Chapter 46

Amara stood there, utterly awestruck by the overwhelming display of power unfolding before her eyes. *What level of power is this?* she wondered, her mind struggling to comprehend the raw, unfathomable force that was being harnessed. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined witnessing such a manifestation of sheer power.

Xain's agility and quick reflexes were on full display as he deftly evaded the chains. He sidestepped one, then another, escaping their grasp by the slimmest of margins. Yet, the chains adapted to his movements. One emerged from below, prompting another maneuver. Another chain approached from behind, and Xain, swerved to avoid it. However, the chains proved relentless in their pursuit.

Two chains approached from different angles, converging on Xain simultaneously. Though he attempted to quickly step back, the chains seemed to anticipate his every move. In the end, one of the chains found its mark and struck Xain's left leg, instantly forming a cuff secured to the chain.

Xain's body strained under the tremendous force he applied, every muscle bulging as he made an extraordinary effort to break free from the relentless grip of the Astral Chains. Ercale keenly sensed the growing tempest of Extreme Hatred surging within Xain, a maelstrom of unbridled emotion that seemed to fill the room. Regardless of Xain's struggles, the unyielding chains showed no sign of relenting. One by one, they closed in on him, first securing his right hand, then his left, and finally ensnaring his right leg. Xain tugged and pulled, exerting every ounce of his being, but it was all in vain. He even attempted to shift between corporeal and incorporeal states, hoping to slip free from the ethereal restraints, but that, too, proved fruitless.

Ercale's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, dripping with mockery. "Doesn't matter what you do, you can't escape the Astral Chains." He then turned his gaze to Lennix, who was torn between confusion and anxiety.

"Hey, leech, show him the pocket watch," Ercale ordered.

*How did he know?* Lennix thought, his mind racing. Nonetheless, he approached Xain with trepidation, meeting the intense gaze of the boy. Shivers ran down Lennix's spine as he carefully extracted the Chronoscope and revealed it to Xain.

Upon locking eyes with the Chronoscope, Xain's Extreme Hatred seemed to lose its grip on him. The boundless fury slowly ebbed from his gaze, leaving behind a vacant emptiness. Within mere seconds of staring at the watch, Xain's eyes no longer held the haunting intensity of hatred. He went limp, his body giving in to exhaustion and the sudden release.

"Xain!" Zee cried out in concern, rushing to his side. Meanwhile, Ercale snapped his fingers once more, causing the Astral Chains and the rifts in reality to vanish into thin air. With nothing holding him in suspension any longer, Xain's body began to descend, yet Zee managed to catch him before he hit the ground.

"Is it finally over?" Larkin asked, glancing around the scene.

Ercale nodded. "Yes, it's done," he confirmed, brushing off his hands as if dusting away the remnants of their battle.

Zee, still cradling Xain, felt a mixture of relief and worry. "Xain, are you alright?" she asked, the concern evident in her voice. Xain lay still for a moment, causing a ripple of anxiety to course through her.

Then, much to everyone's surprise, Xain exclaimed, "Agh! Existence is pain!" The unexpected outburst garnered a few bewildered looks, including one from Larkin, who approached them, asking cautiously, "Xain, are ya back with us?"

With a hint of humor returning to his voice, Xain replied, "Of course I am! Why wouldn't I be? Goddess, everything hurts."

Lennix knelt down, presenting the Chronoscope to Xain. "Here, take it, you lunatic," he said with a sardonic grin. Xain accepted the watch slowly and cast an accusing gaze at Lennix. "You're the one who faked smashing it!"

Larkin, looking puzzled by Xain's response, began to ask, "How did you..." before Xain cut him off with a straightforward explanation. "Because you just handed it to me, you dolt!"

Clarissa, despite her disheveled appearance, approached the group, maintaining her usual emotionless demeanor. Her voice, still monotone, carried the professionalism of a maid. She inquired,  "Is anyone among you injured, dear guests? If so, I am proficient in administering first aid."

Lennix, ever the attention-seeker, turned to Clarissa, a glint of neediness in his eyes. "You addressed them as 'dear guests,' but what about me? I'm your master. Don't you care about me?"

Clarissa promptly swiveled to face him, her response devoid of any warmth. "No, Master Lennix, I do not," she stated plainly, causing Lennix to slump in sadness.

Zee, overjoyed to see Xain unharmed, wasted no time and hugged him tightly, her joy evident in her voice. "Xain, I'm so glad you're okay!"

Xain, trapped in Zee's powerful embrace, attempted to voice his concerns amid the affection. "Zee, I appreciate your worry, but you might crush my bones! Also, you're che—" He stopped short, realizing that the last part he was about to mention didn't actually bother him.

Zee held onto Xain, refusing to let go, still overwhelmed with fear and relief. Xain, while appreciating the concern, gently prompted her to release him. "Zee, as much as I'm enjoying this, you can let go now."

With reluctance, Zee loosened her grip but stayed close. "I'm just glad you're okay," she said, her worry still evident.

Larkin chimed in with a grin, ruffling Xain's hair. "Good to have ya back with us, kid."

Xain swatted Larkin's hand away. "Yeah, yeah. So, what the heck happened?"

Before anyone could respond, Ercale's voice cut in. "Hey, idiots, aren't you forgetting someone... or two?" He pointed towards the black knight and Amara, who had silently witnessed the entire ordeal but had yet to be acknowledged in the conversation.

The black knight attempted to ease the situation with a dismissive gesture. "Ignore us folks, just carry on with your business," he suggested, covering Amara's mouth before she could respond. "Please forgive our fiery friend here. You just go ahead and enjoy your day."

However, Amara had other plans. With a swift and precise move, she swung her legs upwards, delivering a precise kick to the black knight's groin. He groaned in pain, quickly releasing her. As she turned her attention back to the group, tensions within the gathering rose once more.