Elsword – Time Trouble v1c3

3. Bad End No.201312
Elder.
After they finished arresting the bandits, the group returned to Elder and handed the bandits over to
Hoffman. Since Hoffman was the spiritual leader of Elder he should be able to deal with them
accordingly.
Finished with their work, El Search Party headed to an inn to relieve their fatigue. Everyone else was
resting except Add and Rena who sat together talking in the first floor’s lounge.
“Let me talk to that idiot bandit boss alone.”
“Ah, so you’re worried about the Nasod case after all?”
Add nodded silently to Rena’s deduction. He couldn’t question Banthus on their way back because
he was unconscious the whole time.
And….Add couldn’t do it in front of everyone since he was planning apply torture during his
interrogation. He didn’t even need to ask for rest of the party’s opinion to know that they’d be
against Add’s method.
‘They’re too soft….’
Rena smiled.
“Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve seen Add so motivated about something. Alright, just
leave it to big sis.”
“Kukuk, how can you be so sure when it hasn’t even been that long since we’ve met?”
“Ah, but Add. Haven’t you been reluctant towards us?”
Add was taken aback because Rena had said it so naturally. He couldn’t answer yes or no.
“Ah I’m sorry. That was bit too harsh. Hm, so what I meant was…. Add, you are uncomfortable
with us right? Still, you like Eve but you also like Ara. Oh my, you only like the girls don’t you?”
Rena smiled mischievously and Add frowned. Were Elves always this mischievous?
“What do you want me to say?”
“Why won’t you like me too? That makes me sad. Maybe you feel girls older than you lack the
charm?”
“Technically Ara should also be older.”
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Add loosened up to speak his mind and this caused Rena to grin. Add knew she was completely
fooling around…. But it didn’t feel all that bad.
“No, I didn’t mean that I was feeling any attraction towards Ara.”
“Well maybe not as a girl but as a human right? Ah, sorry I meant you think favorably of her as a
person right?”
She probably went out of her way to change her words because she was an elf. Asides from Rena,
Eve was a Nasod, Raven who wasn’t here right now had a mechanical left arm, Ara was possessed
by something strange and finally Add also had situation of his own that was comparable to the rest
of them.
So in principle, the only ‘Pure human from this age’ amongst the El Search Party was Elsword.
“Just what are you trying to say? Kukuk, stop speaking in circles.”
“Hm, I just would like you to get along with everyone. Especially, if you want to be with Eve more I
think it’s better for you to just express yourself more honestly.”
“…..Mind your own business. Don’t meddle in other people’s affairs.”
Rena made a helpless smile at Add’s stern reaction.
“I know I’m meddling too much here but you have to promise me this one thing. No matter what
happens, don’t do anything that would make them cry.”
“…..”
Could it be that she…. Knew of Add’s plans? Add winced inside and stared at Rena but she just
continued to smile beautifully.
While Add didn’t care too much about it, Rena was honestly very beautiful. Her gorgeous
appearance would catch anyone’s attention. Her body expressed those very feminine curves and the
most charming part about her was how she created an atmosphere that put people around her at
ease.
Any guy would fall for her…
“If you can keep this one promise I’ll always be on Add’s side. Easy right?”
“Kukuk.”
Add thought for a while then nodded as he grinned. He didn’t know how much Rena knew. But
when Add decides to execute his plan, it would only be after he had made all the necessary
preparations.
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An empty promise like this, it didn’t matter at all.
“Alright, I’ll try to do that much as possible.”
“Okay, I like kids that work hard.”
Rena patted then pet Add’s head.
She acted so naturally that Add momentarily lost his timing to get angry as he stared blankly for a
while. Then he finally frowned and pushed her hand away.
“Don’t treat me like a kid.”
“It’s because I’m proud of you. Proud.”
Rena continued to smile brightly and Add lowered his head to avoid her gaze. There was a saying
‘you won’t be able to spit on a smiling face’…. Rena was a very good example of this.
You could say that she had the potential to make others never be able to get angry. If Eun from
before was an unreadable type because she was too suspicious, in contrast Rena had a strange
charm where she made others get along with her and let their guard down.
What startled Add the most was that he wasn’t reluctant about this. Add even felt that if it weren’t
for his ‘goal’ it wouldn’t be bad to obediently go along with what Rena said.
“Stop wasting time and let me speak to that bandit. But I’ll meet with him alone.”
“Hmm. I’m curious too, can’t we meet him together? There’s no word from Raven so far.”
“This is my speciality. You’d just get in my way.”
And I won’t be able to torture.
When Add spoke strongly, Rena resigned in disappointment and stood up. Rena should easily be
able to negotiate a meeting for him and Banthus alone.
Then get the information about Nasods and use that as a bait to get Eve…..
Add was making a satisfied smile when the door of the inn opened. A person entered the inn.
Middle aged man with a good appearance looked around. His expression brightened when he found
Rena.
“Huh? Mr.Hoffman?”
Rena’s eyes widened as she was just about to go out to meet him. Hoffman approached Rena with a
very nervous expression and spoke.
“I have something to talk to you about.”
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“I don’t know what that is but I think I should listen to it as well.”
Add spoke coldly while putting his legs on top of the table. Add raised his arms behind the chair and
stared at Hoffman with a haughty expression.
It was to get the higher stance on the conversation.
“You wouldn’t say no right?”
“Who’s this boy….?”
Hoffman didn’t show any change in expression at Add’s arrogant att.i.tude and asked Rena. Rena
answered without any hesitation.
“He’s one of my comrades. I don’t know what you’re here for…. But if you are about to make a
request to the El Search Party I think it would be best if we all listened together.”
“Hmm, I think so too.”
Hoffman thought for a moment then he nodded in agreement.
In the bedroom that the guys of El Search Party were using which was originally meant for 3 people,
Hoffman and the entire El Search Party sat facing each other. Hoffman was being extra cautious of
his surroundings closing the windows and checking the locks.
“That’s enough, there’s no one listening except for us.”
Add couldn’t bare Hoffman’s overly cautious att.i.tude and used the Dynamo’s scouting mode. In this
mode, Add will be alerted to any other presences nearby.
“Alright….”
Hoffman sat and examined each of the El Search Party members. Everyone besides Rena looked
like they were in the age of tens….. Honestly, to Hoffman’s eyes they were bunch of kids.
But they defeated the Banthus bandits and did look quite skilled. A drowning man will pluck at even
a straw. Hoffman decided he had no other choice.
“Actually there’s a problem in this town.”
“You mean the taxes?”
Rena must have heard something from Hoffman when they met before.
“That’s right. Wally, the lord of Elder castle is issuing unreasonably high taxes. Market prices in the
town are a mess; everyone’s having a miserable time.”
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“So that’s why juices were so expensive.”
Add murmured and Eve also nodded. Ara who had drunk the juice together with them was late in
showing her surprise and Elsword…..seemed bored as he was on the verge of falling asleep.
Hoffman diverted his attention away from Elsword and continued to explain.
“Not only that…..he’s forcefully taking all the young girls in this town to his castle.”
“Ah, something did feel off….”
“What are they doing by taking all the girls?”
“Oh, I know! That’s…. hmm.”
The girls all reacted differently and amongst them Ara stalled her words. She thought hard for a
while then finally shouted with a s.h.i.+ne in her eyes.
“Lavish obscene parties! I heard all guys like that! I heard they all want to have it!”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Ehem! Ara, not all guys are like that. Not Raven, nor Mr.Hoffman here.”
Rena corrected Ara then looked at Add.
“And of course not Add right?”
“…..Kukuk, stop with the useless talks. So they are taking all the young girls? The discontent
amongst the citizens must be quite substantial.”
Add had remembered how he had not seen any young girls in Elder’s streets earlier today.
With so many people, Elder must have its own complicated issues as well.
“So the lord is being ruling by tyranny. Why come to us? Do you want us to go nag the lord to not
to be so bad?”
“The town’s become too impoverished and we who’ve lost our wives and daughters decided we
can’t live like this anymore. We plan to overthrow the castle’s lord Wally.”
Hoffman declared solemnly then he bowed deeply towards the El Search Party.
“Please, lend us your strength.”
“Kuku, obviously we’ll….”
Add laughed as he was about to decline when.
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“Understood.”
“Lavish obscene parties are enemy of women! I’ll defeat them for sure!”
“We’ll help much as we can.”
The girls all agreed at once. Elsword was still sleeping.
“Thank you! With your help, the citizens will also be able to bring out more courage!”
“Wait, I didn’t agree ye…..”
Add who was about to propose a counter opinion was met with cold stares from the girls.
“Are you saying you’ll abandon the girls that were captured?”
“That’s so harsh Mr.Add! We should obviously help!”
“Hm, Add. Even big sis thinks that’s a bit harsh.”
Add was startled when he was showered with differing intensities of criticisms. If the more rational
Raven was here he would be able to help Add by giving a neutral opinion….. But he was not here.
Elsword was still sleeping; he probably won’t be of any help even if he was awake.
No, since when did Add start relying on someone else’s help? You couldn’t be relying on others to
get through obstacles.
Humans always have to solve their problems alone by themselves.
“Kukuk, I know you’re all worked up but listen to what I say.”
Add was the only one here that could rein in the party right now.
“Even if Wally is a tyrannical ruler he’s still the castle’s lord that’s been approved by the kingdom.
Do you think it is right for us to punish him just because we want to? Shouldn’t there be a proper
procedure for these kinds of things?”
“Uuu, th, that’s….”
Ara made a troubled expression and couldn’t argue back. Add continued and turned to Rena this
time.
“Since this is a big matter, it’s important to ask for opinions of people that are not here right now.”
“It you’re talking about Raven he will no doubt approve.”
“But we still need a confirmation. Overthrowing the castle’s lord isn’t something trivial.”
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Rena frowned when Add argued logically but she didn’t speak back. After two consecutive victories,
Add turned to Eve who was the only remaining opposition.
“This is a matter of humans. Is there a reason for a Nasod like you to get involved?”
“There’s none.”
Add nodded proudly to himself when Eve answered while closing her eyes. They were dangerously
close to getting involved in some weird business but Add had managed to stop them. He felt proud
of himself.
‘……but couldn’t I steal Eve’s Core during the ensuing chaos?’
A thought went through Add’s mind for a moment but that was a dangerous venture. There was no
way to turn back if things got out of hand and Eve was to break.
No, there was a way to turn back…. But it was way too risky.
“But even if this is a matter for humans I don’t plan on leaving this be.”
“What?”
“I know how painful it is to lose members of your own kind.”
When Eve spoke decisively, Ara also stood up resolutely.
“Abiding by the laws is important too but this isn’t right! We have to rescue the people that were
captured soon as possible!”
“Hm, I’ll explain it to Raven later.”
Rena also erased her doubts and turned back to the agreeing side. Everything went back to point
zero after a single word from Eve. Add was so taken aback that he couldn’t even argue back.
This is other’s problem. Not only that, but it was clearly dangerous…. Why would you even
volunteer for it? Even if they manage to not get hurt during the battle, they could become wanted
criminals if things were to go wrong.
“This is….”
When it looked like he couldn’t stop them anymore, Add half gave up and asked for confirmation
from Hoffman.
“Fine, but before that, let me see that bandit boss. I need to figure something out from him before
we do this.”
“…..If you mean Banthus, people came from the castle and took him into custody.”
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“What?”
Add couldn’t believe what he just heard. His calculation was off. Of course, taking Banthus would
be the proper procedure. But he didn’t think they’d take him away even before the day had pa.s.sed.
Wasn’t this a suspiciously quick response from the castle? As if they had already known the El
Search Party would capture Banthus bandits…..
‘….I’m probably thinking too much.’
There was no way such a thing was possible in ‘This age’. Add grinded his teeth while clenching his
fist. Then there was no choice left but to go to the castle directly and meet with Banthus.
But from what he had heard so far, Wally the lord of the castle seemed like a greedy and impudent
person…. There was no way he’d let Add meet with Banthus.
In the end, Add will have to resort to force.
“Dammit, Fine. If that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll turn the castle upside down along with that lord.”
Add spoke in a sinister way but Ara made a bright smile in response.
“Mr.Add, so you also opened your eyes to heart of justice!”
“For you to be willing I’m a bit surprised.”
“If you rescue the girls you’ll be able to get many thanks from them. Maybe there will be some
pretty girls amongst them?”
Annoyed, Add ignored the reaction from the girls and asked Hoffman menacingly.
“So what’s the plan? You’re not going to tell me we’re going to blindly face them straight on right?
Even if citizens of this town were to blindly rise up with swords and spears, there’s no way they’ll be
a match for the castle’s soldiers. Or could it be that you’re going to ask us to defeat them all for you?”
“O, of course not. There’s a path that you can use to infiltrate into the castle. I’d like your group to
go through there…… and rescue the captured girls.”
Add wasn’t very convinced of Hoffman’s words but nodded.
It seemed there was no way he could stop the others now, then he might as well go meet with
Banthus during this job and torture him to make him spit out the truth.
“Fine, then….”
“Yawwwn.”
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With a long yawn, Elsword opened his eyes while stretching his arms. After yawning with his mouth
open widely, Elsword rubbed his eyes while looking around.
“What? Is it time for breakfast already?”
“It’s still night. And stop opening your mouth rudely like that. It’s unsightly.”
Elsword ignored Eve’s nagging and stood up as he grabbed his sword.
“Then let’s go.”
“To where Mr.Elsword?”
Elsword spoke without an inch of hesitation.
“I heard there’s someone up to no good. Let’s go blow him up into bits.”
“Yes! Let’s!”
“Eve is battle ready.”
“Everyone pack your things.”
When everyone stood up, Add muttered.
“It’s late today, let’s sleep for tonight and leave tomorrow after coming up with a strategy.”
Add didn’t approve of this at all but it was already too late to stop this flow of events.
Underground Waterway.
After accepting Hoffman’s request, the El Search Party moved into the Underground Waterway so
they could infiltrate into the Wally’s castle.
“Ugh, it’s so damp….. and it smells really bad.”
“It can’t be helped.”
“Oh, look there’s a boot floating around.”
The other members were chatting casually but Add who was walking in front of them didn’t say
anything. Well, it was also partly because Add moved by standing on his floating dynamos so he
couldn’t get wet.
‘…..No matter how many times I think about it it’s strange.’
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At that moment Rena who was moving in front of the group looked like she was slowing
down….then she was now walking besides Add. She whispered to Add so the others couldn’t hear.
“Are you worried about something?”
“It’s nothing.”
“……Hm, perhaps you didn’t want to do this after all?”
Add shook his head when Rena asked worriedly. At first Add had thought this was a bothersome
task so he tried to stay out of it. But now his thoughts had changed.
“It’s because the events are turning out too strangely.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“Banthus. At first I thought he was just someone insignificant but the problem is getting larger.”
“How is it precisely?”
“When we caught him, the castle’s lord took him away as if he was waiting for us to. He was taken
away in no time that would have taken for standard procedures. It was as if Wally had known we’d
catch and bring him here.”
“You think……..the castle’s lord is suspicious?”
Rena asked after thinking deeply to herself but Add didn’t answer her. Instead he increased the
output of his Dynamo to move forwards faster.
Rena pointed out a logical fact. But what Add was thinking about was more illogical.
‘There’s no way.’
It wasn’t possible. He was just over thinking it. Add started calculating again thinking about
everything that had happened so far.
Someone knew what would happen already and prepared beforehand…..
Ps.h.!.+
At that moment a sharp wind flew by Add’s ears making a s.h.i.+vering sound. Shocked, Add looked
back to see that Rena was aiming her bow.
Could it be that she just tried to hit him…?
“Did….”
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While Add was busy being surprised at Rena’s sudden attack, Rena calmly fired another arrow. The
arrow flying towards him finally woke Add up. As he was about to switch into battle mode…
“Uwaah!”
He heard a scream from far away. Rena’s arrows hadn’t missed Add. It was actually aiming for a
target that was hiding far away.
“Be glad Add. You might be able to find out the truth right now.”
Rena calmly fired an arrow and another scream was heard. Finally everyone else noticed the current
situation and prepared for battle.
“Everyone, be careful.”
Rena erased the smile on her face and attacked without hesitation.
“They’re faces we’ve seen before, they’re Banthus’ bandits.”
“What?”
Surprised, Add examined the person that was lying unconscious after getting hit by Rena’s arrow.
He wore the same clothes as the people Add had seen in Banthus’ cave.
They had surely captured Banthus and all his minions, why were they now hiding inside the
underground waterway that led into the castle?
“As for why….. We should be able to find out by asking them directly right?”
Rena smiled again as she fired an arrow.
“Uwah!”
“Aggh!!”
Banthus’ minions attacked rather boldly but they were no match for the El Search Party.
“Ugh, the smell is getting worse…”
“A rat…. Unpleasant…”
Rather than the mobs of bandits, the condition of the waterway was getting in their way more. Add
who didn’t have any dirt on him thanks to him being able to float spoke in a stern voice.
“There’s a group of bandits in front of us. Looks like Banthus is there too.”
“Well then, shall we go ask him?”
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“Before that….”
Add was about to speak but stopped. Banthus who he had originally thought of as an insignificant
trash was turning out to be a rather persistent fellow… It was likely that he won’t reveal what he
knew easily.
Add was originally going to torture Banthus alone but things didn’t go as planned and now he had to
meet him along with the rest of the party.
“Are you worried about something Mr.Add?”
“I’ll blow Banthus away in one hit!”
“….Nevermind.”
Add trying to explain will just make things more complicated. Add shut his mouth and moved
forwards.
Dynamos Add had sent out for scouting had reported there were 20 bandits and Banthus waiting for
them. Banthus seemed to not know what was going on. He was lying on his side before he stood up
in surprise.
“No way! How did you guys get here?”
“…..Then why are you guarding this place?”
It would be correct to a.s.sume that their infiltration plan had been leaked…. But Banthus didn’t give
ear and laughed out loud.
“Kahaha!! They said someone will come this way so I was guarding here but to think that someone
will be you guys. This is great! I’ll get my revenge on you guys with this new Nasod arm that I got!”
Banthus held up his right arm to show the party. Surprisingly, unlike before, his arm had turned into
a machine.
“To call such a thing Nasod, I’m insulted.”
“Ah, isn’t that the same as Mr.Raven’s?! What should we do?”
“What do you mean? We just beat him up.”
“It’s not something I’d want in my collection…. But let me rip your entire arm off.”
The party talked leisurely to themselves despite Banthus’ gloating. But Rena, who would have
normally joined in on the conversation stayed quiet the entire time. Then she suddenly spoke in an
extremely low voice.
“….Then shall I start cleaning things up?”
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Rena fired rapidly without even looking at her targets. Banthus’ minions fell left and right each time
she shot. Banthus was surprised by this sudden attack and tried to order his minions to attack…..
“Charge!!”
But by the time he had finished speaking none of his minions were standing. Rena had cleaned up all
the minions with a frightening speed.
It was a display of skill that even sent chill down the spine of Add who was on the same side. Add
also had the skills to clean up all the bandits here without getting his hands wet. But he couldn’t do
it this quick and efficiently.
Drip!
It didn’t end with defeating all the minions. Blood was dripping down both of Banthus’ cheeks.
“Kuk”
After realizing the pain late, Banthus covered his cheeks with his hands and groaned in pain. Anyone
could tell that Rena hadn’t missed; she let the arrow graze on purpose.
Rena murmured in a low voice when both enemy and allies were frozen by this atmosphere.
“That’s nothing to gloat about…. Having such a thing attached to your body. There are also people
who suffer because of that.”
Rena narrowed her eyes and aimed her bow at Banthus again. This gesture said that she was going to
let it hit this time, Banthus’ face turned pale.
Banthus had gained the Nasod Arm and had recovered some of his self confidence. But Rena’s
unworldly skills with the bow…. He didn’t ever want to face it.
“That’s enough.”
At that moment, Add sent one of his Dynamos to block Rena’s sight. Add laughed in a low voice
when Rena quietly turned her eyes to look.
“I don’t know why you’re so angry but what are we going to do if you’re like this?”
“Hm. You’re right. Sorry.”
Rena accepted obediently and lowered her bow. Since Raven wasn’t here, Rena was currently the El
Search Party’s backbone and the leader…. She needed to maintain as much composure as possible.
A sigh of relief went through rest of the party when Rena withdrew her bow due to Add’s
intervention. The party members also had enough battle experiences to know that…..they were glad
Rena was on their side.
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They also promised themselves to never make Rena angry.
The awkward silence where Banthus was looking for a chance to run, Rena was keeping silent and
n.o.body else was talking continued. Add frowned.
This situation annoyed him somehow.
“Hey, Elsword. You go fight alone just like last time.”
“What? Me?”
“Why? You afraid you’ll lose? Did you win last time by pure luck?”
When Add laughed wickedly, Elsword instantly got riled up and headed towards Banthus by himself.
Banthus who was totally terrified by Rena’s marksmans.h.i.+p earlier frowned as he saw Elsword
approach him.
He knew that the El Search Party was taking him lightly but it annoyed him.
“How dare you….”
“If you win we’ll let you go. We’ll also give you funds to restart if you want.”
Banthus was about to say something but stopped after hearing the now more improved offer(?).
Add held up his hand to show Banthus.
“Instead, if you lose….. Tell me everything you know. What you did with the El you stole, and lots
of other things. I have many things I’d like to hear from you.”
“Kahaha. If it’s the El whereabouts I can tell you right now! I sold it to the castle’s lord Wally! I was
actually hired by him!”
Add who had suggested the offer was dumbfounded when Banthus revealed the information so
easily. Well Add could have guessed that already by how Banthus who’s been taken by the castle
authorities was now guarding the Underground Waterway…... But wasn’t there no advantage for
Banthus if he revealed this before they even fought?
But Banthus had already forgotten how scared he was by Rena. He was now feeling extremely
confident.
“You’ll become the first sacrifice for arm! Come at me brat!”
“Hey old guy, my name is Elsword!”
Elsword looked unsatisfied and swung his blade as he charged in first unlike last time.
Having a larger stature was usually an advantage in melee battles (even in a sword fight) so there was
no reason for Banthus to back off from this challenge.
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“Kahahah”
Believing in the power of his new Nasod arm, Banthus swung his sword in confidence.
Elsword started his sword fight with Banthus. Rest of the Search Party distanced themselves to
watch just like last time. Ara had her eyes open widely focusing as if she didn’t want to miss a single
movement, Eve was more composed but she was the same as Ara.
“Tch…..”
Add clicked his tongue because he had done something that was not like him. He just didn’t like the
awkward silence from before so he sent Elsword out to fight. But it was working better than he had
thought.
Elsword was unpleasant and unlikable to Add but he was a popular individual amongst this party.
Maybe popular wasn’t the correct term. Shall he say Elsword was the person of most interest in the
group? Add didn’t want to admit this fact but Elsword had the power to draw people’s gaze towards
him.
Even though he was the weakest, and to Add’s eyes was a mere simple and foolish child…. He was
favored by the rest of the group.
Unlike somebody else.
“Tch.”
Rena carefully came close to and stood beside Add who was trying to ignore Elsword and Banthus
clas.h.i.+ng swords.
Then she started to speak hesitantly.
“Um, I’m sorry. I was….”
“Don’t apologize. You’ll be admitting that you made a mistake.”
Add stopped Rena from apologizing while being careful so that the others couldn’t hear. When
Rena looked back with a startled expression Add tried to speak whatever that came to his mind.
“There are only troublesome kids in this group right now so it’s dangerous for you to get so worked
up. Just keep that in mind.”
Rena seemed to make a small sigh then nodded. Her face was red. She must have been embarra.s.sed
that she showed herself getting so angry.
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….Add was quite startled because he had never thought Rena would ever show a side like this. Rena
was usually kind to everyone, was easy to speak to and tried to care for Add who tried to keep
himself in the outskirts of the group. She knew how to handle Add very well.
She was a beautiful and overwhelmingly strong elf lady who was kind to everyone.
Honestly, Add was significantly fond of her and held her in high regards. That was why Add was
unsure of how to deal with her now that she was showing such a weak side like this.
But keeping silent was awkward too.
“Its fine long as you don’t do it again. Forget it.”
“…..”
Because of Rena’s gaze, Add was forced to squeeze out the words from his mouth. They were words
he had almost never said before so he stuttered to get it out. But the die had been cast.
“B, Because…… E, everyone makes… mistakes….”
“Pftt.”
“…..I didn’t say it to make you laugh.”
Add pouted because Rena had burst out laughing. It was awkward even for Add who had said it so
he didn’t have any strength in his reply.
“Yes, sorry. Add encouraged me for the first time and yet I ended up laughing.”
“Hmph…..”
Add folded his arms and continue to ignore. Rena stopped her laughter and asked in an uncertain
voice.
“Can you… keep this a secret from Raven?”
“….”
“I don’t want worry him.”
Add purposely made a loud sigh and continued to stare forwards. Not giving eye to Rena beside him.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Everyone else will probably be the same.”
Ara is slow but good natured so she wouldn’t go out of her way to mention past events. Raven and
Eve were uncomfortable with each other so that’s cleared.
Elsword was an idiot so he wouldn’t even remember that Rena ever got angry.
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“Yes, Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything that deserves thanks. Kukuk.”
Add was ignoring Rena and was watching the fight between Elsword and Banthus. But his mind
wasn’t focused on the fight. He was thinking of something else.
‘…..was it because of that left arm Nasod?’
Just like Elsword and Eve, Rena and Raven were also traveling together before they joined the
Search Party. He didn’t know what relations.h.i.+p the two had in detail. But it was rare for Rena to get
angry…. It was probably because she couldn’t stand Banthus gloating about his Nasod arm.
Because she was reminded of somebody else.
“….Kukuk.”
That’s so like Rena. While Add was letting out an ambiguous laugh, the battle between Elsword and
Banthus was reaching its end.
Clang!!
Banthus and Elsword’s blades came together with the sound of metals clas.h.i.+ng. This time they both
went at it with all the force they had trying end the fight right now. None of them backed off as they
clenched their teeth.
It this continued, the match would be decided by the difference in their strength. Even a three year
old would know that Banthus with a bigger build had the advantage.
“Hmph! You’re just a kid in the end…..Ugh!”
“Don’t look down on me because I’m a kid!”
Elsword shouted and Banthus got pushed back. Their engagement was broken and Banthus
stumbled to regain balance…… but Elsword’s blade was faster.
Clang!
With a clean sound of clas.h.i.+ng metal, Banthus’ blade flew into the air and rolled far away. Banthus
was devastated after losing his weapon and seeing Elsword point his blade at him.
“Okay. This is the end! I’ve won Banthus!”
“Uuughh!”
Banthus groaned in frustration. Between Elsword who was perfectly unscathed and Banthus who
panted heavily in exhaustion, it was clear who had won.
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“That was so cool Mr.Elsword!!”
“That was rather impressive.”
Elsword let the compliments pa.s.s by and confidently asked Add.
“Are you still going to call me a coward?”
“Kukuk. Then I’ll call you an idiot.”
“What?”
Elsword was about to get mad when Eve raised her voice.
“It’s a high energy reaction. Be careful.”
“Huh?”
Shocked, Elsword looked in front of him to see Banthus who was lowering his stance. Then
Banthus let out a shout.
Boooom!
Surprisingly a laser shot out from the necklace Banthus was wearing. The physical enhancement
from the Nasod Arm wasn’t everything. Banthus had prepared this kind of trump card too.
“Ha!”
But Elsword shouted in response and backed off with an unbelievable dexterity dodging the laser’s
entire trajectory. For Banthus it was an attack that took everything he had even using the chance
where Elsword had let his guard down. But it didn’t work at all.
“How….!”
“Are you done? Then it’s my turn!”
Elsword shouted as he dove into Banthus. Banthus panicked and tried to back off as the distance
between them shortened all of a sudden. But Elsword’s shout came faster.
“a.s.sault Slas.h.!.+”
Elsword had approached Banthus in an instant. He gathered all the forward momentum into the
edge of his blade and made a sharp stab. Banthus hurriedly tried to block with his metal arm but.
Crack!
Surprisingly, Elsword’s stab with all the force gathered into a single point pierced through
Banthus…and shattered his metal arm!
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“a.s.sault Slas.h.!.+”
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“Waaaaah!!”
With a scream, Banthus’ arm was shattered.
Eve and Ara congratulated Elsword for his perfect victory. Add of course didn’t say anything and
examined Banthus.
First to confirm if he was still alive, Add couldn’t have him die before getting the information out of
him. His wounds weren’t serious. Maybe it was because he blocked Elsword’s attack with a metal
arm.
Next, examine the broken metal arm. Eve had discredited it but it didn’t have bad durability. Its
feature was purely to increase the user’s physical ability but having a lot of features didn’t always
mean it was a good design.
“Hmmm…..”
There was no doubt that left arm Nasod, Raven’s arm was much more complex and superior to this
one. But the fact to pay attention to was that Banthus had appeared with this arm in such a short
time, in less than a day.
“Don’t pretend to be asleep. Get up.”
Add manipulated his Dynamo to send a light electric current through Banthus. Banthus who was
lying down hopped back up like a shocked frog.
“Huff, Huff…. W, what was that?”
“Kukuk, Stop overreacting. I adjusted it so there wouldn’t be any harm to the body. Of course, from
now on I’ll make sure there is harm to bodily functions.”
Banthus turned deathly pale after hearing Add’s words. He actually knew very well that the El
Search Party had been going easy on him.
Still…. even if they were strong they were still kids. They wouldn’t do anything horrible….was what
Banthus had thought. But there was sign of madness in Add’s smile.
“Nevermind. I’ll question you later and start off with the electric torture. I’m quite curious about
how much increase in endurance human combined with Nasods have.”
“Uuuuugh…..”
“Try to endure for a long time. I need the data.”
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Add spoke without a care and was about to manipulate his Dynamos. But Eve approached in a
stroke of bad timing.
Add wasn’t pleased at how his experiment was interrupted but gave up on manipulating his
Dynamos. Eve was his true goal and there was no harm in delaying his experiment.
“Who is it that turned your arm like that?”
“T, that’s…..”
Eve asked the next question when Banthus didn’t answer.
“The Nasods you commanded before were strangely contaminated. How are you related to them?”
“I, I don’t know much about this! I’m serious!”
Eve responded calmly to Banthus who was shaking his head frantically.
“Then tell me what you know.”
“Some woman, a suspicious woman…. Helped me. She said she’d help me!”
“That woman provided you with the Nasods last time, and now made your arm like this?”
Add had taken a step back when Eve started her interrogation. Add burst out laughing. Eve was
stubbornly refusing to call Banthus’ arm a Nasod.
“What’s so funny?”
“No, continue. Kukuk…..”
“…..”
Eve looked very insulted but returned to questioning Banthus.
“Am I correct?”
“Y, yea! I don’t know her name, since she didn’t tell me. But…. She was a demon.”
“…..Demon?”
Everyone was surprised at the sudden appearance of that word. A demon provided such favors to a
mere bandit?
Banthus and Demons, those two words didn’t fit together no matter how much you thought about
it.
“You better not be lying….”
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When Add asked threateningly, Banthus’ face turned pale again as he shook his head. He must have
realized Add’s attempt to torture him before wasn’t just a simple threat.
“I’m telling the truth! I don’t know who that woman is or why she did this to me! I just thought it
was a good bargain!”
“Did that demon say anything else?”
When Eve asked calmly Banthus now thought deeply.
It wasn’t intended but Add was playing the bad cop that threatened and Eve was playing the good
cop that got information.
“……D, I don’t know what she meant but she said it was D’s orders.”
“D?”
“Must be her superior.”
Eve nodded calmly. She seemed slightly surprised by appearance of the word Demon but regained
her cool composure quickly.
“Understood. Then you can now go back along this path with your men. City’s militia will be waiting
at the entrance.”
“C, Can I really go?”
Banthus looked extremely scared. He was so confident when he was fighting against Elsword earlier.
Now that his arm was broken, he seemed to have lost all confidence.
“Not alone you’re not. Ara!”
Soon as she was called, Ara who was talking with Elsword instantly ran towards Add. Add gave
directions by gesturing with his chin.
“Take these guys to the entrance of the Waterway. Come back after you hand them over to
Hoffman and the militia.”
“Yes! Will do!”
Ara accepted the order without any complaints. But Eve seemed a bit concerned.
“….Will that really be fine?”
“Kukuk, is there a problem?”
Add raised his lips. Eve spoke in a low voice.
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“Things might go wrong so it would be better to send one more person with her.”
It was a correct indication. Ara was strong but she was clumsy. It was unsettling to send her by
herself.
But by the elimination rule there was not enough people to send along with Banthus. Eve was the
most important figure to Add so she was out, and Add didn’t want to be separated from Eve either.
Elsword was a brat… and under normal circ.u.mstances Rena would have been trustworthy but
didn’t she waver earlier after looking at Banthus’ right arm?
Of course she’d suppress her emotions quickly and react properly….. But leaving Banthus to her
was a really bad taste.
So after filtering through the elimination rule, the only remaining person for the job was Ara.
“Just hand them over to the militia then come back.”
“Yes, I will!”
“….Will she be alright by herself?”
Eve sounded rather worried but Add wasn’t worried. Even though Ara seemed slow and clumsy she
had a trump card as well.
If something were to go wrong, that wicked frost fox will probably take care of it.
“Then rest of us will move forwards again.”
Demons Banthus had mentioned were hanging on Add’s mind but they had to finish the job they
started.
The party arrived at the castle’s outskirts after pa.s.sing through the Underground Waterway. They
decided to rest for now behind a stone fence that looked difficult to spot. Ara hadn’t come back yet
and the day was getting darker.
“Wouldn’t it be better to move when everyone is sleeping?”
“It’s still early evening. It’s better to move at dawn.”
Elsword nodded when Rena explained calmly. El Search Party were sitting on a stone floor when
the cold wind breezed past them.
“Aachuu! Uuugh cold….”
“Temperature is low.”
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“Hm, if we want to move at dawn it would be better if we got some sleep…….. But I guess it’s too
cold for that huh?”
Hearing the group talk, Add placed his Dynamos in a triangle and lifted another one up to create a
tetrahedron field.
“It’s an optical camouflage mode. You can now light a fire.”
“Oh really?”
“Really?”
Others looked at Add’s Dynamos in amazement. No one could see inside this tetrahedron field
made by Dynamos when looking from outside.
“To maintain an optical camouflage using such a small tool…that’s rather impressive. Of course
Nasods can also do this much with ease.”
“Kukuk.”
Add laughed after hearing Eve’s half-praise. It didn’t feel bad having her acknowledge the Dynamos
he developed.
The group had little worry of being detected now thanks to Add’s Dynamos. They managed to light
a campfire and have a light meal. Then as Rena had suggested, they decided to sleep so they could
move at dawn.
Of course, they were still in enemy territory so they couldn’t be careless even with the optical
camouflage. So they decided to take turns looking out.
1
st lookout was Add.
“Phew….”
When everyone was inside their blankets and was sound asleep, Add clenched his fist and opened
them. He met Banthus and found out his story. But doing so had only increased the number of
questions.
“I don’t think that man had the intelligence to lie.”
“….Kukuk, you weren’t asleep?”
Add was surprised to hear someone speaking to him but didn’t let it show. Eve removed her
blankets and moved to face Add across the campfire.
“Sleep isn’t a necessary function for me.”
“Right. You’re a Nasod.”
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While Eve didn’t look different from humans at all….she was a Nasod. A masterpiece that was built
with such advanced technology that she had completely captivated Add.
“If I may continue, that foolish man didn’t lie.”
“He probably didn’t.”
Add also nodded in agreement. If Banthus had wanted to lie, he would have made it more
believable…..
Banthus wouldn’t have got caught so easily inside the cave if he had the ability to freely manipulate
the Nasods. He must have gotten them from somebody else.
And that somebody else were the Demons, this did somewhat make sense.
“I didn’t hear anything about Demons being in Elder, but I’ll have to believe it for now.”
“Kukuk that explains why the castle’s lord took all the Elder’s women. Demons must have
requested it.”
Add was enjoying himself now that he was talking alone with Eve.
“So organizing the information so far, Elder castle’s lord Wally joined up with the Demons and he
needed a human underling. That’s why he hired Banthus and gave him the Nasods for support just
in case. After that he even provided him with that arm.”
“Why did he pick such a lame person to be his underling?”
“There’s no use trying to figure everything out in detail.”
Add summarized the situation.
“I can’t even begin to imagine who this ’D’ that demon mentioned is, but everything will become
clear when we catch Wally and shake him up a bit. Then we’ll be able to find out the unknown
technique he used to contaminate the Nasods. Kukukuk.”
Eve seemed to nod silently then stared straightly at Add.
This was the first time Eve who was always repulsed by Add’s one-sided stares stared at Add directly.
“…..Do you have something you want to say?”
Add became excited and hesitant at the same time at Eve’s unusual reaction.
“I want to ask you something.”
“Kukuk, ask anything you want. But, I’ll ask a question in return after.”
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He was all for this kind of game. Who created Eve, what she was made of, her power source, her
Core’s features, how many codes she had, about her emotion circuits…. Things he wanted to know
about her was infinite.
“What is your motive?”
“What?”
“I asked for your motive.”
Eve said coldly. The waving from the campfire made shadows across Eve’s face.
“What’s your reason for joining the El Search Party?”
“That’s….”
Add had joined because he was mesmerized by Eve whom he had encountered by chance. Now he
wanted to obtain Eve’s Core.
“All of the El Search Party members have a goal. Ara Haan wants to return her brother who turned
into a demon back to normal, Raven wants to atone for his sins, Elsword wants to become stronger
and surpa.s.s his sister and Rena is partic.i.p.ating because of her race.”
“Kukuk, you’re not mentioning yours.”
“I’m traveling together in order to rebuild the Nasod civilization. I need the El to do that.”
Eve replied in a tone that said she had nothing to hide. Add was surprised at how easily she had
revealed her goals.
“Answer.”
“……Kukukuk.”
Add pondered while laughing. But he couldn’t think of an answer immediately. What should he say
to get her to believe?
If he answered truthfully by saying he was after Eve’s Core….. It was obvious Eve would start to
become extremely wary of him. Plans Add had made so far will all be ruined.
But it didn’t seem like any story Add made up on the spot would be enough to fool Eve.
“You don’t have to say it if you don’t want to.”
“Wait….”
It would be better to earn Eve’s trust. Add ended up recalling old memories because he pondered
too much.
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“I have someone I want to save.”
As he spoke, Add instinctively clenched his fist. This wasn’t an act to fool Eve.
“To save that person I need power. An unmatched power. That’s why…. I’m traveling with you
guys.”
“Is that person important to you?”
It took a long time for Add to nod in response. Old memories flowed back at once, all the rage and
despair he had felt back then was coming back.
“You don’t have to say any more.”
It could have been just Add’s imagination but Eve’s voice had become slightly softer. Add shook his
head to shake off the past memories and emotions. Then he grinned coldly at Eve.
“Kukuk, now it’s time for my question.”
“I already answered by revealing my goals.”
“That doesn’t count as a question. You just told me on your own.”
Eve didn’t seem pleased but moved her head up and down slightly.
Finally a historical moment where he can do whatever he wanted with Eve….. No, it was actually a
rare chance where he got to ask Eve whatever he wanted.
Add couldn’t hide his excitement and quickly ran numerous calculations in his head. How? What
should he ask that will help him in his future plans? Or should he just ask something he’s curious
about?
Eve had significant pride as a Nasod. So if Add beckoned that side of her he could even get multiple
answers from a single question. Eve’s eyes slightly became colder when Add pondered for a long
time
“….This is a bit unpleasant.”
“I’m just thinking about it really carefully.”
“Ask within 10 seconds.”
Eve declared and started counting quietly. Add suppressed his agitation and repeatedly questioned
himself quickly about the direction his question would take.
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1. Ask about Eve’s technology. His l.u.s.t for knowledge will be satisfied, it will also help in his
‘research’.
2. Ask about Eve’s battle capabilities. He can use this information when he steals Eve’s core
later.
They were both very desirable. While Add was struggling to choose, Eve’s voice had already counted
up to 8.
“9.”
“What relations.h.i.+p do you have with Elsword?”
It must have been an unexpected question because Eve’s eyes opened widely…. But that was also
same for Add. Add was so shocked that his fingertips were shaking and his vision was turning
yellow.
No! Why did he ask about Elsword using this great chance?! He wanted to change his question by
turning back time.
Eve calmly replied as Add sat stunned with his mouth open because of what he just said.
“I don’t know what you mean by that but I won’t let you change your question.”
Blocking Add off from changing his question, Eve looked troubled thinking up an answer.
Add after blowing this great chance blamed himself and admitted his failure. But he quickly changed
his negative att.i.tude. The chance was already gone but he could maybe use this information.
Like using Elsword as a hostage to make Eve give up her Core on her own. He could use these
kinds of tactics.
“To borrow words from humans…. He said he’ll be my friend.”
“Friend?”
“Of course I didn’t accept. It’s just what he said on his own.”
Eve answered coldly then stole a look back at Elsword who was sound asleep. There was no way
Add could tell if her cheeks were slightly red because of the campfire or because of some other
reasons.
“Kukuk, that’s not enough….”
“This is the end of explanation.”
Eve cut off the issue refusing to talk any more about this matter. But Add’s mouth didn’t stop.
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“It’s hard to understand using such a simple word. Friends are only established in an equal
relations.h.i.+p. Do you think you and that sn.o.bby kid are equals?”
“I said I never accepted it.”
“If you wanted to, you could tear that guy to shreds in an instant. Just because humans travel with
dogs but you don’t call them friends.”
Hint anger started to show in Eve’s face as she listened to Add.
“That’s a very rude comparison.”
“Kukuk, it’s because you didn’t’ explain properly.”
Add knew his relations.h.i.+p with Eve would worsen very quickly if this went on….. But his mouth
followed his emotions and couldn’t stop. Why was that?
Was it because he had remembered the past he had tried so hard to suppress? Or was there some
other reason?
Add felt disgusted with himself but didn’t stop talking.
“Human and Nasods, There’s no way such a weak brat like that and you, the ultimate doll are equals.
Friends? Give me a break.”
“…..I don’t know where you’re getting at.”
Before long Eve’s gears were floating around her. A very hostile reaction, normally this would
extremely excite Add but he only got nasty feelings from it right now.
He didn’t like how she got this angry just because he had spoken lowly of Elsword.
“You’re the only one that thinks you’re friends……”
Slap! A gear flew past slapping Add’s cheek.
Eve didn’t say a word and quietly glared at Add…. You could tell without having to confirm that
she was furious.
Feeling the pain from his cheeks, Add twisted his lips and laughed. This was the end of their
conversation.
“It’s almost time for Ara to come back. I’ll go get her.”
Add stood up naturally almost as if the conversation just now never took place. He wanted believe it
was as naturally as possible.
He could feel the sting of her glare on the back of his head.
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“Kukuk.”
The castle’s outskirts. Add laughed in a low voice as he moved above the castle walls. It would be
bad if he was spotted by the castle guards but he didn’t care. Actually, Add felt like getting
discovered so he could go on a rampage.
Would that help him clear out this dark and cloudy feeling making his heart suffocate?
“I messed up a great chance….”
He only managed to buy Eve’s hostility rather than getting any information from Eve through the
question. To ruin such a chance that was clearly handed out to him, it was pathetic. But Add decided
not to beat himself up over it.
To be able to steal the core easily, it was correct to get on Eve’s favorable side and make her let her
guard down…. But things don’t always work out as intended.
Just like how Add hadn’t intended on coming to this age, or how he joined this strange group called
the El Search Party.
“Ah, Mr.Add!”
Add heard a bright voice when he was bathing in the night breeze in self-deprecation. When Add
continued to ignore the voice, he could hear the footsteps coming closer to him.
“Did you come to get me because I might get lost? Thank you!”
Since Ara didn’t know where the campfire was Add should guide her back. But he didn’t want to
head back right now. Ara asked worriedly when Add continued to quietly stare in front.
“Mr.Add is there something wrong?”
“Just a bit longer….”
Add turned around to tell Ara but his face stiffened. Just like before Ara’s hair had turned white, and
her eyes were dyed in red.
And the nine white tails.
“You are right now….”
“Ah, Mr.Add already spoke with Lord Eun right? Lord Eun hasn’t fully surfaced right now. I’m Ara.”
Ara explained while smiling. But this form of Ara’s was disturbing for Add. It was because Eun who
had appeared before Add in the same form was such an inconceivable existence.
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“I met with some soldiers on my way here. I ended up fighting so I had to borrow Lord Eun’s
powers a bit.”
“Turn back to normal.”
“Pardon? Huh? ....um Mr.Add?”
Ara asked with a confused expression.
“Lord Eun says she wants to speak with Mr.Add by herself. Would that be alright?”
“Tell her I decline.”
Add didn’t know what Eun was thinking but he wasn’t in any mood for conversation. Despite the
clear refusal Ara stuttered.
“Lord Eun told me to say that since Mr.Add ‘has more time than everyone else’ can he please spare
her some.”
“…..”
Add felt a sting in his heart and glared at Ara. Surprised, Ara shrunk after facing such a menacing
glare. But she didn’t go back on her words.
Add glared at Ara for a while before taking his eyes off her. All Ara did was convey the message,
facing her didn’t serve any purpose.
“Bring her.”
“I’m already here boy.”
Ara’s eyes seemed to narrow as she made a wicked smile.
Seeing a girl who was smiling innocently until just now make such a bewitching smile…. Add
couldn’t get used to it.
“Thank you for listening to my request boy. So where shall we start?”
“Before that….. Do something about that appearance.”
He couldn’t get used to her acting so voluptuous in Ara’s appearance. Eun laughed frantically at
Add’s words.
“Are you afraid that you might get bewitched by my charms? You don’t have to worry. I won’t eat
boy’s liver or anything.”
“I can’t distinguish you from Ara. Even if you’re borrowing her body, make it so you guys are
distinguishable.”
90
That Celestial Fox mode with white hair, red eyes and tails could be categorized into two states.
State where Ara’s consciousness was still intact and a state where Eun’s consciousness fully comes to
the surface. But the two states were indistinguishable by appearance.
At Add’s request, Eun seemed to ponder for a moment then snapped her fingers.
Then with a ‘poof’, two pointy fox ears appeared on Ara’s head.
“Are you satisfied now boy? I can keep going until you’re satisfied if you’re not.”
“Just what do you want to say?”
Add stiffly glared at Ara, no Eun.
He was in a very unpleasant mood right now. And such a suspicious being with an unclear motive
was smiling at him mischievously. This made Add uncomfortable and annoyed.
“I want to bask in the night breeze along with the boy. Is that not good enough of a reason?”
“If you’re going to say something meaningless I’m going to head back.”
Eun burst out laughing when Add was about to head back.
“Wouldn’t it be very uncomfortable for you to go back right now? Didn’t you have a fight with the
girl just now boy?”
“……”
A chill went down Add’s spine as he looked back. But no matter how Add glared at her, Eun
continued to make a smile that he couldn’t measure the depth of.
“Now are you willing to spend the night with me boy?”
“Just what is your motive?”
Ironically, he ended up asking the same question Eve had asked him earlier. Add asked menacingly
while unfolding the leftover Dynamos he had from setting up the optical camouflage. But Eun’s
wicked smile didn’t waver at all to the point where it scared Add.
Just what trick did she use to find out about the argument he just had with Eve? Can she see far out
up to thousand miles or something?
And she also knew how Add was after Eve….. For Add, Eun wasn’t something he could let his
guard down against.
“You don’t have to be so serious. Didn’t I tell you from the start? I’m on boy’s side.”
“…..”
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“I’ll help the boy obtain the girl. Isn’t that what boy wants?”
Eun who was borrowing Ara’s body held out her hand.
Add had thought about this before. To steal Eve’s core and obtain Eve it was better to have
someone in the El Search Party be on his side.
He had no reason to refuse if it was not the slow Ara, but Eun borrowing Ara’s body that wanted to
help him.
“Just what are you? I asked for your motive. Just what do you want from me?”
But she was too suspicious. There was no way she was saying she would help without any ulterior
motives.
“I want boy to ask for my aid.”
“I refuse. I’ll obtain Eve with my own strength.”
This was the second refusal. Eun was too suspicious of an ent.i.ty and there was no way for him to to
figure out her motives. He didn’t want to join up with such a being.
“That’s too bad….”
Eun made a thin sigh after having the hand she held out rejected again.
Instead of the bewitching smile she was making before, she made a laugh filled with vain. Then she
stared at Add regrettably.
“Boy will experience something cruel soon. Don’t hesitate to ask me for help when that time comes.”
“I won’t ever need your help.”
Eun slowly closed her eyes as Add coldly shot back. Then Eun suddenly opened her eyes wide and
looked around in confusion.
“Ah! Did you have a nice conversation with Lord Eun?”
“…….”
Judging by the way she spoke, it was Ara. Add was sure because although she still had the white hair,
red eyes and the tails, the fox ears that had appeared on her head earlier were gone.
“You can’t listen?”
Eun did speak about this before but Add asked just to be sure. When Ara was on the surface Eun
seemed to be able to hear the conversations that were going on. But Ara seemed to fall asleep when
Eun came to the surface.
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“I fall asleep because I lack training. I’ll have to train more.”
Ara scratched her head in embarra.s.sment as she waved her hand. Eun’s second proposal, saying
she’d lend Add her strength all of a sudden.
Also about how he’ll suffer something cruel.
A lot of things hung on Add’s mind but he decided to not think about them. It was a waste of time
to think about when he didn’t even know of her motive.
“Oh look its Mr.Phoru!”
“…..What?”
What nonsense is she talking about this late at night? Is she making fun of how Add had mentioned
Phoru inside the cave before?
Add turned towards where Ara was looking then opened his mouth widely in shock.
There really was a Phoru.
A Phoru was trying his best to climb over the castle wall.
“Hmph! Hmph!”
“Give it your best Mr.Phoru!”
Ara cheered for the Phoru with her fists clenched tightly. She seemed to have completely forgotten
they were here to infiltrate the castle. But Add was too shocked himself to stop her from cheering.
“What? I’ve been found out?!”
The surprised Phoru looked back because of the cheer(?) and find Ara and Add. The Phoru pulled
out his sword and then shouted.
“I’m the great bandit W