Defeat

BOOOOOM—!!!

The impact of their final clash split the air.

Joshua and the Architect collided in a blinding flash, their combined force sending out a ripple that cracked the horizon. Space trembled. The stars above flickered like dying embers. The ground beneath them shattered completely—falling away into a chasm of molten ruin.

They didn't stop.

Joshua twisted mid-air, wings slicing outward, dragging heat and shadow behind him. He slashed horizontally—firelight screaming from his blade.

The Architect caught it barehanded.

The blade bit into his palm, sparks flying. He didn't flinch.

He pulled Joshua forward with a single jerk, and headbutted him—again.

CRACK!

Joshua staggered back, jaw bleeding, but didn't fall.