MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Nexus Shadows
The moon hung low over Haven's Reach, casting long shadows across the city's jagged skyline. The faint hum of Nexus tech buzzed beneath the surface, a reminder that this place wasn't just a city—it was a battleground disguised as civilization.
Erik tightened the straps of his makeshift gear. His heart beat steadily, but adrenaline simmered beneath the surface. The job from the Nexus Broker wasn't just a mission—it was a trap waiting to spring. But he had no choice.
Survive, Adapt, Ascend.
Those words echoed in his mind, now more of a curse than a mantra.
The Mission Begins
The shipment was scheduled to arrive at a secluded dockyard on the outskirts of Haven's Reach. The Broker's intel had been clear: Nexus smugglers would be transporting highly sensitive tech—possibly illegal even by Outlander standards.
Illegal Nexus tech? That alone was enough to raise alarms. If Erik could get his hands on it, he might find answers about the Nexus System… and maybe even a clue about why he was here.
[Quest Objective: Intercept the Nexus Shipment]
• Optional: Capture or defeat the Smuggler Leader for a bonus reward.
• Warning: High-risk encounter ahead.
The streets grew quieter as Erik navigated through dark alleyways, Riolu trailing silently beside him. The little Pokémon was almost fully recovered, its eyes sharper, its stance more confident. Their bond had grown, forged in battle and survival.
They reached a vantage point overlooking the docks—a cluster of rusted metal warehouses near the water, dimly lit by flickering floodlights. A large cargo container rested in the center, flanked by armed smugglers and Pokémon guards.
Through the Nexus interface, Erik scanned the area.
[Hostile Entities Detected:]
• 3 Human Smugglers (Armed)
• 1 Outlander Smuggler Leader (Level 10)
• Pokémon: Houndoom (Level 12), Weavile (Level 14), Graveler (Level 11)
This won't be easy.
The Ambush
Erik needed a plan.
He observed the smugglers' patrol patterns, noting a blind spot near a stack of shipping crates. Perfect for an ambush.
"Riolu," Erik whispered, "we'll take out the lone guard first. Quick and silent."
Riolu nodded, its body tense with focus.
They moved like shadows, slipping behind the guard—a gruff man lazily leaning against a crate, his Houndoom dozing nearby.
"Now."
Riolu struck with blinding speed, delivering a precise Force Palm to the guard's neck. The man crumpled silently, his Pokéball slipping from his grasp.
One down.
But stealth only lasted so long.
A sharp bark from the Houndoom shattered the quiet. Lights flared. Shouts echoed.
So much for subtle.
The Battle at the Docks
The smugglers reacted quickly, releasing their Pokémon: a Weavile with razor-sharp claws and a Graveler that stomped the ground, sending tremors through the dock.
The Outlander Smuggler Leader stepped forward—a tall woman with cybernetic implants woven into her skin, her Nexus interface glowing ominously.
"So, the Broker sent a kid to do their dirty work," she sneered. "Big mistake."
Erik didn't flinch. "Guess we'll see."
[Battle Initiated: Smuggler Leader - High Threat Encounter]
"Riolu, target the Weavile with Quick Attack, then fall back!"
Riolu dashed forward, landing a hit before dodging a retaliatory Ice Shard. The blow grazed Riolu's arm, frost spreading along its fur.
"Damn. Stay mobile!"
The Nexus System activated Trainer's Intuition—Erik's new skill—highlighting Weavile's weakness: fragile defenses if pressured aggressively.
If I can keep Weavile off-balance, it'll crumble.
But Graveler was the real problem. Its Rock Blast attacks rained down like meteors, forcing Erik to dodge while calling out rapid commands.
"Riolu, Counter!"
Riolu took a glancing blow, then retaliated with explosive force, sending Weavile crashing into a crate, unconscious.
The tide was turning.
But the Smuggler Leader wasn't done.
"Houndoom, Overheat!"
Flames erupted, a tidal wave of searing heat aimed directly at Erik and Riolu.
Too fast to dodge.
Erik threw himself over Riolu, bracing for impact—
BANG.
The flames stopped.
A figure stood between Erik and the Smuggler Leader, their silhouette outlined by the glow of Houndoom's fading attack. A tall man with wild silver hair, a long coat billowing behind him, and a smirk that suggested he enjoyed this far too much.
He held a Nexus-modified weapon—a hybrid between a Pokéball and a firearm—aimed squarely at the Smuggler Leader.
"Need a hand, rookie?" the stranger quipped.
Without waiting for an answer, he fired.
The shot wasn't lethal, but it hit the Smuggler Leader's Nexus device, causing it to spark and short-circuit. Disoriented, she stumbled, leaving Houndoom vulnerable.
Erik didn't hesitate.
"Riolu, Force Palm, now!"
The attack landed squarely on Houndoom's chest, sending the fire-type sprawling.
Aftermath
The docks fell silent.
The smugglers were either unconscious or fleeing, the cargo secured.
[Quest Complete: Nexus Shipment Intercepted]
• Bonus Achieved: Smuggler Leader Neutralized
• Reward: +500 EXP | Nexus Data Key Acquired
• Riolu Leveled Up: Level 7 → Level 9
• New Ability Unlocked: Feint*
Erik turned to the stranger.
"Who the hell are you?"
The man grinned. "Name's Kade. Let's just say… I've been keeping an eye on you."
Kade's Nexus device flickered briefly, revealing data Erik couldn't comprehend.
"Welcome to the real fight, Erik."
End of Chapter 7