The moment the Emerald’s glow hit Sonic.EXE, the red mist around him began to evaporate. The glitch screamed—a sound like a crashing computer. The Master Emerald was the ultimate "system restore." It didn't just fight; it neutralized.

Sonic looked at his hands, then at the peaceful glow of the cave. "Remind me to never let a weird VHS tape into the Genesis again."

The digital mist cleared, revealing a version of Angel Island that shouldn't exist. The colorful jungle had turned a bruised purple, and the music—usually a triumphant beat—was a slowed, distorted heartbeat.

Standing in his way was . He didn't care about glitches or "creepy-pastas." He only cared about the Master Emerald.

Knuckles didn't let up. He used his strength to shatter the illusions EXE was trying to build, punching through ghost-walls and fake traps. With one final, massive upper-cut, he launched the glitch toward the Great Emerald. "Access denied," Knuckles muttered.