Vortex Origins
Chapter 108: Nexer maximum

Chapter 108: Nexer maximum

The ship cut through the endless wasteland, skimming past settlements and worn-out outposts like ghosts in the dust.

Inside, Ash and Kael stared at the small figure before them. Kael tilted his head, curiosity clear in his eyes.

"So, he’s our fourth member?"

In front of them sat a small robot—more like a high-tech trash can. Its body was squat and round, with black glass covering the top like a visor, behind which a simple face flickered to life. Thin arms and legs extended from the sides and bottom, bending like giant straws.

Max grinned.

"Yeah. Pretty cool, right?"

Ash narrowed his eyes.

"I thought the other member died. I was going to ask about it, but you were just smiling. So this must be why."

Max nodded, sinking down into a chair.

"Thanks to this guy, we actually won the last fight. Building a smart AI like this... it’s been hell on me."

Kael leaned forward, voice low.

"Can it talk?"

Max glanced at the robot. It smiled—a crooked, almost mischievous grin.

"I’m Nexer,"

The robot said with smooth voice but playful.

"The robotic heart of Team Vortex. Hope you’re ready to welcome me."

Kael chuckled, shaking his head.

"I thought you’d name it something with ’Max’ in it. I’m impressed."

Nexer’s face brightened.

"Full name’s Nexer Maximum. Like, the full potential of every AI on the planet combined. I’m basically the best AI ever."

Kael smirked.

"Ego much?"

Max shot Kael a look.

"Look who’s talking."

Ash stepped closer to Max, eyes fixed on Nexer.

"So this robo... I mean, Nexer—is that the same AI that fought with us at Ironhold?"

Max nodded.

"Yeah. Nexer controls all my bots. It can use whichever one it wants. For some reason, it likes this form."

Nexer’s face flickered into a smug grin.

"That’s because this form is comfy. Easy to move around in. I’ve already had more made like this."

Kael’s eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms.

"Okay, I’m seriously worried about an AI uprising someday. This looks like the start."

Nexer chuckled, voice warm but firm.

"Don’t sweat it. I’m not out to take over the world. Trust me, I’m more about teamwork than domination."

Ash turned back to Max.

"Ever heard of Eidolon? That guy—Magick, I think his name was."

Max sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ugh, it’s Mavarick."

"Yeah, that’s it. So you know about him?"

Max’s eyes darkened.

"It’s why I made Nexer in the first place. We wanted to see which AI would be better. But Mavarick... he went and did something on a whole different level."

Kael’s brow furrowed.

"Different level?"

Max leaned forward, voice dropping.

"Ever hear of SoulNet?"

Kael shook his head.

"No, you know I’m not into tech like you."

Max smirked.

"No, it’s a game—or more like a virtual world. You’d actually need it, since you love training so much."

Kael scoffed, waving a hand.

"Virtual worlds are dumb. The real thing’s always better."

Max let out a slow breath.

"Alright, if you say so. But Mavarick—he made an AI that can identify creatures, even new ones. Not just their types, but what they do and their weaknesses."

Kael leaned back, impressed.

"Damn, that’s insane. Guess you’re not the smartest guy around after all. That’s some next-level stuff."

Max’s jaw clenched.

"What he’s doing should be impossible by all science. Doesn’t it bother you that no one’s been able to copy his work?"

Nexer’s tone was smooth, confident.

"That doesn’t change a thing. I’m still the best AI in the world."

Kael chuckled.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that, AI. If you could spot and identify new creatures like that, maybe you’d beat him."

Nexer’s screen flashed brighter.

"I’ll prove it. Approaching destination now. Sensors detect 143 Tier 2 Witherfang, and one Tier 3 Witherfang. They’re moving toward the settlement which is occupied by—"

Kael cut him off.

"Okay, okay, got it."

Ash’s gaze drifted to the window. Outside, the world rolled out like a dark sea.

The Witherfang moved across the land—gaunt dogs with mottled gray skin, glowing hollow eyes like dead stars. Their breath carried the scent of rot. Around them, the grass wilted, leaves curled and blackened, as if the life itself was retreating from their path.

They moved with a single purpose. Hungry. Hungry for the settlement waiting just ahead.

Max’s voice cut through the low hum of the ship.

"Get ready. That settlement is Ebonreach. Sent out the same time as Dunehaven, but they got lucky. Now it’s our job to retrieve whatever asteroid they’re holding. If they have any which am pretty sure they do judging by the scale of this wave. We should Find and destroy it if possible."

Ash frowned, eyes narrowing on the bleak landscape below.

"Why do they still keep it? The warnings are everywhere online."

Kael’s lips curved into a grim smile.

"They’re about to learn the hard way."

Nexer’s screen flickered, voice smooth and teasing.

"Keal, this is the perfect moment to jump out. I know you love making an entrance."

Keal chuckled, flexing his fingers.

"Nice. You’re growing on me, bot."

The ship’s door slid open, a cold wind rushing in like a warning.

Max leaned forward, scanning the ground far below.

"Yeah... this is a big one."

Nexer’s tone turned sharp with excitement.

"Max, isn’t this the best chance to test your new suit?"

Max blinked, confused.

"What suit?"

Nexer’s glow pulsed.

"The one that absorbs damage and releases it later. Perfect timing for this fight."

Keal gave the bot a knowing look, a smirk playing at his lips.

"Yeah, I think I know what you’re hinting at."

Ash tilted his head, confusion flickering across his face.

’What is even going on?’

Max’s voice cut through the tension, sharp with pain.

"Wait—don’t tell me. I still feel it. The pain."

Kael laughed, pushing Max hard enough to send him stumbling.

"What pain? When you’re indestructible?"

Ash’s eyes snapped wide.

"Keal, what are you doing?"

Max tumbled backward, a scream ripping from his throat.

"Kaeeeel!"

Keal glanced at Ash, shrugging.

"This wasn’t my idea. Blame the bot."

Nexer’s voice chimed in, calm and almost cheerful.

"Don’t worry. Max will be fine."

Ash stepped to the open door, peering down.

Max plummeted through the air.

Then, like a sudden storm, nanobots burst from his arm, racing across his skin, swallowing him whole in a glimmering shell of metal and glass—forming a robotic suit, helmet locking tight.

Below, the Witherfangs gathered, snarling, eyes burning with hunger.

Max slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, energy rippling out in a shockwave that tore through the first line of beasts. Fifteen fell instantly, bodies broken and lifeless.

A low growl rose from Max as he pushed himself upright. His armor vibrated, cracks glowing faintly like molten veins running through stone.

’I guess it worked,’ he thought.

’But both of them will pay for this. I don’t know why the bot’s personality is so arrogant... maybe it’s too much like Kael. Time for a reboot.’

His gaze swept the battlefield.

A hundred hungry eyes locked on him—Witherfangs ready to pounce.

Max shifted into a rough fighting stance, stiff but determined.

’but still it is right, this might just be the best way to test the new suit.’