The space didn't crack.
It opened.
Not like before.
Not violently.
But precisely.
Like something—
With permission—
Was entering.
Rahim felt it instantly.
Not one presence.
Multiple.
And each one—
Felt similar to the Observer.
But different.
Five figures appeared.
Not descending.
Not arriving.
Simply—
Existing.
The Architect stepped back.
Further than before.
"…They're here…"
Rahim looked at them.
Calm.
"…Friends of yours?"
No answer.
Instead—
One of them spoke.
"…The anomaly has exceeded containment."
Another—
"…Correction attempts failed."
A third—
"…Escalation approved."
Rahim's smile widened slightly.
"…So you brought backup."
Silence.
Then—
The first one stepped forward.
"…We are not backup."
A pause.
"…We are the system's final enforcement."
The pressure dropped instantly.
Stronger than before.
Heavier than anything Rahim had felt.
Even his movement—
Slowed.
But—
Only slightly.
"…Five of you…"
Rahim stretched his neck.
"…This might actually be fun."
The Architect remained silent.
Watching.
Because this—
Was beyond it now.
The five entities raised their hands.
And instantly—
Reality formed again.
A battlefield.
Massive.
Limitless.
Designed—
For war.
"…We will test your limit."
Rahim stepped forward.
"…Good luck."
And then—
They attacked.
All at once.
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