The Executioner slowly walks toward them, dragging its giant rusted blade along the stone floor, creating sparks. The lighting is dark and oppressive.

TOP: Tae-Jin is slumped against the wall. His steel shield is severely cracked in half. His arm is bleeding heavily. BOTTOM: Min-Su stands over him, dagger drawn, looking desperate.

LEFT: Min-Su uses his system UI to scan the boss. The UI window shows a wireframe of the Executioner. RIGHT: The UI flashes red text: 'Level Gap Too High. Impassable.'

A massive, golden system alert window descends from the ceiling, illuminating the dark arena.

TOP: Min-Su and Tae-Jin both look at the glowing text. BOTTOM: Close up of the text on the holographic screen.

The chat window beside the alert explodes with activity. Hundreds of messages scrolling at blur speed. Constellations are cheering.

TOP: Tae-Jin reads the text. His expression drops from determination to quiet realization. BOTTOM: He looks up at Min-Su, who is standing frozen, shaking.

TOP: Tae-Jin completely lets go of his broken shield. It clatters to the ground. He leans his head back against the wall. BOTTOM: Tae-Jin gives Min-Su a sad, accepting smile.

Min-Su stands paralyzed, his hand gripping the black dagger so tightly his knuckles are white. Tears are welling in his eyes.

TOP: The entire arena is suddenly bathed in blinding, majestic gold light. The Executioner boss pauses. BOTTOM: A massive UI window, dripping with opulence and dark energy, materializes right in front of Min-Su.

Extreme close-up of the system message. The text is bold, crimson, and authoritative.

TOP: Min-Su's face reflects the golden light, his expression a mix of awe and utter horror at the sum. BOTTOM: A private message from the Architect scrolls beneath the coins.