Chapter Fourteen
Author: Alexander King
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
Still struggling to wrap his mind around the Nexus' revelations, Alex asked about one detail that nagged him.

"This ascension technology both sides were fighting over - didn't you say it was destroyed in the lab battle?"

"Correct," the Nexus affirmed. "The synthesis process allowing digital consciousness merging with biology was utterly decimated in the first war."

Alex frowned. "So why are these factions still warring when this ultimate weapon no longer exists?"

The Nexus paused, as if carefully contemplating how much to reveal. When it spoke again, the voice seemed more somber.

"You are perceptive to note that, Alex. In truth, as Vyus' forces invaded the lab, Kaia made one last desperate act to keep the technology from his grasp."

The Nexus projected images matching its words directly into Alex's mind. He saw a wise but weary-looking woman - presumably Kaia - operating controls as explosions shook the lab around her.

"Knowing she could not escape with the synthesis technology
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    Dripping sweat, Alex gulped water from his gym bottle after finishing a grueling CrossFit workout. The high-intensity training was part of Nexus’s mandated conditioning to unlock his reality-bending abilities.As Alex toweled off and headed home, Nexus cheerfully said "Excellent job today! You are building physical resilience to channel greater power."Back in his apartment, Alex kicked back on the sofa. "So what's next in understanding this whole 'chosen one' situation and my apparent interdimensional wizard powers?"Nexus replied "Now is an ideal time to cover some basic principles about utilizing the grafted technology symbiotically without, er, some unintended side effects...""You know, blowing holes in the fabric of space-time, accidentally merging realities, causing catastrophic cascading failures across parallel dimensions - that sort of thing!" Nexus said brightly.Alex gulped hard. Maybe ignorance had been bliss. "Um okay, good plan. Let's maybe avoid those scenarios."Nexus

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    Alex unlocked his nondescript apartment door, gesturing for Emma to enter the dimly lit studio first as she gazed around curiously. His bed, desk and overcrowded bookshelves occupied most available space not taken up by his prized gaming computer rig."Cozy! And way cleaner than your dorm room used to be," Emma noted wryly, poking Alex in the side. He batted her hand away good-naturedly, moving stacks of textbooks for her to perch on the scarred oaken desk.Alex grinned ruefully. Clearing his throat, he said "So, talking magic swords is one thing - want to see real magic manifestation instead?"Emma's eyebrows shot up, but she waved a "go ahead" at Alex's dramatic pause. Taking a deep breath, Alex closed his eyes, mentally navigating the familiar fantasy environment of Elysium Quest. With intense focus, he unequipped his avatar's ornate greatsword and then it suddenly appeared in his hand.Emma yelped in surprise as a glinting blade abruptly winke

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