Betraying the Master

"Ik s'abee."

Hearing Augustus say this, Artanis merely resigned himself to uttering a phrase in the Protoss Kalarani language. It meant destiny.

During the First War, Artanis had once been ordered by the Conclave to travel to Char and bring Tassadar, who had been deemed a traitor, back to Aiur to stand trial.

That was the first time they had stood on opposing sides.

Within the Khala, Tassadar's "betrayal" had been plain for all to see, and he had never tried to hide it. In an act of outrageous heresy, he had embraced the exiles' beliefs and mastered the powers of both the Templar and the Dark Templar.

Yet Artanis had sensed no evil within Tassadar's mind. Instead, he had been convinced by Tassadar's brave resolve to devote himself to his people.

Tassadar's unforgettable achievements had earned him the Templar's respect and trust. He had remained steadfast, never wavering in the slightest.

Artanis had absolutely refused to believe that Tassadar would betray his faith and his people, or the rumors that his noble soul had been corrupted by the Dark Templar. He had firmly taken Tassadar's side.

Back then, they still had the Khala. So long as they spoke honestly, they could understand one another and resolve their differences.

But this time, an evil Xel'Naga truly dwelled within the Khala. Tassadar's soul had been imprisoned inside his own body, and he had indeed been corrupted.

The savior of old was now personally killing those he had once saved.

"Egon just sent word that the Artifact is ninety-two percent charged." For some reason, Augustus could see an expression of human-like discouragement on Artanis's face. "If we hold out a little longer, he'll be able to activate it."

As he said this, the corner of Augustus's eye twitched.

Whether it was the