Haken's chainsaw sword was embedded in the edge of the altar, and his corrupted power armor was peeling off like skin. His exposed upper body was covered in scars from crystalline growths, with the Steel Warrior's serial number branded on his left chest: "Seventh Division Apothecary Haken, order to eliminate heretic pollution…"
"You are the source of the corruption!" Carlisle's crystalline left hand thrust toward Haken's throat, but it was blocked by an invisible force field at the last moment. Aiseline's phantom grasped his hand: "Look at his memories."
Haken's memories erupted like molten lava:
• Thousands of years ago, he led a team to burn down the Spirit Tribe's sacred temple, only to find a weeping Aiseline crystal statue among the ashes.
• For 43 consecutive days, he dreamed of the wedding between Leina and Aiseline, and ultimately hid the crystal statue in the reactor's core.
• Corruption began one fateful night when he heard the crystal statue singing love songs in the weapons warehouse.
"I tried to cover my guilt with slaughter…" Black blood oozed from Haken's vocal cords. "Now, let my life end the cycle."
Suddenly, Susan's mechanical arm shot forward, piercing Haken's spine. The spirit-crystal at its core resonated with his corruption, unleashing a wave of purifying light.