2. Queen of Nasods

People participating in the subjugation army were Penensio and the Velder Knights, Chung and the

El Search Party members each stared at the carriage with worried eyes. The carriage being guarded

Ara.

Since were marching together anyways, cant we just walk together?

Dont be stupid. Be patient for now.

Eve questioned Add with a cold voice.

regain her freedom.

Eves request was reasonable but even Add couldnt answer her for sure.

meetings with Hamel. But he wasnt able to make any explicit requests concerning Ara in those

It was because if you took away all emotional ties, Chungs method of handling things was right.

Add dived into his thoughts for a moment at Renas suggestion. Although it was too much to ask

could be negotiated.

Ill try negotiating.

Add moved his Dynamos forward and approached Chung who was traveling in front of the army.

approached.

About the person inside the carriage. Wed like to take turns riding the carriage together with

You can go ahead.

Is it okay for you to agree so easily?

would be troublesome for me if you people decided to honestly pressure me by force.

Hamels soldiers behind to guard the city just in case. This was a measure taken because the damage

Although Penensio was a righteous person, he was a person from Velder in the end. Chung was

But this is far as I can concede. Id like you people to respect my opinion as well.

Chung was saying hed accept the El Search Partys suggestion in exchange for confirming his

Add decided he might as well ask another question to Chung.

I think its a half-half chance. Im honestly not expecting much.

changed his expression back as if he was a bit embarrassed by it.

Hamel and Hamel has been destroyed by Ran. I cannot handle this matter just based on my own

Thats right.

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possible.

Add accepted with a voice soft enough to surprise even himself as he turned the Dynamos around

Talk is over. You can go inside.

Rena nodded as she approached the Velder Knights that were guarding the carriage.

had been worried about her last couple of days,

Come to think of it. Why are you worried about Ara so much?

unfairly.

But you asked me about a way to get along with human girls..... ow!

Reby flew away then came back after hitting the back of Elswords head. Eve noticed that Add was

I was just asking for some advice since I was finding understanding human girls a bit difficult. Do

Hoooh..

Add felt like hed get some interesting responses if he said something here but he purposely stayed

Eve looked already friendly with Rena and judging by how she was caring about Ara this much, it

Even though they had all traveled together, girls and boys bedrooms had always been different.

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Add smirked as he looked at Eves back move further away. Elsword changed the subject.

Of course he will be.

Elder. But Add had been through many battles since then and had become stronger by enhancing

Not only that, there were others beside him this time. Eve, Elsword, Rena and Ara were together

Ran was a powerful foe but Add felt like they had a chance.

Dont worry about it. Hell be weaker than Elesis.

Elsword agreed to Adds baseless words as if it was obvious. It almost felt like if Add said that Elesis

something so obvious?

Come to think of it. You seem to be laughing more often Big brother Add.

Add somehow became flustered and turned his head away. Eve was prudishly walking in front of

It doesnt feel like well lose.

words came out of his mouth without him realizing.

The demon subjugation army stopped near the Resiam Outskirts and prepared to camp out. The El

Add, could you go see Ara for a bit?

Didnt everyone talk with her already? Was there a problem?

When Rena trailed her words, Add instinctively looked towards Elsword and Eve.

dinner. Since those two had gone in and talked with Ara already, Add might as well do so too.

Yea, Im counting on you. Here.

Add took them without saying a word then headed to the carriage. He was planning on discussing

It shouldnt matter if he comforted Ara before doing that.

Add abruptly entered by opening the carriage door then sat on the chair inside. Ara was sitting inside

You could tell just from a single glance that she wasnt her usual self. Ara took the stew when Add

Be sure to eat properly. The fight will start soon.

Add frowned after hearing her barely audible response. He understood that Ara was feeling dejected

If youre worrying about Chung and Hamel, put those matters aside for now. Just focus on

..

bowl and asked seriously.

Its nothing.

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dark circle under her eyes and had a pale expression. It looked like she didnt get any proper sleep.

Say it quickly.

If you dont want to talk, Ill talk with Eun instead. Send her out.

a long pause.

Dreams?

Add paused. There was something that rose up in his mind.

..

When Add stayed frozen, Ara continued to speak sparsely while looking down only at her palms on

And I know that this will happen.. So I try to fight. But I always lack the strength.. I cannot do

Forget it. Those dont have anything to do with the present.

no longer held any meaning.

But despite Adds words, darkness soaked inside Aras expression didnt disappear.

seemed to flash brightly then got dyed in white.

Thats no good, boy. Treat her more kindly.

Add would have normally felt unpleasant by this change but he let out a sigh of relief this time. He

What happened? How does Ara know about those times?

Eun smiled coldly as she crossed her legs. Add knew that Eun had the power to look into the future.

Eun must have read Adds question so she explained.

opponent would move then respond. Your opponents line of sight, breathing, weight, balance,

opponents moves in order to stay one step ahead of them.

Fundamentally, telegnosis ability that I use isnt too different from this. I read the breathing of all

What does that have to do with this?

Eun let out a thin sigh when Add pressed for an answer.

souls are merging together.

For a human, Aras as a vessel is extremely large. Vessels like her are so rare that you can barely

But no matter how large the vessel is, shes only a human in the end.

No, its different.

As Aras heart breaks, my powers and memories end up filling the broken gap. If this continues,

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The scenery of moonlight coming through the carriages small window to shine upon Aras whitely

..How come youre speaking about this as if it was someone elses business?

Then we should try to come up with one before.

Boy is misunderstanding. Ara not becoming Ara anymore also means I wont be myself anymore.

together with Ara?

Should we give her a name beforehand? How do you like Eunara?

could only groan.

result. Well, shell be much stronger than we are now at the least.

Ive lived for a long time so I dont have any big attachments to life. I do have something I desire

Eun was speaking about her own demise ever so lightly. But even if Eun had accepted her demise,

How about if you.

much of my power up till now. Even if I were to leave her, the residues will delve into Aras

Then what is the solution to this?

Even I dont know too much about feelings of humans in detail. Theres no other way but for Ara

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Wielding large power results in large recoil. Ara has been wielding my power to achieve greater

Tragedy in Hamel had caused a fissure in Aras heart. And Euns memories and abilities started to

Ara or Eun.

You dont have to mind this, boy. Ill still have the eyes to see into time and space even if I change.

How can you tell me not to care about this?

.

back in time.

Just tell me the solution.

her swimsuit?

and I dont know if whatever that comes out will be controllable.

How cruel. Although Ara would have been happy to hear that.

Add frowned with displeasure when Eun smiled mysteriously.

solution.

That was an extremely difficult condition. Ara couldnt hold back her tears after seeing the atrocities

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Just what should I do exactly?

Ill do that.

Add replied as he stood up. Eun momentarily made a surprised expression then smiled voluptuously

So there are days when boy responds like this too. Its a nice change.

He realized that Ara needed mental comfort. And there was someone else that was suited for this

Soon as Add exited the carriage, he headed toward the campfire where the El Search Party was

at the campfire.

now. He grabbed Eves arm and pulled her up right away.

.He tried to pull her up but she was heavier than expected.

I have something to talk to you about. Follow me.

Its important.

had distanced themselves away from the others far enough so that they wouldnt be heard, Eve

How did your talk with Ara Haan go?

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Add to explain it to them as well. The main objective here was Aras mental stability anyways.

Im planning to do so without you telling me.

When it came to caring for Ara, Rena didnt even needed to be mentioned and Eve was also caring

change that was worthy of attention. But this much wasnt enough.

Id like you to be even friendlier with her.

mouth and he ended up speaking in circles.

Haaah.

to actually say them out loud.

..Comfort her?

believed that she didnt) only knew what it meant to comfort others from just encyclopedic

Im sorry but Im a Nasod. I dont know anything about this. I think its better for you to ask Rena

Rena is already doing enough.

enough.

Thats a troublesome request. What should I do exactly?

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He was confident in his abilities to treat someone cold-heartedly, but his mouth stopped whenever

I dont know either.

Eves tone felt dumbfounded. Honestly, both Add and Eve was people that were furthest distances

because she wasnt knowledgeable about emotions and while Add knew about emotions, he

Im a Nasod. Telling me, a Nasod to comfort humans.

Add comforted Ara before they met Chung but he couldnt prevent the fissure from forming in

Rena was the same and Elsword wasnt any better. There was only one person left to count on now.

..

seemed to think deeply for a while then shook her head.

to ask Rena for advice.

Add immediately shook his head. That kind of method wont do at all.

The chance of success isnt too high if I try by myself.

He just had to get rid of the reason that was shaking up Aras heart. In the end, the core reason why

Aras mind would stabilize faster if they could defeat Ran soon as possible and received minimal

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Aren as Ara wished.

So, what will you do?

Add had expected Eve to resist more but Eve accepted unexpectedly easily.

about to ask one more time for confirmation, Eve spoke first.

Im telling you right now, its not because of human male and female relationsh.

Add was a bit surprised at this unexpected response. Eve tended to make mistakes about Add and

Recently, I think Ive come to know a bit about what it means to care for other people.

Add unconsciously exclaimed. Eve, who was a Nasod was changing. One couldnt even imagine Eve

I dont understand what you mean.

Add cackled joyously.

one of a kind masterpiece that will never exist again in history.

Ill look forward to a good result, Queen of Nasods. Kahaha!!

Eve looked very coldly at Add laughing for a moment then returned to the campfire. It somehow

Since it felt like it would look stranger if he stopped.

Nothing stood in the way of the subjugation army even until the next days sunset.

Are they drawing us in on purpose?

Knights to prepare to camp out. Even though they were inside the enemy territory right now, they

But for what reason?

Penensio carefully expressed his opinion. Add shook his head.

also traveled using dimension gates? Demons that are disturbing Elrios right now are rather free

I see, thats right.

to move around using dimension gates, they needed the Dark El, and that Dark El was a limited

In order to defeat Ran, they had to go to the temple regardless of if it was a trap or not. Although

delayed longer

As Add rid himself of the distracting thoughts, he saw Eve in the corner of his sight.

the soldiers felt disparate yet beautiful.

Eve was talking with the soldiers, then she must have felt Adds gaze because she turned around to

Add felt guilty for some reason so he tried to look away but Eve approached him and suddenly

Im going to take a bath.

I confirmed that theres a river ahead. I already checked the waters depth so there shouldnt be a

Hamel is called the city of water after all

the river Eve was talking about.

..So you want me to explain.

understood what Eve meant and nodded. But her words werent over yet.

What?

The words Add told Eve while asking for her help yesterday was returned right back at him. Add

Then lets start.

Three people had their bodies sunk inside the flowing river and were bathing carefully.

neck and made a beautiful curve as it slid down all the way to the navel.

..

Add and Chung didnt show any reaction to Elswords shout. There was nothing to say when the

.Thank you for inviting me, Mr.Add.

..Just call me Add, its easier for me that way.

bathing together with someone else was uncomfortable for him.

Phew..

a guy.

Eve gave that condition before leaving without any more explanation.

Elsword was smiling enjoyably without caring about the two of them.

We should.

cautious of his steps, Add examined Chungs mood.

I heard that it gets colder the more you approach the Temple of Water and the Temple itself is

Im not sure as well. It seems theres some kind of legend thats passed down about it.

You mean the legend about the Priestess of Water right?

I heard from the other knights. Apparently some demon kidnapped the Priestess of Water who

Add frowned.

What a clich legend. Let me guess, their love didnt work out and the temple was frozen because

Well, putting aside the legend, it is true that the temple is frozen. It will pose difficulties during the

Having many soldiers doesnt matter at all. Only people wholl be useful during the fight with Ran

Chung carefully nodded and agreed to Adds cold-hearted evaluation. He was polite yet cool-headed.

take care of the soldiers while we attack Ran.

Add thought that the conversation was flowing favorably so he began to look for a good timing.

But Elsword who was listening to the two of them suddenly changed the topic.

..O, of course I am.

Chungs face got heated red at the words Elsword spoke without much thought.

But your hair is long and your skin is so light.

Add didnt know when the two have become so friendly with each other, but Chung and Elsword

looked like it was brightening and Add used this chance to slip a word in.

..So youre trying to tell me to free Ara Haan.

laughed as if to tell Chung to listen up.

combat either right?

Im sorry to say this but theres no guarantee that she wont turn her spear against us. Or she could

You have to bring her in front of Ran anyways if youre going to use her as a hostage. And she can

Thats a sign of trust. A sign that Ill also treat Ara Hann with respect long as she doesnt break it.

he hadnt asked Chung to free Ara before. Also, what Chung was saying was obvious considering his

Add had been planning to respect Chungs methods but he couldnt hold back anymore since Aras

You should already know by now that shes innocent.

Chung didnt answer and instead let out a heavy sigh. At first, Chung had reacted out of passion

chance to speak with Ara.

Shes trying to turn Ran back saying he was once a human. Are you saying I should accept the

In the end, none of them could yield in this part. Ara who was trying to turn Ran back into Aren

same time.

Thats something to think about later. Im pointing out that we dont have enough strength to take

Ill try my best. But I do find it more reassuring with Big Sister Ara by my side.

help. Chung didnt look like he had any words for rebuttal.

Ill think about it a bit more.

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Chung was currently acting very mature and reasonably. Add also thought highly of Chungs polite

Eve probably pushed Add to bathe together with Chung in order to get him to try talking with

Then we are all going fight together right?

instinctively at this sudden skinship but Elsword didnt mind it as he put his other arm around

Elsword smiled as he looked up towards the night sky.

It was a voice attempting to shake off sorrow and regret. Add stopped trying to shake off Elswords

Well obviously win without you having to say it.

Chungs tight expression was loosened and he was smiling slightly.

But lets win this time.

because he found it mysterious that their hearts were one.

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bodies a little further away.

Normally when the three of them were together, Rena would take the lead so that the conversation

The rivers temperature is adequate.

Its fine.

watching over the two wanted to say something but she suppressed the urge.

and she didnt need to bathe like humans. They had all bathed together before but that was just Eve

Eve prepared this occasion on her own right now to talk with Ara.

Rena internally cheered Eve on. She was so proud of Eve who was right now trying to handle

Rena watched over Eve feeling like a mother watching over her child whos just started their first

Ara Haan, how was your days in prison?

Such a frank conversation opener made Rena want to intervene but she restrained herself. She must

Thankfully, despite going through bad experiences recently, Ara temperament hadnt changed so she

It wasnt bad because of Mr.Chungs thoughtful measures. How have you been Ms.Eve?

Silence continued after the normal daily conversation ended. Eve continued to stare straightly at Ara

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couldnt be helped, Eve suddenly moved her hand to splash the river water on Ara.

.

arm then stared at Rena. Aras gaze was as if she was asking Rena if she did something wrong.

Why arent you countering?

Im not angry. We did this last time too.

Dont you remember? Back in Ruben.

It was something that happened when Rena, Ara and Eve were bathing together after they had

What Eve was asking her to recall was the time when Rena had suggested they should bathe

splashing water on each other.

You dont have to remember that part.

water on Ara again.

You can fight back if you dont like it.

struck the waters surface. Then, a small wave splashed up towards Eves head.

I wont go easy.

Yea, of course. Then heres one for Ara also to be fair~

water on her as well. When Ara continued to only block with her two arms, Rena and Eve stopped

Come, Ara.

..Uuu.

raised one of her arm to block the incoming drops of water then scooped up water with her other

But Rena had already predicted this and dodged quickly so Eve who was behind her got hit instead.

Lets continue.

against Eve and Rena.

other. Amazingly, Ara could feel her complex and tangled mind start to clear slightly as she moved

Her movements slowly got bolder and amount of water she splashed increased. Whenever Aras

Just moving without thinking about anything lightened her mind.

A wave much bigger than those before was created when Ara struck the waters surface with her

Eve and Rena who just got soaked lightly shook their heads.

Ahahaha, this is very refreshing.

After that, Rena displayed a skill of cutting across the water current to splash water on them, and

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cease. Then Ara realized that the laughter wasnt just Renas. She was also laughing before she had

And this felt so surreal that Ara stroked her own face. How long has it been since she had laughed

When Ara stood numbly, Eve asked.

Pardon me?

Eve spoke hesitant and slowly as if she was trying to organize something inside her.

emotions but I know that you are facing a very difficult situation.

Ara stood still and blinked at these unexpected words. For Ara, Eve had been a party member who

shouldnt make any mistakes in front of her. But this in turn made her more nervous and lead to her

Of course, this wasnt Eves fault. It was just one of the reasons why she felt uneasy around Eve.

Ms.Eve for me?

One who said we should bathe together was Eve as well.

Then she recalled that Eve was still waiting for an answer so she made a quick bow.

Then are you saying you dont need my help?

..Why is Ms.Eve trying to help me?

It was just a light game where they splashed water on each

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Eve answered sharply then slowly closed her eyes.

you didnt require any help.

When Ara got flustered and shook her head, Eve went back to her original question.

Thats..

M, Ms.Rena?

what Eve is asking.

When Rena let go of her cheek, Ara rubbed the part of her face that got pulled. Then she slowly

Thank you for asking, but..

problem with Ran and Chung. But it became much more complicated after she met Karis again.

Especially when they were heading to a fight right now.

it looked like he was keeping it. She couldnt tell such an ominous story to the others as well.

Thats not it. Its just that what Elder Brother did was so horrible.. I dont know what to do.

Yes, alright

Rena sighed then grabbed Aras hand tightly.

Everything will work out when this fight is over. It will be for sure.

Listening to Rena made her feel like it really will be. Ara was nodding then her face suddenly

Ara quickly looked around then bowed.

You should dry up before leaving.

seeing recently, those glimpses had flashed by in her mind again.

Ara moved swiftly while trying to control her restless heart.

Did I speak too irresponsibly.?

Rena smiled at Eves rigid evaluation then asked.

between you two?

When Rena continued to smile, Eve must have felt slightly embarrassed so she turned to avoid her

..I just thought that I shouldnt leave her alone like that.

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visibly most distanced was Add, but that was because of his thought processes and his

On the other hand, while Eve cared extremely about Elsword, she treated the other members from a

was a Nasod so comparing her to humans didnt quite fit.

Yes.

and everything would have been over if Aisha hadnt intervened.

I sometimes regret that it was because my strength wasnt enough. That my firepower wasnt

No, Eve you tried you best.

Eves voice was quite seeped with emotion. She hadnt let it show before, but Eve must have been

I dont want to lose next time.

I want to become stronger and be of help to Elsword and the others.

Rena felt regretful as to why it was only her who was listening to these words right now. How

Eve who hadnt known how to associate with people now started to take the initiative and care

It was a remarkable change.

Before she knew it, Rena had pulled Eve in her arms and was patting her. Eve slightly had an

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with everyone.

Yea, me, Elsword, Ara and Add, we will always be together with you.

So Im not alone.

At this gentle answer, Eve hesitated then tried to embrace Rena. But at that moment, sound of an

Gwwwooooh!!

Lets hurry and check it out.

Not a sound could be heard.

looked like she was flying. Ara breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that nothing was wrong.

But she must have been mistaken.

Ara eased her mind then delved into her thoughts while slowly strolling around the camp. She

She was so thankful of how Rena cared for her and how Eve was worrying for her that she didnt

Even now she wanted to confess everything to them.. But what use would that be?

Yes, Im listening. The air is fresh tonight.

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Future isnt unchangeable and is determined by actions of the present. My eyes can see much

somewhat become able to see as well. Its an ability called foresight.

Eve being destroyed by Shadow Master in Elder, Elsword falling before Elesis blade, Rena trying to

And Add being killed by Karis.

sleep recently. It was to the point where she was too scared to close her eyes.

What should I do then? What did you do in times like this Lord Eun?

dancing on top of a blade, you should already know that death can come at any moment.

If someone else was to see Ara right now it would look like she was talking to herself. Ara sadly

to be harsh sometimes.

Still, I cant let such a thing happen! Its because Im not strong enough

I also have many things that I failed to protect.

Ara bit her lower lips in frustration at Euns lecturing tone.

village were killed. Ara was the sole survivor from that bloodbath.

I dont want to change something like that. I just want to stop the events Ive been seeing if they

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Eun didnt continue her words anymore. Instead, sound of heavy armor moving was heard then

What are you doing alone here Ara Haan?

It was a voice that she got to hear often these past couple of days. Ara got extremely startled as she

It was Chung who returned after his bath with Add.

..Im sorry. I was deep in thought and forgot for a moment.

around the surrounding area for a moment to confirm that no one else was around then spoke

Im sorry if my words sounded harsh. Please return to the carriage now.

Ara realized that complying with Chung wasnt what she wanted to say right now.

her mind too restless and anxious.

That was obvious. Ara Haan is a martial artist. She always solved her unrest and problems through

in her hand.

Mr.Chung, I wont ask you to trust me. Its an excessive request after all.

But can you let me fight together as well?

tearing through the darkness was heard.

Gwwwooooh!!

Yes!!

Add was looking over the map in the commanders tent when the tearing roar was heard. Add

Dark shadow form was attacking by swinging its arm. Velder Knights were too shocked by its 3

Shadow Master?

faced with caution in the past. But Add snorted and threw a Void Impact.

Space tore then a giant hole was created in the center of Shadow Masters chest. Shadow Masters

Did you really think Ill get startled from something like this now?

His mental ability to manipulate the Dynamos had improved as well so he could take down a

After filling the hole in its chest as if clay was being molded, Shadow Master looked up at Add. Then

an entrance but Add didnt get startled and waved his arm.

Space exploded and the newly born Shadow Snipers rolled on the floor. Shadow Snipers were the

Adds attacks.

It was not a bad choice to ambush them with a Shadow Master.. But even Add alone could handle

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Chargers that got born from Shadow Masters shadow charged into the Velder Knights that were

still.

Shadow Chargers in middle of their charge.

Ugh..

Velder Knight members were apologizing as they slowly backed out. They werent at least bad since

Well. Its kind of understandable.

Shadow Master. Wasnt it an enemy that even Add struggled so much against before?

Shadow Master was too much for them.

Add declared lightly then closed the Void Field as he blew up the now free Shadow Chargers with a

pieces. Then the pieces turned into a murky dark liquid then went back into Shadow Masters

Its different than before.

didnt have an ability to create minions on the spot.

Not only that.

A tearing roar was heard from far away. The ambush was happening not only in one location but in

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while letting out a laugh.

There wasnt a reason to be worried at all. The other El Search Party members should be fighting

But. just in case, it would be troublesome if something happened to Eve.

And Ive never liked you from the start. Ill make sure to destroy you fast as I can.

terrifying atmosphere. But Eve was objectively facing a Shadow Master by herself.

Explosion Impact detonated as Shadow Chargers got launched up towards the air and got destroyed.

reborn again.

Minion demons will be reborn infinitely unless Shadow Master was defeated. Eve launched a missile

be reborn quickly.

She had to use Generate Black Hole or Junk Break to end this in one go.. But Junk Break had a

from the dimension gate and activate.

While Eve was hesitating, five Shadow walkers got created and spread out. Eve quickly fired an

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focusing on spawning minions. Electron ball did do noticeable damage to the Shadow Masters body

that the minions spawned.

didnt prioritize in abilities to fight head on. Even the battle capabilities she had right now were self

Eves firepower alone wasnt enough to defeat Shadow Master.

This would endanger the Velder Knights.

her, they must be facing Shadow Master or demons that are of equal caliber.

Eve strengthened her resolve and boldly app