2. Beyond the Darkness
Midday, outer castle’s hallway.
“Are you alright Add?”
Add was cleaning the windows when he finally realized Eve had called him and turned his head
around.
“You don’t look too well.”
“…..Don’t mind it.”
Add was deep in thought about something else as he reviewed today’s situation.
Eve and Add got the window cleaning job again. Ara and Chung were washing dishes, Elsword was
working at the storage…..and Rena went to serve Chloe.
“I’m worried about Rena but I’m sure she can handle herself.”
“……”
They were in enemy territory. Every demon in the city will come attack them soon as they got found
out as the El Search Party. Rena was boldly trying to approach Chloe to find out more information
despite this risk.
Figuring out the reason for the demon invasion yesterday was a great accomplishment. It would be
all over if Rena was found out but Rena was reliable enough to entrust this task with.
“It’s not because of that……”
“Then what is it?”
Eve asked as she took her hand off the window. She slightly looked around the surroundings then
leaned on the windowsill.
“Let’s take a break for a bit.”
Eve was a Nasod so she didn’t have any concept of stamina. She didn’t get tired no matter how
much labor she did. Thus, her suggestion to take a break just now was out of consideration for Add.
Add realized this a moment later and his heart fluttered.
Certainly….Eve changed so much. Before the change, even if she knew that humans got tired she
would have glossed it over by saying something like ‘humans are so inconvenient’~. But now, she
changed to the point where she was the one suggesting that they should take a break.
50
Add also took his hands off the window and stood beside Eve. Other humans and demons pa.s.sing
by took slight glances at the two taking a break but no one said anything. They wouldn’t get paid
anyways if they didn’t meet the work quota….. Also, demons most likely didn’t care about
glamorization of the outer castle. So you had to say this appeas.e.m.e.nt policy was actually intended
for the Velder’s citizens so they could still make a living.
‘……It was probably Elesis’ idea.’
Add’s brain thought restlessly even while his body was resting.
“Was there any problem during the last night’s scouting? Ara told me nothing was wrong.”
“……”
Add had forbidden Ara from talking about the incident last night with Karis and Elesis by saying he
had his reasons. Add sighed after hearing Eve’s questioning.
“There’s something I’m troubled about.”
“You can tell me.”
“You don’t even know what it is.”
Eve’s tone just now was as if she will certainly solve it for him if he told her. Eve must have read the
meaning behind Add’s questionable gaze so she added.
“Your troubles can be solved if everyone gathered their strengths. “
“Kukukuk…. It’s not something like that.”
Add shook his head. The reason he forbade Ara from talking about the event yesterday
was…..Because it was way too strange when he thought about it again after a while.
How come Karis appeared in that exact moment?
It certainly didn’t feel like she was talking a night stroll. She came to look for an intruder. Add could
make couple of theories regarding this.
1. There is an alarm system that activates when someone approaches the overpa.s.s. Add would know
about this if it was made from science. But he wouldn’t know if it was magic.
2. There’s someone in the El Search Party leaking information to the demons.
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No.1 had the highest possibility. No.2…..was a serious problem requiring attention if you thought
about it objectively. There were already three members in this party that had their family member on
the side of demons. It was obvious for Add to be extremely suspicious.
“…….I’m stupidly soft too.”
But he absolutely couldn’t believe that Ara, Elsword or Chung would betray them. There was also
situational evidence that they couldn’t possibly have leaked information soon as Add went out last
night to scout….. Still, Add couldn’t deny that his belief that there were no traitors was more based
on his subjective opinion.
There is no way that there is a traitor in the El Search Party.
“I don’t think it’s a bad change.”
“What?”
Add got surprised and turned to look at Eve from what she said out of the blue. Eve spoke shortly
while looking only forwards.
“You also changed a lot since when I first saw you back in Ruben.”
“…..What? What?”
Eve’s continued her words and Add didn’t know what to do because his heart started beating loudly.
He couldn’t understand why Eve was suddenly saying this.
“H, how did I change?”
“That’s….”
Eve trailed her words then closed her mouth.
What evaluation did she have for him? Add suppressed his beating heart and waited for her to
continue speaking.
Just like Add had observed Eve all this time and had become amazed at her changes…. Had Eve
also been secretly observing Add as well?
“You’ve become more….”
“More?”
How did Eve think of him? He was curious.
“You’ve become more considerate about other people. Even just this morning, you repeatedly
warned Rena to be careful.”
52
Add’s face turned red and he couldn’t figure out how to answer properly.
“T, that’s because the entire mission will be over if that woman made a mistake! I can’t have you
guys ruin my perfect plan!”
“You also asked Chung to take good care of Ara.”
“That’s because that idiot is going to accidentally break some dishes for sure! It will all be over if she
draws suspicion from that!”
Add was thankful that no one else was here looking at them. He raised his voice to his heart’s
content while thanking this fact. Eve listened to him silently then answered.
“Much as you’ve become more considerate about others, you’ve become less considerate about
yourself.”
“……”
“Humans can get hurt easily. So be careful.”
To think Eve would say something like this? Eve added a reason as Add stared blankly.
“And you did actually get hurt the most.”
“No, that was…..”
Others had all died at least once. And Add knew of that future. That was why he tried his best to
change that result even while disregarding his own safety.
But to Eve who didn’t know about Add’s circ.u.mstances…… it must have looked like he was
throwing himself into danger without any hesitation for the sake of others.
“I don’t know what you’re troubled about. But if I can be of any help to you, you can talk to me any
time, Add.”
“…….”
“I’ll do my best for Elsword and the El Search Party.”
Add couldn’t figure out what to say so he just nodded silently. Then Eve started to silently clean the
windows again as if this talk was over. It looked like she was slightly embarra.s.sed.
But Add couldn’t notice this because Eve’s words were still ringing in his ears.
He was very close to accomplishing his goal of making Eve turn around to look at him. If he could
just finish this Velder liberation mission perfectly….
53
After an ambiguous feeling, antic.i.p.ation of the future to come and an excitement about his sweet
accomplishment had pa.s.sed. A new question was left behind in Add’s mind.
By combining the worry Add had since last night and his 20 million failures, a new 3rd theory that
wasn’t detection by magic or betrayal from within the group came into his mind.
For Add who possessed the power to turn back time to fail so many times, you had to say there was
a likely reason for it. Thus, either this was just like their problem with Elesis during their first battle
in Velder where the enemy was so powerful that they couldn’t win no matter how many times Add
turned back time, or….
Just like how Add had Eun who could look ahead into the future, there was someone amongst the
demons that had a similar power.
“Kukukuk.”
It was a nonsensical theory. El Search Party would have been annihilated long ago if something like
that existed.
Add stopped thinking and grabbed his cleaning rag. He didn’t intend to let Eve work by herself
because she was a Nasod that didn’t tire.
There was a familiar guest waiting for her when Chloe returned to her office.
After seeing Rena sitting on a guest chair waving her hand, Chloe pressed her hand on her forehead
and groaned.
“What….do you think you’re doing crawling in here without permission like this?”
“But they guided me here when I told them I wanted to meet Chloe.”
“……”
Chloe was at a loss for words as she glared at her subordinates standing nearby. Dark Elves were
numbly staring at Rena then got surprised from Chloe’s furious gaze and lowered their head.
“But general, I heard that she bathed together with you yesterday…..”
“And she said she was a friend of general Chloe…..”
No, why are they acting so embarra.s.sed as if they were confessing to someone of opposite gender?
When Chloe closed her mouth feeling dumbfounded, Dark Elves stared at Rena as if she was
blindingly radiant. They all let out a silent cheer when Rena noticed their gazes and lightly waved her
hand.
54
They were all befuddled looking at Rena. Isn’t this a same reaction as fans meeting a popular opera
singer?
“You’re all….”
No, Rena was a girl(of course, they bathed together yesterday) and her subordinates were girls as
well. So why did it turn into such a sticky atmosphere in here right now?
Of course, even to Chloe who was a Dark Elf, Rena was a very outstanding beauty. Chloe didn’t
think her own beauty was lacking (but didn’t things like beauty not matter to warriors?), but Rena’s
beauty was to the point where she could easily be called a G.o.ddess.
It was honestly vexing but she was indeed pretty. Her beauty was unparalleled even amongst Elves.
“You idiots! Hurry up and return to your posts!”
“Aww……”
“Are you going to talk to such a pretty Elf by yourself general?”
When the front most subordinate let out a sullen voice, Chloe got angry and kicked her shin. Dark
Elves realized that Chloe was angry and quickly left the room.
Chloe sighed and was about to sit down on a sofa but noticed the resentful gazes coming from her
back. When Chloe angrily looked backwards, Dark Elves peeking inside the room through a slightly
opened door got surprised and quickly closed the door.
“……such lack of discipline.”
“Hmm, I’m fine with everyone talking together.”
Rena smiled softly as she gracefully put down her teacup. ….. It was annoying but she was indeed
beautiful.
Feeling rebellious, Chloe frowned and put her legs on top of the table.
“Why did you come here? Didn’t you come to this castle looking for work?”
“You don’t need me for bathing a.s.sistant today?”
“……”
Chloe pressed her hand on her forehead again from what Rena said with an affectionate voice. She
called this Elf here yesterday because she was curious about why an Elf had come to the outer castle
looking for work….. She never would have guessed that she would be such a daring individual.
“Is there something wrong with your nerves? I thought Elves would loathe us Dark Elves for
a.s.sisting the demons in their invasion.”
55
“Ah, as I thought. You must regret invading.”
“……”
What’s with her way of talking? When Chloe scowled at her, Rena nodded as if she was relieved.
“I’m glad.”
“……What do you mean glad? Our talk should already be over.”
“Then shall we drink tea?”
Rena brought out a teacup from the drawer and put it in front of Chloe as if this office was her own
room then started pouring tea into the cup. Rena’s actions were as if she knew where everything was
already. Chloe was so dumbfounded by this that she snapped.
“Enough with the flattery. Don’t you have any pride? Elves wouldn’t normally act like this.”
“Hmm? Why do I need to care about pride when I’m having tea with my friend?”
“Friend?”
Did this Elf drink some lye up her nose while bathing yesterday? Chloe opened her eyes widely from
befuddlement but Rena was just smiling beamingly.
Chloe covered her eyes with her hand then made an aching groan.
Chloe did indeed think this Elf was unique yesterday. But seriously, how can such an Elf exist?
Weren’t Elves normally famous for being conceited and prideful? She couldn’t understand how
there was an Elf with such affectionate social skills.
Well, this Elf was impudent enough to walk into Velder sealed off by a spatial barrier. You couldn’t
expect her to act within reason.
“I’m telling you right now, I don’t have time to play around with you.”
“Then may I help you with your work?”
“……What?”
Rena answered refreshingly when Chloe continued to stare at her as if she didn’t hear correctly.
“Since I entered Velder anyways, I can’t go out unless the spatial barrier is gone. So I’d like to help
you.”
“…..Just what are you thinking? Do you think I’ll change my mind if you keep flattering me like
this?”
56
Chloe recalled the talk they had while bathing yesterday then clenched her fists. Her goal was to
change the El in Elrios into Dark El. She didn’t intend to be swayed by this Elf’s talk about
coexistence and harmony.
“Hmm, of course I’d be thankful if you did.”
Rena didn’t hide that she had such intentions. She smiled gently as she looked at Chloe.
“Chloe called for me yesterday because you wanted to meet me right? I also came to visit Chloe
today because I wanted to meet you.”
“……”
“Isn’t it a very rare opportunity…… for an Elf and a Dark Elf to sit face to face and talk like this?”
Chloe internally agreed as well. That was actually why she hadn’t kicked Rena out despite her
nonchalant approaches. If she really didn’t want to see her, she would have driven her away soon as
she saw her in her office.
“So you want me to let you help me with my work? Hmph, do you think you can handle it?”
“I heard that Dark Elves were in charge of keeping public order in Velder. I think I can also help
with preventing the Glitter soldiers from oppressing the citizens.”
“…..Alright, but I have a condition.”
Well, Chloe also had some interests about the Elves so it didn’t matter if she complied with Rena’s
request. But she suddenly felt like being mean.
It irked her to see Rena coming into her office so leisurely as if it was nothing.
“You also have to wear the clothes of us Dark Elves just like my subordinates. That’s the condition.”
“Ah, is that all?”
“…..”
Don’t you have any pride? When Chloe got befuddled and blankly stared at her, Rena seemed to
think for a moment then suggested.
“Umm, then can I wear the same clothes as the ones Chloe is wearing right now?”
“What?”
“I want us to wear matching clothes. Can I?”
“……It’s not like you can’t.”
57
Chloe ended up answering like that for some reason when Rena asked seriously. Rena clapped and
stood up with a happy expression.
“Then can you lend me some?”
“……Uh, okay.”
As if mesmerized, Chloe stood up to approach the closet and took out a single set of clothes and
handed it to Rena. Then Chloe got surprised and shouted when Rena started taking off her maid
uniform without any hesitation.
“You idiot! Why are you taking them off here?!”
“But there’s only Chloe here.”
“…..”
Ah, that’s right. And not only that, they even bathed together yesterday. Chloe got confused at her
own reaction but turned away when Rena continued to change as if nothing was wrong. For some
reason, it felt like she shouldn’t watch Rena change.
“How can there be such a shameless Elf……”
Overwhelming beauty that surpa.s.sed the Elf race and such friendly social skills… Chloe could
understand why her subordinates were so mesmerized by her. As Chloe suppressed her complex
thoughts and sighed, Rena spoke with a troubled voice from behind her.
“Umm, Chloe. I’m sorry but…..”
“What?”
“This one is too tight on the chest. Do you have a bigger one?”
“…….”
She’s such an incomprehensible Elf.
58
59
The day’s work was over. Add changed into his original clothes and stood on the outer castle’s
balcony by himself while staring down at the Velder’s streets. Velder city looked rather peaceful
despite the demon occupation.
And he could see the Velder Liberation Army standing ready far away. They will come running to
Velder outer castle soon as the El Search Party signalled them.
“…..This is not good.”
Today was day two. They almost had a complete understanding about the outer castle’s structures.
Amongst their enemies, ones that moved about often in the outer castle were Dark Elves and their
general Chloe. Elesis seemed like she was staying on the 3rd floor but she never came down. Other
generals weren’t coming out from the inner castle.
Thus, they just needed to take care of Chloe and Elesis to capture the outer castle. But…..
“What to do….”
What were they going to do if Ran or other generals came out from the inner castle? There was too
few information to formulate a plan. Just winging it to see how the future goes then turning back
time was also a way….. But that wasn’t too desirable.
Add didn’t want to try so lightly as if he was rolling a dice. He needed to become more cautious
since he failed so many times before.
“Are you troubled?”
Add looked back from hearing Rena’s voice coming from behind him then became very surprised.
Rena who wasn’t wearing a maid uniform but instead wearing an outfit that revealed a lot of her
belly and chest was approaching him.
“……What’s with that getup?”
“It’s a gift from Chloe.”
“……..”
She improved her relationship with a demon general so much in just two days? As Add was being
even more surprised by this, Rena stood on the balcony’s ledge platform beside him as she bathed in
the breeze. Wind blowing during twilight lightly shook Rena’s long hair.
She was indeed beautiful no matter how many times you saw her. When Add continued to look with
a feeling of staring at a beautiful painting, Rena brought up the topic first.
“I don’t think Chloe is feeling too great either. It’s mostly because her forces were greatly reduced
by Aisha. Chloe being stationed in the outer castle also seems more like her getting kicked out from
the inner castle.”
60
“……and she told you all of this so easily?”
“She wasn’t too strong with alcohol. I won.”
“…….”
Add hadn’t realized it until now but there was an unusual sweet scent coming from Rena. Add was
troubled about how to react when Rena suddenly stretched out her hand to pet his head.
“Our Add is a good boy.”
“……What are you doing?”
Add realized this late and quickly pushed her arm away. But Rena smiled beamingly as she ruffled
Add’s head with her other hand. Add couldn’t beat Rena in physical strength. She was also standing
on the platform’s ledge so pushing her away might be dangerous.
Add gave up resisting and glared at Rena with a discontent gaze.
Rena petted Add as if she was soothing a grumpy cat then smiled vaguely.
“Aren’t you going to scold me about why I left drunk and defenceless Chloe alone?”
“……You must have your own thoughts.”
Chloe was a general. Getting rid of her should make things much easier. But making use of Rena’s
sociability that even improved her relationship with Chloe to the point where she got clothes as gifts
and even hung out drinking together…….could be a good method as well.
But Add wasn’t too keen on it.
“And just getting rid of Chloe alone wouldn’t be enough. Our ident.i.ties will be revealed once we
start acting. So we have to finish everything in one go when we move.”
“Yes, thank you for believing in me.”
Rena smiled warmly after interpreting everything Add said as an excuse. She must not be a type that
behaves too much while drunk. She only looked tired and sleepy.
“Chloe seemed regretful about all of this…. So….I’ll try my best to convince her.”
“……”
“May I do that?”
Add clicked his tongue when Rena asked for his permission.
“Aren’t you going to do it anyways even if I said no?”
61
“I’d really like it if Add cheered me on.”
“Just be careful. Entire mission is over if you get found out.”
Rena nodded then suddenly hugged Add. Add got very surprised by this and tried to escape….. But
embarra.s.singly, he wasn’t a match for her in strength.
Rena laughed when Add who had his face buried in her chest stopped struggling.
“Thank you for worrying about me.”
“…..Just quietly go to sleep if you’re drunk.”
Rena started humming as if she was soothing a cat in her arms.
She must really be drunk. Add sighed internally but didn’t resist anymore. Because there was no
point in resisting……and because it felt warm.
Old memories surfaced in his mind without him realizing it.
“Thank you for worrying about me. I’ll do my best.”
Rena must have been satisfied because she let go of Add then staggered. It wasn’t like Rena to show
even a slight sign of weakness so Add added.
“Ask Eve to look after you if you are going to bathe.”
“Yes, alright. You should come down soon too Add.”
Rena left after saying this. When Add couldn’t hear her footsteps anymore, he sighed then looked up
at the sky.
Setting sun was dying the sky with an ominous crimson color.
“……There’s no good plan.”
But they might get found out if they spent too much time like this. Even if Chloe didn’t know the
Search Party’s faces….. Everything will be over if they run into Elesis by accident.
“There’s no other way.”
He didn’t like it but he had to borrow that fox’s power.
62
63
Night came to the outer castle. 30 minutes before the lights off signal where workers were forbidden
to move around the castle, Add brought out Eun and stood on the 2nd floor’s balcony.
Eun giggled as she looked up at the night sky.
“For boy to request a secret meeting with me at night like this, so a day like this can come too.”
“…..”
When Add continued to glare at her without an answer, Eun sulked then sighed.
“Aren’t you going to tell me to stop saying things that doesn’t make sense?”
“……Didn’t you already know that I’ll call you out at this point?”
“Haaah…….”
Eun seemed to make a bitter sigh then suddenly kicked Add’s shin. Add staggered and backed out
from the sudden ambush.
Add refused to yield and didn’t make any sound despite getting hit. It still hurt as if his leg was going
to fall off.
“Boy, didn’t I already tell you many times that I’m not all powerful or all knowing? You call a girl
out at night to make her heart pound then all you talk about is a suspicion that’s been already
resolved long ago?”
“You… shouldn’t be in a position to act so confidently in front of me right now.”
Add continued to glare at Eun. As expected from a fox, how can she be so shameless?
If Eun had been purposely withholding information from Add, then shouldn’t she at least be sorry
or feel guilt from it?
“Then what do you want from me? Because I was hiding information from boy, because I know all
the days that boy cannot remember…..Did you wish for me to feel some kind of guilt about it?”
“So shameless……”
“Then what does boy want? Do you want me to bow my head and apologize right now?”
Add closed his mouth when Eun snapped in anger. She looked like she was really angry…..and he
also didn’t know how to answer when she acted like she did nothing wrong.
“Should I apologize while bursting out in tears? Will you trust me if I do that?”
“At least…..”
64
“At least what? I should at least be feeling sorry? So there’s even a time when boy talks about ethics
and righteousness to me.”
Eun’s red eyes had a dangerous gleam. Add realized that she was seriously angry and unconsciously
prepared a defense formula on his Dynamos. Two of them hadn’t clashed so far, but Eun was more
powerful than Ara.
She could possibly be the strongest amongst this party.
“Phew….”
Thankfully, Eun must have calmed down because she closed her eyes then sighed.
“Boy must be thinking about countless things right now. About my true motives or if I’m plotting
something. I fully understand you suspecting me. I experienced situations like this many times
somewhere else…..and this isn’t the first time I heard about this from boy after all.”
“……”
“But I can’t help but to get angry every time I hear it. Please understand.”
Eun sighed then stretched out her hand. It was a gesture for reconciliation. But Add didn’t grab it
and asked Eun straightly.
“Stop trying to slither your way out of this again.”
“…..What do you mean?”
“You still haven’t told me why you kept this information hidden from me. You’re trying to slyly
change the topic. Don’t try to bury my question by suddenly throwing a fit of anger.”
“……”
Eun’s face seemed to stiffen from Add’s questioning then she made a low chuckle.
Sound of fox’s laughter flew across the night air.
“Boy is really smart. Amazing, really amazing.”
“It’s because your tricks are bad. Anyways…..”
Add shook his head and organized his thoughts. The negotiation starts here.
“You probably won’t tell me anyways if I asked why you hid it from me. You did say from the start
that you didn’t intend to tell me all the information.”
“Yes, I did.”
65
Eun smiled satisfyingly as if she was proud of Add for seeing through her trick.
Eun had already drawn the line that she wouldn’t reveal all the information back when Add asked
for Eun’s help in defeating the Shadow Master in Elder.
According to that bargain, it wasn’t like this issue was unacceptable.
“But there must be a reason why you told me now. It’s not like I trust you completely….. But I’ll
trust whatever you say regarding this situation.”
“Even if those words mean the same, can’t you say them more nicely?”
“Tell me how I can solve this situation. You should know how. The way for us to achieve our goal
in this Velder royal castle crawling with demon generals.”
“Huhmm…..”
Eun hummed then narrowed her eyes. Her red eyes had a whimsical gleam.
“Boy should already know the way and yet is asking me. Why are you asking me?”
“I thought about it all this time. But even if we can somehow take the outer castle…. What comes
next is the problem. We are already unsure if we can defeat just Elesis alone…….But there’s even
Chloe here. And there’s no hope if other generals come to help.”
“Boy should already know about ‘look one way and row another’ and about feint tactics.”
He obviously knew those. Draw attention from one side while accomplishing their goals from the
other side. But attempting such a thing in this Velder royal castle full of demon generals will…..
“Boy has a face as if you don’t want to say it yourself. Tch, I’ll say it for you instead.”
Eun withdrew her smile then spoke coldly.
“Give up on the others.”
“……”
“Root of boy’s problem is because boy is trying to achieve his goal while holding on to everything
and not giving up on anything. It’s now the time to throw them away.”
“Rejected.”
Add drew the line but Eun shook her head. She leaned her back on the balcony and smiled
voluptuously.
“Boy is trying to keep all of the other members alive. That’s why there’s a waste of effort. Can’t you
just abandon everyone except Ara to turn back time if necessary and Eve which is boy’s goal?”
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“……Don’t make me laugh. Why do you think I turned back time over and over again?”
Add spoke angrily but Eun mocked.
“So you can throw them away here.”
“……”
“In order to use them as expendables in this fight.”
Add clenched his fists at Eun’s words.
The reason Eun let Add rewind time to save people other than Eve, to save Elsword and Rena was
for this?
To use them as fodders in an actually difficult battle?
……If you just considered the effectiveness, Eun’s policy was correct!
“Alright, what will you do boy? I’ve watched boy’s failures all this time. I also know that boy is
determined to create a different result. That’s why I’m suggesting a way.”
“…….”
“Use other members as expendables. Isn’t everything okay long as boy can just achieve his goal?”
Add bit his lips. Eun’s words were……way too sweet. The reason Add couldn’t find a solution in
the first place was because he wasn’t trying to let anyone in the El Search Party die.
But things became much easier if he threw this away.
Throw Rena to Chloe, let Chung take care of Helput….and such. Add can break through this
situation easily like this.
“My goal is……”
“Don’t get confused. Boy’s goal is not in this time, it’s in the past. Wasn’t it boy’s desire to go back
to the past and meet with your precious person?”
Add didn’t remember telling Eun this…… But he must have told her in one of those times. Add
tightly clenched his fists from Eun’s words then sighed.
“How did me from last time fail?”
“Even four days straight wouldn’t be enough for that story.”
It meant that she wasn’t going to talk about it. Eun’s temptation was…..indeed alluring.
67
It did seem cruel, but Add’s policy of not letting anyone die in this battle against so many mighty
foes was absurd. Their fight against Ran had been dangerously close as well. They could only turn
things around because Ara awakened to Memory of Time and s.p.a.ce.
Search Party members could barely hold their own against even one of the demon generals. Keeping
everyone alive in this battle against multiple demon generals was honestly impossible.
Battle that ends with everyone safe and sound. This was a goal Add could set because he could
rewind time. But it had now reached its limit.
“El Search Party is a group that should have been annihilated long ago. But boy rewound time and
forcefully maintained it all this time. Am I right?”
“……”
“The time has now come to give up and let go. No, it would be more correct to say that you
endured through all the events so far for this moment alone.”
Add opened the fists he had been holding on tightly. Then as if representing its master’s feelings,
Dynamo discharged an electric current that tore apart the night air.
Pzzzzt!
“I refuse.”
“I don’t think it’s that bad of a suggestion.”
“If I was going to follow your suggestion…… I would have followed the first one instead.”
The first suggestion, Eun’s temptation was to turn back time again and again to obtain the present
where he successfully stole Eve’s core.
But Add refused that suggestion.
“I did things my way all this time. I don’t intend to withdraw my methods now.”
“That’s a troublesome stubbornness. Aren’t you curious about……why you failed all this time?”
“I’ll find another way.”
Add couldn’t accept this suggestion even if the reason for his more than 20 million failures was
because he had refused Eun’s temptation.
Time travel was a very powerful ability. There should have been nothing that Add couldn’t have
done if he set his mind to it. He could have already stole Eve’s core many times over. But Add
didn’t do that.
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He won’t let this end in a way that he couldn’t accept. Because Add had infinite amount of
time…..he wanted a result he could accept, using the method that he invested his time in so far.
“I’m almost there……”
“……”
Eun sighed then waved her hand.
“Boy really does as he pleases. You denying my thoughtful suggestion is making me not want to
cooperate with you anymore.”
“If you were going to change your mind just because I refused this suggestion….. I wouldn’t have
failed so many times.”
“……You’re way too smart.”
Eun clicked her tongue as if she wasn’t too keen about Add’s answer. What Add meant was that he
wouldn’t be standing in this place right now if his failure from before had occurred because he
refused Eun’s suggestion and Eun stopped cooperating because she got annoyed by this.
It was a complicated story….. But to summarize simply, Eun must have helped Add rewind time
countless times in the past.
She would have stopped cooperating long ago if she was going to change her mind from something
like this.
“I’m not fond of you…..But there’s no choice but to trust you right now.”
“Even if they are the same words, can’t you say them more nicely?”
No matter what happened, no matter what the result was, Eun hadn’t stopped aiding Add. Although
Add couldn’t remember, the reason why he could challenge this fight again was because Eun had
helped him all this time.
“So…..we’ll break through with a different method.”
“How exactly? I’m telling you right now, I don’t have any other methods in mind.”
“Tell me all of the possible futures you see. We’ll formulate a plan based on those.”
“Just like how you avoided running into Karis thanks to Ara?”
Add nodded when the event from last night was mentioned. Just when Eun frowned as if she was
really displeased, footsteps approached from behind.
“Big Brother Add, you were talking with Big Sister Ara here?”
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It was Elsword, he was drenched in sweat for some reason.
Add stared blankly at Elsword. Then Eun narrowed her eyes then suddenly made a bright smile.
“Oh my, Mr.Elsword. Why do you look so fatigued this late at night?”
“My body was aching so I trained for a bit. I did it in a way so I wouldn’t get found out so don’t
worry.”
“Ah, I see. You’re more thoughtful than you look Mr.Elsword.”
“……”
Add got dumbfounded and glared at Eun. He didn’t know what she was planning but it was
blatantly obvious that she was imitating Ara. Only the tone of her words was polite, its content was
insult.
But Elsword didn’t care too much and looked up at Add.
“I wanted to talk to you. Should I come later?”
“Mr.Add and I were talking about something important.”
“Just talk to me now.”
Eun gave a pretty wink but Add ignored her. He didn’t know what joke she was pulling but he
didn’t intend to play along with her.
“……Oh okay. Then let’s talk again later Mr.Add.”
Eun disguised as Ara spoke in a very sad tone then walked away while sulking. Elsword saw Eun
walk away then cautiously stole a look at Add.
Although, his gaze was so obvious that look annoyed Add even more.
“Umm….. Aren’t you treating Big Sister Ara too coldly?”
“Can’t you see those tails?”
“That’s Big Sister Ara’s ability right?”
It became bothersome to explain so Add waved his hand.
“Just say what you came here to say. Go to the others if it’s idle chatter.”
“Let me fight Big Sister.”
“We’ll have to fight her anyways. It won’t be long so just wait.”
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Elsword shook his head heavily then looked straightly at Add and requested.
“Let me fight Big Sister 1 on 1.”
“…..Are you crazy?”
Don’t all of the El Search Party members know how powerful Elesis is? Even though everyone had
fought together before, they could barely manage to bring out Elesis’ 2
nd form.
Letting Elsword handle Elesis by himself was basically telling him to go die.
Did this guy listen in on Eun’s suggestion? Add got troubled and quickly ran his brain but Elsword
looked serious.
“I’m also asking this after much thought.”
“Drop the nonsense. Do I really have to say this out loud? You’re no match for Elesis. Why don’t
you jump off here right now if you want to commit suicide?”
“But I’ll be fine even if I jump off from here.”
“…..”
This place was high for a 2nd floor but Elsword with his great physical abilities should probably be
alright. Add frowned from not being able to retort back.
“Enough with the nonsense. I don’t know what’s gotten into you. But you won’t even last 5 seconds
if you fought by yourself.”
“I know very well that I’m no match for Big Sister right now.”
“……Then why are you saying such things? If you’re going to commit suicide, go do it in a place
where I can’t see.”
Add’s insides were boiling and was about to explode. Here he was rewinding time with a goal of
everyone’s survival in mind. He couldn’t help but to get enraged when a member that had the least
skill was now saying he was going to throw away his life.
It was like watching a youngest sibling you raised up preciously all this time messing about acting all
grown up.
“But I have to be the one to fight her. I know Big Sister’s sword the best. Also…..”
No matter what words came next, Add was planning to snort and refuse. Annoyance that got built
up during his argument with Eun was about to explode.
“…..I want to become stronger.”
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“……”
Add winced. Elsword spoke strongly while looking down at his feet.
“Just like you said, I know I’m weak. That’s why I want to become stronger.”
“That’s…..”
“Eve and Big Sister Ara both became very strong after awakening that El. I…..want to do that too.”
Add couldn’t answer right away because of the emotions contained in Elsword’s voice. Elsword’s
voice filled with desire and hope was ever so desperate.
“Eve and Big Sister Ara both awakened that El while fighting. So I want to try while fighting Big
Sister.”
“It’s a crazy thing to try…….”
Add groaned after realizing what Elsword was thinking. Elsword’s words did make sense but his
enemy was none other than Elesis. She was the most powerful enemy that they knew of in Velder.
“I also know it’s going to be dangerous. But I have to do this now. We’ll have to do it anyways.”
“…….”
“Big Sister Ara and Eve also became stronger. I want to become stronger quickly……and be of help
in winning this fight.”
Add’s pupils shook when Elsword stared at him with a heated determination.
It was certain that one could become stronger if they awakened to the Memory of Time and s.p.a.ce.
Success rate of their mission will rise significantly if Elsword could step forth into the next stage.
“No.”
“Big Brother!”
“One who comes up with our plan is me. I cannot allow something that reckless. I cannot bet
everyone’s fates on your gamble.”
Elsword winced from Add’s words. Elsword would have protested if he reprimanded normally, but
bringing up how the others could be in danger was more effective.
“Don’t try to venture dangerously just from a vague possibility. I’ll come up with a plan for the
perfect victory for sure. So you just stand by stupidly like you always do.”
“……”
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“We’ll win. Believe in that.”
When Add spoke forcefully, Elsword hesitated for a moment then answered.
“Yes, Big Brother Add is smart after all……”
“I can smell the sweat even from here. Go wash before you sleep.”
Add spoke. Elsword nodded as he slowly walked away. Add bit his lower lips while hearing the
footsteps go downstairs.
He just refused but Elsword’s suggestion was enticing. There was no particular solution right now so
following Elsword’s bold suggestion and betting on the chance of him awakening the Memory of
Time and s.p.a.ce was a method as well. He can just turn back time if it fails……
“No, I can’t.”
Add chased away the sweet temptation.
He couldn’t bet their fates on a game of chance. Even though Add could turn back time to start
over again, that didn’t make him all powerful.
You can never break a boulder with an egg no matter how many times you turned back time. The El
Search Party lost against Elesis despite having the power to ridicule time.
And Add failed for more than 20 million times.
“……I’m an engineer.”
He’ll carry things out with a plan based on numbers and logic. He will not put his hopes on
something vague like emotions or awakening. Add clenched his fists tightly and pulled his mind
together.
Time was still flowing, but he had to figure out a way to win somehow.
He must.
“……ugh, my head.”
Chloe opened her eyes in her bedroom. She frowned when her head started hurting as if it was
about to shatter.
Then a teacup was put down near her head.
“Here, drink this.”
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“Ugh……”
Chloe grabbed her dizzy head as she instinctively took the teacup to her mouth and started to drink.
Just warm enough honey tea moistened her throat and started to bring her to her senses.
“That’s why you shouldn’t have mixed those drinks.”
“……..Yes.”
Who was this subordinate? Why was she nagging so much? Chloe took the teacup off her mouth to
scold whoever it was but her eyes opened widely from surprise.
“W, why are you here?!”
Rena in a maid uniform smiled brightly at her.
“You were sleeping in for too long so I came to wake you up. How are you feeling? Do you feel
better now?”
“…..”
What was her subordinates doing letting this daring Elf infiltrate all the way into the general’s
bedroom? But an answer instantly rose up in Chloe’s head.
They must have let her pa.s.s with their jaws wide open.
“Uuugh……”
“Is somewhere other than your head hurting??”
“……”
How could they let this Elf all the way into her bedroom? What if she was an a.s.sa.s.sin? Chloe was
deciding to reprimand her subordinates strictly….then at the same time realized that it was a
hypocritical idea.
She was the one who got knocked out while drinking with this Elf yesterday after all.
This Elf was so friendly to the point where they could have a drink together when it hadn’t even
been 3 days since they’ve met. Even Chloe who used to scoff at Elves for being a self-conceited race
was…..already not caring about her skin color anymore.
There would have been plenty enough times where Chloe’s life would have been danger if this Elf
had some sinister motives. Chloe knew this but she surprisingly started opening up to this Elf at
some point.
This Elf was extremely talented at getting people to let their guard down.
74
“I’m going to go crazy…..”
“Are you hurting somewhere?”
“It’s nothing. Just get ready to head out for work.”
“Okay, but shouldn’t you get dressed first?”
Chloe got surprised from realizing that she was naked right now. She quickly grabbed the bed sheet
to cover herself. Rena chuckled lightly then sat down on the middle of the bed.
“You said you had to go to the commercial area this afternoon right? Let’s go together.”
“Just….what do you want from me?”
Chloe asked sharply while still covered in bed sheet. Rena was still just smiling.
“I don’t think you approached me because you wanted money or power. Then what do you want?
Why are you acting so openly?”
“Do you have to want something to become friends?”
“Because I can’t trust you.”
Chloe spoke sharply then carefully grabbed her dagger from inside the bed sheet. Even though she
slept naked, she always had her weapon nearby her.
It’s already been couple days since Chloe started hanging out with this unnamed elf. She was amazed
by her surprising sociability but couldn’t help but to get suspicious at the same time.
“Hmm, is that so? Then I’d like Chloe and the Dark Elves to stop cooperating with the Demons.”
“…..What?”
“I’d like you to become a bridge between Elrios and the Demon Realm. Would this kind of plot be
acceptable for you?”
“You’re insane, I’ll instantly…..”
Chloe was speaking threateningly but her words stopped when Rena stared at her sadly.
“You’re going to offer my head to the demons?”
“……You think I can’t?”
Even though they hung out last night drinking together, they could become enemies today. That was
the kind of place battlefield was.
75
Not only that, her target was an Elf, a detestable race. All she did was open up to her for a bit
accidentally.
“You probably could. But I’d like it if you didn’t.”
“Hah, finally you’re afraid for your life. Then….”
“I’d like it if you stopped acting so cowardly. Chloe.”
“…..”
Anger suddenly rose up in Chloe and she jumped forwards. Her dagger fiercely cut across the
air…..and stopped right in front of Rena’s neck.
Blood coming from a slight cut dripped down along the blue dagger.
Despite this, Rena was still calmly looking at Chloe. She didn’t beg for her life even with the dagger
in front of her neck.
“I’m cowardly? How dare you!”
“I wouldn’t have come to Velder if I was afraid for my life.”
“……”
Well, there’s no way that an Elf who walked into a city occupied with demons, moreover a city that
you can’t leave once you enter would be sane.
Chloe internally became astonished at this Elf’s nerves but still didn’t withdraw her dagger.
“I’d like both Elves and Dark Elves to not forget each other’s duties. Invading Elrios isn’t what
Dark Elves should be doing right? Your people’s pride was to protect the Dark El and the Demon
Realm’s sacred site. Have you even forgotten that?”
“How could I? I won’t forgive you if you run your mouth one more time, Elf!”
“Chloe.”
After getting her name called, Chloe realized that she will never find out this Elf’s name if she swung
her dagger now.
And this unnamed Elf spoke kindly without withdrawing her smile despite being in danger of losing
her head at any moment.
“We can end this pointless war if you who know about the Demon Realm’s circ.u.mstances and I
who know about Elrios’ circ.u.mstances talked with one another.”
“…..Stop with the nonsense. I said from the start I had no intention of doing that.”
76
“You never wanted to invade Elrios right?”
Rena slowly got up from her seat. She stood up while the tip of the dagger was pressing on her neck
so Chloe got surprised and unknowingly pulled back the dagger.
“We never wanted to fight each other. I think it’s time to stop now.”
“….Nonsense, who would accept peace now? We are already at war. Only thing left now is either
destruction of the Demon Realm or Elrios!”
“You made a mistake.”
Rena spoke calmly and kindly as if lecturing a child.
“It’s bad to not admit your mistake and continue to be stubborn.”
“Don’t make me laugh. Who made a mistake? Then should we have just sat there and watch the
Dark El weaken?”
“You should have told us first. You should have asked us if we could help.”
“How can we trust your people? Is there any guarantee that you wouldn’t invade the Demon Realm
using this chance?”
Rena spoke without a single hint of hesitation.
“Because we’re same Elves.”
“…..What?”
“I would have believed Chloe if you asked. Just like Chloe believed what I said.”
Her words were unreasonable…..but Chloe couldn’t think of words to refute for a moment. This
Elf’s words were not logical in the slightest, and yet she was so friendly that Chloe ended up
admitting what she said.
Trying to refute this Elf from the start didn’t make sense.
Rena slowly held out her hand when Chloe’s pupils shook. But Chloe had been deep in thought so
she instinctively swung her arm from surprise.
Slash.
Dagger cut across Rena’s hand with a chilling sound. Rena painfully groaned from the wound on her
hand but she still smiled.
“It’s okay. Let’s talk about this together.”
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“…….You’re crazy.”
Chloe looked at the white hand dripping red blood then spoke with a tired voice as she sighed. Her
head was so complicated that it didn’t have any room for thoughts anymore. She completely
surrendered.
She couldn’t handle this Elf at all.
“…..Alright, talk away. I’ll at least listen to what you have to say.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Chloe turned her head away when Rena smiled brightly.
“But before doing that, stay still. We have to stop the bleeding.”
“Umm, shouldn’t you wear clothes before that?”
“…….”
Chloe had been naked ever since she jumped out of the bed sheet. She felt embarra.s.sed in many
ways.
After Chloe got dressed and they stopped Rena’s hand from bleeding, the two of them sat on the
bed facing each other. There wasn’t an appropriate place for both of them to sit face to face because
this was a bedroom.
“This place will be fine. No one will hear us.”
Chloe spoke haughtily after explaining why she insisted they talked in her bedroom.
“So what exactly is your plan? How will you bring about peace between Elrios and the Demon
Realm?”
“I plan to talk to them just like we’re doing now.”
“Even having multiple lives wouldn’t be enough for that. It might have worked on me. But you
won’t be able to convince Ran and Karis with just that. They’ll try to cut you down right away.”
“Then we’ll have to fight to make them listen.”
Chloe narrowed her eyes at Rena’s bold words.
Rena’s tone was as if she wasn’t afraid of the demon generals in the slightest… this Elf wasn’t
normal.
78
“……You, are you an El Search Party?”
“Hmm? You didn’t know?”
“……”
Rena tilted her head. Chloe let out mult.i.tude of curses internally. She had heard that there was an Elf
amongst the El Search Party …… But for that Elf to have already infiltrated the Velder outer castle
so boldly like this….?
No, not just that. She even approached Chloe and tried to convince her.
Chloe couldn’t speak because it felt like her jaw was going to fall off. She couldn’t tell if the
headache she was getting right now was because of the hangover or because of this Elf in front of
her right now.
“I thought you knew.”
No, it must be because of both. Chloe pressed on her aching forehead then sighed painfully.
Seriously, she’s going to go crazy.
“Crazy, you’re crazy. If this gets found out…..”
“Don’t worry too much.”
“…..Can’t you hear me saying you’re crazy?”
Chloe made a half tearful face as she scowled at Rena. The El Search Party were individuals
cla.s.sified as highly dangerous for the demons. It won’t be easy for Chloe to avoid suspicion since
she was hanging around with one of them.
Dark Elves lived in the Demon Realm but they weren’t technically demons….. Their position in the
Demon Realm was vague.
The reason Chloe was able to reach a position of a general despite her race’s position in the Demon
Realm was because of her outstanding skills and because she worked extremely hard towards
political standing of the Dark Elves.
But all that effort was in danger of collapsing. Was this how it felt to see the sky fall?
“Haaah, Seriously…..”
“There won’t be a problem if we do it together.”
As Chloe was half in tears not being able to do anything, Rena grabbed Chloe’s hand and gently
soothed her. The phrase carry fire in one hand and water in the other should be appropriate here.
79
Rena made a bright smile when Chloe looked reproachfully at her. Chloe couldn’t bring herself to
protest……after seeing an Elf so beautiful like a G.o.ddess telling her everything will be okay while
smiling.
“You…. you’re really crazy. If this gets found out, not only you but me and the other Dark Elves
won’t get off safely. Our position hadn’t been good already ever since we were defeated by that
magician.”
“Yes, I heard about that while drinking yesterday.”
“……”
She must have spoke about all the things she shouldn’t have while she was drunk. Chloe blamed
herself from yesterday as she let out a heavy sigh then dropped backwards to lie down.
“You’re crazy. I don’t care. Do whatever you want by yourself.”
“Chloe has to help too.”
Rena lied down beside Chloe as if it was something trivial then grabbed her hand. Chloe glared for a
bit but stopped.
“…….Why do you trust me so much? Is it just because we’re Elf and a Dark Elf?”
“Chloe isn’t trying to reveal who I am to the demons despite knowing the truth right?”
“……”
Well that’s true. It felt surreal……but they were already on the same boat. Chloe’s feelings right now
were divided between half feeling that she won’t be able to avoid suspicion because she hung out
couple days with an El Search Party member and half feeling that she wanted to trust this Elf.
Chloe sighed after examining her own thoughts.
“I don’t know. I have to think about what’s best for the Dark Elves in the end. Since things ended
up like this, I’ll cooperate with you to the point where no harm comes to the Dark Evles….. But I’ll
abandon you right away if the Dark Elves’ position becomes endangered.”
“Yes, that’s plenty enough.”
Rena gave a satisfied smile as she petted Chloe’s head. Chloe suddenly felt frustrated and pushed
Rena away with her feet. But Rena blocked Chloe’s feet with her other hand then continued to pet
her.
Why you….
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A soundless battle started on top of the bed. It was a fight with arms and legs dizzily colliding and
pushing each other. Both of them were not backing out. It was a simple quarrel, but the level of
physical ability involved in it wasn’t normal.
“Huff, huff…..”
“Phew…..”
Chloe and Rena both stopped playing around as they caught their breaths. It started as a light joke,
but they both felt that it will turn into a real fight if they continued.
And it was also because Chloe recalled that Rena hurt her hand.
“You’re tiring me out from the morning.”
“It broke some sweat right? Let’s go take a bath.”
As Chloe was sighing, Rena stood up to grab Chloe’s arm to pull her up.
Chloe sighed while being forced to stand up.
“Why are you so diligent? Didn’t you already complete your goal?”
“Hmm? But we should wash if we want to go out to work this afternoon.”
“Huh?”
“Weren’t we going to patrol the commercial area together?”
Chloe stared dumbfounded but Rena was tilting her head to ask if something was wrong. When
Chloe didn’t move, Rena smiled then pulled Chloe’s hand to drag her.
“We have to sober up a bit after all. Let’s go bathe together.”
“…..Ah, haha.”
Chloe unknowingly laughed as she got dragged by Rena’s hand. Thinking that this insane Elf’s goal
was obviously to convince Chloe and to steal information must have been just her preconception.
No matter how Chloe saw it, it was both. Even if Chloe didn’t get convinced, this Elf wouldn’t have
minded and continued acting like this anyways.
Chloe spoke quietly to herself so that this Elf grabbing her hand and walking in front of her
wouldn’t hear.
“……Elves aren’t bad either.”
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She didn’t have to ask to know that…..this Elf had approached her sincerely.
Not that she particularly wanted her to