(Zytherion's Universe)
Universe 50
"The person you are about to destroy is extremely strong," a voice warned.
"I would advise you to think carefully before going."
Zytherion smiled.
"You know who I am," he replied calmly.
"An Architect is not enough to stop me."
Universe 1000
Planet 20MR
Zytherion charged.
There was no technique—only overwhelming, raw strength.
Atheris's skill Threat Forecast activated instantly, flooding his mind with calculations meant to predict his opponent's actions before they happened.
But something was wrong.
Every prediction failed.
Errors stacked endlessly.
Zytherion's movements could not be read.
Atheris tightened his grip on his sword.
"Astral Edge—fifty percent."
The blade responded instantly, glowing with condensed cosmic energy. Space warped around its edge as Zytherion realized—too late—that stopping was impossible.
Instead, Zytherion pushed harder.
His muscles expanded with power as he roared:
"Void Fist—DESTROY!"
Their attacks collided.
The impact released a catastrophic shockwave that tore through Planet 20MR. The atmosphere shattered, continents split apart, and the planet screamed as massive chunks were flung into space.
Seconds passed.
Zytherion stood calmly amid the destruction.
"Wow," he said, grinning.
"You're actually powerful… but not enough."
He charged again.
Atheris moved at the same time.
[SYSTEM LOG: EXECUTION TECHNIQUE ACTIVATED — DOMINION SEVER, ONE THOUSAND PERCENT.]
They clashed once more.
This time, the planet could not endure it.
Planet 20MR was sliced cleanly in half.
Without hesitation, Zytherion followed up, thrusting his palm forward.
"SOVEREIGN PALM."
The strike was absolute—meant to paralyze Atheris's body and suppress his existence.
But the moment Zytherion made contact—
[SYSTEM LOG: ACTIVATING PHASE COUNTER.]
Atheris's body shifted out of phase.
The attack passed through him harmlessly, striking nothing but empty space.
Zytherion's eyes widened—then lit up with excitement.
Atheris exhaled sharply.
"That was close…"
Suddenly—
A whisper brushed Zytherion's ear.
"Good-bye."
Atheris raised his sword.
Activate Voidcleave.
The blade swung.
Space and time split apart.
The slash extended far beyond the weapon's reach, ignoring armor, barriers, and distance itself.
Silence followed.
Fragments of the planet drifted slowly through the void.
Atheris floated in space, breathing heavily.
"…Did we win?" he asked quietly.
[SYSTEM LOG: WARNING! WARNING! ACTIVATING ARCHITECT COMBAT FORM.]
"What—wait, wait, wait—"
An overwhelming pressure crushed Atheris's body.
His form began to change.
Energy erupted violently as his full combat form forced itself awake. The transformation overwhelmed his consciousness, and Atheris went unconscious instantly.
The system took control.
"Rest," it commanded.
Zytherion suddenly appeared behind him.
"I'm surprised," Zytherion said, genuinely impressed.
"That attack was supposed to erase everything in existence—no matter how strong you are."
He studied Atheris's transformed body.
"…So that's why."
Then his voice deepened, turning cold.
"Nevertheless—
I will destroy you."
Atheris's eyes opened.
They glowed blue.
Dark blue aura poured from his body as the system spoke through him.
"Playtime is over."
With a single motion, Atheris swung his hand.
A massive pressure pulse exploded forward—faster than light.
Zytherion tried to react—
But suddenly, Atheris was already in front of him.
In the next instant—
Zytherion's head was severed.
Atheris turned away.
"Leave now."
A moment passed.
Then Zytherion laughed.
His head regenerated instantly.
"So this is the power of an Architect," he said happily, eyes burning with excitement.
"It's been a long time since I felt this thrilled in battle."
He tilted his head.
"You fought well."
Then his expression darkened.
"I still have things to do… so I'll just have to kill you instantly."
Atheris's consciousness returned.
He realized his system was controlling his body.
"What's happening?" he asked.
[SYSTEM LOG: WARNING — ZYTHERION IS ABOUT TO ACTIVATE THE SAME SKILL HE PREVIOUSLY USED TO NEARLY ERASE YOU.
SURVIVAL WILL REQUIRE TOTAL SACRIFICE.]
To Be Continued…