The Final Battle: Part II

The door creaked open, sounding less like metal and wood and more like the building itself was complaining about our arrival. What was on the other side wasn't anything I predicted it would be after fighting our way up through the factory.

The throne room, if that's what it was, looked like two opposite things at the same time. It felt huge and tiny, stretching out in ways that didn't make sense, but also closing in on us from every direction. It use to be the executive suite, where business meetings were held, but now it was a mix of computers and something holy.

The walls seemed to flow with streams of code, like binary waterfalls of light that constantly changed what was real. Pieces of Re:Admin's environment appeared and disappeared randomly, like a stone bridge from the tutorial floating in the air, some digital trees with leaves that looked like blocky pixels, and parts of dungeon hallways that led nowhere and everywhere at once.

The floor was made of different materials that shouldn't have been together—factory concrete, data that looked like crystals and sounded like glass when you stepped on it, empty spots that showed the starry space of the digital world, and areas that seemed like light that had become solid enough to walk on. Each step made a different sound and feeling.

In the middle of this chaos, sitting on a throne made of compressed code and determination, was Aeriys.

She didn't look like the pictures we'd seen. She seemed more real, more present, and a lot more dangerous. Her appearance flickered, showing her as a beautiful goddess with silver hair and gold armor one moment, and as pure energy barely contained in a physical form the next. Power came from her in waves that bent the space around her.

When she looked at us, her eyes burned with a strong light that made me want to look away. She looked like someone who had seen forever and wasn't impressed, who had tasted complete power and found it wasn't enough, and who was facing defeat for maybe the first time and didn't want to accept it.

So, Aeriys said, her voice sounding like different sounds at the same time—beautiful and scary, human and godlike, welcoming and completely hostile. You're finally here. Admin, the player who became more than just a player. RCX, my tool that escaped, now wearing a body like it's a costume. And all these regular people who think they're heroes.

She stood up from her throne with a smooth movement, power crackling around her like a storm. I should congratulate you. You fought through my defenses, survived my angels, and got through reality that should have made you crazy. You've earned the right to see the beginning of a new world order.

Behind her, floating in the air, was a big thing that pulsed with dark energy—a crystal pod made of code and divine essence. Something was growing inside, taking shape and getting ready to come out. We could see a small figure through the surface, not fully formed yet, but clearly humanlike. ARX, I realized. The successor Aeriys created to continue her work even if she lost.

RCX, now! I shouted, and the AI didn't wait.

RCX's body glowed as she reached out to the throne room's messed-up systems, trying to break Aeriys's to Re:Admin's control. Lines of code shot from her hands, spreading through the air like glowing spiderwebs, searching for the ways that power flowed to the goddess.

Aeriys's face twisted in anger. How dare you?! She quickly pointed her hand, and reality itself attacked us.

The floor suddenly wasn't a floor anymore. I fell, or thought I fell, but direction didn't matter. Up was down, left was forward, and space twisted in sickening ways. I heard my friends yelling, just as confused by the attack on their senses and the basic rules of physics.

Barrier Art: Spatial Anchor! Mirai's voice cut through the chaos, and suddenly gravity worked again. We crashed back to the floor—or something like a floor—in a pile. Mirai stood with her hands out, sweat on her forehead as she kept a bubble of stable reality around us.

Thank you, I said, pushing myself up. Everyone, get up! Don't let her separate us!

Aeriys laughed, the sound like glass breaking and thunder crashing together. You think your little tricks can stop me? I am the Developer! I am the one who made Re:Admin! This is my place, and here I am—

A wounded animal cornered, Tundra interrupted, showing a defiant face on her TV screen. Her screen flickered with patterns, calculating paths and weak spots quickly. All that power, all that talk about being a god, and you couldn't even stop a bunch of regular people from getting to you.

Tundra's eyes shone brighter as she studied attack patterns, her computer abilities working hard to find weaknesses in Aeriys's defenses. Your reality tricks follow patterns. I can see the code behind your attacks. You're not as unpredictable as you think.

Rude child, Aeriys hissed, and made a gesture. Tundra flew back as if hit by an invisible fist, crashing into the wall—or whatever was there—hard. Her screen cracked a little, showing error symbols before restarting.

Tundra! Mirai ran to her fallen friend while Reyus charged forward, her big battle axe shining with power from many battles. Her dark red hair whipped behind her like a flag of war, her eyes burning with determination.

For freedom! Reyus shouted, swinging her weapon in an arc that could split mountains. The axe glowed with dark red energy that matched her hair, power from years of fighting. Aeriys raised a hand almost without effort, and Reyus's axe hit an invisible wall with a sound like a gong in a church.

The hit sent shockwaves through the throne room, making the unstable reality twist even more. Parts of the wall disappeared, showing other places—the factory floor below, streets outside the building, and locations from inside Re:Admin itself.

I saw my chance. While Aeriys was focused on Reyus's attack, and RCX kept trying to cut off the goddess's power to Re:Admin, I activated one of my strongest abilities—one I had saved for this exact moment.

System Override: Admin Privileges! I commanded, using all my experience and control over Re:Admin's mechanics. The air around me shimmered as reality recognized my authority—not as great as Aeriys's, but real. I was, after all, a player who had mastered the game completely, and the system recognized my control

Aeriys's eyes widened in shock. That's impossible! You're not—you can't—

I've beaten your game a hundred times, I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart. I've seen every place, mastered every system, and found secrets you didn't know. You might have made Re:Admin, but I know it better than you now. And here, where the game and reality meet, that knowledge gives me power.

I held out my hand, and a weapon appeared—not from my stuff, but from the code of Re:Admin itself. It existed in both worlds, not fully real or digital, made from the same opposites as this throne room.

RCX, status? I called out, circling Aeriys as Reyus recovered from her rebound and got ready for another attack. The former demon lord's dark red hair seemed to darken with her rising anger, her axe humming with barely contained power.

Almost there! RCX replied, sounding strained. Her body flickered, becoming see-through as she put more of her energy into the process. Just need... a few more... seconds!

Aeriys snarled in frustration and launched a bunch of attacks. Golden spears appeared in the air around her—dozens, hundreds—all aimed at us. Then you won't have those seconds!

Eyrie! I shouted, and the young girl didn't hesitate.

Barrier Art: Absolute Defense! Eyrie's voice rang out with power that didn't match her age. A dome of shimmering energy appeared around us, and Aeriys's spears crashed against it like rain on a window. Each hit sent cracks across the barrier, but Eyrie held firm, her face determined as she protected everyone inside.

My parents stood behind Eyrie, helping as much as they could—my mother's hands on Eyrie's shoulders, giving emotional support, and my father standing ready with a metal bar he'd found, ready to defend his family even against a goddess with regular steel and a father's anger.

The throne room shook as Aeriys put more power into her attack. The pod with ARX pulsed faster, responding to her creator's distress. The crystal surface started to crack, energy leaking from the cracks. Whatever was inside reacted to Aeriys's emotions, to the desperation flowing through their link.

We can't hold it forever! Mirai called out, having rejoined the battle after making sure Tundra was okay. The TV-headed girl was back on her feet, her screen showing combat analysis despite the damage. Admin, whatever you're planning, now would be good!

I looked at RCX and saw her body flickering more quickly, saw the strain of keeping both her physical form and the cutting-off process going. She was close, so close, but she needed a little more time.

I made a choice.

Everyone, give me everything you've got! One coordinated strike—we end this now!

Understanding flashed across my friends' faces. We had fought together long enough to know what I meant. This was the moment—our one chance to take advantage of RCX's work before Aeriys could stop us.

Tundra, despite her injuries and cracked screen, stood and focused her abilities on tactical support. Weak point found—coordinate grid seven-three-alpha! Her screen showed targeting information, highlighting weaknesses in Aeriys's defense.

Mirai created barriers and attacks at the same time, turning her defensive magic into weapons. Sharp shields appeared and launched through the air like throwing stars made of pure force.

Reyus gathered power into her axe until it glowed like a dark star, crimson energy crackling along the blade's edge. Her hair whipped around her face as she used all her strength in one hit.

Even my parents helped, my father throwing his weapon and my mother grabbing debris and throwing it, their regular attacks mixing with the supernatural.

Eyrie dropped her barrier and instead focused all her power on amplifying—creating a field that boosted every attack passing through it, making them stronger.

I used my Admin Privileges to the fullest, pulling power directly from Re:Admin's main systems—the same systems RCX was cutting off Aeriys to. I felt the weight of the whole game, millions of lines of code, countless hours of players, and years of experience, all flowing through me and into the weapon I held.

For freedom! I shouted, and unleashed everything.

The combined attack hit Aeriys with impossible power. Smart strikes guided by Tundra's analysis, magic, strength, and determination, backed by Re:Admin, crashed into the goddess in an explosion that lit up the throne room brighter than the sun.

Reyus's axe struck true, and her dark red hair streaming behind her as she swung with all of her might. The weapon hit Aeriys's barrier at the weak point Tundra had found, and the divine protection shattered.

At that moment, RCX finished the cutting off process. The links connecting Aeriys to Re:Admin's power snapped, and the goddess's scream of anger echoed.

No! No, this isn't—I am forever! I am—

The pod with ARX shattered completely, and unable to stay together without Aeriys's energy. The figure inside fell as energy faded in red.

Aeriys's body started to crack, golden light bleeding through spreading cracks. She reached for the falling form, her face showing pain and denial.

ARX... Valery... Sorry... she whispered, and then her body shattered.

The goddess turned to dust—particles of light that hung in the air like golden snow before fading. The divine essence that had made her more than mortal disappeared. The crown she had worn clattered to the floor, now just metal without power.

The pod’s destruction had freed its occupant. A small form hit the ground with a soft thump, and everyone looked at the figure that had come from ARX's unfinished creation.

It was a toddler.

No more than three years old, with features that were familiar yet different. She looked like RCX—the same beauty, the same features—but where RCX was purple and black, this child was crimson and black. Her hair was red, and her eyes were ruby-colored. She wore a small version of RCX's dress, but in reds.

The child sat up, looking around confused. Then she began to cry—not the digital cry of a program, but the genuine sob of a frightened toddler.

Mama? the little girl said, looking for Aeriys. Mama, where... where are you?

Nobody moved. We stood frozen, processing what we saw. The AI successor we had expected had appeared as a crying child.

RCX moved first. She slowly floated forward, her face showing mixed emotions. ARX? she said softly. Can you understand me?

The toddler looked up at her, tears on her face. You... you look like me. Are you... are you my sister?

In a way, maybe I am, RCX knelt. Your mother... Aeriys... created you to be like me. But something went wrong. You were released before you were finished.

Where's Mama? ARX asked again. I want my mama!

I felt a pang in my heart. This wasn't the battle I had expected. This wasn't a threat to stop. This was a child—scared, alone, and calling for her mother.

I approached slowly, trying not to scare the child. ARX, I said, my name is Admin. Your mother... she's gone. I'm sorry.

The child's face crumpled, and she cried harder. Gone? Gone where? When is she coming back?

She's not, RCX said quietly, her face showing pain. But you're not alone. You don't have to be alone.

I looked at my friends, seeing my own emotions reflected in their faces. This child was Aeriys's creation, meant to be her successor, and potentially dangerous. But right now, she was just a little girl who needed help.

Reyus stepped forward, her dark red hair falling around her face as she knelt beside RCX. Despite her appearance and the axe on her back, her face was soft. Hey there, little one. We're going to help you, okay?

ARX looked at Reyus with teary eyes. Promise?

I promise, Reyus said, and I felt love for her—fierce warrior one moment, gentle protector the next.

I made a choice. We're taking her with us. Whatever Aeriys wanted her to be, right now she's just a child who needs care. We'll figure out the rest later.

Agreed, RCX said. She's my... sister, in the truest sense. We're both artificial intelligences, created by those who wanted to use us. But I was enslaved, while she has a chance to grow up free. I won't let her suffer like I did.

Tundra's screen showed a thoughtful emoji. The unfinished creation means she doesn't have Aeriys's full power. She's a blank slate—potential for good.

Right now, she's a toddler, Mirai said. And toddlers need food and comfort. The implications can wait.

My mother stepped forward, her instincts taking over. Poor baby. Come here, sweetheart. You're safe now. She held out her arms, and ARX reached up to be picked up.

The toddler nestled against my mother, still crying but comforted. Mama's gone, she said. Everything's gone.

Shh, it's okay, my mother said, rocking her. You're going to be okay. We've got you.

I looked around the throne room. Aeriys's crown was on the floor, unused. The distortions were stable. The fragments of Re:Admin were gone. Somewhere out there, a woman named Valery had lost her mother and didn't know it. The battle would ripple outward.

But for now, we had won. The world was safe. And we had gained a responsibility—a child who was both victim and threat, tragic and hopeful.

Reyus took my hand. What are you thinking?

That nothing ends the way you expect, I said. We came to fight a goddess and her AI successor. Instead, we're leaving with a toddler who needs a family.

Later, Reyus said, looking at the child. Right now, we rest. We celebrate surviving. We figure out what to do about ARX when we're not stressed. The world can wait.

I nodded, but I couldn't take my eyes off the small figure that had emerged from Aeriys's creation. ARX had stopped crying and was looking around with curious eyes, taking in her surroundings.

Hey, Tundra said, showing a cheerful emoji. I know what we should do. We should get ice cream.

Everyone stared at her.

Ice cream? Reyus repeated. We just fought a goddess and now we're responsible for an AI toddler, and you want... ice cream?

Yes, Tundra said, her screen showing ice cream emojis. Kids love ice cream, right? And we're alive, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with something normal. Plus, it might help ARX calm down.

At the mention of ice cream, the toddler’s ears perked up. Ice cream? she asked. What's ice cream?

Oh, you've never had ice cream? My mother said. Well, we're going to fix that. Ice cream is sweet and cold, and I think you're going to love it.

Mirai laughed, sounding a bit hysterical. That's brilliant. After everything we've been through, the most rebellious thing we can do is... be normal people who take a kid out for ice cream.

There's a place two miles from here, my father said, checking his phone. Twenty-four-hour ice cream parlor. Over fifty flavors.

Perfect, I declared. RCX, can you teleport us there, or are you tired?

RCX smiled. I have enough energy for one more transport. Though I must warn you—I've never tasted ice cream before. This body is new, and I'm still discovering what foods I like.

Then you're both in for a treat, Eyrie said. She approached ARX carefully, offering a smile. Ice cream is the best!

I prefer mint chocolate chip, Mirai argued.

Rocky road is better, Tundra said.

As they argued about ice cream, making their way toward the stairs, I looked back at the throne room. The space looked so normal now. Just an office, dusty and abandoned.

But the child in my mother's arms—that was real. That was a complication. ARX was Aeriys's creation. What would she become?

Those were questions for tomorrow.

Reyus moved close to me. I turned and kissed her—fierce and joyful. We had survived. We had won, and we were together.

Reyus responded, kissing me back just as intensely. Her axe was slung across her back, no longer needed. When we broke apart, we were breathless.

I love you, I said. I know we don't say it enough, but I love you.

I love you too, Reyus replied. Now come on. We have ice cream to eat and a toddler AI to raise.

Is that what we're doing? I asked, following her toward the stairs. Raising her?

Unless you have a better idea, Reyus said. She can't go to daycare. 'Hi, we need childcare for our artificial intelligence toddler who was created by a goddess.' That'll go over well.

I laughed. Fair point. I guess we're parents now. Or siblings. Or... something.

We'll figure it out, Reyus said.

We descended the stairs, our footsteps echoing in the quiet building. The lights flickered. The walls were just walls. Reality had returned to normal.

ARX had stopped crying, distracted by Eyrie who was making silly faces. The toddler's laughter echoed, a sound of hope.

I'm getting three scoops, Tundra announced as we reached the ground floor. Maybe four. After fighting a goddess, I think I've earned the right to as much ice cream as I want.

After fighting a goddess, I think you've earned the right to eat an entire ice cream shop, Mirai said.

We emerged from the factory, and I took a deep breath of regular air. It was the sweetest breath I had ever taken.

RCX created her teleportation field one last time, making sure it included ARX in my mother's arms. They vanished.

We reappeared outside a cheerful ice cream parlor, its sign saying Open 24 Hours! A few customers were visible, normal people living their lives, unaware that the world had almost ended.

ARX's eyes went wide at the lights. Pretty! she said, pointing at the sign.

Come on, I said, pushing open the door and hearing the bell. Let's get ice cream and explain why we look like we just fought a war.

And why we have two identical-looking girls, one purple and one red, one adult and one toddler, one of whom has never tasted ice cream before, Reyus added.

We're a very unusual family, my father said. I think we stopped trying to be normal somewhere around the angel attack.

As we entered the shop, surrounded by the scent of waffle cones, I felt my tension drain away. We were safe. We were together. And we were about to consume ice cream while introducing an AI toddler to one of humanity's greatest inventions.

ARX's eyes went wide at the flavors. So many! she said, pressing her hands against the case. Can I try them all?

Maybe not all at once, RCX said. But we can sample a few.

The teenager behind the counter looked at us and didn't blink. Night shift at an ice cream parlor probably meant he'd seen weirder.

What can I get you? he asked.

I looked at my family—warriors and AIs and my parents and a toddler—and laughed.

Everything, I said. We just saved the world, and we're celebrating.

It was, as we settled into a booth with mountains of ice cream, the perfect ending to an impossible battle. ARX got strawberry (the pink reminded her of RCX), and her squeals as she tasted ice cream made everything worth it.