There was no pause anymore.
No testing phase.
No observation.
The Architect attacked.
For real.
And for the first time—
Rahim didn't wait.
They collided.
The impact didn't shake the world.
Because there was no world left to shake.
It erased everything between them.
Rahim's fist met the Architect's palm.
A perfect clash.
But this time—
Something changed.
A crack.
Not in reality.
Not in space.
In the Architect itself.
Rahim saw it.
Clearly.
"…You felt that."
The Architect didn't answer immediately.
Its eyes—
Locked on Rahim.
"…You've reached the level where you can affect me."
Rahim smiled.
"…I already knew that."
He moved again.
Faster than before.
No hesitation.
No delay.
A strike—
Landed.
The Architect moved back.
One step.
Then another.
Silence.
That had never happened before.
Rahim lowered his hand slowly.
"…So even you can be pushed."
The Architect touched its own arm.
Where the strike had landed—
There was damage.
Not illusion.
Not temporary.
Real.
"…Interesting."
Its voice wasn't calm anymore.
It was—
Focused.
"…Then let's go further."
Its aura expanded.
Not outward.
Everywhere.
Rahim felt it instantly.
This wasn't power.
This was control returning.
The space around them—
Started rebuilding.
Layer by layer.
Reality—
Reconstructing itself.
"…You're trying to bring back your system."
"…Not trying."
The Architect raised its hand.
"…Restoring."
The void disappeared.
A new world formed.
But this one—
Was different.
Stable.
Perfect.
Complete.
"…This is my original domain."
Rahim looked around.
Everything felt—
Heavy.
Not pressure.
Authority.
"…So this is where you're strongest."
The Architect nodded.
"…Now fight me here."
Rahim smiled.
"…Gladly."
The battle resumed.
But this time—
The advantage was clear.
The Architect moved faster.
Hit harder.
Controlled everything.
Rahim blocked—
But barely.
A strike landed.
Rahim was sent flying.
Crashing through layers of reality.
For the first time in a long time—
He felt it.
Pain.
Real.
He stood up slowly.
Blood at the corner of his mouth.
"…Good."
His smile returned.
"…This is what I wanted."
Darkness surged again.
But deeper.
More controlled.
"…Let's see which system breaks first."
And the war—
Entered a new phase.
[ Add this to your library if you like it! ♡ ]