The central plaza of the White City had transformed from a scene of terrible panic into a large crowded refugee camp.
The pristine marble streets, protected by the shimmering hexagonal dome of the Chronos Hourglass, were completely isolated from the ash-choked ruins of Sovereign City.
Vahn Ryker stood on the steps of the Sovereign Bank, a hot cup of synthetic coffee in his hand.
He took a slow sip, enjoying the rich bitter taste. The heavy robotic detachment that had anchored his mind during the climb up the Chronos Spire was entirely gone.
He wasn't acting like a machine today. He was just a man looking over the sanctuary he had built for his family.
"You look far too relaxed for someone who just conquered a city," Aria noted, stepping up beside him.
The Priestess had swapped her ornate Crimson-Lotus Vestments for a more casual white tactical jacket, though the legendary armor's stats were still perfectly bound to her avatar.
