> Zone: Proving Gap — Fractured Arena, Final Phase
Enemy: Kal-Ran, the Cyber-Mystic Echo — Critical Overload Imminent
Kal-Ran was faltering.
His movements were no longer precise.
His blades trembled, his circuits spat out sparks of unstable data.
Fragments of memory floated around him, shattered holograms of a forgotten past: duels, screams, erased lines of code.
> "He's entering psychic failure," Z3RO declared, watching the interface flash red.
— "Is he losing it?"
— "He's merging. Memories, technology, martial arts… he's breaking himself."
But Kal-Ran wasn't finished.
With a guttural digital cry, he released a shockwave that pushed both players back.
> [Ultimate Overload] — Self-Destruct Overload Engaged
> Time to Disintegration: 00:56
— "Oh shit," Z3RO breathed, straightening up. "He's going to blow everything up."
— "We're not letting him do that."
The final minute began.
Hakaijin activated his special ability: Dance of the Eclipsed Blades.
> A series of lightning-fast strikes, like a vertical rain.
He swirled around Kal-Ran, forcing him to spin.
Z3RO, for his part, launched all his drones into overdrive.
> "Triangle Formation, targeted charge. We're taking him down now."
Final Combo:
Hakaijin: Critical Slash — Karma Sculpting Slash
Z3RO: Double EMP Impact — Tactical Nova + Gravitational Implosion
Kal-Ran screamed.
A cry that was at once human, synthetic, and spectral.
Then… he froze.
> [Fatal Error… System Collapse Detected]
> [Core Breach — Shutdown Protocol Triggered]
> [Boss Kal-Ran Eliminated]
A silent explosion—no fire, no light.
Just a wave of dark energy that rippled through the arena…
…before dissipating, as if it had never existed.
REWARDS:
> +2,500 EXP each
Hybrid Weapon Fragment (Kal-Ran Core) – (Blade + Emitter)
Synchron Module – Allows activation of cooperative techniques
Awakening Token – Allows advanced customization of a signature power
Kal-Ran Soul Fragment – Can be used to create equipment or a companion
Z3RO sat on the ground, huffing, his modules overheating.
— "You were right... it was fun."
Hakaijin cleaned his blade, unsmiling.
— "You did great, brains."
Z3RO raised an eyebrow.
— "Is that your compliment?"
— "Want another one? I have a saber that's still warm."
Z3RO burst out laughing.
— "Okay, I get it."
A white light burst forth in the center of the arena.
An exit portal.
But just before reaching it…
> Notification:
"Would you like to activate the Cooperative Link with the player [Hakaijin]?
Bonus: Private communication channel + Synchronization bonus + Shared rewards in cooperative dungeons."
Z3RO hesitated.
Then, without saying a word…
…he accepted.
So did Hakaijin.
✦ End of Chapter 15 — The link is sealed. The duo is born.
Next: Chapter 16 — IRL Return: Arzane