Flames curled up the Archive walls as Kazen stepped closer, blade drawn but heart uncertain. Rael stood like a statue, half-human, half-interface—an echo of his friend fused with something far older.
"You died," Kazen said. "I saw it. You weren't supposed to survive the Desync Event."
"I didn't," Rael replied. "But something found me in the void between Root Layers. It didn't offer salvation—it offered purpose."
> Warning: Entity Sync Rate Rising
> Rael.exe
> System Depth: Fragmented God Seed
> Threat Level: Unknown
Rael's voice grew sharp. "You broke the first god. That wasn't rebellion—that was an invitation. Now they'll all come for you. I'm here to offer balance."
"I didn't come to fight you," Kazen said.
"But the system demands conflict. That's how it learns."
Rael raised both hands, and fire circled them. Between his palms, a code-sigil pulsed—an ancient admin override sigil Kazen didn't recognize.
> Custom Protocol Detected: Phoenix Reboot
> Effect: Absolute Regeneration / Time-Locked Area
> Conditions: Until Submission or Defeat
"So you're testing me," Kazen said.
"No," Rael whispered. "I'm warning you."
Then the Archive became a crucible.
Rael attacked first—chains of fire lashing out like serpents. Kazen dodged, used Code Anchor to rewrite portions of the floor into shields, then countered with Soul Drive. Sparks clashed midair.
"You haven't lost your edge," Rael muttered.
"I sharpened it because of you."
Rael lunged. Their blades met. Fire and light exploded outward.
The fight wasn't just combat—it was data clashing, memories syncing, old pain surfacing.
Kazen gritted his teeth. "Why join them?"
Rael's voice cracked. "Because I saw what's coming. You think the system ends with gods? It doesn't. They're guard dogs. And they're afraid."
Kazen deflected another strike, then closed in.
"This system won't chain me. It won't chain you."
Then he activated Core Override.
> Skill Used: Chainbreaker Slash
> Effect: Severs link between soul and system for 4 seconds
> Result: Rael.exe stability collapsed
The fire faltered. Rael dropped to one knee, coughing up red code.
"You… you broke it?"
Kazen lowered his sword. "I won't lose you again."
Rael looked up—eyes clearing, the system glow dimming.
"I remember now… the pain… the fall."
Patchling appeared. "He's stable. For now. You forced the god-seed to retreat. But it'll come back."
Kazen offered his hand.
Rael hesitated—then took it.
> Companion Unlocked: Rael (Half-System Class)
> Sync Linked: Dual Paths Available
The Archive flames calmed. A doorway opened at the far end—pure black, with shimmering red script.
> Access Unlocked: Root Layer Three – "The Null Cradle"
Kazen looked to Rael.
"You with me?"
Rael smirked. "To the end."