2. Sword Knight vs Dark Knight

to chomp on a delicious looking steamed potato.

Here, you eat too.

Eve made a troublesome expression as she looked down at the bribe(?) on her head.

Its delicious. Would you like some Mr.Add?

threatening battle just a moment ago. Witnessing this scene right now made his mind blank out.

..Will that really be alright? This is the armys food storage.

expected Add to stop them and was now looking confusedly at Add.

Add responded with words that werent like him as he bit his lips. Time travel was successful. But.

The strongest leader of the Red Knights Elesis. She was unbelievably powerful.

excuse that they got ambushed during the first time. But even during the second time where he had

For a moment, it looked like they could win. But it only confirmed that there was no way to stop

Phew..

When Add was letting out a helpless sigh, Eve suddenly broke her potato in half and held it out to

42

humans are different after all.

What she said was correct but for Eve to take care of him like this? Add was dumbstruck but took

Ara and Elsword were already eating their fourth potatoes. What a big appetite.

Here you go, Mr.Add. Eat it with some salt.

and swallowed the potato. Inside of his mouth heated up as the soft and sweet taste of the potato

Eve held out a cup of water towards Add as he ate wordlessly.

..Thanks.

way to beat that powerful enemy, that black panther. Actually, the plan just now was the best he

So this is where you guys were?

smile. Her gaze finally turned towards Add who was chewing his potato mechanically.

expect Add would be like this too.

Eve sided with and spoke for the three who were busy eating. Rena made a strange smile as she

Alright, Ill be discussing our plans with Ms.Vanessa first so dont be too late.

Rena looked proudly at Eve as she left while smiling. Add finally finished swallowing his potato and

43

..

quickly because he was hungry.

It wasnt because he was hungry. It was because it was so rare for Eve to take care of him like this.

Elsword had eaten 6 potatoes meanwhile and kicked the ground as he stood up.

Wait. Elsword, hes still.

Eve hesitated for a moment at Adds words then nodded as she left the kitchen. Hearing her

Its enjoyable to see such harmonious moments.

twitching on top of her head.

Youre not showing an unpleasant reaction anymore, boy. Should I interpret this as you feeling

This time.how can I win this time?

Search Party fought it together.

Eun sat on the chair with her legs crossed and didnt answer as she just wagged her tails. She was

Add would have been normally become unpleasant and enraged at Euns guile attitude right now.

kind of reaction from Add.

Huhu, boy seems reserved today. No. Is saying today strange after all? Saying this moment

Tell me how.

Add closed his mouth at the riddle like response. If the conversation went on like this, the one

But Add didnt quibble over this fact unlike before. There was something he had to bring into

..Just what do you want from me? Its probably not making me randomly time travel endlessly.

What do you mean?

have been repeatedly rewinding that time.

He would rewind time only when Eve was destroyed. Add was acting according to this decision so

Could it be that..

happen. That I knew boy will change his mind. As Ive said before, Im not omnipotent or

..

time even if Eve wasnt destroyed and another party member was killed instead.

It would be obvious for boy to suspect as such in his position. And I didnt intervene in various

point is the enemy waiting for us tomorrow. Even I do not know how that enemy would act, or

Even you cant take her on?

45

No, no matter how strong Elesis was, wasnt she within the realms of humans? Even the Great

Did you just dare to call me a Great Specter?

Although Add hadnt said it out loud, Eun shook her head as if she was honestly displeased.

such words even though Ive helped..

Add was embarrassed that his thoughts got found out and spoke bluntly. For some reason, Eun was

Im currently sealed away right now. Also, Aras body wont be able to hold out if I fought

Eun said those words as she curled up her right hand to make a claw like shape then waved it in

powerful attack.

.I see.

Then how about avoiding this battle? Turning back time to before they headed to Velder and telling

No. I guess it wont work.

to use the Dimension Gate freely again. If that happens, they will send assassins after Eve again. If

time.

Just what is that womans goal? How come a woman who was the strongest amongst the humans

46

wont forgive any enemies that stand in her way.

realized that it was obvious. No matter how much Add suffered and struggled, it was his problem. It

All she had to do was take over Aras body and run away if things got dicey.

Add didnt answer even though Eun spoke with a tone as if she was hurt. How Eun had read his

When Add didnt remove his suspicions, Eun sighed and got up from her seat. She approached Add

Grab.

Isnt that a bit harsh boy? Did you think me, whos been journeying together with all of you all this

Thats because you said..

heart? Do I really have to say this out loud?

on with willpower as he spoke each words precisely.

Shouldnt there be an appropriate procedure if you are going to make a request to me?

Eun let go of Adds cheek for now but it didnt look like she had relieved her anger. Add rubbed his

If you help me this time, then Ill time travel once according to your request.

groaned as he grabbed his leg and hopped in place in pain.

47

What was she saying when he had gone out of his way to present her with a fair bargain? Add

..If its about that time, Im sorry.

remember clearly.

About how I treated you as an object in somebodys pocket..

you think Ill feel better now that youve bowed in apology to me?

leisurely and teased him with a tone as if she was looking down on him. But she was quite

Although she hadnt shown any signs, she must have been extremely offended that time.

Thats not a tone of someone who is sorry. I can see clearly that youre speaking reluctantly.

mood had loosened slightly after pouring out her emotions.

toy around with my fate? Is she doing this because she has some ulterior motive? Well, they are

..

waved her hand and changed the topic.

tomorrow without anyones death. Do you understand?

Didnt she say that it wont work even if Eun fought? Eun paused when Add insisted.

48

I can tell by your face. Dont answer half-heartedly just so you can avoid this situation. Say no if

Eun requested with a clear cut tone. It seemed she had been quite begrudged by that past

Dont make such unreasonable demands.

my feet right now if I wanted him to?

She looked very emotional and even dangerous. But Add coldly glared at Eun.

information but you expect me to blatantly trust you? Do you think that makes sense? Didnt you

.

trust. Isnt that very simple?

couldnt tell if she didnt want to speak anymore or if shell listen to more.

But if I can win tomorrow by listening to you Then Ill trust you a bit.

Be thankful.

on her forehead and let out a long sigh. She almost looked like a cat that just saw mouse acting cute

But Add didnt change his attitude.

probably her true feelings and not an act.

49

refuse to help?

I.

Add spoke coldly as he glared at Eun.

time unless Eve was destroyed and Eun asked multiple times if he was really sure about that.

fought with Elesis tomorrow. Well, although if you believed Euns words asking him to not suspect

Achieving victory against such a powerful enemy like Elesis without any casualties was almost

Party would get destroyed if Elesis attacked them.

I turned back time again when Rena and Elsword died. This must be one of the results you wanted

..I wont say that its not.

It was Add who should have been begging in this situation but Add examined the situation carefully

destroyed many times before telling Add the solution, Eun had been trying to do the same thing

Thus, Eun had also wanted the situation of Add acting like this, the situation of Add making up his

He didnt need to show any signs of weakness when their goals were aligned. When Add quickly

I dont know where I let up this time. Boy is too smart that its sometimes difficult to deal with

Kukukuk, you dont have to pay any lip service.

Add let out a cold laugh then held out his hand towards Eun. Eun who was sitting down looked up

Dont just sit there, get up and tell me what I should do. Ill do exactly as you say.

Ive come this far, theres nothing I cant pull off.

she grabbed Adds hand.

And it was just as she said.

commanders tent. But the goal they were trying to achieve was something outrageous so it was a

Add didnt bother to sit and glanced at the map once then made his conclusion.

..

Wait Add, listen to me for a moment. We cant just retreat.

you should know when to retreat when you are outmatched. Well get annihilated if we engage

Adds sharp words cut across the atmosphere of the meeting. Everyone had been giving various

here last time were frowning as they stared at Add.

Youre going to face the elite demon army with theses scraped together forces thats barely

up amazingly because we are here? What an attitude to show when you dont even have any courage

How

It was a blatant mockery. Even if the El Search Party were important reinforcements that came in

when one of the knights was about to stamp up from their seat, Vanessa quickly grabbed the knights

In this tense atmosphere, Add withdrew his sneer then threw sharp words across the meeting.

here but didnt you have something like the Red Knights? Soldiers were all praising them that this

Red Knights are now

Just when Vanessa was about to murmur with a troubled voice, Elsword got up from his seat and

stood up and left as she followed after Elsword.

lightly hit down on the table.

even if we dont want to.

What?

said right now 180 degrees different from what he was saying before?

Rena, help encourage the soldiers with Vanessa. They wont be able to fight as they are right now.

Rena looked like she wanted to ask many questions but was holding back for now. Did she notice

Then Ill go get some fresh air.

Add exited the tent but he didnt get on the Dynamos and walked instead. He didnt want to hurry.

Elsword was sitting on the same box from the previous time. If there was something that had

Elsword had his head dropped down and Eve was beside him holding his hand. Seeing Eves hand

Kukukuk.

and all sorts of negative emotions as he approached the two. Eve turned around after hearing Adds

her.

I found Elesis.

Elswords back winced then he slowly turned his gaze towards Add. His shadowed eyes contained a

Add made an exaggerated shrug then continued his words.

..So that was on purpose.

topic of Red Knights in front of Elsword in order to provoke him.

Elsword.

the courage to continue talking if he saw what face Eve was making right now.

Do you want to know?

Elsword let out a sigh as he pulled his hand out of Eves hand then stood up to face Add.

Please tell me where Big Sister is.

She joined up with the demons that captured Velder. Shes cooperating with them. Shes our enemy

..

Alright, lets paint over time.

You

at Elsword. Elsword had his eyes opened widely and was biting his lower lip. The shock must have

Theres no way Big Sister would..

was on top of his hand.

The hair Add had picked up in Feita, something he had kept just in case was now giving extra

You still cant believe after seeing this? Then you can just confirm it with your own eyes tomorrow.

demons side. Are you going to join them too?

Add didnt stop despite Eves warning.

traveled back in time if he wasnt going to say this.

if its true?

Elsword, I asked what are you going to do if your Big Sister who had gone missing for half a year

When Add pressed for an answer, Elsword continued to bite his lower lip and couldnt say anything.

His heart must be in a mess. The gladness from the sudden news about his missing family and the

Add, I told you to stop.

Add finally averted his gaze from Elsword and looked at Eve. He pretty much finished what he had

Eve was staring at Add with a gaze that was cold beyond measure. Eves attitude towards Add

and rage towards him.

Add let out a sigh then looked at Eve with narrow eyes.

Who is..?

can confirm it for yourself tomorrow if youre doubtful. But what are you going to do if its true?

Eve couldnt respond. Add sharply pushed the issue.

kingdom. What is he going to do now? Shouldnt he know beforehand so he can make his choice?

Eve was barely managing to respond. Add waved his hand as a gesture of saying dont say

Choice if he will follow his sister and surrender himself to the demons or not. Im saying that if

also get suspected if he joined the demons.

flying towards his cheek. The impact was so powerful that the strength in Adds back almost gave

55

So. This is how its going to be is it?

could only turn out like this.

I wont stand by quietly if you say anything more.

Add sneered as he laughed with a feeling of not knowing who he was laughing at.

going to go together with him?

I asked you a question Elsword. Answer.

possible. Eve grabbed Elswords hand again as if she didnt want to deal with such nonsense.

his steps and follow Eve who was pulling him.

You hide behind your sister when you are young and now you are going to hide behind Eve like a

.

I see, youre still a brat inside despite how your body grew and your skills got improved. It was

I wasted my time.

A raspy voice, Elsword didnt know what to do with his surging emotions.

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kicked the ground as he dashed off by himself.

Add sneered when Eve sharply turned her head around to glare at him.

like she was collecting her thoughts then spoke with a low voice.

Hoh? Really?

showing before.

unexpected.

yours.

I cannot forgive you for this.

as if she was looking at an enemy she had to destroy.

Whichever side has to, I hope we dont ever see each others face again after this mission.

It was an extremely explicit demand. Did it mean that if you wont leave then we will?

Kukukuk.

57

him? Was she trying to stay beside Elsword to protect and comfort him all night while hes caught

jerk?

..

heart was self-loathing.

He tried laughing to get rid of this lump in his heart but it didnt show any signs of disappearing.

towards Elesis and comforted him. This would have gotten found out by the other party members

as if she had changed her opinion of Add?

Add rudely tore out Elswords heart and Eve opposed Adds actions. No, it didnt end with just

Kukukukuk.

Night, private tent.

beside it. Add was staring at the potato for a while then made his decision and started to peel the

He dipped the potato in salt and tasted it. It was tasty. But Add didnt feel like eating anymore after

It tastes different..

A sudden rage swept over Add as he was looking down at the potato. Then he swung his arm to

towards him.

something. Defiance of gravity? When Add was looking at the potato confusedly..a voice came

You shouldnt mistreat food.

bite out of it. Looking at Eun enjoyably eating the potato, Add covered his face with his palm and

Go to the cafeteria if you want something to eat.

She ate deliciously despite what she said. Eun quickly finished the potato then tried to sit on the

Theres no plan.

Velder Liberation Army already had inferior numbers. Even without that disadvantage. It didnt

demonic energy. Would normal soldiers be able to even approach her?

the El Search Party and Elesis. Victory was impossible for the Velder Liberation army if the El

So, I told Elsword beforehand just like you said. Will everything be fine now?

Eun shook her head at Adds blunt question. Her attitude was as if she honestly didnt know.

But Add knew that he couldnt blame Eun.

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Elsword was so shocked after knowing that Elesis was their opponent that he couldnt even think

right now because that Elsword had thrown his body

mind to fight.

I wouldnt recommend it too much..What are you planning to do after that?

they still couldnt defeat Elesis even after telling Elsword the truth beforehand? There was

Well go back in time further and bring Raven. That will work.

Add had never met Raven again ever after the time when Raven separated in Ruben. He never had

matter what.

Elesis. It felt like a convincing plan for Add, but Eun shook her head.

What?

Add could tell that this strange title was referring to Raven. But he still couldnt understand what

What do you mean? Didnt he split up so he could research what Banthus did with the Nasods in

Thats only the surface excuse. Its actually different. He wont be rejoining.

Hearing this abrupt information, Add pressed his forehead with his hand and dived into his

Add had been passing this off as something trivial. But there was a hidden circumstance behind it?

Are you telling me that he wont rejoin even if I convince him that Rena will be in danger?

Euns bitter words meant that he wouldnt rejoin. Add exploded in anger at this miscalculation and

Empty chair made an unpleasant sound as it dragged across the floor.

Hes a famously skilled individual in Elrios. He cant help but to be occupied when demons are

I dont think that should a reason for him to not rejoin when Rena he had been traveling with is in

Eun didnt answer Adds question. Add sighed knowing that this meant she wont talk about this

Important thing here was that the method of going way back in time to have Raven rejoin got

Then.. Is there no other way?

Add let out an empty laugh at Euns unconfident response. This was the first time hes seen this sly

He had to even withstand Eves cold stare as he painted over time. But they still didnt have any

When Add sighed, Eun moved her tail to wag it in front of Adds face. Add got annoyed at this

There were 9 of Euns fox tails and only two of Adds arms. It was obvious who would win.

..Get these off me.

They were indeed soft but Add didnt feel good. To be accurate, he didnt feel like joking around

61

than the others. This can be redeemed if you use that time right.

There was a rage mixed in with Adds voice. Eun let out a thin sigh as she slightly lowered her head.

..

Its not something I should get comforted over.

didnt matter if she borrowed Aras body to speak those words to Elsword instead of Add. But Add

I chose to do it.

certain.. But Add couldnt accept that.

back.

zero. Kukukuk.

back to point zero, no, went backwards into the negatives, but Add didnt care.

thats truly important.

any kind of hostile stares from Eve for the sake of achieving that result.

Add suppressed his own emotions and murmured with a tone as if he was comforting himself. Then

away without any thought. But what got caught in Adds hand was a hand.

What do you think youre doing?

I was comforting the boy.

Eun who had lowered her upper body and placed both of her hands on top of the table subtly

I would like to comfort the wounded boy with the ways of the fox.

Voluptuous ringing voice that any guy would fall for. But Add instinctively raised his guard. He

Big Brother Add, are you in there?

response. Person that came in looked straightly at Add sitting on the chair and Eun sitting on the

Should I come later?

He was glad that Elsword didnt misunderstand like Eve. Only in this moment, Add was thankful

Eun took her hand off Adds chin and made a beaming smile towards Elsword.

Are you really Big Sister Ara?

bright today?

Add was at a loss for words when Elsword conversed with Eun without any suspicions. You could

anything. Well, you wouldnt normally think that a Celestial Fox spirit was possessing Aras body.

When Elsword spoke maturely, Eun smiled glamorously as she got up from the table.

63

Eun left while laughing without a sound at Adds hateful response. Only two people, Elsword and

Should I have told her to stay?

with a stiff expression. It looked like he had been through a lot of difficulty in coming to meet with

Is it true that Big Sister is working together with the demons that have captured Velder?

Add answered Elswords question with a question of his own. Add was curious. Shouldnt Eve be

without a doubt tried to come with Elsword if he was coming to meet with Add.

Thinking about it doesnt feel too good.

Like you said. I didnt want to hide behind Eve.

So please answer me. Did Big Sister really.really join the demons? Why?

was currently acting with the heart of wanting to get back the person most precious to him.

I dont know the reason myself. But Elesis has indeed currently joined hands with the demons and

thing..

Add examined to see if he could get any information but there was nothing he could find out from

Didnt they say she was the leader of the kingdoms strongest Red Knights? Rising to such a position

been outstanding.

She was the enemy but Add honestly had no choice but to respect Elesis. Although her skills were

composure.

Although, judging by how after she unexpectedly slew Elsword..her movements became very

should tie Elsword up and tried negotiating with her, but he quickly felt that it was futile.

down then release Elsword?

Hostage negotiation would be futile.

I was talking to myself, dont mind it.

as he let his words trail as if he was groaning.

strong. I was no match for her. Thats why I always wanted to become stronger than her, and on the

anyone else.

She was so bright that just looking at her was blinding.

Those were words about his memories. Add wasnt too interested..but Add having to listen this

how precious Elesis was to him and how much he loved Elesis. Add didnt want to interfere.

Thats why I wanted to become stronger. I wanted to fight side by side with Big Sister. But. If

If you want list of options, Ill give them to you. First, run away from here. You didnt hear

65

couldnt run away despite knowing this. Not only that, righteous Elsword would never run away

..If it was Eve, wouldnt she go with her? Add cut off the thought as it rose up from within him

Second, surrender yourself to the demon army. Then youll be able to fight side by side with Elesis

She did seem like she held a rather important position in their army.

run amok as a solitarily unit, the demon army must trust her quite a bit. Well, with that much skill,

herself..And you also had to wonder if there was even anyone amongst the demons that could

She was the worst possible enemy for Elrios, but would the demons be able to blatantly trust Ds

betray again.

burst out in anger.

Elrios!

Shes just siding with the demons. And Im not sure but I dont think her position in the demon

help to her.

I wont blame you even if you make this choice. Do what you would like.

Add shook his head bitterly at Elswords words which contained a suspicion and rage as if he was

Didnt I say it before? Ignore what anyone else says if its a path you chose in order to be with the

that matters to you?

66

anything after being faced with his own set of values and the truth that Elesis has joined the demons.

that there are always three choices.

out in front of his face.

What?

her into the El Search Party.

Elsword only blinked vacantly for a while. Then after a long pause, he finally must have understood

Nonsense, if Big Sister ever decides on something once, she wont listen to what I.

When Add spoke about this ancient truth that has been passed down through generations, Elsword

thought can exist.

must have only looked at her and never had dreamed of standing in the same place as her.

Add had devalued Elsword on the outside, but he internally admitted Elswords skills. He had

was top notch. Considering his age, he will become stronger and stronger from now on.

blindly discarded as nonsense.

It was more than enough for Elsword to be proud of his own skills. But Elsword had never shown

who could defeat more Glitter soldiers, didnt Elsword answer that his skills were below Adds

67

his place. But the whole thing looked different now after hearing the story about Elesis.

on.

had been saying to him from time to time.

Didnt you want to be recognized by becoming stronger?

had the title of the strongest on her back. Thats why the boy endeavored with only a single mindset

He wasnt satisfied no matter how stronger he became, he didnt desire anyone elses compliments,

slightly. Add smiled.

heart right now.

Then show how much stronger youve become to Elesis. Fight and win, then drag her back here.

right? The fact that she was on the demons side can be dealt with by making up some reasonable

repaid with achievements. The fight will continue on so there will be plenty of chances for the

..

With this, Add had used up all the methods that Eun told him. But no matter what choice Elsword

blame Elsword for something so miniscule like surrendering himself to the demon army? He would

68

also just join the Demon army too?

reason Add was hostile to the demons was because they were after the Queen of Nasods, Eve.

If Elsword, Eve and Add go over to the demon army, only Ara and Rena would remain. Ara could

general. Not only that, Add didnt know why demons were trying to destroy Eve. But they

..

Rena and have the entire El Search Party join the demons? Elesis was already like that, there

It was a solution that he had thought of randomly, but Add felt increasingly drawn by it.

the second choice. Depending on Elswords choice right now, the result of most of the El Search

It was a very appealing solution.

Fine, Ill arrange the meeting myself.

troubled face then was about to turn around and leave..then paused.

Kukuk, its nothing. It was a troubling matter on my side too.

Elsword spoke those words then left the tent. Add who got left alone was about to think about the

strides.

Did the talk go well?

What will Elsword choose?

Didnt I say before that the secrets of the universe should not be revealed so carelessly? Clairvoyant

..

Does boy feel that the choice joining the demons is appealing?

When Add responded in displeasure, Eun laughed quietly.

..

made your hair stand on ends. She closes in towards you despite how you had distanced yourself

Recalling it brings chills through his body.

her.

possible solution I could think of. Its not like I have a sure proof strategy. All I know is that when

..

Eun smiled as she moved her tail and covered Adds eyes with it. Add had his eyes closed anyways

The soft sensation felt pleasant.

Master wasnt because you relied on my strength. Victory from that fight was the result of the El

Youre saying something tiresome.

If need be, he wanted to even borrow Euns power to take down Elesis. But Eun didnt seem to

Well, what Eun was saying did make sense.

Elsword had been out of his mind during the first fight, and he was acting similarly during the

So the El Search Party had never joined together as one to stand against Elesis before.

was..to give Elsword the will to fight even if he was to go against Elesis.

So it means yes. Add finally understood as he nodded. They couldnt defeat Elesis even though Rena,

focusing the capabilities of the entire El Search Party.

It would be easy if everyone just joined the demons.

Im tired so get out now. Ill sleep for a bit.

Velder Liberation army his plan. Since he talked big during the strategy meeting, he should at least