"My intentions don't matter," Zeus interrupted him. "What matters is the result. My subordinates gave the orders, and my decisions caused the harm. Whether they were controlled or acted willingly, the sins have already been committed."
"All I can do is spend the rest of my life making amends."
His words silenced everyone.
They saw sincerity in Zeus's eyes, resolve as well as boundless guilt. It was not an act, but pain carved deep into his soul.
The atmosphere within the team began to change.
Their initial suspicion and distance gradually turned into understanding and acceptance. They realized that Zeus was not running from responsibility, but facing it in the most direct way possible.
At last, the team reached the underground levels of the Eternal Light Temple.
A massive black crystal floated in the air, constantly releasing Nihility Energy. Its surface was covered in intricate patterns that pulsed like living veins.
This was the Void Anchor Point.
Zeus stepped forward and began analyzing the crystal's structure. Order Power peeled away the outer layers of protection one by one, reaching the Concept Core's framework.
Then he froze.
"Consciousness Seed technology..." Zeus's voice trembled. "The core of this Anchor Point uses the Consciousness Seed technology I developed. The Lord of the Void turned it into a Nihility Transmitter..."
He stared at the familiar structure, at the distorted conceptual connections, and an even stronger wave of guilt surged within him.
"So it really was... all my fault..."
"Sir!" Axis shouted. "This is not the time for self-blame! Destroy it now!"
Zeus came back to his senses and took a deep breath.
"Everyone, fall back. I'll handle this."
He pressed both hands against the black crystal and summoned Order Power with all his strength. Golden light poured into the crystal like a tidal wave,