4. Bow and Blade

Dark Nephilim was so large that walls cracked and ceilings shattered every time it moved and waved

Oh my

trashing with all of its four legs, each step it took shattered the stone floor.

To think shed summon such a powerful spirit.. It seems Chloes speciality wasnt ranged or

Wasnt Dark Nephilim basically a spirit that was called the guardian god of the Dark Elves?

for the Dark Elves if it were to get injured or possibly killed.

Ping!

as it chased after Rena.

Dark Nephilim was so large that no amount of normal arrows would even make a dent on it. A lot

outer castle would be able to withstand such an impact.

Rena ran all the way back to the hallway then jumped down to the 1st floor in a single leap. People

coming from upstairs and dust falling down from the ceiling. But now a beautiful Elf suddenly came

Everyone get out of here right now!

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blinking in their places.

But that only lasted for a moment, peoples eyes widened after spotting Dark Nephilim coming

Ah, aahh!!

W, what is that!?

ran away. But Dark Nephilim was still moving too fast. Not only that, but there were still many

Rena wanted to help them up but there was no time. Dark Nephilim was eyeing the people running

movements.

She had to buy time for the people to escape. When Rena kept firing arrows while dashing away,

Rena quickly ran into a kitchen that was nearby. She had to escape the outer castle soon as possible

Crash!!

narrow space for Dark Nephilim. There was nowhere to escape. But Rena kicked up from the

It was a hook for hanging meat.

Woa!

pendulum like movement, Renas body shifted to the left as she managed to narrowly dodge Dark

came face to face with Dark Nephilim that was falling after reaching the maximum height of its

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Rena smiled then kicked Dark Nephilim on the nose. It was a powerful kick that would have

of arrows.

But it must have still been angry about it because it frantically shook its head left and right then

right like a pendulum. She will definitely not get out unscathed if she was caught.

Rena could take down Dark Nephilim if she decided to. The problem was doing it here would

away in the hallway, there were still people that havent escaped yet.

Dark Nephilim must have used its brain because it tried to step on the kitchen counter that Rena

and got shattered.

Nephilim grinded its teeth as it scowled at Rena. It was literally going to chew her up.

Rena was smiling bitterly then frowned from a sudden pain. She felt a strange pain on her right hand

Creak, creak.

And a strange sound was heard. Rena internally screamed then looked up as the hook started to

No way, it was a hook used for hanging large animals like cows Could it be that Rena was

It was an absurd thought in a dangerous situation like this but Rena seriously felt depressed. It

and was licking its lips waiting for Rena to fall down.

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Rena realized why the hook was falling down and let out a sigh of relief. It wasnt that the hook was

have been damaged from the shock that Dark Nephilim caused upstairs.

Rena eased her mind then started to swing back and forth again. After realizing that Rena was trying

soon as Rena landed on the ground then pulverize her.

reached the left most highest point, a place where she could fall down on a kitchen counter near the

lightly twisted her body then grabbed the same hook with her left hand this time.

its left and right highest points. Of course, that was just the principle behind the trick. It was still a

It was a trick that even an acrobat that walked on ropes and jumped through burning hoops

After easily fooling Dark Nephilim, Rena continued to swing down on the pendulum then

more important to buy more time so Dark Nephilim couldnt respond accordingly.

gone but it ended up running into the wall.

A huge vibration got spread across the outer castle. The wall cracked then shattered.

Rena who had been watching from the back let out a sympathetic voice. After falling on the floor

Its eyes now even held loathing.

pieces. Rena waved her hand as she smiled.

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through a window and finish this.

heard.

Shatter!! Chloe riding on a rope came in shattering through the kitchen window and launched a kick.

the kick on her right shoulder.

Ugh!

and was experienced in both ranged and close quarter combat. But her body wasnt built strongly.

She could dodge most of the attacks but she received a large damage once she was hit. Rena smiled

Hello, Chloe. Did you follow me here?

Chloe sent Dark Nephilim an eye gesture then suddenly grabbed a kitchen knife on the counter and

Kitchen knife that Chloe stabbed with all her strength stopped after getting stuck in the plate half

Hmph!

shattered plate but its durability must have run out and got shattered into pieces.

charged in.

minced meat with a butcher knife.

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rest due to Chloe continuing to mix kicks and knife attacks.

danger too!

Seeing Rena run away by distancing herself, Chloe immediately threw the butcher knife at her. Rena

towards her.

counter at her.

Rena grimaced as she dodged some objects and hit others away with her bow. Until now she hadnt

friendship. But the story was different now that other citizens were caught up in the danger as well.

faster than Chloe who ran out of things to throw coming close up to attack her.

How foolish, Elf.

much thought into it because Dark Nephilim was obediently staying back after Chloe had

Rena would have certainly been in danger if Chloe and Dark Nephilim attacked her together. But

Renas eyes widened from the enormous energy gathered in Dark Nephilims mouth.

Velder Liberation army that just entered Velder and was heading to the outer castle saw a beam of

Just what is that?

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Penensio was about to give his order but looked up towards the sky from sensing a sudden presence

Crash!!

not just one or two, but almost 300 Glitter soldiers stood in their way.

It doesnt matter. Theres nowhere to run now that weve come in.

as they had put their plan into motion, it was either win or be annihilated for the Velder Liberation

Velder Liberation Army knew this but had entered willingly. Penensio smiled bitterly from this

fight in Hamel were looking at their new enemies with stiff expressions.

Vanessa also sighed then fixed her glasses.

long as the El Search Party achieves their goal inside the inner castle

Penensio held up his sword and Vanessa also drew her weapon. Then all the troops drew their

vanguard.

Her arm hurt.

had been created on the outer castles wall in front of her. Chloe made a cruel smile as she exited

You barely got out alive.

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Actually, she should have died from that perfect ambush..

You wont be able to use your bow anymore with your right arm hurt like that.

As Rena and Chloe exchanged words, Dark Nephilim slowly walked out through the broken wall.

direction.

.Yes, do you want to change your mind now? I dont want to take down Dark Nephilim too

Chloe laughed at Renas calm request. No matter how strong Rena was, there was no way she could

shots if she forced herself? Dark Nephilim would never be defeated with just those.

..Just who is this D that got you so terrified?

Chloe face turned dark for a moment but she shook her head right away. There was no point in

If you wont surrenderthen theres only death.

suddenly dashed in. Rena who specialized in ranged combat closed the distance?

dodged easily by sliding and slipping under Dark Nephilims belly.

Chloe quickly made Dark Nephilim dodge. The arrow Rena fired barley missed Dark Nephilim and

stomach fly up towards the air, Chloe made a satisfactory smile then turned her gaze back towards

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bowstring with it.

brutally torn apart.

was growling as it glared at Rena. It wanted to unleash its pent up rage.

Its all over now right?

Renas calm voice. Chloe instinctively realized something was wrong.

It was as if

Rena murmured as she held up her still unharmed left arm. Chloes eyes widened after seeing Renas

But Renas shout came faster than Chloes order to Dark Nephilim.

At Renas shout, rain started falling from the clear sky. It wasnt a normal downpour. Dozens,

Dark Nephilim tried its best to dodge the hundreds of spears falling like the divine

Gwaaaaaagh!!

pierced by the spears.

didnt matter if it got pierced by hundreds of spears in such a short time.

skill held a terrifying power but Rena barely used it because other people might get caught up in it.

Seeing that Dark Nephilim was still breathing thinly after getting hit by Gungnir, Rena fixed her

Im sorry, good night.

long scream as it fell to the side.

Rena turned around after firing the arrow. Sound of a huge beast falling down was heard behind her.

Alright, Chloe. Surrender now.

That was all Chloe could say after being so astonished from witnessing Gungnir. She had known

to this extent.

you had to say Chloe was chosen as a demon general because of her ability to summon Dark

But to take down that Dark Nephilim with a single skill?

fear or anger. It was just absent-mindedness. She couldnt think about anything due to the

Why are you asking me when you are this powerful? Cant you just cut off my limbs then force me

Things you say.

bowstring anymore.. But Chloe still wouldnt be able to beat Rena.

Who would do such a thing to a friend?

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blood? No, she did use that word couple times before. But was she still calling her that after all of

F, friend? Who? Who is?

Dont make me laugh! Who would become friends with an Elf?!

Rena asked with a confused expression. Chloe raised her voice.

Then we can become friends from now on.

Owowow.. It was too much to fire arrows with this hand after all.

The cut Chloe gave me last time still havent healed completely.

frowned.

Its only been a day.

Wait, so she defeated the Dark Elf warriors, Chloe and Dark Nephilim with an injured hand? Chloe

It seems I cant fight anymore with this hand. So Chloe, you go and help the Velder Liberation

..Are you crazy?

Rena put her left hand on Chloes shoulder then begged seriously.

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She was going to go crazy. Is this how it felt for a rabbit to get asked a favor from a lion? Chloe bit

Youre crazy. Youre seriously crazy. Youre insane. What kind of Elf asks a favor from a Dark Elf?

Chloes face turned red when Rena spoke with a serene smile.

There were reasons, but Chloe broke her promise with Rena and ambushed her. But Rena fought

Even her fight against Dark Nephilim in the end, she could have taken Dark Nephilim out any time

Chloe had been just playing on top of her opponents hand. After all of this, she should surrender,

friend and was asking her for a favor.

I may be.

Even now, she had a strong feeling of just wishing Rena would kill her cleanly. Dying to a powerful

And youre making me crazy too

accept it. This rule Chloe had always kept as a warrior moved her heart.

Youll listen to me?

I would have lost this life to you anyways. You let me live so Ill follow what you say.

should have done but.

But Rena didnt have any strength left to draw her bowstring. Looking at Renas injury, Chloe was

was looking then her eyes widened in horror.

Hundreds of magical spears stabbed into its body slowly got pushed out as its regenerative ability

over the course of countless battles had told her that she certainly took it down.

that wasnt it either.

Chloe, go ahead quickly.

Rena in confusion. But Rena was only looking towards Dark Nephilim that was standing up again.

Believe that we will win and help the Velder Liberation Army. But if we lose, say that you had no

..What?

Renas dry words, Chloes face stiffened from sensing that Rena was saying that while being

Chloe ordered Dark Nephilim that was standing back up inside her head but it was no use. Dark

Chloe now.

Phew.

single glance that it wasnt because of Chloe or Dark Nephilims powers.

This wasnt an easy battle under normal circumstances and she was even injured now. She couldnt

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Liberation Army. Or bare its fangs against the other Search Party members.

Rena calmly cheered on her comrades that were fighting their hardest somewhere else then kicked

She couldnt use her arm but she still had her legs. Her enemy was right in front of her.

Adds steps stopped when he came up the stone stairs with his hand joined with Eves. A giant steel

Theres no lock. Shall we destroy it?

He was still holding on to Eves hand so he only had one free hand. Add tried knocking on the door,

thing.

A chill went down Adds spine from this conclusion. There were things that Adds Dynamo couldnt

even able to analyze how a space-time drift phenomenon was occurring in this inner castle.

something surpassing Adds knowledge or something that couldnt be read by Dynamos scans,

While Add was at a loss for words, Eve pointed with her finger.

Some kind of slate was attached to the part where there should have been a door knob. This part

There are 9 slots.

were lined up in the order of red, purple, green, grey, pink, blue, orange, red and purple. Add was

pondering if there was a special meaning behind the color of the gems when Eve spoke composedly

They are El.

The realization had come a bit late because Add was so surprised by this gates existence. He

Activation of the skill itself was ignored.

Is this the throne room where theyre turning El into a Dark El?

Adds answer wasnt a proper one but it was showing the twos situation right now.

Considering how they sealed it off with something I suspect to be a space distortion. It doesnt

What demon could have turned the inner castle like this?

It was an abrupt question but Add delved into his thoughts seriously. Elesis was powerful but she

shadows, Helputt was unknown but he was probably similar to Chung and Chloe didnt look like she

By the rule of elimination, only Karis remained. She did seem to have some space related abilities

couldnt analyze.

Is it the court magician Aisha?

You never know. It could be an emergency security system she kept hidden inside the castle.

Add knew very well that he wasnt making sense. No matter how powerful of a magician Aisha was,

to secretly hide this gate inside the Velder royal castle.

Eve was looking straightly at the pink El. Add took out the Memory of Time and Space from his

There was no point in analyzing. He could tell just with his eyes that they were same.

They are not unrelated. The reason Aisha helped us, but why she didnt actively help us It seems

Eve spoke all the words Add wanted to say. Add nodded then carefully stroked the slate with his

on his hand.

feeling impatient when Eve went to sit near the stairs using Reby and Moby as chairs.

Is this the time for that?

Elsword must be fighting for their lives. But Add and Eve were blocked by a strange gate and

If theres no progress even after examining this much, then its important to rest and recover our

.

using the Dynamos but he needed to be careful due to the wide area space distortion around this

They didnt know what might happen later so he did need to rest. Add admitted Eve was right then

Eve was staring at the slate.

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The one Ara got was orange, Elswords was red and yours was purple.

if the Memory of Time and Spaces that Aisha gave them werent related to this.

her.

Add was suppressing his restlessness when Eve grabbed his hand after looking like she had almost

judgement blinked, Eve replied prudishly.

O, okay

Everyone was fighting with their lives on the line but they were blocked off. Add would have

things was to challenge persistently, and if there was no other way, he wouldnt hesitate to even

But all those feelings evaporated the moment Eve grabbed his hand. Feeling of only wishing this

.

Search Party that he had cultivated up till now.

So. you can laugh like that too.

Eve was looking straightly at him wanting to say something but then closed her mouth discretely.

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Because this will be the last time as well.

Ah

physical combat specialist. Even if she had to fight close up, she used a method of dodging and

Renas archery skills were nearly divine but her body was still made out of blood and flesh.

possibly less stamina and endurance than a normal person. But she fell behind compared to Elsword

stronger than Eve who was a Nasod.. So her defensive ability was second to last amongst the

And Dark Nephilim was charging at Rena who had the second to last defensive ability.

Rena pressed on the ground with her left hand to launch herself up then lightly grabbed Dark

vertically then smashed down on Dark Nephilims back with her knee as she fell.

She had just performed a parade of acrobatic attacks with just one arm but still couldnt avoid falling

She panted heavily as she looked at Dark Nephilim.

Rena. It didnt have any rage filled expression like before.

Did its insides change into Nasod during that slight moment when she wasnt looking? Eve would

Rena unconsciously imagined that scene and chuckled.

It was a comfortable laugh even though she couldnt get up because she forced herself to move with

without knowing how Dark Nephilim had changed.

from being damaged after all. Of course, there was still an enormous pain flowing in from the

Actually, her continuing to tie down Dark Nephilim with parades of acrobatics right now was

She was barely holding on somehow because Dark Nephilim had lost its cognitive abilities.

Rena smiled vaguely as she saw Dark Nephilim stomping its feet again to charge. Chloe and the

Add and the other Search party members also must be fighting somewhere else. It was pointless to

What should I do?

now..would have instantly broken the spines of any normal beasts.

Renas two legs were beaten up wasnt because she hadnt known about Dark Nephilims

Dark Nephilim right now couldnt get injured. It wasnt that Renas attacks werent doing

It almost felt as if she was kicking the surface of water. There were impacts and signs of damage but

Dark Nephilim was acting like it wasnt afraid of getting injured as if it knew this trait. The strategy it

its opponent.

why even skilled Rena was pushed back and ended up like this.

Would things have changed if her arms and legs were still fine? Well, it would have been less

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Monster huh.

confirmed that she couldnt deal meaningful damage to it anyways, so she jumped over it.

keep it in place long as possible. How could someone else handle this beast that even she couldnt

Rena made her decision and was turning around.when Dark Nephilim kicked up on the ground.

Nephilim was jumping up.

Wha.

got startled and quickly threw her body sideways to dodge. But shifting her weight so suddenly put

was already an absurd acrobatic feat.

Even while screaming from a shock that smashed into her waist, Rena realized what had just

prepare for its next attack.

Renas body rolled across the outer castles garden after getting tackled by Dark Nephilim. The

Ah, it broke

hurt she was certain that her ribs just cracked.

her two legs.

right now. Rena was still alive because her movements were way too swift and she minimized the

abilities.

Haah.

listen to her so all she could manage was to kneel with one knee.

While Rena was looking at Dark Nephilim that was standing still, a blood traveling along Renas lips

was over.

Im going to die here. Its not like I dont have any regrets or lingering attachments But worry

What will happen to the other kids if I go down here? What if they are in more dangerous situation

Hmm

strange but it couldnt be helped.

be worried about people she had been together with?

Im sorry

of it stomping across the ground to end her life came closer.

Slaaash!!

prepared for. When she slightly opened the eyes she had tightly shut. dust cloud was blowing

And the white clothing waving amidst the dust clouds.

Energy behind the utmost extreme bladework ignored the regeneration ability or whatever else and

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As Dark Nephilim fell over after getting sliced in half, the man slowly withdrew his blade. His stance

of his clothing looked worn out.

mended it every time it was worn out.

The man who wasnt showing his face spoke. Rena slowly shook her head.

Ill be careful next time, Rena.

moment. Rena quickly came to her senses and requested.

You dont have to worry.

anything. But Rena soon realized what he meant.

faces on the airship.

Rena didnt know what to say at these unexpected reinforcements. Of course, Black Crow was a

arms But wasnt this a past that this man abandoned?

The man spoke stiffly as if he read Renas thoughts. But Rena knew that those words werent light.

You couldnt speak carelessly towards someone with such a large wound. You might hurt them

The man confirmed the Black Crow members dropping from the airship then turned around as he

arms and legs.

Rena sent him a gaze of thanks then was about to nod but paused. The man was looking at her with

Im sorry, Rena. I shouldnt have been here right now. But there was no other way this time as well.

Wasnt everything going to turn out well because this man managed to arrive? But there was an

No matter what happens, Ill at least..you

Soon as Rena realized something was off and called out the mans name, he held Rena up with his

started getting blurry.

her sword and was looking far off into the distance.

Big Sister? Whats wrong?

Elesis shook her head bitterly. It was such a bitter tone unfit for the intense fight theyve been

what was wrong exactly.

Im sorry, Elsword. But our fight..ends here.

With the feeling of his body getting strongly pressed down, his vision started getting twisted.

Dont worry. Im also coming with you.

with him wherever he goes from now on.

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horizontally to push Ara back then backed out a long distance.

So he ended up coming. That final man.

with Ran. At this sudden ceasefire, Ara and Chung also stopped their attacks and stared at the two

Elder Brother?

The truth that you guys need to know, and despair.

Add realized he was standing the moment he came to his senses. He had been certainly sitting near

Wha

cool expression.

This is the place where they are turning El into Dark El?

that the throne room was completely empty. No one else was here.

the curtain couldnt be seen very well.

silhouette when his surroundings shook then voices were heard.

Big Sister!!

Wheres..

after a moment later, Rena and a man carrying her appeared.

Elsword noticed and rejoiced. Raven wordlessly nodded. Adds eyes turned back forwards. Sudden

reason.

Dimension gate opened in midair then Karis jumped out while laughing. It wasnt just her..a

appeared.

The El Search Party instinctively grabbed their weapons when Add spoke quietly.

the party members that were fighting in various places suddenly gathered, but that didnt matter.

Alright! Ill go in first!

Hey, Raven. You fight instead of Rena.

Raven held incredible skills.

The El Search Party all stared at Raven and Rena with a single mind. As everyones gazes gathered

Raven, can you let me..

Everyone stared blankly at Ravens back as he walked towards Elesis, Ran and Helputt with Rena

.

Soon as Renas face turned pale after realizing something, Raven turned around.

right arm.

relationship with Raven. Actually, Elsword, Ara and Add had only met and talked with Raven for a

M, Mr.Raven?! Why are you standing on the side of the demons?

Elsword and Ara burst out in anger from an emotion that surpassed their relationship with Raven.

Rena blinked widely then tried to say something. But before she did, the tip of Ravens hand pressed

.Why?

bit his lips in the end then turned his eyes towards the El Search Party.

..Raven is our enemy.

happened but Raven joined their enemies and Rena became a hostage.

Elsword, are you ready?

But they still had Elsword who succeeded in awakening the Memory of Time and Space on their

their positions. Chung also prepared to assist.

There was nowhere to run anyways. This was the time to stake everything and fight.

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Karis laughed. Ran replied depressingly.

Its now moment for the time to end.

Everything ended.

Why were they talking about same things as if they had planned beforehand? Not only that, they

They cried out in grief and dismay as they despaired.

Add who couldnt understand the reaction of the demons and humans that stood on their side

Ba-dump.

A strange heartbeat that he had forgotten at some point, Add got attracted to it and looked up

and Chung looked.

Space twisted. As if it was being squeezed, it was twisting and shaking as if someone was clenching

What..?

like that. Add stared at the rupture in space while shivering from the sense wanting to throw up.

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turning this Velder Liberation mission into a success. But there was a name that he hadnt thought

D.

amongst the demons. If the battle in Velder was a final decisive showdown, then he should have

But he didnt. He hadnt thought about it. He didnt think about that part. He purposely cut off that

He stopped thinking about it after some point.

Something came up his throat. As Add kept suppressing his scream, the El Search Party all looked at

Why, just why.. Just when did he stop thinking about D?

didnt make sense.

The answer was simple. It was the opposite of how he knew the names and abilities of the demons

already knew.

Because that was..

Space shattered then answer to Adds question appeared. It appeared by breaking through the space

the waving light purple hairAdd screamed.

A

That was Destruction

That was Darkness

That was Destiny

Why did he fail for more than 20 million times? Who thwarted him? Who plotted all of this? Who

Who created this broken world, this Dystopia?

That was the devil, Diablo!!!