4. Entangled Feelings

It was a place where Add and Elesis was being held.

It seems strange after all right?

snapped off and she was looking up at the ceiling with her hands behind her head.

caught up by Elesis abrupt actions so he needed to organize his goals for a bit.

very end. He needed to get an El Search Partys kiss in order to go back to his own universe.

various things.

If this universes Eve were to be destroyed, then he had to turn back time. Time travel was his

Elesis.

Elesis shook her head from side to side slightly.

use the hot springs freely and facilitated trades. But she suddenly became hostile towards humans

And youre going to figure out why? What if she just joined the demons because they seemed

Then we should show her whos stronger.

bluffing.

But that doesnt seem to be the case.. Something feels off.

Well, fine. Then shall we escape and find out?

when Elesis opened her eyes widely.

Could it be that..we got captured on purpose for that reason?

But her tone was as if that wasnt everything. It meant that she wanted Rena and Lu to cooperate

They werent even talking to each other before so will they really cooperate to save us? Maybe if

What are you talking about? Big Sister Rena and Lu should be seriously fighting each other by now.

Is this girl a pancake? She keeps flipping over her own words. Add was at a loss for words but Elesis

The reason why Big Sister Rena hadnt revealed her feelings regarding Lu and Ciel so far was out of

very prideful so shed probably incite the fight instead. They should be having a huge fight right

Why did you do something like this?

Although the Velder Kingdom was destroyed because of the demons, Elesis didnt treat Lu out of

She was shockingly clean and firm.

concluded that this and that were separate matters. Even though the demon invasion had taken

It was a reasonable and rational decision but not everyone could act like Elesis.

that this would happen?

And the reason she brought Add along was because he would obviously stop them if he stayed

Seeing that Elesis was keeping quiet, Add continued to question her.

information about the demons. I admit that they have to be accepted. But why did you leave Lu with

You even went out of your way to create a stage for them to clash.

If you didnt want such things to happen then you should have at least given some words to Rena

caution.

What you said before, that people have to live on even if this war ends, that they have to learn how

everyone can be like that. They cant just settle their feelings so firm and cleanly like you.

Just what did you expect? That after Lu and Rena fight each other, theyll throw away all their

horrible taste, its an excessive expectation.

Youre saying lots of cool things today Add. Im happy to see that you have become so passionate

Dont mock me. Also, comparing me to other Add cant be helped, but dont try to change the

No, its because Im really happy. To worry so much about others and become so fired up about it.

Add closed his mouth when Elesis lay on her stomach and quietly smiled while resting her chin on

get caught up by Elesis and got dragged here.

Add was clicking his tongue when Elesis stood up and abruptly pushed her face close to Adds. Add

138

become like this?

Who was it that ate all the ingredients? Elesis scratched her head with an expression as if she was

How are things going in your universe? Im a bit curious.

Ill tell you if you tell me. Come on, go ahead.

9 of us didnt even all gather there.

happened?

Unexpectedly, Elesis didnt show any particular signs of being surprised.

You must not believe me or it must not feel all that real for you.

completely deny that were different

important.

He grew up exponentially. Hes El Search Partys current..

Leader.

could escape. No other word was more fitting considering his determination and ability to act in that

Yes, thats my brother for you. Magnificent.

Elesis was overjoyed and smacked her knee. Add had never seen Elesis react so gladly so he asked.

Of course. What can be happier than hearing that your brother grew up? Id like to have a party if

Add sighed from seeing Elesis make such a fuss.

Why does that matter?

Elesis spoke as if it was no big deal.

might be somehow possible for me to join the demons and become an enemy of the El Search Party.

Whats your point?

Elsword since its not very subtle.

The reason you wanted to be with us was because we were your comrades also back in the place

It was a random thing for her to say but Add gave up trying to refute. It looked like Elesis had

And there was also a part that he couldnt completely deny.

Add was trying to return to the original topic but frowned. Steps coming up to their prison cell was

Sorry but lets talk about that again later.

Elesis and Add exited the prison and headed to the hot springs palace while being surrounded by

looked like they had accepted that trying to bind them was useless.

Theyre obviously guiding us to Seirena, ruler of these hot springs right?

It must be true since they arent answering.

Im sorry but Ill have to talk a bit more. Why did your people suddenly become hostile towards

When her warning got ignored, mermaid swung her spear angrily at Elesis head. But Elesis easily

She had grabbed the spear mermaid swung at full strength as if she was grabbing a chopstick.

was grabbing lightly with just one hand didnt even budge no matter how much mermaid struggled

Other mermaids realized the situation and they all pointed their spears towards Elesis. But Elesis

Were talking right now. Im not trying to pick a fight so answer me.

Ill let go if you answer.

spear back looked around at her comrades as if she didnt know what to do.

Everything is decided by our Queen.

141

sudden so she fell backwards. Then Elesis confidently started to walk forwards. Mermaids that were

Add asked after catching up to Elesis with Dynamos flight.

To meet Seirena.

I already memorized the terrain while we were being led here.

Add and Elesis followed them hastily but they couldnt catch up to the two because they were too

If Elesis and Add tried to escape, they could send a signal to bring in more troops. But the place

and were just hastily trying to catch up to the two of them.

Elesis moved about inside the enemy base as if it was her own house and enemies couldnt even lay

But Elesis attitude was different.

like Elesis was the queen and mermaids were her vassals.

You must have liked it.

Elesis laughed from hearing Adds snort then continued moving. Stairs ended then a wide open area

Many mermaids were standing in lines left and right and a particularly beautiful mermaid was sitting

springs.

just remembered.

Come to think of it..It seems Seirena likes handsome males.

Wouldnt Add be just fine?

but Elesis was already approaching Seirena.

distance where she would be stopped by mermaids around Seirena if she took even one more step

Elesis met Seirenas eyes then payed her respects.

...Captain of the now gone Velder Kingdoms Red Knights. I did hear about you.

Im Seirena.

Add stood beside Elesis. Then mermaids that should have been escorting Elesis and Add finally

Mermaids that were out of breath and close to fainting bowed then scattered to the sides.

Thanks for the compliment, we didnt come here to fight for no reason. We came to talk.

Seirena looked apathetic. Elesis didnt mind Seirenas expression and demanded one-sidedly.

demon god, Elrios thats already in so much turmoil will be completely destroyed. He must be

I refused that request already long ago. I also dont plan on letting you through this place.

you think this hot springs will be safe?

143

spoke with a regrettable tone.

So well have to fight if this offer doesnt work out? But something ridiculous came into Adds ears

If you help us, Add will remain here and be your servant.

Add got surprised from hearing such endless and bottomless words that he turned around to look at

How about it? Isnt it a great condition?

Add was at a loss for words. Seirena made a long sigh.

such an intense gaze that he just wanted to avoid it soon as possible.

Really? Then youll help us right?

boiled up immediately. No, she could just stomp down on them with force then make them listen.

Not only did Add dislike her method..what Elesis said made him angry, frustrated, dumbfounded,

Add was clenching his fists tightly when Seirena shook her head.

Does he not suit your tastes?

was difficult for him to resist punching her face.

What the heck are you doing?

Add fumed up when Elesis spoke casually.

seem that would work because of Lu, so the next up in line was you.

them?

Adds patience snapped when Elesis still remained casual.

fist as if she was handling a childs temper tantrum.

Dont mess with me!

They were in the middle of enemys base and in front of enemys leader. Add should obviously

might be doing this because she had some other intentions. Fighting here would be just fighting

He knew all of those. He knew. But he couldnt suppress his rage.

Elesis made a strange bitter smile when she saw how enraged Add was.

able to handle Add who was filled to the brim with rage?

I cant betray General Scar..

Elesis ignored Add who was about to attack her then turned her gaze towards Seirena. Elesis face

145

What?

answered.. geyser burst up from the ground.

stepping on magic circles to dodge the incoming arrows.

Lu kicked the ground as she lowered her stance then charged while swinging her gauntlets. It looked

was incomparably huge!

responded by slanting her sword in a perfect angle to let Lus fists graze by.

Dont take me lightly!!

miraculous kick mixed in amongst sword strikes, Lu exclaimed then blocked the kick with her

swords strikes of Renas combination attack.

and only held a grin. On the other hand, Renas face was filled with rage. Unlike her usual cold self,

Not losing ones cool during a fight was basic of basics. But Rena was ignoring this basic rule and

Alright, fine. Try some more, beautiful Elf!

continue. Lu was speaking out because she was honestly impressed..but her words would only

Detestable demon that drove her race to the brink of extermination was blocking all her attacks and

You wouldnt be a person if you didnt get angry. Renas sword strikes became even faster.

Rena!

ears. It wasnt like Rena who was always cool to let this fight happen in the first place.

Eve also knew Rena before her personality had changed. How warm, kind, friendly and thoughtful

But after demons hunted down the Elves. How they not only fought the Elves but massacred even

different person after witnessing deaths of her people and her village burn to ashes.

Lu now.

But Eve knew about fights. If this goes on, one of Lu or Rena will get critically injured or even die.

Just why did Elesis..

deflect all of Lus soul strikes with her sword then twirled her sword around in place as she fixed her

Rena was determined to finish this in a close quarter combat. Lu clashed her two gauntlets loudly

Alright, come at me!

small stature. But Lu read this beforehand and jumped up high to dodge Renas attack. Lu

Try taking this on!!

Usual Rena would have obviously dodged then counterattacked, but she didnt have such intentions

body like a bullet and Rena who was trying to hit Lus attack back directly. It was a moment where

Just when their full powered attacks were about to clash..

Clank! Crack!

spurting out. Rena and Lu looked at the result then paused.

definitely made a defensive stance, his head was crushed and half of his waist had been torn off.

Eve slowly withdrew her hand then evaluated coldly. Oberon who took Rena and Lus attacks

Eve looked at him then evaluated composedly.

Oberon wasnt moving even after being given an order. Eve recognised that he was literally

After having their heated fight intervened by Eve, Rena and Lu had stopped and were catching their

But judging by their still riled up expressions, it looked like throwing even a single pebble towards

Youre going too far, Rena.

staring at Rena who still looked furious.

to Elesis if you kill Lu like this?

Theres no way Id die from something like this so thats a needless worry.

feet after being isolated in a room.

Eve was bit hesitant but spoke out. Rena couldnt say it so she had to instead.

even if you win or lose here.

Its my policy to not avoid fights!

Eve replied coldly then closed her eyes. She had never imagined shed be in charge of the mediating

Try talking to each other for just 5 minutes. I wont stop you two if you still want to fight after that.

stopped out of respect for Eves decision. If the two of them decided to fight again, there was no

Rena and Lu wordlessly accepted Eves request then looked at each other. Some time passed, but

One who opened their mouth first was Lu.

you stop your race from running rampant? What have you been doing all this time and is trying to

from me.

Tell me beautiful Elf, is my head that desirable? Will obtaining my head allow you to let go of your

Rena bit down hard on her lips.

Yes, its fine if you dont forgive. Dont forgive. I dont have any intention to ask for forgiveness!

No matter how much I ask for forgiveness, will that even reach the hearts of you and your people?

cruel to everyone. No amount of hatred can turn it back.

You can hate me, you can loathe me. Im already prepared for it. But.even so, I wont let myself

life to appease the souls of the dead!

149

about anything. Even still, I cannot let myself be killed so easily. It might have been different before,

voices of hatred towards me fills the earth, I wont let myself be beaten so easily.

Lus voice didnt waver despite hearing Renas voice that was filled with resentment.

everything completely once and for all. This is my decision as lord of the Demon Realm.

So yes, your rage is just, its correct. Detest me.

Rena slowly turned around.

Yes, I got it. Lets go together.

Rena didnt answer but it seemed she acknowledged Lu accompanying her. Eve finally relaxed and

She had somehow managed to stitch things up for now, but she was unsure of what might happen

But lets first handle the situation at hand.

Eve spoke to herself worriedly then hastened her steps.

scattered everywhere but not all of them could dodge the water.

Y, your highness!!

Water pillars had risen up in ten places already and it didnt seem like they were going to stop. Water

hit by it, but there was no grantee of humans surviving it.

Adds back and tied her arms around his neck.

She was speaking so shamelessly but he couldnt leave her behind. Add muttered as he quickly raised

originally a 1 seater, and he could only use 4 right now.

Ill drop you if you say something stupid one more time.

Ah, you cant go right, turn left, go straight!

Add didnt know how Elesis did it, but the geysers rose up just like she said. Add was currently

if they were going to fall apart at any moment.

..You must have been really angry.

wanted.

Im sorry, I tested you a bit.

If you can be really trusted.

to see Adds reaction.

He was beginning to understand what kind of girl Elesis was.

She was bold and feisty no matter what happened and acted first, but it wasnt like she didnt think.

It was admirable..but it still made Add angry. There was no way one would feel joyful about being

So did I pass your test? Am I to your liking?

Elesis apologized once more as she rubbed her cheek against Adds. He couldnt understand what

touching his.

situation to worry about such things.

Yes, Ill be careful.

Despite still feeling very hurt about what happened, Add suppressed his feelings and turned back to

but his life would be at risk if he were to dodge even a second late.

Add turned widely in an arc to face Seirena. Seirena who was standing in the middle of dozens of

Me and that mermaid, you tested both of us at the same time right?

Elesis readily acknowledged. Seirena who was talking normally with Elesis suddenly lost her mind.

safety of her servants.

Then hurry up and take care of it.

deal with her without much difficulty.

152

..There wont be any time to go find it. Should we run away?

same time was difficult. Not only that, but he was also carrying an extra weight called Elesis.

the two of us.

An absurd answer returned to Add who asked somewhat expectantly.

What?

Add didnt have any chance to question Elesis because she tightened her arms around Adds neck

she had summoned 4 giant water bubbles. These bubbles were so huge that each of them could fit at

It wont be easy to dodge them. But Elesis shouted energetically.

Damn it! Dont treat me like a horse!

bubbles flew in towards them.

normally make the passenger hanging on fall off but Elesis endured without making a sound.

Add shouted then started to fall towards Seirena. It was a sudden drop much faster than how he

He could see Seirena looking up at the two of them with a surprised face.

Elesis who measured her timing let go of her arms around Adds neck then fell downwards. It was a

153

the spear away by waving her arm.

Take this.and come to your senses!

Baaaaam!!

filled with potential energy from a high vertical drop, Seirena staggered then fell down on her side.

Elesis who landed after punching Seirenas head wasnt completely unscathed either. She staggered

frantically.

Elesis who was frowning from pain looked up at Add then waved her hand.

..

As Add numb mindedly descended, Elesis was examining her own body to check if nothing was

Ah, flying around feels nice after all. Give me a ride next time as well Add!

Why not? You were having fun too right?

Add didnt know how to answer. One thing he was sure of was that he was very glad Elesis wasnt

Although she is an enemy on the other side......

Thankfully, shes just unconscious. Shes alright.

Think before you hit

easily.

and some that got caught up in the fray were on the ground unconscious.

Tha

her eyes widely and let herself be pulled towards Add.

A sword grazed by a place where Elesis head just was. Elesis frowned and looked around. A woman

Serpentine sword. It was an unique sword that could be swung like a whip to cut things.

Ive never seen her before either.

herself because she held her two serpentine swords and just quietly stared at Add and Elesis.

woman and a cheerful laugh was heard.

The man that appeared along with a laugh was also a demon. Similar armors, you could tell easily

The man that appeared beside the woman stared at Elesis with a strange gaze.

Are you Scars minions?

leisure.

155

The man who revealed his name as In pointed towards the woman, but the woman didnt say

No, you cant do that. Even if were going to kill them soon, you should at least introduce your

hostile gaze.

Jin.

Elesis nodded then took at step forward.

quite powerful just from a single glance.

was formed and surrounded Seirena.

Did Scar order you two to conquer the hot springs?

..A test.

length was troublesome to face. In was holding strange looking orbs.how they functioned was

Add was formulating a plan inside his head when Elesis turned slightly to glance back at him. She

..You think you can run away by yourself Add?

What?

nonsense she was talking about. He thought it was some kind of provocation trying to test him again

They are pretty strong. Ill try to buy much time as possible so join up with rest of the group and

..

Elesis was still barehanded and there were two enemies. Not only that, but they were Scars servants

Add made an empty laugh then stretched his hand forwards.

Jin backed up from this sudden attack with a slightly surprised face then waved her sword. Then the

Add clicked his tongue as he glared at Jin.

Add?

Elesis was staring at him with a surprised face but Add ignored her on purpose.

In and Jin wouldnt stand idly and let them run away.

to sacrifice just one rather than both.

didnt even have an inch of desire to leave Elesis behind.

mind as he glared at In and Jin.

Ha.

Elesis laughed bitterly then cracked her fingers.

Youre telling me to face the sword?

their lengths dynamically. Although they still didnt know what Ins weapon was

Youre talking like Elsword, Add.

being treated same as Elsword but he just let it pass for now.

never imagined this would happen even in a different universe.

Jin didnt show any reaction even when Add slowly circled around her. No expression, she was

Shall I test her a bit?

dodge then let her sword fly. The description was a bit weird.... but you couldnt describe it any

Kugh.

But when Jin slightly turned her wrists, her sword rose up in midair and flew in aiming towards

Ssh!

he was cautious from the start, he would have gotten killed otherwise.

Serpentine sword which was a mix between a whip and a sword. Add knew what it was but it was a

long attack range.

Jin seemed to look at Add after missing her attack then she jumped up high. .She jumped at

Ah?!

swinging her two serpentine swords sharply. Stretched out blades rushed in aiming for Adds neck.

Void Impact!!

obvious Jins weapons will be damaged if her blades got caught up by the collapsing space. Jin gave

Tap, Jin landed lightly on the ground then looked up at Add with a cold expression. Adds altitude

wasnt a distance where Adds space distortion or Void Impact could reach.

Elesis who was facing off against In.

.....This isnt good.

be careful even if he was in full shape.

said when you were confident youll win..... Defeat could come from even a single miniscule mistake

And it wont just be Adds defeat.... Elesis who was fighting In will lose as well.

serpentine sword flew towards Add again aiming for his neck.

serpentine sword winded in midair as it chased Add. It looked like it was going to keep chasing him.

paused.

159

It wasnt a double pronged attack. They were two attacks with some time in between them. If Add

couldnt give up the calculations that were already in his head.

Void Double Impact!!

didnt seem to have anticipated this because she quickly withdrew both of her swords.

Slide. Jin made her serpentine swords short again then looked at Add indifferently.

.....Kukukuk.

Wounds that havent healed yet got opened and was seeping out blood.

treated them with a potion, it wasn't like it magically healed the wounds instantly, they just enhanced

Jin ignored Add's smile then turned her head to look at In. It was too much of a leisurely action to

didnt have any close quarter attacks and that her skills were above Adds.

well. Orbs that In threw displayed a binding force, it made boulders and various objects get pulled in

in that.

just waiting for a right moment to strike. It looked like she could settle the fight if she could just get

Compatibility with their opponents was bad. It might be different if Elesis had her sword, but she

If we just change our opponents instead.....

.....

Jin must have read Add's conclusion because she kicked the ground and rushed in. Enemy who was

lives. But....!

Add laughed joyfully as he started to fly lower. Jin was certainly powerful, it was obvious he had to

But she was still no match for Elesis who appeared as their enemy. No matter how swift Jin was, no

Elesis who faced and overwhelmed the El Search Party all by herself!

When Add provoked her while moving backwards, Jin frowned slightly then made a wide swing

slash as if chopping a firewood, Add wouldnt escape unscathed if he got hit by this attack with even

It didnt end there and her right arm was being swung horizontally. Second serpentine sword was

ground, but Add just smiled haughtily.

"Void Impact..... Triple!"

exploded simultaneously as well. Jin must have never imagined this kind of counterattack because

avoid her cheek from being torn and blood starting to drip from it.

Jin rubbed her cheek that was dyed in red then glared at Add coldly. Just until now she was looking

but couldn't tell if it worked.

.....Kukukuk.

didn't fall off. His laugh was half a bluff to make sure Jin wouldnt attack carelessly and a half from

162

crush her if he fought with the intention of giving at least one of his arms away.

Although that guy seemed to use five as a basis.

Add who could barely move his arms after using three at once could somewhat measure the gap in

Jin carefully lowered her stance and was looking for a chance to strike. It was a simple numerical

thinking. Add made a composed smile.

notice right away and come to attack him.

Dynamos were present so it gave burden to his brain, making his vision blurry.

Add! Can you help me out?

In that moment, Elesis shouted towards him from far away. Add looked towards Elesis wondering

At this sudden conversation, In, Jin and Adds attentions all focused on Elesis.

......

strategy meeting. In had a blank expression for a bit then burst out laughing.

In.

Jin looked reluctant but didnt complain anymore.

In grinned then held out his hand as if he was granting mercy, as if he was giving one more chance

Ill give you two a chance.

At Elesis short call, Add said what he had to say.

Alright! Ill put in a good word for you to Eve later!

Add got confused and tried to say something but it was already after Elesis had dashed out. It was a

It looked reckless on the first glance but Add didnt come to assist for no reason. Void Impact

who became cautious after seeing blood fall for it?

triple for sure. Then theyll take down remaining Jin with cooperative attacks!

In laughed merrily as he continuously threw the orbs in his hand. Getting sucked in by those orbs

Shell die if left alone. Add who was watching got surprised and quickly came up with the necessary

As Void Impact exploded, orb that was flying in towards Elesis got deflected and turned in a wrong

Hmm?

shatter space. These were no ordinary orbs after all.

In laughed as if he was entertained then threw an orb towards Add this time. Add was about to

Elesis would be hit if he dodged.

Void Double Impact!!

quickly took care of two orbs with a Double.

Not bad.

was in tatters with just Triple already, Quadruple, 4 times was absolutely impossible.

Add, 10 meters to the front! 30 meters to the right!

As Add was wondering what Elesis meant, she stopped charging forwards then circled around. Add

Then the orbs that flew towards Elesis got deflected on their own. In frowned and was trying to

throw the orbs towards her new location.

towards a certain direction then made Add plant Void Impacts beforehand.

the bait for luring the enemy was her own life. It was over if there was even a single mistake in their

Hmm....!

was closing the distance would only end with her moving away with an intricate rhythm and having

In that case.....

Its too late.

snatch a rabbit. Her fist was clenched tightly, In wanted to throw his orbs but he had just used them

165

Crash! Thud!!

pressed down on the ground. A large crack had formed on the ground where the fist had hit.

too.

......I told you not to interfere.

Jin who had just tied her serpentine sword around Ins arm to pull him towards her responded

grazed by his forehead and had torn off his skin.

forehead in shock. In frowned after seeing the blood on his twin sisters cheek then nodded soon

Thanks for the help.

While the demons were talking amongst themselves, Elesis slowly withdrew her fist then stood

Lets change opponents. Ill take the orbs and you face the swords. That should be better.

The reason why it wasnt going to work was appearing before their eyes.

smile declared with a serious face.

.......

sighing in despair.

Approximately around hundred..... and each one of them looked more powerful than regular

It might work out if they just had to take care of these demons..... but there was no way In and Jin

What should we do?

Stop saying nonsense and give me an actual way to win.

were demons appearing from behind them as well. There were also incubi and succubi flying in the

Escape still looked possible with high speed flight that Add could perform on his own.... But it was

This is the way to win. They probably wont kill me right away. Scar is out to get me personally.

........

cheerfully.

for a prince to come rescue her at least once. This looks like a great chance.

When Add answered indifferently, Elesis asked with her eyes. She meant do you have any other

Add placed sleeping Eun on top of his palm then poked her with his finger to wake her up. Demons

In.

In was displaying a strange interest in Eun that Add had just brought out. Eun who got awoken

How could you wake a woman who was sound asleep? Not just that, but there are many faces that

I should be seeing for the