MTLNOVEL Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Shadows of the Nexus
The crackle of the distant campfire faded into the background as Erik's mind raced. Hidden behind the thick underbrush, he kept his eyes locked on the Outlander—another person like him, yet completely alien.
The Outlander was tall, his clothes a patchwork of scavenged gear, bits of what looked like metallic plates fused with leather straps. His dark eyes gleamed with a cold, calculated focus as he barked commands at the scarred Charmeleon beside him.
But it wasn't just the Pokémon that set Erik on edge.
It was how the Outlander treated it.
Every command was sharp, laced with hostility, treating the Charmeleon like a weapon rather than a partner. And the Pokémon's eyes reflected that same brutality—a predator shaped by fear and dominance.
[Hostile Outlander Detected: Classification - Rogue Nexus User]
• Name: Data Corrupted
• Level: 8
• Affiliation: Unknown
• Threat Level: Moderate to High
Erik's hand instinctively went to Riolu's Pokéball. The little Pokémon was still recovering, and facing an experienced trainer with a battle-hardened Charmeleon felt like a death wish.
But… if he's like me, what if he knows why we're here?
The Nexus System pulsed softly in his vision, almost as if urging him to act.
I need information.
The Confrontation
Stepping out from the brush, Erik kept his hands visible, showing he wasn't immediately hostile. Riolu, though weak, stood protectively by his side.
The Outlander snapped his head toward Erik, his expression shifting from surprise to something darker—a smirk.
"Well, well… didn't expect company," the stranger said, his voice gravelly. "Another lost soul? Or should I say… another Outlander."
The word felt heavy in the air, like it carried more meaning than Erik understood.
"Yeah," Erik replied cautiously. "Seems like we're both out of place."
The Outlander's eyes narrowed, scanning Erik as if evaluating a piece of equipment. "You're new. Fresh. The Nexus hasn't broken you yet."
Broken? That word hit differently.
"What do you mean 'broken'?"
Instead of answering, the Outlander chuckled darkly. "You'll find out soon enough."
With a sharp snap of his fingers, the Charmeleon growled, stepping forward aggressively, its tail flame flaring with an eerie blue intensity.
[Battle Initiated: Outlander Duel - Optional Objective Triggered]
• Defeat or Survive the Encounter.
Erik's mind raced.
I don't have to win. I just need to survive.
"Riolu, stay sharp!" Erik called out, adrenaline surging through him.
Duel in the Wild
The battle was unlike anything Erik had faced before. The Outlander fought with ruthless efficiency, commanding his Charmeleon to exploit weaknesses without hesitation.
"Flamethrower!" the Outlander barked.
A torrent of blue flames roared toward Riolu, forcing Erik to react instantly.
"Dodge and counter with Quick Attack! Aim for its legs!"
Riolu darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the flames, and struck Charmeleon's knee. The hit connected, but the fire-type Pokémon barely flinched.
This guy's been through real fights. He's not just battling—he's hunting.
Erik had to think differently.
Spotting loose debris from the earlier campfire, Erik shouted, "Riolu, kick the embers—create a smoke screen!"
Riolu obeyed, scattering ash and smoke into the air, obscuring their movements.
Adapt. Use the environment.
From the smoke, Erik called, "Feint right, then Counter when it strikes!"
The Charmeleon lunged blindly into the haze, claws glowing with dark energy. Riolu took the hit but retaliated with a devastating counterpunch to Charmeleon's exposed ribs.
The beast staggered back, coughing embers.
But the Outlander didn't flinch.
"Dragon Claw—no mercy!"
Charmeleon's claws ignited with a dark, violet flame as it charged again.
Erik realized they couldn't win in a direct fight.
I need to end this.
"Riolu, aim for the cliff's edge—draw it in!"
It was a gamble, but it worked.
Charmeleon's blind rage drove it too close to the unstable ledge. At the last second, Riolu dodged, and the ground crumbled beneath the fire-type's feet. It tumbled down the rocky slope, roaring in fury as it disappeared into the darkness below.
The Outlander cursed, his expression twisted with rage. But he didn't pursue.
Instead, he laughed—a hollow, unsettling sound.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that," he sneered. "But this world doesn't reward bravery. It devours it."
With a final glare, the Outlander vanished into the trees, leaving Erik standing alone with Riolu.
Aftermath
Erik collapsed beside Riolu, both of them breathing heavily. His heart still raced, but they'd survived.
[Optional Objective Complete: Survive the Encounter.]
[Experience Gained: +200]
[Riolu Leveled Up: Level 6 → Level 7]
[New Skill Unlocked: Force Palm]
The system's notifications felt almost mocking after the life-or-death struggle.
But Erik wasn't thinking about rewards.
Outlanders. Rogue Nexus Users. What is this world?
As the stars began to fill the night sky, Erik realized something chilling.
This wasn't just about survival anymore.
There was a war brewing.
And he was already part of it.
End of Chapter 4