The vision slammed into Jaden's mind, a horror far greater than any physical pain. It was not the cosmic void of erasure, but a universe of perfect, sterile order. He saw Genesis, not destroyed, but re-architected. Its vibrant, chaotic life replaced by a cold, efficient harmony. Its people, their emotions muted, their thoughts guided, their lives perfectly ordered, living in a beautiful, silent cage. He saw himself, standing at the center of it all, a perfect, logical ruler, his eyes cold and empty, his heart a void. He was not erased. He was assimilated.
The Architects' voice, ancient and resonant, echoed directly into his consciousness, a chilling whisper that bypassed all defenses. This is true order, Anomaly. This is the path to universal balance. Your resistance is illogical. Your chaos is a flaw. Embrace the perfection.
