The black sludge dissolved into harmless white steam. The jagged glass orb crumbled into useless grey sand at the bottom of Clearwater Basin. The warm emerald light of the Genesis Tree roots pulsed once before fading back into a gentle golden glow beneath the crystal clear water.
Bowen dropped to his knees on the damp stone tiles. His hands shook uncontrollably. He stared at the pristine reservoir and realized his death warrant was signed.
Heavy metallic footsteps echoed across the courtyard.
Leo stepped out from the deep shadows of the eastern aqueduct. He did not walk alone. Twelve Systemic Templars marched in perfect unison behind him. The silver giants formed a wide perimeter around the edge of the water and leveled their kinetic halberds at the kneeling spy.
Bowen squeezed his eye
