"POP."
The Hydra vanished. The purple swamp drained away. The door to Floor 11 opened.
Alvian landed, panting. The [Genesis Mode] backlash was hitting him harder each time. His bones ached.
"We need to hurry," Alvian said, checking the timer. "The interference is getting stronger. The Warden is waiting."
They climbed. They fought through a room where gravity changed with the beat of a song. They fought a boss that was invisible unless you closed your eyes. They fought a room that was just a giant, falling block of text.
Finally, they reached the top. Floor 20.
There were no more stairs. Just a single, massive door made of white light.
Alvian approached it. He felt a resonance from his [Super Upgrade System]. The talent was vibrating, recognizing something familiar behind the door.
"The Architect," Alvian whispered.
"Who?" Valeria asked, leaning on her sword, exhausted.
"The Warden," Alvian said. "The one who built this trash heap. And the one who blocked our way home."
