2. Engage

El Search Party tracked Banthus who ran off with the El to Elder. El Search Party members were all

Wow that castle is huge..

Yea sure, do you want some too Eve?

Cherry aid is fine right?

El Search Party members harmoniously exchanged conversations as they walked through the

His mind was in such disarray that nothing came into his eyes..

Add got startled and stepped back as he felt sudden chill on his cheek.

Here, take this. Its a cherry aid. You didnt say anything so I chose what to get.

Then would you like me to go exchange it for a different flavor?

sociable smile. Hes been wondering about this for a while..Rena was always treating him like a kid

Of course, Rena paid attention to the other members as well. But it was certain that she was extra

outskirts of the group.

Add took a glance at the other three with a straw in his mouth. Ara, Elsword and Eve were drinking

Elsword and Eve had been traveling together so it was obvious they got along. But Ara was quite

Sigh.

Other members didnt seem bothered at all by Elswords sudden growth.

Kukukuk.

frightening. He couldnt tell what might change next if he time traveled again.

certainty that changes that will happen next were positive.

As I thought, its not something you can use carelessly.

happen if he continued like this. As he thought, he should refrain from using time travel much as

Grab!

turned around in surprise to see that Rena was smiling with her arm tied around Adds neck.

G, Get off!

out. But Adds physical abilities were that of a normal boy. There was no way he could escape the

It stuck closer the more he struggled.

Who said I wanted to play!? Dont stick so close to me!!

G, Get off!

quickly tried to pull his body out.

Add got flustered as he abruptly turned his head around. He could smell indescribably good aroma

It seemed Rena didnt care about what was going on in Adds head and continued to ask while

Hmm, so were you able to apologize well yesterday?

I was asking if you were able to ease your mind.

clothes then noticed Renas gaze as he frowned.

shown signs of weakness to her.

Umm, Ill go talk with Mr.Hoffman now. So please do a good job of watching over the kids for me

Rena was trying to hand over the command of the group to Add. Well, Add was the most

Eve was fine in every respect but wasnt knowledgeable about worldly affairs, Ara tried her best in

group.

highly of his unexpectedly sensible thought process and ability to improvise.

accept the leader role and,

did not decline it either.

Hmm?

I have something to suggest to him so Ill go too.

And knowing Renas personality, she wont deliberately refuse this. Add resolved himself as he

Ill change the future.

In the end, Rena and Add headed to Hoffmans house while leaving the command of the other

Mr.Hoffman will meet you soon.

Add fidgeting his fingers then stole a glance at Rena. Rena noticed Adds gaze and smiled

Whats wrong?

He already knew from past experience that Rena would listen to him even if he made an abrupt

What Im about do to..is to not make anyone cry.

Rena replied with a tone that said she was listening. It was a light response but her voice was friendly.

Yea okay.

with this task even though he didnt give her any further explanation.

Rena will probably just kindly reply back if Add tried to nitpick at her nave reaction right now. Add

Lets do what he had to do now since Rena entrusted him with this.

31

meet Hoffman in order to investigate Banthus whereabouts. But Adds purpose was different.

Proposition? Who are you people?

Rena pulled out Ruben chief Hagus recommendation letter and handed it over to Hoffman. They

Hoffman.

So youre here to get back the El that was stolen from Ruben. Then.

Add boldly cut off Hoffmans words and took a deep breath before moving on to the main topic.

nothing was wrong.

Hmm? What are you saying all of a sudden?

unreasonable taxes, he captured all of the girls in this town right? Isnt resentment amongst the

Hoffman winced when Add hit the mark. But he didnt get flustered and reacted in a composed

I dont know how you found out.but it seems you already know everything.

Hoffman didnt respond immediately to Adds suggestion but it seemed he was drawn by this

This was a desperate time where they were preparing for their revolution to overthrow Wally. Each

volunteering to help.

32

We know about an Underground Waterway that leads into the castle.

Doing so will only repeat the previous events. He had to aim for a different location, attack from a

We have to infiltrate deep into the castle. Only then can we rescue the captive girls.

Hoffmans words trailed as if such a thing was impossible. It seemed he had pondered every

But Add grinned with satisfaction.

That is?

turn things back anymore if he said this.

Girls from us El Search Party will get captured and get taken into the castle. They obviously wont

cause a disturbance from within to rescue the girls. Kukukuk, its a perfect plan.

Hoffman exclaimed as he looked at Rena. They couldnt use this plan because all the girls in Elder

But if the El Search Party that had just arrived in Elder, more precisely the girls in their party

This plan was worth a try.

couple of traveling girls. Well prepare this plan right away. How many amongst you are planning to

Umm, there will be three.

Rena also accepted this plan and answered. Ara, Rena and Eve were girls so that number was

There will be four.

Rena made an obvious indication.but Add continued his words while suppressing the feeling of

afford to keep himself out of this plan.

..Add, could it be that you were a girl?

Add just spoke the words he had to.

couldnt back out just because it was shameful.

..Although it felt like hell kick in his sleep later.

Rena gathered the El Search Party members and started explaining with a lighthearted voice.

Other members who didnt know the situation listened carefully to Renas explanation. But Add had

want to be sitting in this conversation..But he had to supplement Renas explanation whenever

Everyone had to work in unison in order for this plan that Eun had suggested to work properly.

Big sister Rena? What about Banthus?

were putting aside Banthus and were trying to overthrow castles lord Wally. Of course he wouldnt

34

I cannot forgive him no matter what!

The twos opinions seemed to clash so Add explained instead of Rena.

What? Really?

fry was commanding Nasods? Theres also a reason for them in taking all the girls by force. They

Adds explanation made sense but there was a hole.

Eve didnt miss that hole and asked quietly.

when it hasnt even been a day since theyve arrived here.

about them.

Eve didnt look satisfied with this explanation. Well, it should still be more convincing than telling

Hmm, we cant leave the tyrannical lord like this right? Lets help Elders citizens.

felt like the orders got flipped, but everyone accepted because Rena had said so.

Ill lead the way!

Wallys evil deeds and was now raring to go.

Wait, I have a plan.

It was good that everyone was willing. But charging in like this will only end with the same result

Add repeated the same explanation he gave to Hoffman while ignoring Rena who was making a

Thats a great plan! Ill do it too!

Eve spoke questioningly.

Add quickly made his move first before Rena who was forcefully suppressing her laughter while

Hed rather say it himself than let someone else say it!

.

Eve coldly, and Ara confusingly stared at Add. After staring at Adds chest for a while, Ara asked in

But Mr.Add doesnt have breasts. Were you a girl?

Eves face seemed to stiffen for some reason but lets ignore that. Add suppressed the feeling of

I, Ill disguise myself and go together.

Ara clapped her hand and made a large nod. ..Please dont show such a welcoming reaction; Im

.Big brother Add, will you be okay?

clenched tightly. Add started to feel increasingly more wretched the more he talked.

36

Right now, this kind of reaction was more grateful for Add.

C, Cant we just put some r,ribbons on his head? Pfft.

Three girls started to have an in-depth discussion about the sudden topic of dressing Add up like a

I dont know much about decorating but Ill do my best!

I, Ill. Make you pretty too. Pfft.

front of him.

It would be best if we gave him a skirt right?

..My heart is seriously getting torn apart listening to this.

the guys bedroom. He kept getting impulses to turn back and erase this event even though he was

Add moved out to the balcony and looked up at the sky while grabbing the railings. The sky was

Kukuk, this isnt funny.

from Eun too. But he ended up agreeing to it after listening to her explanation.

just send only Rena and Ara to the Wallys Castle?

37

together as possible.

well. Thus, he had to dress up like a girl in order to do so.

It totally feels like Ive been fooled..

Add winced at the sudden voice that came from below him. Tap! Ara who jumped up from the

It was an unbelievable physical feat. But the girl who now suddenly stood beside him shrugged when

Even Ara can easily perform this much.

Youre popping up too often recently.

Just tell me what you came here to say.

the tomorrows plan in more detail.

Get lost, dont ever come out again.

I was joking. The problem is how well fool the castles soldiers.

It could be troublesome if theres a guy who falls for you because youre so beautiful.

Eun laughed enjoyably as Add glared at her. In some sense, Eun was much more difficult to face

What will you do if you fail tomorrow?

I wont fail.

Add frowned when Eun questioned him persistently. He didnt know why she was trying to confirm

Ill find you and time travel again. Is there a problem with that?

Add couldnt answer immediately to her quiet question. Elswords sudden change. Would Add have

His time travel started bringing about a strange phenomenon. It was light changes at first, but now it

Something even more serious could happen next.

Elsword would change like this?

when you time travel.

You look like you want to ask me why. But I wont answer that either.

If Add heard beforehand about how something even more serious, something even more drastic

So your goal was to make me time travel.

Eun didnt deny Adds guess.

of his eyes then repeatedly time travel only to fail. Yet she didnt do anything and just observed as all

It honestly made Add angry.but there was no point in getting mad right now. Didnt he already

Forget it. Ill succeed for sure tomorrow.

If need be, Ill also help both physically and spiritually.

now but as he had thought, she was way too suspicious.

Then Ill be anticipating boys beautiful form tomorrow.

bottom floors balcony safely.

He was playing into that foxs hands right now. But he had no other options at the moment. Hell

I dont want to do this ever again.

some hideous result. Add prayed to the stars in the night sky.

The stars were heartless. They dont listen to peoples wishes.

You look great Mr.Add!

Add bit his lower lip as the three girls complimented him. He didnt even want to imagine what

A skirt came into his view when he lowered his eyes. Although Add had agreed with dressing up

Adds height was 176cm. Tall for a girl. This will obviously attract attention so they had to make this

Add couldnt logically refute her.

Here, want to take a look in the mirror?

No, no matter what.

eyes.

I changed your voice so you dont need to worry about getting found out.

When Add kicked the ground and tried to escape from the room, Ara grabbed Add by locking him

were touching his back!

Eh? Whats wrong Mr.Add?

Panicked Add finally managed to shake Ara off by twisting his body. Add let out a big sigh then

A girl he had never seen before in his life stared back at him with a frown.

had no particular interest in girls admitted this internally.

It was really fun to do. This doesnt look bad at all since Add was already pretty.

Yes, no one will be suspicious.

Add notified the girls lopsidedly and got out of the room. Hed only become a laughingstock the

.This is driving me crazy.

moved his steps, watching out so he didnt step on the bottom of his skirt.

42

to secretly bring their weapons. Unlike Add who had physical abilities of a normal boy, the other

inside the castle.

optical camouflage. Put the Dynamos inside a large bag then put all of the groups weapons inside.

There wont be any problems long as no one touched the bag directly. All preparations done.

Add clicked his tongue after coming down to the inns first floor because he didnt want to be with

how the group of men that just arrived were staring at him with wide eyes.

frail girl in order to be captured. He couldnt cause a scene until the soldiers arrived.

He had to withstand all of these stares until he could achieve his goal. Add was busy suppressing his

Who the heck is this? The man smiled and held out his hand towards Add. Add was already in an

Beautiful lady, may I join you?

Lets never cross-dress again even if this plan fails and he had to time travel again. Add thought as

My, it seems what they said about beautiful roses having thorns were true.

Wow that just gave me goose bumps. Add was trying to focus on suppressing himself while

Add was now beyond shivering and was about to have a seizure. Add got startled and tried to pull

My, lady your wrist is beautiful too.

Add couldnt win in a contest of physical strength. The mans tone had become impolite before long.

Mac! Dont treat the lady so roughly!

For some reason, cheers rang across the floor as if the man did something cool. There was no one

his physical strength.

cause a ruckus in town and get captured instead?

Add stole a look at the bag that lay near his feet and at the Dynamos inside. He then stretched out

Oh? Do you feel like talking now lady? You should tell me your name first.

Just when Add smiled viciously and was about to move the Dynamos.a familiar hand slightly

As if to tell him to be patient.

Rena was standing behind Add. The man was too focused on trying to hit on Add that he was late in

Ah, thats.

business with us?

The man winced in surprise then got up from his spot and hurriedly left the inn. The mans friends

quickly.

You did well in holding back, Add.

.I could have handled it by myself.

Hmm, please try to understand those people. They must have been lonely because all the girls in

Why do you always think so positively?

heartedbut wasnt this too much?

that bad people.

It was more like they got mesmerized by Renas beauty then got scared and ran away when she

You did really well in holding back.

Adds frown was meant to get her to stop talking about this subject.

.Everyone is getting ready to be captured.

Both of them had helped with Adds disguise soon as they got up this morning.

If you say that one more time..

sharply when Rena was only making a light joke.

Rena admitted her mistake and seriously apologized to Add.

after all.

45

Since Add is being so patient and is trying his best Ill also help the best I can.

Does she know about him time traveling? Add asked while staring at her suspiciously but Rena

Youre trying your best despite knowing that this doesnt suit you. Thats very admirable.

Im totally being treated like a kid. Add clicked his tongue but didnt deny what she said. From how

When he continued to keep his mouth shut, Rena stretched out her hand and patted Adds head.

Dont treat me like a kid.

angry anymore after seeing her smile.

that against Renas smiling face.

with contempt anymore.

Ara thinks youre admirable too. Eve also.

Add got surprised at such nonsense and asked back. What did he ever do to get that kind of

Youre coming with us even resorting to disguising as a girl because you dont want to send just us

..

Rena will probably think positively of whatever Add said in response.

Hmph.

So who do you like more Add? Eve or Ara?

Add spat out the coffee he was drinking then started to beat his chest. He managed to avoid getting

Oh, are you okay?

Add glared at Rena with fire in his eyes after wiping his mouth with the hand cloth that Rena

Hmm? Could it be that you like me? Ah, knowing that Add likes me makes me happy.

Add got up abruptly hitting the table and yelled so loud that his voice rang across the entire floor.

Hmm, it makes big sis sad when you deny it so seriously like that.

Rena had mentioned this only as a joke. But Add yelling in response made the matter serious.

Which is it? Do you hate me? Or like me?

was the first time in his life that he was asked this kind of question so he didnt know what to say.

had first thought it was because she was sobbing. But upon closer inspection, he realized that the

.are you laughing right now?

Rena couldnt hold her laugh anymore and openly burst out laughing. Add stared blankly at her not

47

.Quit it.

anymore.

As I thought. Add is a good kid.

Add answered accordingly but Rena was serious this time.

feelings right?

Alright. Ill just remember Add is a good kid by myself.

So please dont let Ara and Eve, any one of them get hurt during this mission. Got it?

That was why he had traveled back in time and was enduring dressing up like this in the first place.

You too.

You never know what could happen so you should be careful too.

opponents without letting them ever get close to her.

was a demonic den where you couldnt tell what was waiting for you.

Its not because Im worried. Its because Ill end up taking care of the others if youre not here and

48

here.Why didnt he join up with them already? Just what was he doing in Ruben?

change where Elsword suddenly grew up happened. But there were no cases of Raven rejoining the

Raven was equally skilled as Rena. Couldnt they succeed easily if they were able to bring Raven here

Add had realized this fact and was about to speak.but Rena spoke in a soft tone first.

..

Adds numbly stared at Renas smile. Then his face got contorted. Just when Add was about to

Okay, our guests are here. Lets get ready.

newly appeared in Elder.

Add also stood up with a sour taste in his mouth.

was protocol to have the captives tied up during this process but they managed not to get tied up

It would just look like some soldiers were protecting couple of girls in the eyes of other people in

Hmph.

were tripping over rocks and hitting their heads after losing grip on their spears.Their military

49

focused on Ara who walked quietly with her head down and Eve who was a Nasod also became a

Their gazes were filled with curiosity, admiration and lust.

Add got filled with rage and slowed down his steps. Eve who was walking quietly at the very back of

What is it?

These soldiers would have normally been not even worth a single punch. No, even now he could

restrain the destructive impulses that boiled up from within him.

Soldiers got startled when Add angrily glared at them. But then they stared back at him(?). Those

These imbeciles.

persuaded Add.

.What?

I chose it because I thought youd need an alias. There were other candidates like Ave, Era, Aena,

He had to change names now? Just because hes disguised as a girl? It made sense although it wasnt

Rena should have at least stopped them from coming up with foolish things like this. Add thought

this, Eve spoke to Add with a serious tone.

attention.

.

Ara was walking in front of them with her head drooped down when she heard this sudden

hands.

Person beside me was staring at your hips very passionately, Ara Haan.

Although I agree with the opinion.

Shouldnt she refrain from addressing him as Add altogether right now? Ara protested as her face

Isnt saying youre ideal for having children a compliment for human females? Thats how I learned

T, Thats.

his head around and ignored her as if he didnt hear anything. He didnt want to join in this

But Ara didnt back down easily.

I told you I didnt!!

When Eve nodded and corrected her words, Aras face turned red even more and she could only

Soldiers began to stare at them with a curious look when the threes argument got larger. Since the

out amongst the three girls.

stared at her hands with a surprised expression. She must have unconsciously tried to grab her spear.

52

Add let out a sigh after seeing Ara shake in anxiety for not being able to do anything. Rena who was

with the soldier beside her.

Its rude to give such evaluation to humans.

Hmm.

are a superior individual amongst your race?

You would be right if you considered the entirety of the human race. But humans value themselves

based on entire human race.

I wouldnt care about that.

about the evaluation of human race.

started to make him feel uncomfortable.

Ara.

Um..No. Id like to help Ms.Eve understand that there are good things about humans as well.

Eve heaved a sigh of relief.

.

So in the end, Im the only one that said something bad. Add snorted and purposely slowed his steps.

But despite how Add slowed down, the fact that Eve was still walking beside him didnt change.

Even then, the fact that Eve was walking beside him didnt change. She was adjusting her speed to

Kukukuk. What? Do you have something more to say?

spoke with an indifferent attitude.

evaluation. I judge that this is not something where one side is correct and the other is wrong.

So thank you for your explanation.

Add replied bluntly and stared in front of him only to notice that Ara was gone. He didnt know

.Why do all three of us have to walk side by side?

I told you I didnt.

Add let out a deep sigh after seeing Ara speak so hesitantly while still covering her hips with her

Eun was uncomfortable to deal with in various ways, but Ara was also uncomfortable to deal with in

to burst into tears at any moment.

Do what you like.

Add ended up getting an undeserved misunderstanding but he didnt bother to explain himself. Ara

54

Didnt he accidentally look at her naked already?

will probably also get treated as if it never happened.

Kukuk.

him and frowned. Rena who was talking with a soldier in the front was giving Add a slight glance

.So she was listening to everything.

words but didnt feel like protesting to Rena anymore.

again,

Wallys Castle.

fours wrists got tied up with ropes after arriving in the castle. Soldiers suddenly seemed very alert

As I thought, theres something going on in here.

out what was going on, the group ended up getting confined inside the inner most building.

Add let out a thin sigh after hearing the giant gate slam shut behind him.

I can only sense two of the Mr.Soldiers outside.

Is everyone here all right?

Upon Renas enquiry, questions rose up in the eyes of the girls that were already here. This place was

inside this hall.

expression.

Were there people like them in Elder?

Captive girls that were here before them stared at the group while conversing amongst themselves.

Hello everyone. Im Ariel from the COBO service. Welcome although I dont think thats

Rena smiled brightly after seeing Ariel make a bitter smile.

Is that true?

stayed gloomy. It looked like they were listening but werent expecting much.

Add brought forth his Dynamos and discharged high intensity electric current thinly as possible. He

Only a small gap the size of ones finger lay between both of his wrists. To burn away the rope that

he made a mistake in precise output control or made a mistake in area designation.

this point. There was no way hed fail in their manipulation.

After realizing what Add was doing, the girls stopped talking amongst themselves and focused on

56

away easily. After gathering everyones attention on him Add stretched out both of his arms to show

Kahaha! Now will you believe that we came to rescue you.-

Ara who was observing Adds method tilted her head then moved both of her arms in opposite

With only that, her ropes snapped off as if they were strings.

..

Even Adds eyes widened.

uncomfortable.

the other girls but he came back to his senses and stared at Aras arms that were now free.

Ah, its easy. You just have to combine the moment when your breath and body moves. Would

Ara was looking uneasy before and now she rejoiced as she tried to teach Add. Add shook his head

Wha, What?

Eve stood still silently as if she was used to all the curious gazes.

Unlike the other three, there wasnt even a sign that she used any tricks.

How did you do that?

The girls that were looking at her exclaimed in surprise and Ariels also raised her voice in surprise as

I asked one the soldiers on our way here. So I wasnt actually tied up properly.

The look of how the girls viewed the El Search Party changed completely. From the helpless

Then lets start the talks quickly.

Dynamos couldnt burn off completely.

care of talking to the captive girls while he changed into his original outfit.

Add shook his head honestly. He will never do something this insulting again no matter what

Add made a vow to himself and turned around..then winced at the awkward stares. The eyes of

Add took a step back due to all the gazes that showered upon him like the rain.

He was the only guy here amongst hundreds of girls. Was it just his imagination or was he feeling

Umm, I know our Add is handsome and all, but can we talk about that later? Going home is more

They must have all agreed to Renas words because the girls regrettably(?) withdrew their gazes on

..He didnt know why but that just now was kind of scary.

Are you nervous already? The plan is set to execute during night time.

Eve approached and told Add about how things were proceeding. Rena had gained the other girls

Its impossible for the soldiers to not notice us if this many people moves all at once. We should

You cant.

Ara and Eve grabbed the attention of the soldiers by causing a disturbance while Rena uses that

But that wont be any different than the first time they came to the Wallys Castle. Wally Robot will

And there was no guarantee that it will end after those two.

Thats waste of manpower.

known anything.

It would be unreasonably stubborn of him, but Rena will probably accept what Add said if he

discussion with the girls, but stopped his steps.

You still havent explained to me why you are acting like this, Add.

Add couldnt move forwards anymore now that his name was called. He could just walk away

I would like you to explain it to me in a way I can understand.

It was fine if she didnt believe him. No, he didnt expect her to believe him. He had just wanted to

anyways?

Nothing will change by having couple of meaningless conversations. But there was also no reason

There could be something unexpected waiting for us inside this castle. I have a very bad feeling

them confined here. So Demons might have rigged this place somehow. Since you never know what

Understood. Ill go request Rena for change of plans.

quickly moved further away.

place.

and make changes to the plan? Add stared at Eve as she conversed with Rena but still couldnt

Ill protect you if you feel uneasy, Mr.Add!

that it felt dreamy.

Thats because Ms. Eve also knows about Mr.Adds feelings.

Add looked beside him with a numb expression. Ara was making a pleasant smile but then her

B, because youre reflecting on your actions from back then and is trying to make amends!

Aras face turned even redder when Add asked blankly.

as if he didnt know what she was talking about, Ara spoke in a tiny voice.

What?

60

When Add asked back vacantly, Ara covered her ears with both of her hands then shouted out loud

About that time when Mr.Add p, peeped on us while we were bathing!!

Add stiffened at the loud voice that suddenly rang out across the hall. But Ara must have interpreted

When we were bathing!! Mr.Add suddenly appeared and..Mmh?! mmmphh!!

Add instinctively shut Aras mouth with his hands. He couldnt afford to let Ara speak anymore.

I see. So that wasnt.something meaningless after all.

making a mistake and then apologizing, then following the group to the extent of withstanding

Kukukuk.

different result than last time. Add let out a confident laugh.

They were now fully prepared. He didnt know what kind of enemies might pop up but at least the

Well, Elsword wasnt herebut he was still a brat even if he grew up a bit. He would only create

I cant wait for tonight.

Mmmmph?!!

let his hand go and backed off after finally realizing that he was still covering Aras mouth.

She was strong so she could have shaken Adds hands off easily if she had wanted to. Was she really

Haah, phaah i, it was tough not being able to breathe.

had come.

Kahahahaha!!

the enjoyable future inside his head. It felt great, it almost felt like all the suffering he went through

Are you also trying to breathe more Mr.Add?

.Lets ignore Aras indicati