The chamber shifted. Layers of fractured realities unfolded above and below Kael like translucent mirrors. Lumen's figure remained at the center, serene but tense. "The Architect's next assault will be different," he said. "It will test not just your power, but your understanding of yourself—and of the Prime Convergence."
Kael frowned. "What do you mean? The Convergence is just… me, isn't it?"
Lumen's eyes glimmered. "Not exactly. The Prime Convergence is a version of you shaped by inevitability. Every action, every choice, every hesitation… sculpted him into what he became. And yet, even he is not entirely free of the Architect's influence."
Kael's pulse quickened. "You mean… he's being guided too?"
Lumen nodded. "Partially. That is why your duel with him was essential. You learned to face yourself without losing your identity. That is a power no version of you can replicate."
The fractured Nexus pulsed violently, shards of reality twisting, splitting, and reforming. Images flashed—alternate versions of Kael failing, winning, falling, rising. He saw shadows of the Prime Convergence in some, in others, himself struggling to maintain control.
"The Architect watches not just for strength, but for insight," Lumen said. "They are testing your ability to adapt in real-time, to make choices that define not only your path but the paths of countless realities."
Kael clenched his fists, eyes blazing. "Then I won't fail. Not like before. Not ever."
The chamber responded to his conviction. Crystals aligned, energy spiraled into spiraling arches, and paradox currents danced around him in harmony. He could feel the Architect observing, measuring, anticipating.
"Good," Lumen said softly. "But understand this: your next trial will not only confront your power. It will confront your morality, your decisions, and the very essence of who Kael is. The Architect's ultimate goal is not destruction—it is evolution."
Kael's heart pounded. He knew the next assault would push him further than any duel, any layered reality, or training session had. And yet, a strange calm washed over him. He had survived chaos, faced reflections of himself, and learned to bend paradox currents to his will.
"Then I'm ready," Kael said, voice firm, determination radiating from his mark.
Lumen's form shimmered. "Prepare yourself. The Architect's strike will reach beyond physical realms. Multiple realities will converge upon you simultaneously, and your choices will decide the outcome—not just for yourself, but for the Convergence itself."
The fractured Nexus pulsed violently, signaling the beginning of the Architect's next stage. Kael inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of every version of himself, every lesson, and every heartbeat.
"Let them come," he whispered. "I will face whatever is thrown at me."