guess we're stuck with each other now," Erik whispered, managing a faint smile.

The little Pokémon stirred slightly, its paw twitching as if in response.

[System Alert: New Day Begins]

[Quest Updated: The Path Forward]

• Explore the Wild Zone.

• Find a settlement or civilization.

• Prepare for the Trials Ahead.

Erik stood, determination hardening in his chest. This wasn't a game anymore.

But maybe—just maybe—that was exactly the advantage he needed.

End of Chapter 2