Ethan finally understood.
This wasn't just some high-grade energy resource site.
It was a fully functional—
Self-sustaining, near-zero-maintenance war engine.
The lake generated energy.
The forest converted it.
The nests produced soldiers.
Endless troops. Endless power.
No wonder.
No wonder the four races were willing to bleed themselves dry over this place.
While Ethan was still piecing it all together—
The sky began to shift.
A faint pale light crept into the gray, like the first breath of dawn.
Balric's face changed instantly.
"We have to go."
His voice was tight, urgency bleeding through every word.
"If we don't leave now, we won't make it."
"When the sun rises, the Daybound and Sunborn armies will start converging on this place."
"And by dusk, the Starborn and Nightveil will be here too."
He nearly growled the last part.
"When that happens—"
"This lake becomes a slaughterhouse."
"No one gets out."
But Ethan didn't move.
His gaze stayed locked on the lake.
