The impact was explosive.
Asher and the Omega crashed into each other, both hitting with full force, neither holding back anymore.
The Omega swung first—three fast slashes aimed at Asher's chest, throat, and head.
Asher blocked the first with his forearm, ducked under the second, and twisted away from the third. Even so, he felt the wind from each strike scrape across his skin.
He countered with a heavy punch to the Omega's cracked chest.
The machine didn't budge.
Instead, it drove its knee into Asher's stomach. The hit folded him forward, stealing his breath.
Before he could recover, the Omega grabbed him by the neck and lifted him off the ground.
Asher clawed at its wrist, trying to break free. His feet kicked against empty air as the machine tightened its grip, metal fingers digging into his throat.
"Body stability compromised," the Omega said calmly. "Final strike initiated."
It raised its clawed hand, aiming for his heart.
Asher's eyes narrowed.
