Runar and Wukong stood facing each other in the vast, empty void between universes. There was no ground beneath their feet, no stars shining overhead, and no air to carry sound. Only pure nothingness stretched out in every direction. Far in the distance, the glowing membrane of William's universe appeared as nothing more than a tiny, faint point of light. At a carefully chosen safe distance, five half-step Multiversal observers hovered quietly, their full attention locked onto the two powerful beings.
Runar stood relaxed, his humanoid form radiating calm confidence. A small smile played on his lips. "Ready when you are, old monkey. Don't hold anything back."
Wukong twirled his staff, Ruyi Jingu Bang, in one hand. His new Information Lifeform body glowed with a rich golden aura. "Hah! Don't worry about me, young friend. I just broke through to this level. Give me a real test. I want to see exactly where I stand."
