Well, about GM intrusion i wont do that. Simply because this is last and "boss-level" really tough fight of Act 1. Which is first introduction, and barely the Octagon Game. It is more test, trial.
The point that the end and victory of this fight will and designed to be the well-earned, hard-fought gain. The prize is big, and it itself means that party will get 2 * XP for whole party (in addition to any numenera party will be able to find), as discovery prize and Act 1 completion prize.
I deisgned Act 1 to be VERY VERY XP intensive already, and this done on puprose to set up each character with 4 XP at start of Act 2 so each one could already start customizing and correcting their builds if they feel they require so.
So after trial and test, which was Act 1, players will be able to take missing abilities or stats or just improve their edges - depending how they felt Act 1 game.
And also party will need the cyphers, and more things they may get from this.
On other side i can speed things abit.
We could make "DOUBLE turns" (or triple) for next rounds, if party agreees.
It could be mess but , well, we can do it, we will need some rules though.
Also let to the party use the knocked down state, This fight is doable, simply the party have 2 characters which could not effectively contribute to the fight. And Party do not have large weapon hitters.
This is plot. Consider this is big boss fight for very valuable prize. This is made on puprose, because this way party learns that it have some weak spots and any experience is valuable.