The sky above the Mushroom Kingdom wasn't its usual cerulean blue. It was a deep, digital amber, and thin, glowing green lines traced across it like a corrupted save file.

Mario and Luigi landed softly in front of Peach’s Castle, tangled in each other’s arms. They laughed.

"It's-a happening again, Luigi!" Mario shouted, adjusting his cap as a chunk of floating data-crag hurtled past his head.

"Too late, plumbers!" the Corruptor buzzed. "Once I hit 100%, Mario and Luigi will be strangers! No more 'We! No more 'Us!' Only solo quests and silent menus!"

Mario grabbed Luigi’s hands. Luigi grabbed Mario’s shoulders. They spun—not as two separate fighters, but as one combined . They weren't attacking the Corruptor. They were attacking the download itself.

Luigi looked at Mario. Mario looked at Luigi. They didn't say a word. They didn't need to. They simply reached out and performed the .