The Eternal in Abyss (Imitheos Series #2)

Chapter 54: Kasdeya Versus Theon

KASDEYA ARGYROS' Point of View

"I'll say this loud and clear― without malice, without lies, without insincerity; I need you to protect me."

I remember asking him many moons ago. "Let me use you as a shield... until I'm sure I'm safe. And you will have every right to watch my every move as you please."

"Our agreement will be revoked if you betray me, if I betray you, or if we both agree to terminate this alliance. Understood?"

"In exchange, you have to do your task well."

"I'll protect you until the end of our contract, I swear on the River Styx."

"It will be a pleasure working with you, Alastor."

When he thrusts his sword forward to attack, the agreement we made is finally broken.

Ever since it was revealed that I'm an Ouroboros, the promise he swore to the Styx had been void. He has no reason to hesitate in hurting me anymore.

"I couldn't care less if you die, but you are still a Hellenes. As long as that remains true, I'm going to save you even if I would rather not to."

"Paano kung hindi na ako Hellenes?"

"Then you're allowed to die. I give you my blessing."

Napasinghap ako dahil sa bilis ng kaniyang kilos. I might've trained my eyes, but he's still too fast for me. Kung saan saan nalang ako nagpupunta upang makaiwas sa mga atake niya.

My movements are too sloppy and it's embarrassing. Napansin ito ni Theon. He uses my moment of panic to his advantage.

I thought I wouldn't need to worry much because he's not using his sword, except I was wrong. The way he handles the spear is swift and precise, as if he's been familiar with the shape and weight of it for years. Like it's an extension of his limbs.

Then I remember that anything would look deadly if he's the one holding it.

Next to him, I'm a novice. A dumbass in the art of combat. I already know that I have no chance against him.

Multiple strings block his attack before the blade could touch me. Akala ko mapuputol ito, but the thread is resilient and strong. Hindi ko maiwasang makahinga ng maluwag dahil doon. I thought I was done for.

The silver glow intensifies where the blade meets the thin strings. As Theon's eyes don't leave me, more strings sneak up behind him.

Sa isang pitik ng mga daliri ko, kumapit ang mga strings sa kamay niya. It tries to push him off me so I could get a disadvantage, but my eyes widen when in a snap, he frees himself in just a second.

Nandilim ang paningin ko. Something's wrong.

Bumitaw ako sa mga sinulid na nakaharang sa pagitan namin. I quickly step back to evade his thrust before controlling them again. Nang makalayo ako kay Theon, the strings act like a shield against him. I feel my eyes glow as I imbue them with my magic. Napuno ng liwanag ang paligid. Like it's daytime.

I glance at the skies. Kita pa rin ang buwan kaya mas malakas ako ngayon, pero nag-aaway na sila ng araw para sa kalangitan. It only takes a few minutes before the sun rises at the apex, I have to finish this quickly.

Katulad ng inaasahan ko, Theon steps closer as the string in front of him multiply. Naningkit ang mga mata ko habang hinihintay ang susunod niyang gagawin.

When I control the strings to attack him again, hindi na ako nagulat nang magawa niya itong hatiin sa dalawa.

Pero kanina, parang hindi niya kayang sirain ito nung magkalapit kami. I let out a humorless laugh.