3. Bad End No.201312

After they finished arresting the bandits, the group returned to Elder and handed the bandits over to

accordingly.

resting except Add and Rena who sat together talking in the first floors lounge.

Ah, so youre worried about the Nasod case after all?

he was unconscious the whole time.

interrogation. He didnt even need to ask for rest of the partys opinion to know that theyd be

Theyre too soft.

Come to think of it, this is the first time Ive seen Add so motivated about something. Alright, just

Kukuk, how can you be so sure when it hasnt even been that long since weve met?

Add was taken aback because Rena had said it so naturally. He couldnt answer yes or no.

with us right? Still, you like Eve but you also like Ara. Oh my, you only like the girls dont you?

What do you want me to say?

charm?

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fooling around. But it didnt feel all that bad.

Well maybe not as a girl but as a human right? Ah, sorry I meant you think favorably of her as a

She probably went out of her way to change her words because she was an elf. Asides from Rena,

by something strange and finally Add also had situation of his own that was comparable to the rest

So in principle, the only Pure human from this age amongst the El Search Party was Elsword.

Hm, I just would like you to get along with everyone. Especially, if you want to be with Eve more I

..Mind your own business. Dont meddle in other peoples affairs.

I know Im meddling too much here but you have to promise me this one thing. No matter what

..

continued to smile beautifully.

appearance would catch anyones attention. Her body expressed those very feminine curves and the

ease.

If you can keep this one promise Ill always be on Adds side. Easy right?

Add thought for a while then nodded as he grinned. He didnt know how much Rena knew. But

preparations.

An empty promise like this, it didnt matter at all.

Okay, I like kids that work hard.

She acted so naturally that Add momentarily lost his timing to get angry as he stared blankly for a

Dont treat me like a kid.

Rena continued to smile brightly and Add lowered his head to avoid her gaze. There was a saying

You could say that she had the potential to make others never be able to get angry. If Eun from

charm where she made others get along with her and let their guard down.

for his goal it wouldnt be bad to obediently go along with what Rena said.

Hmm. Im curious too, cant we meet him together? Theres no word from Raven so far.

And I wont be able to torture.

able to negotiate a meeting for him and Banthus alone.

Add was making a satisfied smile when the door of the inn opened. A person entered the inn.

Rena.

Renas eyes widened as she was just about to go out to meet him. Hoffman approached Rena with a

I have something to talk to you about.

I dont know what that is but I think I should listen to it as well.

stared at Hoffman with a haughty expression.

You wouldnt say no right?

Hoffman didnt show any change in expression at Adds arrogant attitude and asked Rena. Rena

Hes one of my comrades. I dont know what youre here for. But if you are about to make a

Hmm, I think so too.

In the bedroom that the guys of El Search Party were using which was originally meant for 3 people,

his surroundings closing the windows and checking the locks.

Add couldnt bare Hoffmans overly cautious attitude and used the Dynamos scouting mode. In this

Alright.

like they were in the age of tens.. Honestly, to Hoffmans eyes they were bunch of kids.

a straw. Hoffman decided he had no other choice.

You mean the taxes?

Thats right. Wally, the lord of Elder castle is issuing unreasonably high taxes. Market prices in the

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Add murmured and Eve also nodded. Ara who had drunk the juice together with them was late in

Hoffman diverted his attention away from Elsword and continued to explain.

Ah, something did feel off.

Oh, I know! Thats. hmm.

while then finally shouted with a shine in her eyes.

What do you mean by that?

Rena corrected Ara then looked at Add.

..Kukuk, stop with the useless talks. So they are taking all the young girls? The discontent

Add had remembered how he had not seen any young girls in Elders streets earlier today.

So the lord is being ruling by tyranny. Why come to us? Do you want us to go nag the lord to not

The towns become too impoverished and we whove lost our wives and daughters decided we

Hoffman declared solemnly then he bowed deeply towards the El Search Party.

Kuku, obviously well.

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Lavish obscene parties are enemy of women! Ill defeat them for sure!

The girls all agreed at once. Elsword was still sleeping.

Wait, I didnt agree ye..

Are you saying youll abandon the girls that were captured?

Hm, Add. Even big sis thinks thats a bit harsh.

Raven was here he would be able to help Add by giving a neutral opinion.. But he was not here.

No, since when did Add start relying on someone elses help? You couldnt be relying on others to

Humans always have to solve their problems alone by themselves.

Add was the only one here that could rein in the party right now.

Do you think it is right for us to punish him just because we want to? Shouldnt there be a proper

Uuu, th, thats.

time.

It youre talking about Raven he will no doubt approve.

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Add turned to Eve who was the only remaining opposition.

Theres none.

close to getting involved in some weird business but Add had managed to stop them. He felt proud

but couldnt I steal Eves Core during the ensuing chaos?

way to turn back if things got out of hand and Eve was to break.

But even if this is a matter for humans I dont plan on leaving this be.

I know how painful it is to lose members of your own kind.

Abiding by the laws is important too but this isnt right! We have to rescue the people that were

Hm, Ill explain it to Raven later.

zero after a single word from Eve. Add was so taken aback that he couldnt even argue back.

volunteer for it? Even if they manage to not get hurt during the battle, they could become wanted

This is.

from Hoffman.

we do this.

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Add couldnt believe what he just heard. His calculation was off. Of course, taking Banthus would

Wasnt this a suspiciously quick response from the castle? As if they had already known the El

.Im probably thinking too much.

fist. Then there was no choice left but to go to the castle directly and meet with Banthus.

person. There was no way hed let Add meet with Banthus.

Dammit, Fine. If thats how its going to be, Ill turn the castle upside down along with that lord.

Mr.Add, so you also opened your eyes to heart of justice!

If you rescue the girls youll be able to get many thanks from them. Maybe there will be some

Annoyed, Add ignored the reaction from the girls and asked Hoffman menacingly.

Even if citizens of this town were to blindly rise up with swords and spears, theres no way theyll be

O, of course not. Theres a path that you can use to infiltrate into the castle. Id like your group to

Add wasnt very convinced of Hoffmans words but nodded.

Banthus during this job and torture him to make him spit out the truth.

Yawwwn.

With a long yawn, Elsword opened his eyes while stretching his arms. After yawning with his mouth

What? Is it time for breakfast already?

Elsword ignored Eves nagging and stood up as he grabbed his sword.

To where Mr.Elsword?

I heard theres someone up to no good. Lets go blow him up into bits.

Eve is battle ready.

When everyone stood up, Add muttered.

Add didnt approve of this at all but it was already too late to stop this flow of events.

After accepting Hoffmans request, the El Search Party moved into the Underground Waterway so

Ugh, its so damp.. and it smells really bad.

Oh, look theres a boot floating around.

anything. Well, it was also partly because Add moved by standing on his floating dynamos so he

..No matter how many times I think about it its strange.

At that moment Rena who was moving in front of the group looked like she was slowing

Are you worried about something?

Hm, perhaps you didnt want to do this after all?

task so he tried to stay out of it. But now his thoughts had changed.

Whats on your mind?

How is it precisely?

away in no time that would have taken for standard procedures. It was as if Wally had known wed

You think..the castles lord is suspicious?

output of his Dynamo to move forwards faster.

Theres no way.

everything that had happened so far.

Psh!!

back to see that Rena was aiming her bow.

Did.

While Add was busy being surprised at Renas sudden attack, Rena calmly fired another arrow. The

Uwaah!

target that was hiding far away.

Rena calmly fired an arrow and another scream was heard. Finally everyone else noticed the current

Everyone, be careful.

Theyre faces weve seen before, theyre Banthus bandits.

Surprised, Add examined the person that was lying unconscious after getting hit by Renas arrow.

They had surely captured Banthus and all his minions, why were they now hiding inside the

As for why.. We should be able to find out by asking them directly right?

Uwah!

Banthus minions attacked rather boldly but they were no match for the El Search Party.

A rat. Unpleasant

who didnt have any dirt on him thanks to him being able to float spoke in a stern voice.

Well then, shall we go ask him?

Before that.

trash was turning out to be a rather persistent fellow It was likely that he wont reveal what he

Add was originally going to torture Banthus alone but things didnt go as planned and now he had to

Are you worried about something Mr.Add?

.Nevermind.

forwards.

them. Banthus seemed to not know what was going on. He was lying on his side before he stood up

No way! How did you guys get here?

It would be correct to assume that their infiltration plan had been leaked. But Banthus didnt give

Kahaha!! They said someone will come this way so I was guarding here but to think that someone

Banthus held up his right arm to show the party. Surprisingly, unlike before, his arm had turned into

To call such a thing Nasod, Im insulted.

What do you mean? We just beat him up.

The party talked leisurely to themselves despite Banthus gloating. But Rena, who would have

extremely low voice.

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she shot. Banthus was surprised by this sudden attack and tried to order his minions to attack..

But by the time he had finished speaking none of his minions were standing. Rena had cleaned up all

It was a display of skill that even sent chill down the spine of Add who was on the same side. Add

it this quick and efficiently.

It didnt end with defeating all the minions. Blood was dripping down both of Banthus cheeks.

After realizing the pain late, Banthus covered his cheeks with his hands and groaned in pain. Anyone

Rena murmured in a low voice when both enemy and allies were frozen by this atmosphere.

who suffer because of that.

let it hit this time, Banthus face turned pale.

unworldly skills with the bow. He didnt ever want to face it.

At that moment, Add sent one of his Dynamos to block Renas sight. Add laughed in a low voice

I dont know why youre so angry but what are we going to do if youre like this?

Rena accepted obediently and lowered her bow. Since Raven wasnt here, Rena was currently the El

A sigh of relief went through rest of the party when Rena withdrew her bow due to Adds

Rena was on their side.

They also promised themselves to never make Rena angry.

nobody else was talking continued. Add frowned.

Hey, Elsword. You go fight alone just like last time.

Why? You afraid youll lose? Did you win last time by pure luck?

Banthus who was totally terrified by Renas marksmanship earlier frowned as he saw Elsword

He knew that the El Search Party was taking him lightly but it annoyed him.

If you win well let you go. Well also give you funds to restart if you want.

Add held up his hand to show Banthus.

of other things. I have many things Id like to hear from you.

actually hired by him!

easily. Well Add could have guessed that already by how Banthus whos been taken by the castle

Banthus if he revealed this before they even fought?

confident.

Hey old guy, my name is Elsword!

Having a larger stature was usually an advantage in melee battles (even in a sword fight) so there was

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Believing in the power of his new Nasod arm, Banthus swung his sword in confidence.

watch just like last time. Ara had her eyes open widely focusing as if she didnt want to miss a single

Tch..

awkward silence from before so he sent Elsword out to fight. But it was working better than he had

Elsword was unpleasant and unlikable to Add but he was a popular individual amongst this party.

group? Add didnt want to admit this fact but Elsword had the power to draw peoples gaze towards

Even though he was the weakest, and to Adds eyes was a mere simple and foolish child. He was

Unlike somebody else.

Rena carefully came close to and stood beside Add who was trying to ignore Elsword and Banthus

Then she started to speak hesitantly.

Dont apologize. Youll be admitting that you made a mistake.

Rena looked back with a startled expression Add tried to speak whatever that came to his mind.

up. Just keep that in mind.

that she showed herself getting so angry.

.Add was quite startled because he had never thought Rena would ever show a side like this. Rena

himself in the outskirts of the group. She knew how to handle Add very well.

Honestly, Add was significantly fond of her and held her in high regards. That was why Add was

But keeping silent was awkward too.

..

he had almost never said before so he stuttered to get it out. But the die had been cast.

Pftt.

Add pouted because Rena had burst out laughing. It was awkward even for Add who had said it so

Yes, sorry. Add encouraged me for the first time and yet I ended up laughing.

Add folded his arms and continue to ignore. Rena stopped her laughter and asked in an uncertain

Can you keep this a secret from Raven?

I dont want worry him.

I dont know what youre talking about. Everyone else will probably be the same.

Eve were uncomfortable with each other so thats cleared.

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I didnt do anything that deserves thanks. Kukuk.

wasnt focused on the fight. He was thinking of something else.

Just like Elsword and Eve, Rena and Raven were also traveling together before they joined the

angry. It was probably because she couldnt stand Banthus gloating about his Nasod arm.

.Kukuk.

Banthus was reaching its end.

Banthus and Elswords blades came together with the sound of metals clashing. This time they both

clenched their teeth.

old would know that Banthus with a bigger build had the advantage.

Dont look down on me because Im a kid!

stumbled to regain balance but Elswords blade was faster.

With a clean sound of clashing metal, Banthus blade flew into the air and rolled far away. Banthus

Okay. This is the end! Ive won Banthus!

Banthus groaned in frustration. Between Elsword who was perfectly unscathed and Banthus who

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That was rather impressive.

Are you still going to call me a coward?

What?

Its a high energy reaction. Be careful.

Shocked, Elsword looked in front of him to see Banthus who was lowering his stance. Then

Boooom!

from the Nasod Arm wasnt everything. Banthus had prepared this kind of trump card too.

But Elsword shouted in response and backed off with an unbelievable dexterity dodging the lasers

where Elsword had let his guard down. But it didnt work at all.

Are you done? Then its my turn!

between them shortened all of a sudden. But Elswords shout came faster.

Elsword had approached Banthus in an instant. He gathered all the forward momentum into the

Crack!

Banthusand shattered his metal arm!

Assault Slash!

Waaaaah!!

Eve and Ara congratulated Elsword for his perfect victory. Add of course didnt say anything and

First to confirm if he was still alive, Add couldnt have him die before getting the information out of

arm.

feature was purely to increase the users physical ability but having a lot of features didnt always

Hmmm..

one. But the fact to pay attention to was that Banthus had appeared with this arm in such a short

Dont pretend to be asleep. Get up.

lying down hopped back up like a shocked frog.

Kukuk, Stop overreacting. I adjusted it so there wouldnt be any harm to the body. Of course, from

Banthus turned deathly pale after hearing Adds words. He actually knew very well that the El

Still. even if they were strong they were still kids. They wouldnt do anything horrible.was what

Nevermind. Ill question you later and start off with the electric torture. Im quite curious about

Uuuuugh..

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stroke of bad timing.

Dynamos. Eve was his true goal and there was no harm in delaying his experiment.

T, thats..

The Nasods you commanded before were strangely contaminated. How are you related to them?

Eve responded calmly to Banthus who was shaking his head frantically.

Some woman, a suspicious woman. Helped me. She said shed help me!

Add had taken a step back when Eve started her interrogation. Add burst out laughing. Eve was

Whats so funny?

..

Am I correct?

..Demon?

mere bandit?

it.

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realized Adds attempt to torture him before wasnt just a simple threat.

was a good bargain!

When Eve asked calmly Banthus now thought deeply.

cop that got information.

D?

Eve nodded calmly. She seemed slightly surprised by appearance of the word Demon but regained

Understood. Then you can now go back along this path with your men. Citys militia will be waiting

C, Can I really go?

Now that his arm was broken, he seemed to have lost all confidence.

Soon as she was called, Ara who was talking with Elsword instantly ran towards Add. Add gave

Take these guys to the entrance of the Waterway. Come back after you hand them over to

Yes! Will do!

.Will that really be fine?

Add raised his lips. Eve spoke in a low voice.

Things might go wrong so it would be better to send one more person with her.

herself.

most important figure to Add so she was out, and Add didnt want to be separated from Eve either.

didnt she waver earlier after looking at Banthus right arm?

was a really bad taste.

Just hand them over to the militia then come back.

.Will she be alright by herself?

had a trump card as well.

Then rest of us will move forwards again.

started.

decided to rest for now behind a stone fence that looked difficult to spot. Ara hadnt come back yet

Wouldnt it be better to move when everyone is sleeping?

Elsword nodded when Rena explained calmly. El Search Party were sitting on a stone floor when

Aachuu! Uuugh cold.

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cold for that huh?

tetrahedron field.

Oh really?

Others looked at Adds Dynamos in amazement. No one could see inside this tetrahedron field

To maintain an optical camouflage using such a small toolthats rather impressive. Of course

Kukuk.

he developed.

a campfire and have a light meal. Then as Rena had suggested, they decided to sleep so they could

Of course, they were still in enemy territory so they couldnt be careless even with the optical

1

Phew.

them. He met Banthus and found out his story. But doing so had only increased the number of

I dont think that man had the intelligence to lie.

Add was surprised to hear someone speaking to him but didnt let it show. Eve removed her

Sleep isnt a necessary function for me.

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with such advanced technology that she had completely captivated Add.

He probably didnt.

believable..

the Nasods. He must have gotten them from somebody else.

I didnt hear anything about Demons being in Elder, but Ill have to believe it for now.

requested it.

So organizing the information so far, Elder castles lord Wally joined up with the Demons and he

in case. After that he even provided him with that arm.

Theres no use trying to figure everything out in detail.

I cant even begin to imagine who this D that demon mentioned is, but everything will become

technique he used to contaminate the Nasods. Kukukuk.

This was the first time Eve who was always repulsed by Adds one-sided stares stared at Add directly.

Add became excited and hesitant at the same time at Eves unusual reaction.

Kukuk, ask anything you want. But, Ill ask a question in return after.

He was all for this kind of game. Who created Eve, what she was made of, her power source, her

about her was infinite.

What?

Eve said coldly. The waving from the campfire made shadows across Eves face.

Thats.

wanted to obtain Eves Core.

into a demon back to normal, Raven wants to atone for his sins, Elsword wants to become stronger

Kukuk, youre not mentioning yours.

Eve replied in a tone that said she had nothing to hide. Add was surprised at how easily she had

Answer.

Add pondered while laughing. But he couldnt think of an answer immediately. What should he say

If he answered truthfully by saying he was after Eves Core.. It was obvious Eve would start to

But it didnt seem like any story Add made up on the spot would be enough to fool Eve.

Wait.

too much.

I have someone I want to save.

To save that person I need power. An unmatched power. Thats why. Im traveling with you

Is that person important to you?

despair he had felt back then was coming back.

It could have been just Adds imagination but Eves voice had become slightly softer. Add shook his

Kukuk, now its time for my question.

That doesnt count as a question. You just told me on your own.

Finally a historical moment where he can do whatever he wanted with Eve.. No, it was actually a

Add couldnt hide his excitement and quickly ran numerous calculations in his head. How? What

about?

answers from a single question. Eves eyes slightly became colder when Add pondered for a long

.This is a bit unpleasant.

Ask within 10 seconds.

himself quickly about the direction his question would take.

1. Ask about Eves technology. His lust for knowledge will be satisfied, it will also help in his

2. Ask about Eves battle capabilities. He can use this information when he steals Eves core

They were both very desirable. While Add was struggling to choose, Eves voice had already counted

9.

It must have been an unexpected question because Eves eyes opened widely. But that was also

yellow.

turning back time.

I dont know what you mean by that but I wont let you change your question.

Add after blowing this great chance blamed himself and admitted his failure. But he quickly changed

Like using Elsword as a hostage to make Eve give up her Core on her own. He could use these

To borrow words from humans. He said hell be my friend.

Of course I didnt accept. Its just what he said on his own.

Add could tell if her cheeks were slightly red because of the campfire or because of some other

Kukuk, thats not enough.

Eve cut off the issue refusing to talk any more about this matter. But Adds mouth didnt stop.

Its hard to understand using such a simple word. Friends are only established in an equal

I said I never accepted it.

dogs but you dont call them friends.

Thats a very rude comparison.

Add knew his relationship with Eve would worsen very quickly if this went on.. But his mouth

Was it because he had remembered the past he had tried so hard to suppress? Or was there some

Add felt disgusted with himself but didnt stop talking.

Friends? Give me a break.

Before long Eves gears were floating around her. A very hostile reaction, normally this would

He didnt like how she got this angry just because he had spoken lowly of Elsword.

Slap! A gear flew past slapping Adds cheek.

she was furious.

conversation.

Add stood up naturally almost as if the conversation just now never took place. He wanted believe it

He could feel the sting of her glare on the back of his head.

Kukuk.

bad if he was spotted by the castle guards but he didnt care. Actually, Add felt like getting

Would that help him clear out this dark and cloudy feeling making his heart suffocate?

He only managed to buy Eves hostility rather than getting any information from Eve through the

not to beat himself up over it.

guard down. But things dont always work out as intended.

the El Search Party.

Add heard a bright voice when he was bathing in the night breeze in self-deprecation. When Add

Did you come to get me because I might get lost? Thank you!

head back right now. Ara asked worriedly when Add continued to quietly stare in front.

Just a bit longer.

her eyes were dyed in red.

You are right now.

Ara explained while smiling. But this form of Aras was disturbing for Add. It was because Eun who

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powers a bit.

Pardon? Huh? ....um Mr.Add?

Lord Eun says she wants to speak with Mr.Add by herself. Would that be alright?

Add didnt know what Eun was thinking but he wasnt in any mood for conversation. Despite the

Lord Eun told me to say that since Mr.Add has more time than everyone else can he please spare

..

glare. But she didnt go back on her words.

facing her didnt serve any purpose.

Im already here boy.

Seeing a girl who was smiling innocently until just now make such a bewitching smile. Add

Thank you for listening to my request boy. So where shall we start?

He couldnt get used to her acting so voluptuous in Aras appearance. Eun laughed frantically at

Are you afraid that you might get bewitched by my charms? You dont have to worry. I wont eat

I cant distinguish you from Ara. Even if youre borrowing her body, make it so you guys are

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State where Aras consciousness was still intact and a state where Euns consciousness fully comes to

At Adds request, Eun seemed to ponder for a moment then snapped her fingers.

Are you satisfied now boy? I can keep going until youre satisfied if youre not.

Add stiffly glared at Ara, no Eun.

was smiling at him mischievously. This made Add uncomfortable and annoyed.

If youre going to say something meaningless Im going to head back.

Wouldnt it be very uncomfortable for you to go back right now? Didnt you have a fight with the

continued to make a smile that he couldnt measure the depth of.

Just what is your motive?

while unfolding the leftover Dynamos he had from setting up the optical camouflage. But Euns

Just what trick did she use to find out about the argument he just had with Eve? Can she see far out

And she also knew how Add was after Eve.. For Add, Eun wasnt something he could let his

You dont have to be so serious. Didnt I tell you from the start? Im on boys side.

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Eun who was borrowing Aras body held out her hand.

someone in the El Search Party be on his side.

help him.

But she was too suspicious. There was no way she was saying she would help without any ulterior

I want boy to ask for my aid.

This was the second refusal. Eun was too suspicious of an entity and there was no way for him to to

Thats too bad.

Instead of the bewitching smile she was making before, she made a laugh filled with vain. Then she

Boy will experience something cruel soon. Dont hesitate to ask me for help when that time comes.

Eun slowly closed her eyes as Add coldly shot back. Then Eun suddenly opened her eyes wide and

Ah! Did you have a nice conversation with Lord Eun?

Judging by the way she spoke, it was Ara. Add was sure because although she still had the white hair,

You cant listen?

seemed to be able to hear the conversations that were going on. But Ara seemed to fall asleep when

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Ara scratched her head in embarrassment as she waved her hand. Euns second proposal, saying

Also about how hell suffer something cruel.

to think about when he didnt even know of her motive.

..What?

Phoru inside the cave before?

There really was a Phoru.

Hmph! Hmph!

Ara cheered for the Phoru with her fists clenched tightly. She seemed to have completely forgotten

What? Ive been found out?!

out his sword and then shouted.

Im the great bandit W