3. To Overcome Fate

bedroom. They were all impressed by what Rena told them.

Thats magnificent.

Then we wont have to fight the Dark Elves.

How can we trust Chloes words?

Add agreed to what Rena said in response. This place was enemy territory. Chloe shouldnt need to

This is a good opportunity. What are we going to do Big Brother Add?

If Chloe became their ally, then the outer castle was basically within the El Search Partys grasp.

rd floor.

Idiot. This isnt because of you. We cannot carry this out with Elesis behind us.

process of royal castles El turning into a Dark El.

Rena, contact the Velder Liberation Army that well start the plan tomorrow night.

While they couldnt move in or out freely because of the spatial barrier, it was planned beforehand

the empty house that they chose as their hideout.

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But do we really have to carry out the plan during the night?

Everyone wont be able to see well during the night. But demons wont be affected much by this.

Then lets make it afternoon of the day after tomorrow.

starting tomorrow afternoon would be difficult anyways.

Everything will be over if our identities get found out before then. So continue to work without

not say anything even to her subordinates until the plan execution date.

Alright.. Then everyone prepare yourselves. This will be our final fight against the demons and it

El Search Party members all answered to Add without hesitation.

Ill give it my best too.

Ill do my best!

Add clenched his fists tightly after hearing everyones agreements. His head heated up no matter

Finally, it was time for their final showdown with the demons.

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Rena headed to the rendezvous point located in landing of the stairway heading to the 3rd floor.

was on the left side stairway.

.Youre late.

After giving a glance at the bow in Renas hand, Chloe looked back at the Dark Elves around her.

So I cooperate with you to take down Elesis on the 3rd floor.. Then we create equilibrium in the

with the other generals inside the inner castle?

But where are the other Search Party members? I thought there were many of you.

Rena seemed to sigh then suddenly jumped down. Everyone got confused and just stood blinking

But only Chloe wasnt confused and asked coldly instead.

Im sorry, Chloe. But I dont plan on getting captured here.

Chloe maintained silence for a while then asked because she was honestly curious.

Theres no way Chloe wouldnt know that other kids are inside the outer castle together with me.

them as if its the first time youve heard about them.

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suspicious about others? Of course, what Rena was saying was correct but Chloe couldnt

Its not an intuition. Chloe doesnt speak that way. You should have gotten angry and asked why I

.

Ill take it upon myself and spare your life if you surrender.

I didnt change my mind. This is the correct action to take as a demon.

Chloe sadly then nodded.

Attack.

Right side stairway leading to the 3rd floor.

Will Big Sister Rena be alright?

The core of this plan was to join up with Chloe then attack Elesis. But Add couldnt trust Chloe in

Ara must have been feeling restless because she was repeatedly grasping then letting go of her spear.

I hear fighting!

Lets quickly go help Rena.

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himself could take care of them easily But if Chloe had betrayed them, then it meant that their

The other members were staring at Add even though enemies just appeared. It meant they were

He had to retry from the start.

Shes telling me to tell you that its not time yet.

than Rena. Not only that, Add had already cautioned Rena that Chloe might change her mind in the

Rena definitely wouldnt go down so easily.

Glitter soldiers were only gathering below them. They were displaying hostility towards the party but

were ordered to wall the party off.

The party followed Adds instructions and moved up the stairs while being wary of the Glitter

to the 3rd floor. Add carefully examined their behavior and bit his lips.

Just who could have come up with this kind of trap..?

had been just recklessly charging at them. They had never shown this kind of behavior of trying to

And on the third floor..

Familiar voice hed never forget. Add got shocked from this cold voice and looked in front of him.

Elesis was waiting for them in the middle of the 3rd floors hallway.

..Big Sister.

as they raised their weapons.

Ara and I will open a path. Add, you go ahead and help Rena out.

Even though Eve and Ara had awakened their Memory of Time and Space, the group still couldnt

Ill help as well. Go on ahead Mr.Add.

Everyone go ahead. Ill face Big Sister by myself.

Not by yourself.

But I still have to do this.

Everyone, please. I want to fight Big Sister..with everything I got.

Add got dumbfounded and asked but Elsword shook his head.

It was a firm determination that wouldnt be swayed no matter what. Add bit down on his lips then

Elesis had her sword lowered slightly and was just standing still without saying anything. It was as if

..How long will you be able to hold out?

Eve protested but Add didnt listen to her.

Add hadnt wanted this but things were seriously messed up now. Chloe betrayed them and Eun

Water was already spilt. In that case, they had to try to get far as they could. He didnt like it, but

I wont just hold out.. Ill win.

Overpass connecting to the inner castle was closer to the El Search Party than to Elesis. They could

Even if this hallway was wide, going to assist Rena fighting beyond Elesis was impossible unless they

for all.

Then what about Ms.Rena?

wouldnt go down so easily.. Stopping the royal castles El turning into a Dark El comes first.

Actually, battle in the inner castle will be much more difficult than the outer castle. Problem was that

Elsword, Rena will clean things up quickly and come to help you soon. Do everything you can until

.

opponent Elesis was and but they were leaving her only to Elsword?

Its reckless.

Elsword put strength in hands holding his sword then collected his breath.

Still..

Theres no time. Lets go.

more terrifying enemies waiting inside the inner castle, he also didnt want to hear the twos

Mr.Elsword, Ill come back after defeating Elder Brother!

Ara and Chungs said their farewell. Eve was still at a loss for what words to leave Elsword. Add

Elesis didnt even move a step and just stared quietly.

further way.

.

No, well meet and talk with each other again.

Elesis fixed her sword then collected her breath as she lowered her stance. A terrifying pressure

But Elsword didnt succumb to the pressure and followed suit by lowering his stance. If he loses

Here I come, Big Sister.

With Elesis short answer, the siblings charged at each other simultaneously. Swords of red haired

It was beginning of the fight to end everything.

Arrows ruthlessly pelted the Dark Elves shoulders and legs.

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When a Dark Elf approached and swung her dagger, Rena turned around and launched a light

such a fast kick that she had been already launched away by Renas kick when she noticed.

press their attack using their numerical advantage. Rena didnt get startled even for a bit and moved

As if skating on ice, Rena dodged all of their attacks just by lightly kicking the hallway walls to jump

a precise middle and low kicks. Dark Elves couldnt even harm a piece of Renas clothing and they

Ssssh!

danger from the sound waves and turned her head to dodge. She looked up to see Chloe standing

came to assist were standing near Chloe aiming their bows.

Rena didnt even listen to Chloes words and lowered her stance as she dashed into the next group

After jumping into the group of Dark Elves, Rena pushed down on the ground with her hand and

attack and staggered from this surprising acrobatic maneuver that aimed for lower parts of their legs.

time aiming her kick higher this time.

Kuugh!!

surrounding and threatening Rena were on the ground groaning in pain.

hit accidentally. She murmured with an astonished voice.

Because I dont think this is what Chloe really wants.

After taking down a group of Dark Elves without having even a piece of her clothing harmed, Rena

ordered.

ssh! ssh!! Dark Elf archers that were standing ready fired their arrows at Rena all at once. Rena

she groaned from the pain on her cheek.

.Hmm.

had dodged perfectly The scar she got from being grazed must have opened up and started

Scar itself was no big deal but it was a proof that Chloes archery skills were outstanding.

Kill her if you must, get her!

Elves Rena knocked out wouldnt be able to get up for a while.

Rena thanked sincerely as she stood up.

good-natured person because of her warm and embracing personality.. But she was a warrior.

techniques and arrows.

Adds warning, she had somewhat anticipated this and had been cautious.

her personal feelings.

Lets clean this up fast as possible and go help the other kids. Rena calmly made up her

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Rena suddenly jumped out from her cover. But Rena consecutively firing arrows while still in midair

Ssh, ssh!

arrows cried out in pain then fell at the same time. Only Chloe was able to respond to Renas arrow

expression.

Rena was surely catching her breath behind the cover. It didnt even look like she stole a look

single flurry of arrows. Chloe was really baffled by this.

located all of the archers just by sounds of their footsteps and their clothing brushing against

Renas level.

Soon as Chloe heard this, she felt a sharp pain across her cheek. She rubbed her cheek with her hand

have gazed by.

.So what? Could it be that youre asking me to surrender? I still have plenty more troops.

Rena was holding back. But only one capable of fighting now was Chloe.

Dont take me so lightly, Elf!

their arrows.

Elsword quickly blocked the sword coming in from a low angle trying to cut off his ankle. But he

sword strikes down on him.

Elswords body got pushed back further and further as the sounds of clashing steel continued.

of Elesis sword strikes head on.

Uuugh!

Elesis calmly drew her sword backwards then suddenly threw a sharp stab. Elsword felt the danger

this one.

Elsword ran his shoulder into the hallways wall because he dodged too hastily. But he didnt even

body sideways againas the sword Elesis swung cleanly cut through the wall Elsword had been

cleanly as if the sword was cutting through a cake.

She used the momentum from the spin to launch another sword strike against Elsword who was still

Elsword quickly held up his sword with both of his hands to block but his body flew backwards

Arrgh!

sword strike carrying enough power to cut through stone walls. Even if his sword could withstand it,

Elswords hands shook. He wont even be able to defend properly if this kept up.

Seeing that Elsword was only focused on defense, Elesis lowered her sword and sighed. She didnt

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.

shook his head after taking a slight glance backwards.

..Cant you see that Im going easy on you? Your skills arent enough to stop me.

Elsword nodded at Elesis concise words. He was a swordsman too. How could he not know? He

st form.

I..lack in every way compared to you Big Sister.

by me?

I cannot fight you if not now.

I got that kind of feeling. That this fight will be the last, and this will be my last chance to properly

Elesis kept silent but that proved that Elswords intuition was correct.

anyways even if I tried to convince you. You probably arent helping the demons with such a small

If you know that, then why are you fighting me by yourself? It wont even be enough for all of

Because I wanted to have the last fight with Big Sister by myself.

Id like to play along. But I dont have much time. Ill cut you down for real if you dont move.

Elesis laugh lasted just for a moment as her face turned cold like the sheet of ice. Soon as Elsword

Clank!!

for the first time. Elesis eyes widened in surprise but then she launched a kick right away. Elsword

staggered back.

Elesis immediately used this chance to swing her sword and cut Elsword.

amount of blood coming out from his left shoulder. But Elsword didnt back out despite the wound

Too slow.

away with her strength then cut across Elswords waist next.

But Elswords sword..strangely got deflected way too lightly. Elesis head questioned this but her

Clank!!

as if he knew it was coming beforehand.

As surprised Elesis hesitated for a moment. Elsword swung his sword this time. Elesis

now.

straightly with his sword.

out already, she was completely caught off guard.

pain flowed in.

.

wasnt deep, but she was certainly cut just now.

Even though he just landed a successful hit on Elesis for the first time, Elsword didnt even show

land a successful attack. If Elesis didnt think to dodge Elswords first counter attack.. Elsword

.Just what were you thinking?

were clashing swords and fighting right now, they were precious siblingsand they also grew up

Elesis even forgot that they were in middle of a fight. She had to reproach him for launching such a

I knew you would dodge.

Elsword shook his head while focusing on recovering his stamina. He landed a single successful hit

But there was no time to cry about it.

understand. Elsword added.

to block it. It would have been very surprising for you that I read your second attack and blocked it.

respond to her standard counterattack of blocking the head strike then going for the waist.

Whenever something surprising happens during a fight, Big Sister always tries to back out and

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I thought I taught you many times not to charge in recklessly at me.

him many times not to do that.

It wasnt reckless. You would have certainly reacted that way. Big Sister I know would have

Elsword spoke with a strong conviction. Elesis nodded.

already. Well, you do develop habits while practicing swordsmanship. And you should somewhat

Not just somewhat

I know everything about Big Sisters sword. I know all about your skills and special moves as well.

Elesis made a vague smile then nodded. She then took a glance back at the Glitter solders

away.

This target could even be her ally demons.

to face straightly at Elswords gaze again.

based off a single belief that you know my sword well?

move.

Well, that was true. Even if Elsword knew what attack was coming next, the biggest reason he

narrow place.

It was slightly advantageous for Elsword to fight in a narrow overpass rather than in the wide

I dont intend to hide anything.. This is my last fight with you after all Big Sister.

Elesis realized what Elsword wanted and chuckled from being taken aback. Elsword was way too

or tricks.

I know youre my little brother but I really dont know what to say.

It was a bottomless and endless apology but Elesis didnt ask anymore. The little brother she grew

He was requesting that they compete purely with sword to sword, warrior to knight.

Elesis smiled vaguely as she held up her sword. She will now throw away her opinion that looked

time without hurting Elsword if possible.

purely marvel at her brothers resolve and focus on this fight.

Youll die..if you dont fight desperately.

Arrow and arrow flew towards each other. Amazingly..two arrows collided in the air and were

What..?

archers, Chloe twisted her body to dodge Renas incoming arrow then fired her own arrow.

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understandable, but to make both arrows purposely collide in midair?

There was no way she could win in a ranged combat. Chloe immediately admitted her archery skills

in a single leap then positioned herself to launch continuous kicks aiming for Renas legs. But Rena

Chloe felt that she shouldnt allow Rena to get any distance between them so she quickly closed in.

Rena continued to back out from Chloes ferocious consecutive kicks. After pushing Rena back all

nd floors hallway, Chloe felt that something was off so she launched a

stopped attacking and asked out of curiosity.

..How much are you going to make fun of me? Are you going easy on me, Elf?!

just changing the fight location out of consideration for the fallen Dark Elves nearby?

How can such a person exist? Chloe could have accepted this more easily if Renas skill just simply

never seen someone so powerful with such a caring personality even towards their enemies.

Hmm, of course I should fight. But I dont want to harm the other Dark Elves for no reason.

There were differences in skills but they were enemies right now. Why was this Elf caring about

Rena spoke clearly.

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Is some other general forcing you to do this?

but it blatantly left one wide open for a counter attack so she shouldnt have used it carelessly. But

Chloe, I dont want to fight right now. I have to go help the other kids.

Of course not. But..

wrists then adjusted her stance.

.Hmph!

only when she used her bow. She was an archer so her skills in close quarters had to lack. Chloe was

She had the advantage close up! Chloe charged in with her dagger in front. But then.. Rena

What?!

kick coming at her face and quickly blocked with both of her arms.

Chloes body got pushed back far after sound of an impact. Chloe bit her lower lips at the

Kugh..

When Rena asked concisely.. Chloe bit her lower lips then charged in. She did fall behind in

Chloe positioned herself to launch a high kick. Rena didnt hesitate and also answered with a high

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Rena frowned and staggered. Chloes eyes flashed in that moment and she swung her dagger.

just from a glance that Rena wasnt very heavy!

the same time.

was a surprising attack but its power wasnt too great because it was a kick launched from such an

Rena used this moment to somersault backwards to gain some distance then made a pretty frown.

throwing her dagger straightly towards Rena.

following kick from Chloe.

fall down and managed to maintain her stance.

It was given that Rena didnt fall down. Rena had sensed she couldnt dodge Chloes flying kick so

And beside Rena who just got pushed back was the bow she had put down earlier. Chloe got

It was so stupid that she had to say something.

while knowing that youre at a disadvantage?

Then fight me with your bow as if you want to kill me! What are you trying to do by acting so

I cant have Chloe die. Help of the Dark Elves is a must if we want to make peace with the demons

Chloe was at a loss for words at Renas firm answer. Was she still speaking about peace even when

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Thats what I meant by making fun of me. Are you going easy on me thinking that you can beat

Im not making fun of you. Ugh.

strange sound Rena made. Rena concluded her explanation.

..

something so insulting in her life.

Aisha.

Renas words werent over yet.

How stupid.

Im getting sick of this. Just..

Chloe stopped her words at the strange pressure. Rena with her eyes opened narrowly was strongly

I dont intend to take life of someone whos fighting a fight they dont want to. I dont know what

How would you know.

Renas voice just now held such a strong emotion that it even got the strong minded Chloe to shut

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that person is continuing to regret things he has done. I know better than anyone else how much of

.

She wasnt talking about someone here right now. Rena spoke with such strong emotion that Chloe

So Chloe, I dont want my friend to go through the same thing. I wont forgive the person that

.Nonsense, you cannot beat that person no matter how powerful you are. No one can.

If I cant win by myself then I just have to find a way to win together with the others. Thats how

..

will to fight if she talked with Rena any longer.

unbelievable action. It looked like she was lowering her stance then she dived into Chloe while

What?

quickly dived in all the way below her. Chloe instinctively made a defensive posture and tried to

Hah!

arm, she pushed up on the ground with both of her hands and launched her body upwards. Rising

protect her face and chest.

Chloes body didnt get thrown backwards and instead got lifted up in the air. Ironically, Chloes

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Rena had already positioned herself and was throwing a roundhouse kick to match the timing of

freefalling!

Chloes body went flying spinning in midair after getting her waist kicked. After hitting her head on

Not only her ribs were cracked from the attack just now, she also received a light concussion.

.

advantage. She couldnt win against Rena even if she were to try hundred more times.

opponents generosity The sense of defeat was so large that she didnt know how to handle it.

stronger.

Alright, then

When Chloe shouted and waved her arm, a magic circle appeared around her. Rena recognised what

Chloe! What do you think youre doing!!?

Answering Chloes shout, the air started to shake. A dark hole was opened through the magic circle

Thud!!

outer castles residents screaming from appearance of this beast capable of destroying the outer

the fight had been occurring mostly close to the 3rd floor.

Rena groaned after confirming the frantic footsteps running away with her ears and then confirming

their difference in strength, Chloe was persisting to fight even by summoning the Dark Elfs

.Just why? Why are you going so far?

Chloe shook her head sadly. She then raised her voice as if she didnt want to listen to Renas answer.

Gwwaaarrrrrr!!

Blood dripped down. Elsword panted while looking at the blood dripping down his sword. Most of

Around 2 times out of 5, not bad.

also received light injuries on her abdomen and shoulder but she was still faring far better than

To commend Elsword for requesting to face her by himself in a pure contest of skill without his

Thus, she had overwhelmed Elsword in a pure contest of swordsmanship.

the world.I know your sword better than anyone else in the world as well.

Elsword was focused but the hands holding his sword was shivering. This was too reckless after all.

Elesis was way too powerful. Even if there were 10 Elswords. No, even 100 more Elswords

now.

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not going to stand aside?

But she didnt feel like pushing any further once the match looked like it was decided. Elesis cooled

Id like you to stand aside if possible. But Elsword shook his head despite knowing the meaning

Why? Why are you being so stubborn? Is it because of your friends?

When Elsword didnt answer, Elesis nodded reluctantly.

the far as I can concede.

Why are you being so stubborn? Do I really have to..

Elsword spoke stubbornly. Sadness rose up in Elesis face. She hadnt showed any signs of trouble

but Elsword didnt care about it at all.

protecting Elrios again?

.Then just why?

Fight me properly, Big Sister.

Fight me seriously. Dont go easy. Recovery skill or anything else, use anything you want.

Elesis was showing so much direct emotion to the point where Add would have been very surprised

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..Are you saying you want to die by me? I wont ask you to understand my choices. But is

When Elesis bit her lips and asked painfully, Elsword stared at her with a surprised expression.

..Huh?

It was a pure request for a fight. Elesis blinked from realizing what he meant. Of course, she had

fight very well.

Alright.

Lets throw away all hesitations. She had been determined not to slay Elsword no matter

I got it. It might be better for you to die by my hand..than having to see the end of time.

Im sorry, Elsword. Ill end it.painlessly.

Elsword answered quietly then moved his sword with all his strength. This was a narrow area and he

wide swipe.

Elsword saw it coming with his eyes and tried to follow up with his body by swinging his sword. But

muscles screaming out in pain.

He barely managed to block it but his stance broke down. Kneeling down on one knee, Elsword saw

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A clear sound rang out as steels clashed. It was a refreshing sound. Elsword raised his sword to

dodge soon as his upper arm got cut but Elesis didnt give him any moment to rest and pressured

Her movement was many times faster than before. Elsword could easily see the attacks coming

familiarized himself by fighting her directly But his body couldnt follow up.

Ah

but fighting any more was too much for his exhausted body. But this was the only time he could

It cant be helped. That person is my Big Sister, Elesis. Strongest person in the world. Its obvious

No.

His sword shook. His body couldnt move as he wished because his hands were shaking.

others so..it shouldnt matter if I fell here.

Elesis was the strongest person in the world, sun that shined brighter than anything else. But that

and gave up fighting. But he chose to grab his sword again and face her head on in the end.

Everyone believed in Elswords choice. That he will certainly be able to fight Elesis. That Elsword

Eve, Ara, Rena and Add.

But they still lost.

He lost even though everyone had believed in him.

This kind of feeling had lingered in his heart.

going to fight Elesis again.

feeling hasnt disappeared even in this fight. It wasnt a hesitation to fight his blood sibling. You had

For Elsword, Elesis shined brighter than anyone else in the world.

Even though he possessed a feeling of wanting to always absent-mindedly look up at his sister, that

.I dont want.

to his hands that were losing strength.

Behind him were his friends that believed in him and went ahead. They all believed that Elsword

throwing himself into a foe that was too much for him, into a reckless fight.

Even though Elsword had lost once already, even though they knew he held feelings of admiration

with this fight.

happy.

could succeed.

I dont want to lose!!

was barely alive and was only managing to barely block her attacks just launched a desperate counter.

horizontally on the ground. He wasnt moving.

as if he was whispering in someones ear traveled across the overpass.

now.. Big Sister will shine brighter than anyone else in the world.

After deciding that had been Elswords final struggle, Elesis fixed the grip on her sword to finish

Even while fighting like this.. Im thinking that I cannot surpass you. That following after you is

the world I cannot afford to lose this fight. I have friends that went ahead believing in me.

long way to go.

anymore. Elesis bitterly shook her head then approached slowly as she swung her sword.

Sharp attack flying in aiming for his neck. Elsword was too exhausted to even try to block it. He

But he still wanted to fight. He didnt want to back out from here.

Clank!! Unbelievably, it was Elesis sword that was deflected. Elesis examined Elsword with a

Elsword was exhausted and panting heavily, but he strangely didnt feel tired.

feeling that was a mix of his feeling towards Elesis and his feeling of wanting to answer his friends

Flash! As if to answer the desire coming from bottom of Elswords heart, a crimson flame started to

No, it wasnt a flame. Elswords Memory of Time and Space was answering to his will and emitting

Faced with a giant wall he had to overcome, old memories flashed by in the boys eyes.

Elesis swinging her sword and him standing beside her following her moves.

comparison.

at her empty bed again and again, resenting, struggling, trying to understand.

fight with stronger people after all.

At the news about the strongest Red Knights captain coming for afar, he also became a knight

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he was strong. He wanted to become even stronger so he went on a journey.

Thats right

to catch up to his sister soon as possible. Elsword would have gone astray at one point if it werent

He was glad to have such a good friend who nagged from beside him and sometimes showed cute

And he also met good people. Rena, Ara, Chung and Add..the times he spent with them were

He wanted his Big Sister to recognise him.

proud of, I wanted to show her how much Ive grown and have her recognise me.

Right, but thats not it

himself he had such thoughts.. But that wasnt everything.

her to recognise him? He indeed had these thoughts.

was just for a moment, Elsword had grasped victory thanks to the other Search Party members help.

If it was just to be recognised, it would have been better to fight together with all of the El Search

But this is more

His heart was pounding. It wasnt because his body was engulfed in flames. He was happy tha