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Chapter 42 - Chapter 40: Betrayal and Confrontation

In the aftermath of Calguas saving Tassa from drowning, he brought her to his grand mansion. Gently, he changed her damp clothes and tenderly laid her down on his soft bed. Utilizing his magical abilities, he cast a healing spell, causing all her wounds and bruises to miraculously vanish. As Tassa regained consciousness, her first words were an anxious inquiry about Nia'le and Céline. Ayamani, with a solemn demeanor, bowed his head and replied, "I couldn't save them, Tassa."

Tassa's eyes filled with determination as she demanded Ayamani to use his magic to locate them immediately. Ignoring Calguas' attempts to calm her down, she insisted on taking matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, Tassa's powers were not as potent as Calguas, Suman, or Ixartxist. If her finding spell failed to work or if the person she was searching for did not appear, it meant that her power could not sense their life force. As she cast her finding spell, the glow and luminous light in her palm gradually faded, extinguishing completely. The realization hit her with a wave of sorrow—Nia'le and Céline had both perished in the same tragic incident. Even if she had vanquished every enemy that night, she couldn't change the fact that she couldn't save Nia'le. Silently, she gazed at Calguas, her tears silently streaming down her face.

Understanding the immense weight on her heart, Calguas approached her and enveloped her in a comforting embrace. "It's not your fault, Quart. Let it go," he whispered softly. Yielding to her overwhelming emotions, Tassa clung to him tightly and let out a piercing scream, unleashing all her pain and anguish. Her cry echoed through the air, resonating like a thunderclap. As if in solidarity with her sorrow, the rain began to pour heavily, mirroring the intensity of Tassa's emotions.

After the traumatic event, Tassa changed deeply. She became silent, refusing to speak or eat, and shut herself off from Ayamani's efforts to comfort her. Her sadness caused natural disasters like floods, tsunamis, heavy rain, and earthquakes. Suman confronted Flute'agon, asking why he wasn't doing anything to prevent these disasters, as if it was his responsibility. Flute'agon told Suman not to interfere with the flow of time. This was the first time Suman openly challenged Flute'agon, warning him that many innocent people would suffer if he didn't act. Flute'agon knew that Quart's human form was connected to the Earth's weather and understood Suman's concerns. But as an Aginer, his power only works when he sees something that needs to be prevented. As long as it hasn't happened yet, he can't do anything to stop it. That's why he needs to witness events with his own eyes. However, he couldn't tell Suman the true nature of an Aginer's power because if he did, it would mean resigning and giving Suman the chance to become an Aginer since there can only be one. To keep this secret and avoid further conflict, Flute'agon locked Suman inside the Qiasjolque, starting a bitter fight between them.

The absence of Suman shocked Ixartxist. Already broken by the loss of Quart, Ixartxist fell deeper into despair without Suman by his side. Looking for answers, he turned to Calguas, but Calguas was confused by what was happening. Suman was chained by a huge golden chain that drained his powers, making him weaker every moment. Flute'agon needed to see how long he had to stop the disaster, so he used Suman's fading power to learn more.

Tired and weak, Suman looked at Flute'agon and found the strength to speak. He begged Flute'agon to think about the innocent lives lost and warned that their powers were fading, which could bring darkness to the world. Flute'agon squatted before Suman and gave a small smile, showing his true intentions.

"I may not be able to die, but I can vanish forever, transforming into pure energy. Our energies will merge as one. However, once this occurs, you will be forever confined within the Qiasjolque. You shall become my replacement, Suman."

Suman's eyes widened with shock at the revelation, tears welling up as he reached out to hold Flute'agon's hand. But Flute'agon swiftly stood up, denying any physical contact that would result in his evaporation. The chain tightened, preventing Suman from bridging the distance between them. Flute'agon gazed at the vision of the future, his patience wearing thin as he became determined to witness its conclusion. Meanwhile, chaos reigned supreme, as Flute'agon's actions continued to wreak havoc upon the world. Suman's power diminished, and he felt his energy drain away. In a mix of fatigue and despair, he cried out to Flute'agon.

"I refuse to be your replacement! I cannot bear to be trapped in this place indefinitely. I long to be with Ixartxist and Quart. Our unity is unbreakable, and it shall remain so! Flute'agon, I cannot bear the thought of losing you."

Flute'agon clenched his fist, his gaze fixed upon Suman, a bittersweet expression on his face. "Then, my dear Suman, become the greatest Aginer the world has ever known. I have faith in your abilities. The power to manifest everything you have ever desired lies within your grasp. Suman, it is up to you to save us all."

Tassa, consumed by her sorrow, began to lose touch with reality. Her despair engulfed her entire being, driving her to contemplate ending her own life. However, Calguas, unwavering in his devotion, intervened each time, determined to protect her from herself. Yet, as he observed the consequences of his actions, he began to realize the monstrous nature of his behavior. Though his intentions were to shield her from Ixartxist, he understood that he had gone too far. Confining her and denying her the opportunity to express her emotions only worsened the situation. The world descended into madness, and Ixartxist, relentless in his search for Tassa, unleashed his fury upon everything in his path.

"You lied, lied, lied! You promised we were inseparable, Quart left me, and now you have abandoned me too, Suman! Suman, you are a colossal nuisance! Where are you?"

Suman, gasping for breath, grew weaker by the moment. His emaciated face revealed the starkness of his suffering, each bone visible beneath his skin. With great effort, he managed to utter a plea to Ixartxist, "Please, help Quart—"

"Suman, once you lose your body, you will have a new one. Where the two of us can be one."

"Flute—, I'm, I'm slowly dying—"

Flute'agon, a mix of confusion and anguish, approached Suman. Flute, squatting before him, touched the immense golden chain, causing it to evaporate instantaneously. He gently caressed Suman's frail face, tears streaming down his own cheeks.

"What a tragic turn of events, my beloved brother. I shall put an end to it here and now."

"Flute'agon?" Suman whispered weakly.

Flute'agon embraced Suman, allowing him to absorb his energy. The two beings ignited, their heavenly bodies slowly disintegrating. They screamed in unison, enduring the same pain they had experienced before. Their energies intertwined, entwined like an unbreakable bond.

"Goodbye, dear brother," were Flute'agon's final words before he vanished completely.

Suman emerged with a new, heavenly form, stronger than ever before. However, his transformation wasn't just physical; his personality had completely changed. His once lighthearted and jovial demeanor was replaced by a more serious and aloof nature. Surveying the ravaged world, he brandished his scepter, determined to locate the source of the catastrophe. "Scepter that holds the very essence of the universe, reveal to me the origins of this chaos."

The scepter projected an image of Quart, Ixartxist, and Calguas. Suman closed his mouth, his expression devoid of emotion. He made a solemn vow to himself, to eliminate the three sources of the turmoil, viewing them as the catalysts for the world's suffering.

"Very well. The two Aginers have summoned me and used me as their ultimate weapon to rectify this mess, a mess that should have been easily resolved. I mourn their sacrifice, but I, Sasiumasa, shall do what is necessary to prevent further catastrophe. I will swiftly bring an end to the lives of these three, as swift as the speed of light," Sasiumasa declared, his voice devoid of warmth or mercy.

With a swift teleportation, Sasiumasa appeared before Ixartxist, fully aware that his actions were forbidden. Leaving the Qiasjolque for a minute was allowed, but staying away for more than one minute would surely bring disaster to the world. Still, he was willing to take the risk. The situation had become critical, and Sasiumasa knew that if the chaos continued, the world would be doomed. "Ixartxist, your friend Calguas has a mansion where he is keeping Quart," Sasiumasa revealed, his voice filled with determination.

Ixartxist studied the newcomer, his gaze filled with confusion. He sensed Suman's presence within Sasiumasa, but his heart remained unreadable. Cautiously, he moved away from Sasiumasa and cast a spell to immobilize him. Sasiumasa, unfazed by the spell, looked at Ixartxist with a nonchalant smile before touching the magical barrier. A surge of electricity coursed through his body, causing him pain, yet he relished in the sensation. "What is this for? I, Sasiumasa, cannot be stopped by such a spell," he confidently declared.

"I did not intend to stop you. I merely wished to ask, where is Suman?" Ixartxist inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

"Shouldn't you be asking where Quart is?" Sasiumasa replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"I had intended to, but you have already revealed her location. Now, tell me, what have you done to my best friend?" Ixartxist demanded, his voice filled with a mix of anger and worry.

"I am him. Flute'agon and Suman created a mess, driven by Flute'agon's desire to witness the outcome of their actions. However, even with Suman's power, Flute'agon could not undo what had been done. In the end, he chose to merge their energies and powers to bring me into this world. He believed that once he bestowed his energy upon Suman, the young Aginer would become his replacement. But he was mistaken. I am Sasiumasa, the last Aginer, here to set things right," Sasiumasa explained calmly, his words resonating with an air of finality.

Ixartxist was taken aback by this revelation. He had no knowledge of Suman's true nature as an Aginer, as Suman had never disclosed it to him. However, he remained steadfast in his resolve. Turning his back on Sasiumasa, he coldly regarded him from the corner of his eyes. "I will deal with you later. The last angel of time can wait," Ixartxist declared before leaving Sasiumasa behind. Sasiumasa, devoid of emotion, followed Ixartxist, determined to eliminate him as swiftly as possible.

Ixartxist materialized within Calguas' mansion, his presence immediately detected by the vigilant guardian. Calguas swiftly turned to face him, blocking his path on the grand staircase, determined to prevent him from getting any closer to Tassa. "Revealing your true colors, Calguas?" Ixartxist remarked, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment.

"I will not allow you to approach her, Ixartxist. Not while I am here," Calguas declared resolutely.

"You are nothing but a traitor! A snake, attacking me from behind. Taking advantage of my vulnerability," Ixartxist accused, his voice seething with rage.

"It was a strategic move, a necessary one," Calguas retorted firmly.

"You snake!" Ixartxist spat.

"Silence! It was your actions that led to her transformation into a human. It was your fault that she lost everything! And now, what are you trying to prove? That you can love her and be with her until death do you part? Such insolence," Calguas fired back, his voice laced with a mix of anger and concern.

"I do not require your consent," Ixartxist replied defiantly.

"Do you not realize that if your plan continues, both of you will be consumed by the depths of hell? As her guardian, I will not allow such a fate to befall her," Calguas declared, his eyes burning with determination.

Calguas retrieved his old staff, seemingly appearing out of thin air, and tapped it on the ground, intending to bring Ixartxist to his knees. However, before the spell could take effect, Ixartxist grabbed his arm, halting his attack. "I knew it. You are the one known as Caru, the bow maker mentioned by Quart. You possess a certain celebrity status up there, and Quart always spoke highly of you, boasting that you could make anyone bow with a tap of your staff. You are indeed powerful, but shouldn't you be up there?" Ixartxist questioned, pointing to the roof.

"Apparently, I changed my career when you dragged my beloved Quart into your mess!" Calguas exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. He attempted to stab Ixartxist with his staff, but Ixartxist managed to dodge the attack. Ixartxist kept a watchful eye on the staff, knowing that a single tap on the ground would seal his fate.

"Give up, Ixartxist. One tap is all it takes, and you will be finished," Calguas taunted.

"I am aware, Calguas. I must admit..." Ixartxist began, his voice trailing off.

Calguas smirked, thinking he had caught Ixartxist off guard. He was about to tap the ground, confident of his victory, when Ixartxist uttered a spell. The words froze Calguas in his tracks, confusion etched across his face as he released his grip on the staff.

Ixartxist gazed at the staff, refraining from touching it, as it was forbidden for anyone but its rightful owner to do so. Suddenly, Sasiumasa appeared before them, his presence commanding attention. He turned to Ixartxist, questioning what he had done to Calguas. Ixartxist faced Sasiumasa, his expression calm, and replied, "I am an angel of memory. Engaging in a battle against the bow maker would surely result in my defeat. With a single tap of his staff, I would be done for. That is why I chose to take or perhaps erase the most crucial part of his memory. I made him forget how to move."

"How impressive," Sasiumasa remarked, applauding Ixartxist's actions.

"I am aware of the incredible abilities possessed by the three of you, but I never anticipated a confrontation like this. Aren't you all quite fascinating?" Sasiumasa added, a touch of admiration in his voice.

Ixartxist paid no attention to Sasiumasa's words, his focus solely on finding a weakness in his opponent. Yet, despite his efforts, he could find none. He also realized that his own powers were useless against Sasiumasa, for there were no memories to erase. It was a complete checkmate, with no more moves left to make. His queen was on the verge of being swallowed by this newly arisen monster.

Sasiumasa approached Ixartxist, calmly suggesting, "Instead of calculating your next move, why not prioritize saving Quart? Do not worry, I will not..."

Before Sasiumasa could finish his sentence, Ixartxist delivered a swift kick, sending him hurtling through the air. Sasiumasa, lacking emotions, did not display any anger or frustration. Instead, he acknowledged that Ixartxist had no other choice but to seek assistance from Calguas while he was momentarily incapacitated. Ixartxist restored Calguas' memories and implored him to help.

Calguas swiftly retrieved his staff, his expression twisted with anger and confusion. "Why should I help you?" he demanded.

Ixartxist responded calmly, placing a hand on Calguas' shoulder and saying, "There is a new Aginer, and he is the strongest. I cannot defeat him, and neither can you. I do not know if you possess the power to make him bow with a single tap of your staff, but if you cannot, then all hope is lost."

Calguas sensed Sasiumasa's formidable energy drawing near, and his anger grew as he asked Ixartxist, "What have you done to make him so furious?"

"I kicked him, but do not worry. He lacks any emotions, so he cannot feel anger or any other sentiment," Ixartxist replied.

"You insolent brat!" Calguas exclaimed, his frustration boiling over.

Ixartxist approached Calguas, placing a hand on his shoulder once again. He spoke softly, saying, "I owe you one," before leaving him behind.

Calguas felt a sense of betrayal, realizing that he had been deceived by Ixartxist. In response, he made the decision to abandon Sasiumasa and follow Ixartxist instead, his anger fueling his resolve.

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