Melton felt the weight of each step as he made his way through the filthy passageways of Neo-City in this new timeline. The imposing towers, illuminated by the chilly blue glow of man-made lights, towered over him, serving as a painful reminder of how far he had fallen. Fragments of recollections from the life he had formerly led, a life full of strength, purpose, and allies who now seemed like faraway ghosts, whirled around in his head.
He turned a corner and saw a bunch of goons standing face to face. Melton could see right away that they were not your typical street thugs because of the venom in their eyes. Each bore the unmistakable signs of enhancements, both technological and biological.
The commander moved closer, a big man with apparent iron veins beneath his skin. "All right, so what have we got here? A small lamb that got lost?" His knuckles snapped, making a noise akin to grinding metal, and his voice was harsh.
The first hit struck Melton before he could respond. His ribcage erupted with pain, sending him sprawling to the floor. The other thugs moved in with cruel precision. One had arms that elongated, wrapping around Melton and constricting like a python. Another flicked his fingers, and bolts of electricity arced through the air, searing Melton's flesh.
"Hold him still," the leader commanded. "Let's see what goodies he's hiding."
As Melton was held down, they rifled through his belongings, stripping him of his gadgets and gear. Bloodied and bruised, he could barely see through swollen eyes. The thugs' laughter echoed in his ears, a cruel symphony that underscored his helplessness.
Just when the leader was about to leave, satisfied with their haul, something deep within Melton stirred. A faint, almost forgotten spark flickered to life. He felt a sudden, alien sensation—an energy that wasn't there moments before. Nexus.
"Welcome back, Melton," chimed a familiar voice inside his head. "Situation assessment shows minor injuries to the body and a torn tendon."
A holographic display flashed in his vision, showing his current stats:
Strength: 65
Agility: 34
Intelligence: 78
Vitality: 23
Dexterity: 12
Luck: 12
Energy Cells: 12
Stamina: 62
"I thought you left me for good, Nexus. Now, is there any way we can deal with the situation at hand?" Melton whispered through cracked lips.
"Analyzing," Nexus responded. "Based on current parameters, you can utilize basic combat techniques. Engage bare-handed until core activation. Probability of core activation increases with physical contact against augmented opponents."
"You mean I have to go against them with nothing?" Melton asked as he struggled to get on his feet.
"Affirmative" Nexus said.
"Oh great, if I don't die, you and I are having a long talk" Melton added.
The leader turned back, a sneer spreading across his face. "What's that, tough guy? Got some last words?"
Melton forced himself to his feet, feeling Nexus's guidance aligning his movements. "Just getting started."
With Nexus's tactical advice streaming into his mind, Melton assessed the thugs. The one with elongated arms was closest—he moved first. Melton twisted his body, slipping out of the constricting grip and driving his elbow into the thug's temple. The thug staggered back, eyes wide with surprise.
"Probability of core activation increased," Nexus noted.
The thug with electric fingers lunged next, crackling with energy. Melton ducked under the attack and delivered a precise strike to the thug's wrist, disrupting the electric flow momentarily.
"Keep it up, Melton," Nexus encouraged. "Core activation probability rising."
"Easy for you to say when you're not the one in pains" Melton said, dodging another attack.
Melton felt a surge of confidence as he moved with renewed vigor. The next thug, a woman with claws that glinted like steel, swiped at him. Melton grabbed her wrist, twisting it painfully and forcing her to drop to her knees.
"Almost there," Nexus said. "Core activation imminent."
"Shut up!" Melton shouted as his tendon gave him a very sharp pain.
Finally, the leader charged, his fists swinging like sledgehammers. Melton parried the blows, each impact sending shockwaves through his arms. He gritted his teeth, focusing on every move, every counter.
Suddenly, he felt it—a rush of power from deep within, spreading through his veins like wildfire. The chimera core had activated.
"Core activation complete," Nexus announced.
"Yeah, Let's finish this." Melton said
As the leader swung his hand eager to land the next blow, Melton caught it, and slowly he drained energy from the leaders arms.
Melton's movements became a blur. He disarmed the leader with a series of rapid strikes, leaving him dazed and on the ground. The other thugs, seeing their leader defeated, retreated in panic.
Breathing heavily, Melton stood amidst the fallen, the adrenaline still coursing through his system. He looked down at his hands, feeling the renewed strength.
Then, as the adrenaline started to wear off, Melton stood over the crumpled leader of the goons, breathing steadily. He turned to face the man, who was writhing in agony and holding his broken ribs.
Melton replied, his voice dripping with cynicism, his gaze steely and cold. "Didn't your mummy ever teach you not to steal from strangers?" Coughing, the leader attempted to stand up but fell back down. "Please... we didn't know... don't hurt us anymore," he wheezed.
One of the other thugs, the one with the elongated arms, scrambled forward on his knees, hands raised in surrender. "We're sorry, man! We didn't mean it! We were just following orders!"
Melton's eyes narrowed. "Orders from who?"
The thug with electric fingers, shaking visibly, stammered, "It's... it's a gang, alright? We had no choice. They would've killed us if we didn't bring back something valuable."
"You're not making a great case for yourselves," Melton said, crossing his arms. "Why should I let you walk away?"
Tears were running down the face of the woman with the steel claws as she glanced up. "This is not what we wanted to do. All we're doing is trying to get by. Please assist us."
Melton let out a sigh, his rage subdued by a grudging empathy. "Leave this place now. And keep in mind that this is the last time you will cross my path."
The goons got up and limped away, murmuring their gratitude and regrets. Melton watched them go, a grim determination settling over him. He had bigger battles to fight, and this was just the beginning.
As the thugs left, he started walking away, and then said to Nexus, "We did it, Nexus," he said quietly.
"Indeed," Nexus replied. "But this is just the beginning. We have much to do."
Melton nodded, a steely resolve settling over him. He had lost everything, but with Nexus and the chimera core, he was ready to start again. The fight for justice and survival had just begun.