2. Beyond the Darkness

Are you alright Add?

around.

..Dont mind it.

Eve and Add got the window cleaning job again. Ara and Chung were washing dishes, Elsword was

Im worried about Rena but Im sure she can handle herself.

They were in enemy territory. Every demon in the city will come attack them soon as they got found

despite this risk.

all over if Rena was found out but Rena was reliable enough to entrust this task with.

Then what is it?

leaned on the windowsill.

Eve was a Nasod so she didnt have any concept of stamina. She didnt get tired no matter how

Add realized this a moment later and his heart fluttered.

would have glossed it over by saying something like humans are so inconvenient~. But now, she

50

by took slight glances at the two taking a break but no one said anything. They wouldnt get paid

glamorization of the outer castle. So you had to say this appeasement policy was actually intended

It was probably Elesis idea.

Was there any problem during the last nights 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

Theres something Im troubled about.

You dont even know what it is.

meaning behind Adds questionable gaze so she added.

Kukukuk. Its not something like that.

was..Because it was way too strange when he thought about it again after a while.

It certainly didnt feel like she was talking a night stroll. She came to look for an intruder. Add could

1. There is an alarm system that activates when someone approaches the overpass. Add would know

2. Theres someone in the El Search Party leaking information to the demons.

No.1 had the highest possibility. No.2..was a serious problem requiring attention if you thought

the side of demons. It was obvious for Add to be extremely suspicious.

But he absolutely couldnt believe that Ara, Elsword or Chung would betray them. There was also

night to scout.. Still, Add couldnt deny that his belief that there were no traitors was more based

There is no way that there is a traitor in the El Search Party.

What?

while looking only forwards.

..What? What?

He couldnt understand why Eve was suddenly saying this.

Thats.

What evaluation did she have for him? Add suppressed his beating heart and waited for her to

Just like Add had observed Eve all this time and had become amazed at her changes. Had Eve

Youve become more.

How did Eve think of him? He was curious.

warned Rena to be careful.

Adds face turned red and he couldnt figure out how to answer properly.

guys ruin my perfect plan!

Thats because that idiot is going to accidentally break some dishes for sure! It will all be over if she

Add was thankful that no one else was here looking at them. He raised his voice to his hearts

Much as youve become more considerate about others, youve become less considerate about

To think Eve would say something like this? Eve added a reason as Add stared blankly.

No, that was..

change that result even while disregarding his own safety.

throwing himself into danger without any hesitation for the sake of others.

time, Add.

Ill do my best for Elsword and the El Search Party.

windows again as if this talk was over. It looked like she was slightly embarrassed.

He was very close to accomplishing his goal of making Eve turn around to look at him. If he could

53

accomplishment had passed. A new question was left behind in Adds mind.

wasnt detection by magic or betrayal from within the group came into his mind.

a likely reason for it. Thus, either this was just like their problem with Elesis during their first battle

turned back time, or.

demons that had a similar power.

It was a nonsensical theory. El Search Party would have been annihilated long ago if something like

Add stopped thinking and grabbed his cleaning rag. He didnt intend to let Eve work by herself

There was a familiar guest waiting for her when Chloe returned to her office.

and groaned.

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

But general, I heard that she bathed together with you yesterday..

No, why are they acting so embarrassed as if they were confessing to someone of opposite gender?

blindingly radiant. They all let out a silent cheer when Rena noticed their gazes and lightly waved her

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singer?

No, Rena was a girl(of course, they bathed together yesterday) and her subordinates were girls as

Of course, even to Chloe who was a Dark Elf, Rena was a very outstanding beauty. Chloe didnt

beauty was to the point where she could easily be called a goddess.

You idiots! Hurry up and return to your posts!

Are you going to talk to such a pretty Elf by yourself general?

Elves realized that Chloe was angry and quickly left the room.

back. When Chloe angrily looked backwards, Dark Elves peeking inside the room through a slightly

such lack of discipline.

Rena smiled softly as she gracefully put down her teacup. .. It was annoying but she was indeed

Feeling rebellious, Chloe frowned and put her legs on top of the table.

You dont need me for bathing assistant today?

Chloe pressed her hand on her forehead again from what Rena said with an affectionate voice. She

looking for work.. She never would have guessed that she would be such a daring individual.

assisting the demons in their invasion.

Ah, as I thought. You must regret invading.

Whats with her way of talking? When Chloe scowled at her, Rena nodded as if she was relieved.

What do you mean glad? Our talk should already be over.

Rena brought out a teacup from the drawer and put it in front of Chloe as if this office was her own

already. Chloe was so dumbfounded by this that she snapped.

Hmm? Why do I need to care about pride when Im having tea with my friend?

Did this Elf drink some lye up her nose while bathing yesterday? Chloe opened her eyes widely from

Chloe covered her eyes with her hand then made an aching groan.

Werent Elves normally famous for being conceited and prideful? She couldnt understand how

Well, this Elf was impudent enough to walk into Velder sealed off by a spatial barrier. You couldnt

Im telling you right now, I dont have time to play around with you.

What?

Since I entered Velder anyways, I cant go out unless the spatial barrier is gone. So Id like to help

..Just what are you thinking? Do you think Ill change my mind if you keep flattering me like

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change the El in Elrios into Dark El. She didnt intend to be swayed by this Elfs talk about

Hmm, of course Id be thankful if you did.

Chloe called for me yesterday because you wanted to meet me right? I also came to visit Chloe

Chloe internally agreed as well. That was actually why she hadnt kicked Rena out despite her

she saw her in her office.

I heard that Dark Elves were in charge of keeping public order in Velder. I think I can also help

..Alright, but I have a condition.

request. But she suddenly felt like being mean.

You also have to wear the clothes of us Dark Elves just like my subordinates. Thats the condition.

..

think for a moment then suggested.

What?

Its not like you cant.

Chloe ended up answering like that for some reason when Rena asked seriously. Rena clapped and

Then can you lend me some?

As if mesmerized, Chloe stood up to approach the closet and took out a single set of clothes and

uniform without any hesitation.

But theres only Chloe here.

Ah, thats right. And not only that, they even bathed together yesterday. Chloe got confused at her

reason, it felt like she shouldnt watch Rena change.

Overwhelming beauty that surpassed the Elf race and such friendly social skills Chloe could

thoughts and sighed, Rena spoke with a troubled voice from behind her.

What?

.

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The days work was over. Add changed into his original clothes and stood on the outer castles

despite the demon occupation.

Velder outer castle soon as the El Search Party signalled them.

Today was day two. They almost had a complete understanding about the outer castles structures.

general Chloe. Elesis seemed like she was staying on the 3rd floor but she never came down. Other

Thus, they just needed to take care of Chloe and Elesis to capture the outer castle. But..

What were they going to do if Ran or other generals came out from the inner castle? There was too

time was also a way.. But that wasnt too desirable.

since he failed so many times before.

Add looked back from hearing Renas voice coming from behind him then became very surprised.

belly and chest was approaching him.

Its a gift from Chloe.

She improved her relationship with a demon general so much in just two days? As Add was being

the breeze. Wind blowing during twilight lightly shook Renas long hair.

a feeling of staring at a beautiful painting, Rena brought up the topic first.

by Aisha. Chloe being stationed in the outer castle also seems more like her getting kicked out from

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She wasnt too strong with alcohol. I won.

Add hadnt realized it until now but there was an unusual sweet scent coming from Rena. Add was

Our Add is a good boy.

Add realized this late and quickly pushed her arm away. But Rena smiled beamingly as she ruffled

on the platforms ledge so pushing her away might be dangerous.

Rena petted Add as if she was soothing a grumpy cat then smiled vaguely.

You must have your own thoughts.

sociability that even improved her relationship with Chloe to the point where she got clothes as gifts

But Add wasnt too keen on it.

start acting. So we have to finish everything in one go when we move.

Rena smiled warmly after interpreting everything Add said as an excuse. She must not be a type that

Chloe seemed regretful about all of this. So.Ill try my best to convince her.

May I do that?

Arent you going to do it anyways even if I said no?

Id really like it if Add cheered me on.

Rena nodded then suddenly hugged Add. Add got very surprised by this and tried to escape.. But

Rena laughed when Add who had his face buried in her chest stopped struggling.

..Just quietly go to sleep if youre drunk.

She must really be drunk. Add sighed internally but didnt resist anymore. Because there was no

Old memories surfaced in his mind without him realizing it.

Rena must have been satisfied because she let go of Add then staggered. It wasnt like Rena to show

Ask Eve to look after you if you are going to bathe.

Rena left after saying this. When Add couldnt hear her footsteps anymore, he sighed then looked up

Setting sun was dying the sky with an ominous crimson color.

But they might get found out if they spent too much time like this. Even if Chloe didnt know the

Theres no other way.

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Night came to the outer castle. 30 minutes before the lights off signal where workers were forbidden

Eun giggled as she looked up at the night sky.

..

Arent you going to tell me to stop saying things that doesnt make sense?

Haaah.

from the sudden ambush.

to fall off.

out at night to make her heart pound then all you talk about is a suspicion thats been already

You shouldnt be in a position to act so confidently in front of me right now.

If Eun had been purposely withholding information from Add, then shouldnt she at least be sorry

Then what do you want from me? Because I was hiding information from boy, because I know all

So shameless

Add closed his mouth when Eun snapped in anger. She looked like she was really angry..and he

Should I apologize while bursting out in tears? Will you trust me if I do that?

64

and righteousness to me.

prepared a defense formula on his Dynamos. Two of them hadnt clashed so far, but Eun was more

She could possibly be the strongest amongst this party.

Thankfully, Eun must have calmed down because she closed her eyes then sighed.

something. I fully understand you suspecting me. I experienced situations like this many times

Eun sighed then stretched out her hand. It was a gesture for reconciliation. But Add didnt grab it

Stop trying to slither your way out of this again.

You still havent told me why you kept this information hidden from me. Youre trying to slyly

Sound of foxs laughter flew across the night air.

Its because your tricks are bad. Anyways..

You probably wont tell me anyways if I asked why you hid it from me. You did say from the start

Yes, I did.

Eun smiled satisfyingly as if she was proud of Add for seeing through her trick.

for Euns help in defeating the Shadow Master in Elder.

But there must be a reason why you told me now. Its not like I trust you completely.. But Ill

Even if those words mean the same, cant you say them more nicely?

in this Velder royal castle crawling with demon generals.

Eun hummed then narrowed her eyes. Her red eyes had a whimsical gleam.

I thought about it all this time. But even if we can somehow take the outer castle. What comes

Chloe here. And theres no hope if other generals come to help.

He obviously knew those. Draw attention from one side while accomplishing their goals from the

Boy has a face as if you dont want to say it yourself. Tch, Ill say it for you instead.

Give up on the others.

Root of boys problem is because boy is trying to achieve his goal while holding on to everything

Rejected.

voluptuously.

just abandon everyone except Ara to turn back time if necessary and Eve which is boys goal?

Dont make me laugh. Why do you think I turned back time over and over again?

So you can throw them away here.

In order to use them as expendables in this fight.

The reason Eun let Add rewind time to save people other than Eve, to save Elsword and Rena was

To use them as fodders in an actually difficult battle?

Alright, what will you do boy? Ive watched boys failures all this time. I also know that boy is

.

Add bit his lips. Euns words wereway too sweet. The reason Add couldnt find a solution in

But things became much easier if he threw this away.

situation easily like this.

Dont get confused. Boys goal is not in this time, its in the past. Wasnt it boys desire to go back

Add didnt remember telling Eun this But he must have told her in one of those times. Add

How did me from last time fail?

It meant that she wasnt going to talk about it. Euns temptation was..indeed alluring.

It did seem cruel, but Adds policy of not letting anyone die in this battle against so many mighty

things around because Ara awakened to Memory of Time and Space.

everyone alive in this battle against multiple demon generals was honestly impossible.

rewind time. But it had now reached its limit.

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

Add opened the fists he had been holding on tightly. Then as if representing its masters feelings,

Pzzzzt!

I dont think its that bad of a suggestion.

The first suggestion, Euns temptation was to turn back time again and again to obtain the present

But Add refused that suggestion.

Thats a troublesome stubbornness. Arent you curious aboutwhy you failed all this time?

Add couldnt accept this suggestion even if the reason for his more than 20 million failures was

Time travel was a very powerful ability. There should have been nothing that Add couldnt have

didnt do that.

He wont let this end in a way that he couldnt accept. Because Add had infinite amount of

Im almost there

Eun sighed then waved her hand.

cooperate with you anymore.

failed so many times.

Eun clicked her tongue as if she wasnt too keen about Adds answer. What Add meant was that he

refused Euns suggestion and Eun stopped cooperating because she got annoyed by this.

countless times in the past.

like this.

Even if they are the same words, cant you say them more nicely?

Add couldnt remember, the reason why he could challenge this fight again was because Eun had

So..well break through with a different method.

Tell me all of the possible futures you see. Well formulate a plan based on those.

Add nodded when the event from last night was mentioned. Just when Eun frowned as if she was

Big Brother Add, you were talking with Big Sister Ara here?

It was Elsword, he was drenched in sweat for some reason.

Oh my, Mr.Elsword. Why do you look so fatigued this late at night?

worry.

blatantly obvious that she was imitating Ara. Only the tone of her words was polite, its content was

But Elsword didnt care too much and looked up at Add.

Mr.Add and I were talking about something important.

Eun gave a pretty wink but Add ignored her. He didnt know what joke she was pulling but he

Oh okay. Then lets talk again later Mr.Add.

walk away then cautiously stole a look at Add.

Umm.. Arent you treating Big Sister Ara too coldly?

Thats Big Sister Aras ability right?

Just say what you came here to say. Go to the others if its idle chatter.

Well have to fight her anyways. It wont be long so just wait.

Elsword shook his head heavily then looked straightly at Add and requested.

..Are you crazy?

fought together before, they could barely manage to bring out Elesis 2

Letting Elsword handle Elesis by himself was basically telling him to go die.

looked serious.

Drop the nonsense. Do I really have to say this out loud? Youre no match for Elesis. Why dont

But Ill 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

Enough with the nonsense. I dont know whats gotten into you. But you wont even last 5 seconds

I know very well that Im no match for Big Sister right now.

where I cant see.

everyones survival in mind. He couldnt help but to get enraged when a member that had the least

It was like watching a youngest sibling you raised up preciously all this time messing about acting all

But I have to be the one to fight her. I know Big Sisters sword the best. Also..

up during his argument with Eun was about to explode.

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Add winced. Elsword spoke strongly while looking down at his feet.

Thats..

Add couldnt answer right away because of the emotions contained in Elswords voice. Elswords

Eve and Big Sister Ara both awakened that El while fighting. So I want to try while fighting Big

Its a crazy thing to try.

enemy was none other than Elesis. She was the most powerful enemy that they knew of in Velder.

.

in winning this fight.

It was certain that one could become stronger if they awakened to the Memory of Time and Space.

No.

One who comes up with our plan is me. I cannot allow something that reckless. I cannot bet

Elsword winced from Adds words. Elsword would have protested if he reprimanded normally, but

Dont try to venture dangerously just from a vague possibility. Ill come up with a plan for the

Well win. Believe in that.

Yes, Big Brother Add is smart after all

Add spoke. Elsword nodded as he slowly walked away. Add bit his lower lips while hearing the

He just refused but Elswords suggestion was enticing. There was no particular solution right now so

Time and Space was a method as well. He can just turn back time if it fails

Add chased away the sweet temptation.

over again, that didnt make him all powerful.

Search Party lost against Elesis despite having the power to ridicule time.

Im an engineer.

something vague like emotions or awakening. Add clenched his fists tightly and pulled his mind

Time was still flowing, but he had to figure out a way to win somehow.

ugh, my head.

about to shatter.

Here, drink this.

Ugh

Just warm enough honey tea moistened her throat and started to bring her to her senses.

..Yes.

scold whoever it was but her eyes opened widely from surprise.

Rena in a maid uniform smiled brightly at her.

better now?

What was her subordinates doing letting this daring Elf infiltrate all the way into the generals

They must have let her pass with their jaws wide open.

Is somewhere other than your head hurting??

How could they let this Elf all the way into her bedroom? What if she was an assassin? Chloe was

hypocritical idea.

This Elf was so friendly to the point where they could have a drink together when it hadnt even

was..already not caring about her skin color anymore.

had some sinister motives. Chloe knew this but she surprisingly started opening up to this Elf at

This Elf was extremely talented at getting people to let their guard down.

Im going to go crazy..

Its nothing. Just get ready to head out for work.

Chloe got surprised from realizing that she was naked right now. She quickly grabbed the bed sheet

You said you had to go to the commercial area this afternoon right? Lets go together.

Chloe asked sharply while still covered in bed sheet. Rena was still just smiling.

Why are you acting so openly?

Because I cant trust you.

slept naked, she always had her weapon nearby her.

by her surprising sociability but couldnt help but to get suspicious at the same time.

..What?

acceptable for you?

Chloe was speaking threateningly but her words stopped when Rena stared at her sadly.

You think I cant?

the kind of place battlefield was.

Not only that, her target was an Elf, a detestable race. All she did was open up to her for a bit

You probably could. But Id like it if you didnt.

Id 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

Blood coming from a slight cut dripped down along the blue dagger.

in front of her neck.

I wouldnt have come to Velder if I was afraid for my life.

Well, theres no way that an Elf who walked into a city occupied with demons, moreover a city that

Chloe internally became astonished at this Elfs nerves but still didnt withdraw her dagger.

Dark Elves should be doing right? Your peoples pride was to protect the Dark El and the Demon

How could I? I wont forgive you if you run your mouth one more time, Elf!

After getting her name called, Chloe realized that she will never find out this Elfs name if she swung

And this unnamed Elf spoke kindly without withdrawing her smile despite being in danger of losing

We can end this pointless war if you who know about the Demon Realms circumstances and I

..Stop with the nonsense. I said from the start I had no intention of doing that.

You never wanted to invade Elrios right?

so Chloe got surprised and unknowingly pulled back the dagger.

.Nonsense, who would accept peace now? We are already at war. Only thing left now is either

You made a mistake.

Its bad to not admit your mistake and continue to be stubborn.

Dark El weaken?

How can we trust your people? Is there any guarantee that you wouldnt invade the Demon Realm

Rena spoke without a single hint of hesitation.

..What?

Her words were unreasonable..but Chloe couldnt think of words to refute for a moment. This

admitting what she said.

Rena slowly held out her hand when Chloes pupils shook. But Chloe had been deep in thought so

Slash.

hand but she still smiled.

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Chloe looked at the white hand dripping red blood then spoke with a tired voice as she sighed. Her

surrendered.

..Alright, talk away. Ill at least listen to what you have to say.

Chloe turned her head away when Rena smiled brightly.

Umm, shouldnt you wear clothes before that?

Chloe had been naked ever since she jumped out of the bed sheet. She felt embarrassed in many

After Chloe got dressed and they stopped Renas hand from bleeding, the two of them sat on the

this was a bedroom.

Chloe spoke haughtily after explaining why she insisted they talked in her bedroom.

Realm?

Even having multiple lives wouldnt be enough for that. It might have worked on me. But you

Then well have to fight to make them listen.

Renas tone was as if she wasnt afraid of the demon generals in the slightest this Elf wasnt

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Hmm? You didnt know?

Rena tilted her head. Chloe let out multitude of curses internally. She had heard that there was an Elf

so boldly like this.?

Chloe couldnt speak because it felt like her jaw was going to fall off. She couldnt tell if the

her right now.

No, it must be because of both. Chloe pressed on her aching forehead then sighed painfully.

Crazy, youre crazy. If this gets found out..

..Cant you hear me saying youre crazy?

classified as highly dangerous for the demons. It wont be easy for Chloe to avoid suspicion since

Dark Elves lived in the Demon Realm but they werent technically demons.. Their position in the

The reason Chloe was able to reach a position of a general despite her races position in the Demon

political standing of the Dark Elves.

Haaah, Seriously..

As Chloe was half in tears not being able to do anything, Rena grabbed Chloes hand and gently

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protestafter seeing an Elf so beautiful like a goddess telling her everything will be okay while

You. youre really crazy. If this gets found out, not only you but me and the other Dark Elves

magician.

herself from yesterday as she let out a heavy sigh then dropped backwards to lie down.

Chloe has to help too.

bit but stopped.

Chloe isnt trying to reveal who I am to the demons despite knowing the truth right?

Well thats true. It felt surrealbut they were already on the same boat. Chloes feelings right now

couple days with an El Search Party member and half feeling that she wanted to trust this Elf.

I dont know. I have to think about whats best for the Dark Elves in the end. Since things ended

abandon you right away if the Dark Elves position becomes endangered.

Rena gave a satisfied smile as she petted Chloes head. Chloe suddenly felt frustrated and pushed

her.

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pushing each other. Both of them were not backing out. It was a simple quarrel, but the level of

Huff, huff..

Chloe and Rena both stopped playing around as they caught their breaths. It started as a light joke,

And it was also because Chloe recalled that Rena hurt her hand.

It broke some sweat right? Lets go take a bath.

Chloe sighed while being forced to stand up.

Hmm? But we should wash if we want to go out to work this afternoon.

Werent we going to patrol the commercial area together?

Chloe didnt move, Rena smiled then pulled Chloes hand to drag her.

..Ah, haha.

was obviously to convince Chloe and to steal information must have been just her preconception.

minded and continued acting like this anyways.

wouldnt hear.

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Not that she particularly wanted her to