2. Deep Down

El Search Party members couldnt hide their amazement at Elders wide streets and its sheer amount

looking at the all the people with a very intrigued gaze.

imagination but Eve seemed to be even more on guard towards him than before.

Hoffman was greatest merchant in Elder and was a close friend of Rubens chief. El Search Party

with Hoffmans help.

Rena thought to herself while looking over the gang. Then she appointed Add.

Why do I have to..

Eve and Elsword were out of their minds, Aras eyes were also shining with amazement, her fists

This is my first time seeing a street like this! So splendid!

Raven was gone and if Rena was gone too, the person with the highest mental age in this group

Rena grinned when she saw Add sigh deeply.

Kukuk, youre treating me like a kid too. Its displeasing.

I know you want to be alone with Ara but you cant be too hasty.

..Why would you say something so strange like that?

Add frowned.

Alright, I know, I know, youre at that complicated age in life. But big sis will scold you if you make

Thats not it. What kind of misunderstanding do you have?

Add who was now the appointed leader(?) made a large sigh and glared at Ara. He got a needless

But noticing Adds burning(?) gaze, Ara gave an embarrassed smile then for some reason her face

Hmph.

Ill decline.

behind his back.

getting help from a suspicious thing like you.

decides to reveal his true colors. Am I right?

Kukuk, how am I supposed to trust someone thats abruptly telling me theyll help?

saying something like Eve is actually an evil Nasod or that Eve was the one controlling

.

Can this thing completely see through peoples thoughts?! Add was extremely surprised because that

I dont have any reason to tell you the details of my plan in the first place .

body possessing spectre that she can use weird tricks?

Fine, but tell me whenever you change your mind. I dont come to surface normally but talking to

Hmph

to the surface. So you dont have to mind what happened before.

Add winced as he turned his face around. He had forgotten completely. While it wasnt on purpose,

However, it does put him as ease if what Eun said was true.

With a murmur Aras hair turned black. The blood red eyes also returned to normal and the 9 tails

Add was watching this change grudgingly then Aras body leaned forwards as if she was about to fall

scurried backwards.

Ara backed off too fast and hit back of her head against tree. The impact was large enough to leave a

Owowowow.

M, Mr Add?

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particular thought but the two of them were about to come very close to each other in middle of a

If Euns words were to be trusted, their memories shouldnt be shared. Just where should he start

While Add was frowning thinking about what to say, Ara asked with a worried look.

She was unpleasant

smiled slightly and told him.

Youre foolish to trust something like a spectre.

Ara protested but Add didnt give ear and turned around. He was tired because so many unexpected

Im heading back. Follow me.

..Youll no doubt get lost if I let you head back by yourself.

aback but followed.

unconscious and you never know what might happen in the future so it was good to get on her

Hmph.

accept such a fishy proposal. But there could be a way he could use this to his favor if he thought it

Kukukukuk.

bathing in the night wind.

Mr.Add~ Please wait. Hiii! I, Im scared.

But when he got back he had to receive Renas misinterpretation and Eves cold stare as a bonus.

Add moved his gaze away from Ara to look at Eve but was surprised to see that she was not beside

Elsword was gone too.

Huh? Did Ms.Eve go somewhere?

beginning to figure out her party members were missing. Lets not expect anything from her.

surrounding terrain and detect life forms but they didnt have the feature to distinguish each of

It was impossible for him to locate a specific individual in a place with so many people.

The main issue was how to find Eve. Should he scan from the air on his Dynamos? Add pondered

Ask that fox. Did she see anything?

.Hands, feet who cares?! Where did they go?

Add took a calm breath after seeing Ara make a terrified face. Lets calm down, Elsword wouldnt

Why was he so uneasy?

.Where? Lead me.

Ara nodded then went forwards moving through the crowd. Add suppressed his beating heart and

Strange. Why was his heart beating so fast just because Eve disappeared from his sight? Did

I should do a health checkup later..

abnormities could appear later on. Since Add had probably done something that had never been

effect.

ruckus in front of the drinks merchant.

..Phew.

must have whined about wanting to go buy drinks so Eve must have come with him.

Buying two apple juices is cheaper!!

I let you have what you wanted last time! Its your turn!

..Two of them were squabbling over which drink to buy. At a loss for words, Add walked towards

Both of them didnt say anything and gave a guarded look towards Add. Well, both of them

Kukuk, fine. Ill buy this time. Drink whatever you guys want.

Elswords expression brightened. Eve quietly stared at Add then spoke.

Umm, umm, are you buying for me as well?

Kukuk, do as you like.

best to keep some treat in their mouths. The drinks were unusually expensive but Add bore with it.

also drank a cherry aid while looking for a chance to talk to Eve.

While Add was busy thinking of a way to talk to Eve, Ara who had drunk half of her juice suddenly

Mr.Elsword, I have something to talk to you about. Would you come with me?

Its bit important.

Dont go anywhere and stay here. Youll get lost again if you move around by yourself.

Dont make me look for you later.

but now he was all alone with Eve.

Eve was also exceptionally skilled and even Add couldnt insure victory against her. Not only that,

Add kept silent to prevent any conversation from starting. He needed to buy time while he thought

Its strange.

closely. Then he heard a cold voice.

Kukuk..

Add made a low laugh when Eve broke the silence. He laughed for now. His thoughts werent

If you dont have anything to say Ill go to Elsword now.

Add stopped her. Eve halted her steps but didnt change her expression. Well Nasods didnt change

Ever since last night.

I told you to wait.

when he had realized Eve was gone returned.

She was just lost and I showed her the way.

Alright, the rapid heartbeat stopped. After finally getting some room to think, Add asked her the

What relationship do you have with Elsword?

Add smiled leisurely at Eves rigid response. Analysis on how this machine lied if she needed to was

You two dont look like simple travel companions to me.

Eves gaze turned very sharp but Add didnt care. It was interesting to see Eve give various reactions;

He wanted to see various sides of her by talking to her more.

fine by myself without you intervening.

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Well if you thought about it, it could have been a great chance to see the extent of Eves skills. At

But Eve must have thought Add had responded sarcastically because she made an offended

But since it turned out like that, Ill have to thank you.

she embarrassed? Add was entranced by his but Eve quickly stiffened her face and changed the

I analyzed the Nasods from yesterday. They were contaminated.

Im not sure. It was method unknown to me.

Nasod. No, judging by her battle and judgmental capabilities and her ability to express emotions.

I see. Then. Just whats going on? A mere bandit managed to contaminate the Nasods and is

Id like to know as well.

Adds spirit lifted after seeing Eve give a silent nod to his suggestion about capturing Banthus and

Ill cooperate with you in capturing that guy and making him spit out the truth.

Im also very curious about what he did. Kukuk.

know of Adds intentions, he was exceptionally skilled and couldnt be taken lightly. Not only was

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choice for her to cooperate with Add.

Eve.

While Add repeatedly admired and confirmed various facts, Eve tried to pull out her hand now that

The handshake is over.

I cant analyze what you mean.

biopsy.

Eve cringed as Add who was still out of his mind made an entranced smile. She didnt know why

Let go.

The wrangling of Eve trying to pull out her hand and Add trying not to let go continued. Eve

Add hadnt intended on going this far but he couldnt suppress his curiosity anymore after

Just when Eve had enough and was about to launch her gears toward Add, a voice came from

Hmmhmm, Im sorry. I must have arrived in a wrong time. Should I go back?

Just when did she appear? Shocked, Add looked back. Rena stopped her fake cough and smiled

she hastily retracted her gears.

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Eve closed her mouth after making a sigh. Rena smiled mischievously.

Rena, Im not like that with him.

Rena smiled brightly and Eve made a demoralizing sigh but Add wasnt in any state to join in on

As he had thought, Eve was much too desirable. To the point where he might go insane.

didnt speak out to them.

From what I heard from Mr.Hoffman. Bandits are using this one cave as their base. Banthus

there. Lets rest for today and head there tomorrow.

Add asked abruptly. Rena started at him strangely but Add continued to speak as if nothing was

Wasnt there a rampaging Ent in the Shadow Forest? Angered forest spirits should be causing a

What are you saying all of a sudden? Ent is the gentle guardian of the forest. Mr.Hoffman didnt

Add had spoken as if it was obvious. Add blinked as Rena stared at him strangely. It felt like he just

Kukuk. I said something strange.

He should perform an exam soon as possible.

Add and Eve nodded as Rena spoke.

At the entrance to the bandits cave, El Search Party stood in a formation as they moved in.

Dont lag behind. Stay in formation Ara Haan.

Hey guys dont get too excited. Be cautious.

arrow.

What do you mean? Kukuk.

place as their base?

Add agreed with Eve in his mind. No matter how you saw it Banthus was just a big weakling. He

Although Add still couldnt figure out how such a weakling had control over the Nasods.

Hii! B, Bugs!

was swarming with spiders and other multiple legged bugs.

Aras soft part was touching his back and it was troubling.

Adds hood even more.

Annoyed, Add was about to bring out his Dynamos to take care of the bugs. But then Eve used an

by how she had precisely controlled the output to only get rid of the bugs while leaving the cave wall

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R, Really?

Ara finally nodded and moved away from Add. Eve stared at Add and asked.

Kukuk, not that its called Dynamo.

Rena was already defeating all the bandits by herself and there were only small fry bandits here. But

But.

quiet and it was bothering him.

Just what did he talk about with Ara?

from Eun.

Add stared at Ara coldly but she was in the middle of flailing her arms widely and falling over after

Phew, I almost fell again.

For some reason Eun was keeping Adds plan a secret for now.

Elsword held up his head and called Rena who was in front of the formation. Rena looked back

I want to ask something of you. I want to try fighting Banthus by myself.

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Can I really?

But It was because of me that Banthus got away..

If you didnt do well last time, you just have to do well this time. If you dont do well this time, you

..Okay, I got it! Ill catch him for sure this time!

he wasnt good enough.

Too soft.

his magic capabilities were way above average kids his age.

if he wanted to.

to do so,

And Ara who smiled brightly,

And Eve who didnt say anything but looked strangely satisfied. They were all too soft.

warmly cheering for Elsword

He didnt care an inch about Elsword.

bait to capture Eve.

It was a perfect 3 step plan.

Adds low laugh rang across the cave.

without a scratch and reached the bandits main hideout.

Banthus was haughtily sitting in his chair that was surrounded by treasures. Surprised, he stood up

So Mr.Banthus you were here after all. Quietly put down your weapon!

Face me Banthus!

Every party member thats been each saying a line towards Banthus all turned their gaze towards

explained as if it was obvious.

What, you liked Phorus?

Phorus are cute! I like them too.

Adds face heated up at everyones lukewarm reaction. Why was he being treated like someone who

Dont kid with me! On the way here..

Add covered his eye patch with his hand after listening to Eves cold words. Why did he suddenly

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mind strangely?

Phorus are soft and it feels really nice when you hug them! I know what you mean!

I didnt think you were that kind of person. Strange.

of hobby. Pffft.

With his face red, Add shouted loudly and this got everyone to stop talking.

staring at him as if he just saw a rare creature and Rena was trying to suppress her laughter It

..He was glad that at least Eve didnt show any change in her expression. Then Eve spoke.

Ah, that sounds good. I want to play with Phorus too!

Add felt like he was getting bullied and was about to snap. Then a shout came from the other side of

How dare you! Are you guys making fun of me!? You better not be thinking youd be able to get

Banthus was angry because El Search Party members were talking amongst themselves merrily in

Situation might be different if Banthus was by himself. But right now he had 30 of his elite bandits

Sorry, Id like to have you surrender quietly right now. But I made a promise.

Anyone is fine, come at me!

Hm, shall we start!?

El Search Party showed no fear towards the enraged bandits in front of them.

Yaaaaaaaah!!

Uwaaah!

Kwaagh!

whip, Add fired shockwave from his Dynamos, Rena fired her arrows and finally Ara lightly swung

It was 5 versus 30 but it didnt even take 5 seconds for the situation to conclude.

Banthus panicked and looked around. But this was a cavern with one path. There was nowhere to

Capturing Banthus now would be easier than flipping over a page of a book.. But Rena looked

Ok, Elsword. I promised right? Go ahead and fight.

Elsword shouted as he grabbed his sword and headed alone towards Banthus.

Elsword coming at him alone and frowned.

It doesnt matter who I face. I dont have time to waste staying weak.

Bring it on old guy. It will be different this time.

Hmph, looks like you havent been taught a lesson on how harsh the world is.

were fearfully skilled.

Well let you go if you beat Elsword,

asked for confirmation.

Nasods dont lie.

Banthus spoke confidently as he held up his sword. But he hesitated again when he saw Elsword.

As if he wasnt interested in anything other than this fight, it was an enormous concentration.

Add who was watching from afar asked Eve while Banthus was groaning in hesitation.

Well, if would be troublesome if Banthus couldnt focus on the fight. Elsword is trying to fight

Rena explained to Add instead. Eve nodded in acknowledgement. Eves gaze was solely focused on

Add could get over Eves reaction since theyve known each otherbut. Add suppressed his

..I dont understand. Why do you all favor Elsword so much?

Mr.Elsword wants to become stronger! And hell be able to soon!

Its true that Elswords achievements were impressive compared to his age. But Add couldnt see

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Elsword will become stronger than anyone.

Certainly.

Banthus and Elsword were standing off as the party were talking. No one risked making the first

.This brat. Is he really the same kid from before?

him as if hed jump at him at any moment. Boys concentration did not waver.

Humans needed a lot of patience to maintain tension, especially during battle.

Banthus couldnt take the pressure anymore and charged as he swung his sword. His sword dropped

calmly by moving backwards.

sword. But Banthus had plans of his own as well.

Banthus wasnt taken aback and thrust with his sword again. It was a combo attack taking into

He was defeated last time because his downward strike had missed unexpectedly but the same thing

never be too careful so heres a third attack!!

another attack. With this 3 hit combo that brat wont stand a chance

Chill went down Banthus spine when he heard this. Elsword had narrowly dodged his second attack,

How.!?

Mega Slash!!

and was hit directly. He fell on the ground even before he got a chance to scream.

You were so slow that I could see all your moves.

hear it.

For you that was rather impressive.

Elsword rubbed his stomach. Ara came to congratulate him as well.

..I learned well from you Ara but I dont want to ever again.

Youre scary when your hair turns white.

How was that? It turned out fine right?

Add answered bluntly and examined the area. He had suspected there could be hidden Nasods like

El they stole from Ruben isnt here as well

Not likely judging by how surprised he was when we entered.

Did he obtain Nasods from before just by chance?

Banthus tried to hide information, hell just show him what true fear is.

Why dont you say something to congratulate Elsword too?

Elsword will become stronger quickly. Kids with purpose are strong.

Also Add didnt want to admit it. Elsword was currently at a much higher level than he was back

seemed he had trained with Ara and whatever they did proved very effective.

Hell soon become 100, and 10000 soon enough. If you dont hurry he might catch up to you Add.

Rena smiled brightly when Adds lowered his voice.

Hmph. You dont need to apologize.

to Elsword. Its not like Add acquired his current strength without any goals or purpose.

Adds gaze turned towards Eve. She was hitting Elsword. He must have said something she didnt

flabbergasted trying to stop the two of them.

Hmph..

Youll become mine in the end anyways.

If she didnt look.

Hell just have to make her look.