> "The Codex does not obey time. It remembers it differently." — Lost Fragment, First Architect
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[Location: Labyrinth Core – Reality Strand Convergence Point]
> System Alert: Core Nexus Influence Detected Codex Fragment 6 Integration: 87% Complete World Authority Alignment: Shifting
The chamber pulsed with radiant threads—strands of possibility stitched into the fabric of unreality. Aric stood at the center, surrounded by a series of floating glyphs that burned with language not meant for mortals.
Clone #7, Chrono-Scribe Nalin, whispered, "This place is bleeding out timelines."
Aric closed his eyes. He could hear them: echoes of futures, moments that hadn't happened yet, and fragments of potential clones he hadn't even made.
> New Trait Unlocked: Echo Reader – Enables comprehension of future-coded glyphs and anomalies Event Modifier: Codex Alignment Shift Triggered
The Labyrinth was evolving around him.
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[Incoming Factions – The Race Accelerates]
Zephyrion – EX-Rank
Hovering atop his serpent beast, Zephyrion scowled. "He's altering the room's rules. This is unacceptable."
He slammed a crystal into the ground. "Unseal Tier-8 Override Protocol."
> Override Attempt Detected: Authority Match – Contested Resolution: Duel for Reality Strand Control
Phantom Covenant – Cloaked Assassin Squad (SS to SSS-tier)
Veylan, the lead phantom, read the Labyrinth's new rule. "No longer just puzzles. Now it fights back."
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[Duel Begins – Aric vs. Zephyrion]
The Labyrinth twisted, forming a coliseum made of mirrored stone and glowing runes. The glyphs reflected their titles, ranks, and bloodline lineage for all to see.
> Zephyrion Talent: Cosmic Sovereign (EX) Establishment: Planet-Class Fortress Authority: Interdimensional Dominion Lv. 6
> Aric Valen Talent: Infinite Creation (EX+) Establishment: City-Class (Upgrading...) Title: Reality Shaper – Tier C
A voice rang out:
> "This battle shall be recorded by the Codex. Not for victory, but for impact."
Zephyrion launched a barrage of crystalline spears, each one echoing with timeline disruption. Aric's Reality Shaper field shimmered, converting the distortion into summon tokens.
> Cheat Skill Triggered: Conversion Loop – Distorted attacks converted into resource class items
He summoned 3 new guardians:
1. Mirr-Knight Voln – Reflective Paradox Shield
2. Wyrmkin Scholar Kaell – Codex Riddle Amplifier
3. Ashspark Hound – Temporal Trail Breaker
Each one attacked in perfect synch, guided by Aric's Echo Reader trait. They weren't reacting—they were moving just before Zephyrion's actions.
The crowd of spectating factions gasped.
> "He's reading the future." "No—he's editing it!"
Zephyrion shouted, "Enough!" and activated his Sovereign Tier domain.
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[Domain Clash: Sovereign vs. Reality Shaper]
The coliseum cracked. The glyphs shook. The Codex interface displayed:
> Reality Conflict Event Triggered Domain Outcome: Calculating…
Aric stood firm. "I didn't come to fight time, Zephyrion. I came to build what comes after it."
He unleashed a sigil formed from Fragment 6—now fully integrated.
> Codex Rewrite Protocol: Approved New System Path: Sovereign Architect Tree – Unlocked
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[Event Result]
Zephyrion was forcefully ejected from the Labyrinth as the rewritten domain overtook his.
> Codex Fragment 6 Ownership: Locked to Aric Valen New Region Unlocked: Hollow Archive Depths World Builder Title Upgraded: Reality Shaper – Tier B
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[Outside – The Black Veil's Panic]
Xevra watched the outcome on her floating mirror with horror. "He's creating new system branches. That's supposed to be impossible."
Oracle Nine nodded slowly. "Unless… he was meant to reboot the Codex."
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[End of Chapter 20]