4. Chain of sin

The garden boy always played in now didnt even have a single blade of grass left. Not even a single

This cant be

Boy pushed down on the ground with both of his hands while having his head facing downward. He

No, no, no, no.

yesterday Today where he lost everything didnt feel real at all.

He couldnt even scream properly. Boy made meaningless sounds for a while. Then a stifling

Tears didnt come out anymore. He cried enough to the point where he was sick of tears.

He just had to grow the garden again if it got burned down. He just had to build the house again if it

You could have survived if you wanted

That would have been better. Guilt and self loathing boiled up from within him.but boy

Dont make me laugh..

be made exactly like how it was again.

It felt so agonizing and painful. But boy didnt even dream of committing suicide or bringing any

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Ill rule over time..

that person exists then turn everything back to how it should have been.

He no longer had any time to cry or delay.

moving.

towards her direction. Eve was seated neatly on a chair as she conveyed the situation to him.

shouldnt move around too much.

him to sweat heavily. He had to rest and recuperate.

Add spoke stiffly. Eve realized what he meant and brought the belt that Add always wore. Add took

Eve got surprised from seeing this but Add didnt care as he finished the procedure quickly. Add

he instantly got up from the bed.

We didnt progress any further and its been one night since then. But..are you sure you can

Add had been sweating heavily from just trying to move before. But now he was calmly getting up

like a temporary house.

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Add ignored Eve and tried to wear his jacket hanging on the cloth hanger. Seeing this, Eve got up

Theres no time to waste. Well respond right away.

.

with Eve trying to stop her and sat down on the bed. But he didnt lie down to prevent his mind

From what I know, it takes a long time for humans to recover when they are injured. So.

Eve looked extremely troubled when she realized that Add didnt have any intention to lie down to

Seeing this, Add forgot the current situation and ended up looking at Eve with an extremely

Eve was a Nasod, she didnt need to breathe. Her sighing in itself was an exceptional reaction.

current situation for him.

Penensio are discussing further matters right now.

Hes safe. He wasnt injured much as you thanks to his armor. Actually, you are the one whos been

That was because Eves Atomic Shield had much superior defenses than Adds dimension distortion

down such a powerful wide area attack.

Theres no need to be so hasty. Even though Ara Haan was captured, shes still Rans sibling so

Dont make me laugh. We cannot rely on enemys generosity..!

Add responded emotionally but closed his mouth quickly. Even he became self aware that he was

Sorry, I lost my cool for a bit there.

Add was very surprised by this and didnt have any clue on how he should respond. But Eves

So Add ended up saying something out of the blue.

Im frustrated about getting beaten.

Add didnt know what else he should say when Eve revealed that she wasnt misunderstanding. He

wasnt he having trouble looking straightly at Eve recently?

both of them being alone together. Why was that? He hadnt done anything wrong.

approached him.

What?

Eve climbed up on the bed then knelt behind Adds back. She lightly stripped off the bandages tied

..

in a state of confusion from this situation and wasnt able to react. He almost jumped when Eves

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Ugh..

Add quickly shook his head. Then Eve started to spread the potion on Adds skin with her palm.

Tell me if it hurts

Only thing Add could do in response at the moment was to answer bluntly. Add face became red up

bandages for him.

Its finished.

His head was too dizzy right now to make proper judgements so it would be better to change the

Ive been doing this ever since you were knocked out. Medic told me that its more effective to rub

..

the potion on his wounds and was changing his bandages? This was something Eve he had known

Maybe if it was Rena.but for Eve to treat him like this? Just what kind of changes did her mind go

Why, to me..

What should he ask? Why are you treating me so nicely? He should have just blatantly asked .but

..Bring the others. Well have a meeting to discuss how we should respond.

Add ruffled his hair when Eve left the tent.

Actions Eve showed just now. He would be able to understand them if it was any normal person

Search Party members except Elsword and she especially had the largest distance with Add.

to face her now that she was suddenly showing such a tender attitude towards him. He already had

confusing, she was now treating him this nicely.

Phew

any proper conclusions by getting worked up over something he didnt have enough data for. He

The shape of his mouth curving up right now wasnt because he was in pain.

I wasnt you idiot.

Starting with Elsword, Rena, Eve, Penensio and Chung also gathered in Adds personal tent. Add sat

the most urgent issue.

23 were injured to the point where they cannot participate in battle.

Shadow Masters at once. Add nodded heavily at Penensios answer.

Are you serious Big Brother Add?

These guys were toying with us. Theres no point in us playing along. Theres also no guarantee that

further preparations.

What about Ara Haan?

Ill go get her by myself. Rest of you return to Hamel. Karis might attack again so be careful.

Rena took a step forward then lightly pressed down on Adds head. ..She was certainly pressing

going to get buried into his body.

As I thought, youre still in a lot of pain right? Lets talk after you get a long rest.

Eve hesitantly pulled on Renas clothing. It was a brave act trying to stop Rena who was letting out

Phew, Im sorry. Youre still hurt and yet, I without realizing.

Renas terrifying pressure made some fake coughs as he protested.

perform space warp for short distances. So is there any problem with me infiltrating into the enemy

Big Brother Add, thats reckless. Its not just Ran. That woman called Keris was also at a generals

Going alone to where two demon generals were waiting was basically suicide. But Add refused to

Its Karis, not Keris. And yes, she is indeed a demon general. But who said I was going to fight

rescuing Ara somewhat made sense. Rena, Elsword, Eve and Chung all had various abilities but

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account as well. Long as he could make contact with Ara, he could bring Eun out then time travel.

At least she wont get done in..

just had to meet Ara then go back to time before they fought Karis.

What?

totally unexpected.

Ill go with you and rescue Ara Haan.

Even while responding, Add tried making a hypothesis.

while Add uses that chance to contact Ara No, it was way too dangerous and he couldnt leave

But Eves suggestion went way beyond Adds expectations.

Then what do you want to do?

Yea, I agree with Eve.

I also think Mr.Adds plan is reckless.

Kukukuk, what? Everyone seems to be in sync. Then tell me the alternative plan. Just what do you

Well come with you and rescue Ara Haan.

Dont make me repeat myself. Give me the exact detail. Even if I get found out, Ara and I can get

If we lost this time then we just have to win next time.

always did.

This is what you told us when we were all dejected after our fight in Velder. That if we lost this

Youre not making any sense. Maybe it would work out if Ran was by himself. But Karis is also

Im not going to lose this time.

I resolved not to lose against anyone until I meet my big sister again.. So this time, Ill rescue Big

Everyones already decided Add. Are you still going to be stubborn? Ill scold you if you do.

..Youre all driving me crazy. You all saw Karis skills already. Why are you trying to do

Because I want everyone to be together.

Were facing two generals. Even if we somehow win, it wont be strange if some of us died in the

I wont let anyone die.

I promise. So come together with us, Add.

Eve held out her hand and Elsword and Rena looked at him while smiling beside her.

Eve stood still with her hand held out as if she will continue to wait. Eve holding her hand out

Add ended up grabbing her hand.

Their plan was decided.

leave in the morning.

could be seen because they were underground.

around to glare at the voices owner. Moving this abruptly caused a dull pain in his shoulder and ribs.

Just what were you thinking? Isnt it your role to stop the kids if they say something stupid?

Rena stared at Add with a complicated expression. It was a gaze of an older sister looking at her

Im going to scold you if you say something like that one more time.

something so outrageous and everyone is agreeing with her?

Rena crossed her arms and stared at Add silently for a while then shook her head.

Dote? Nonsense! Youre all trying to get in the way of my perfect plan!

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emotions and keep his cool. For Add, the fact that he unknowingly grabbed the hand Eve held out

Geez, you should have stopped them when they were spouting nonsense. Theres a limit to how

Ill seriously get angry if you call Eves opinion nonsense one more time.

Its not like Nasods always make reasonable and logical decisions all the time. They can

Memory of Time and Space. Why isnt anyone considering that possibility? Are you saying machines

Eve didnt refuse your plan as a Nasod.

Rena calmly shook her head when Add questioned angrily.

.

worry too much.

that Rena hadnt revealed the full extent of her skills.

always been rear support after all. Also, it would have been difficult for her to support them with all

at the time.

Actually, we dont even have any guarantee of victory against Ran alone.

.There shouldnt be this much value to Ara. Frankly, isnt this a sibling reunion? Also,

with the humans.

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near him for the sake of time traveling.

into the enemy territory alone was indeed because he required Euns assistance.

Add, I know youre more earnest than you seem and really care for us. So..can you believe in us a

Dont say something that makes no sense. Anyways, Im against this.

looking at her troublemaker younger sibling then nodded while smiling.

..

Add, you prioritized Chungs life even when your own life was in danger right?

Yes, and we can go and Ara is captured. Thats why were all going together.

already looked determined.

Eve and Elsword would change their minds of he could just convince Rena. But hell have to give

Yea, Im sorry. But I still cant let you go alone.

Those words strangely rang in his heart that his steps almost stopped. But Add forced himself to

Add returned to his tent in order to organize his complicated thoughts. He should pack up and think

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furniture to confirm that this was indeed his personal tent.

Alone with Eve. He would have normally tried to carry out the conversation long as possible but the

Im only sitting here. I wont get in your way.

Ignoring the nonsensical words, Add passed by Eve and rummaged through his bag to confirm that

a finger ever since he had entered.

much. But inside of his head was so complicated right now that his concentration was being divided.

I refuse.

Add doubted if he heard Eve right from her cold answer. On the other hand, Eve slightly turned her

Her head gesture was so graceful..that Adds head became numb.

Wait, why? It wouldnt be that you want to stay here because you like this tent.

Surveillance. Add realized what she meant then groaned.. But he was impressed at the same time.

So what you mean is that, I might just agree with your plan on the surface then run off by myself

this right?

Add had forgotten it, but he was a patient. Even with the potions effect, he should have normally

Its not a wound that would worsen all of a sudden. Most of all, you should also prepare to

I asked Elsword and Rena for that.

Theres no problem for me even if I dont eat or sleep. I also do not know much about return

patient. So Im the most adequate one for this job.

Add was impressed but dumbstruck at the same time. Nasods could carry out missions without

were one dimensional so they could be easily fooled.

worldly affairs so maybe she could be fooled in that department.. But it seemed it would be

Eve must have interpreted Adds silence differently because she added.

you of objective reliability.

Although he didnt know what kind of reliability that was.

Eve until how had been Add mocking and provoking, then Eve being offended and responding.

But after she awakened to Memory of Time and Space, Eve had been strangely pushing assertively.

So youre going to guard beside me all night?

.

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anymore. Also, it wasnt a bad plan if you thought about it carefully.

unless Ran and Karis came at them in same time. All Add had to do was to locate Ara fast as

Alright, but in turn.

What should he get out of this in return? Add didnt know yet but continued the conversation as he

Ill put up with my discomfort and accept your request. So you comply with whatever I request of

Long as its not about this plan.

But why are you so obsessed about this plan? You should know very well that its dangerous. And

each other right?

Nasod.. But if you looked at how they conversed with one another, there was a strong impression

and Eve as peers?

been having a hard time facing Eve, and Eve hadnt been too interested in Ara. But now, Eve was

Then would you ignore it if I was captured?

Add answered without a thought then winced. Wasnt this basically confessing that he was after

Even if its not me and others members were captured instead, you would have tried to rescue

Youre giving me a strange evaluation. Add was about to say this but his words didnt come out. He

It was blatantly obvious to rewind time in order to save Eve. Since he couldnt achieve his goals if

But rewinding time in order to save Rena and Elsword..was actually unnecessary. Add knew this

The goal Add desired was to steal Eves core in a way he could accept. Since he went through all the

to be a satisfactory achievement.

them. Eve? He didnt even need to say.

Ill do that.

But he confirmed that he couldnt get her to change her mind. Also, although their reasons were

Add lay down on his bed. He tried to turn the light off then stopped. Like this, Eve with her chair

I know it will sound like Im saying this late, but its really bothersome for me if you just sit

Even if Im not moving?

Understood. Then Ill go to sleep as well.

to sleep if she wanted but she could also sleep whenever she wanted.

She indeed changed a lot.

strongly.

Of course, what Eve was saying was still based off cold and reasonable decisions.. But Eve

Nasod that evolves and changes Truly amazing.

Wasnt she probably the first Nasod like this in history?

then headed towards Eves core.

Its extremely desirable.

the core because it should have records of the process of how Eves action patterns and thought

no matter what.

course he couldnt reach it while he was lying down.

Its not the time yet.

He couldnt see these kinds of changes anymore if he took Eves core now. What will happen? How

Yes, its not the time yet

Of course, he wasnt planning to observe her forever. He couldnt endlessly delay his own goals so

came.

Add who got excited as a researcher in a long time nodded delightfully. He finally understood why

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shouldnt researchers be obviously excited about results that defied common sense?

It felt like he couldnt sleep tonight because he was too excited. This wasnt because someone was

subject.

underground, he could tell it was morning from the light coming in from various cracks on the

Yawn.

her action and speech patterns all night long. Add was about to get up as he recalled the enjoyable

What?

clicked his tongue. There was no way any heat would be remaining when she wasnt even a human.

Add had only slept for about 1 or 2 hours. This meant it hadnt been long since Eve got up and

Add got out of the bed then wore his jacket as he moved out of his tent. It was still early morning so

Wheres Eve?

now decided to give up on the idea of going to the Temple of Water alone. But shouldnt Adds

It was difficult to ask around because it was so early in the morning. Add thought he might find

a faint silhouette moving inside thanks to the light coming from inside.

What, why are you here

Eve was in middle of changing her clothes. Her hair was slightly wet from water. Judging from the

..Uh.

Didnt Nasods not require bathing? Of course its not like they didnt have any concept of

you could only conclude that Eve becoming interested in bathing was because of Rena and Aras

Ah, a Nasod that can be influenced by her surrounding environments and alter her manner of living,

..

Add instantly wrote down a page in his minds research log then realized nothing was going to

Eve looked surprised and was blankly staring at Add.

Add took a deep breath then looked down at his toes. Why was he so startled searching for what to

Eve was changing? So what? This wasnt even the first time.

kind of a signal, Eve slowly adjusted the clothing she was about to wear.

N-n-n-n-ext time you go somewhere..

turned red at the same time.

Along with Eves freezing sentence, Moby and Reby jumped at Add.

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What? What was that?

course, they were still circling above Adds head and hitting him periodically, but lets ignore that.

His head felt like it was going to explode.

He could only explain it this way. No, why did it matter if whether Eve was naked or not? Or even if

Eve was a Nasod. Not a human.

seeing this? Seriously, what kind of crazy person was that?

was a Nasod that boasted perfectness that had never been seen before in history, since she was ever

But that wasnt Add.

everything about. To make a comparison, Add was a ruins explorer and Eve was an ancient ruin that

compliment its beauty..he should never be embarrassed from it.

it over indifferently last time?

Am I crazy?

was now a situation where he had to dissect himself before he dissected Eve.

every time in those instances.. But that was only because the other person was a life form.

He had never shown that kind of reaction towards Eve.

It was an honest confession he could say because no one else was listening. According to Adds self

stirred up from within Add a fashion sense that he hadnt realized before. Thats also how he had

Time and Space.

No way. No way

cold evaluation but his mouth was denying it.

For him to confuse his sense of distance with his test subject? He had to get rid of his title as a

Add kicked the ground and got up after shooing away Moby and Reby that were still hitting his head.

his eyes.

They exchanged gazes, but Add unknowingly avoided her gaze. Eve spoke stiffly.

Wake Rena and Elsword up. Lets get moving fast as possible.

Eves gaze became even colder but Add forcefully turned around to show his back. If this was

said it couple times already. The method to apologize had been almost brainwashed into him by Ara.

But even if everything was to break down, he couldnt apologize here. He shouldnt apologize here.

He had to maintain this sense of distance. He couldnt achieve his goal if this was to break down.

making her turn around to look at him. Even though this incident hadnt been intentional, it was a

But he couldnt do that even though he knew. Hell break down if he did.

head also followed Eve as Add pushed it away.

Words that had been clumped up inside him finally came out after no one was around to hear it.

solemnly in midair.

This is not good

couldnt control his sense of distance with Eve.

He couldnt give any attachment during this process. Pretending to give attachment was fine. But

Looks like Im going insane too..

began to doubt himself.

Ara arrived through the dimension gate and blinked. This space was colored all in blue and white.

A seductive voice came from above her head.

I brought her just like you asked.

words were directed then instinctively grabbed her spear tightly.

Good job.

At Rans word, Ara grabbed her spear then collected her breath. Her goal was to turn Ran back into

But Ran didnt give any eye to Ara and spoke towards Karis.

You got what you wanted so you dont have any business with me anymore? Thats harsh.

Alright, you want me to let you two talk by yourselves right?

and Ara left in the Hall of Water now.

Elder Brother.

He didnt even stare at her as he replied. Ara internally called Eun but she didnt answer. It seemed

tangled up when they jumped through the dimension gate.

There was a time when I was called that.

terrified, Ara bravely fixed her spear.

Ill turn Elder Brother back to how you were. So..

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together with Karis.

Ara collected her energy then charged in front right away. Her legs looked like they just kicked the

distance between her and Ran then made a sharp stab. Ran wasnt even able get up from the throne

Spear tip perfectly aimed at Rans neck flew in.

..

grazed by the spear tip and a drop of blood oozed out.

Thats.

withdrew the spear and backed up.

Why are you just sitting there and not fighting back?

what Eun told you?

Ara didnt know how Ran knew about this, but she nodded. To separate Aren before he completely

Arens soul back to normal. This was the method Eun told her.

Then why?

had only worried about her skills not being enough to defeat Ran. she had never imagined Ran

Wasnt it obvious? Demon or not, why would anyone sit still and let someone kill you?

Because the end of time is approaching.

Ill explain it in a way you can understand. It doesnt matter if you try to stab me. But if you try to

What do you mean..?

Would Aras strength be enough to stop Ran if he made up his mind to destroy Hamel? It would be

But I wont do anything long as you stay here. Thats the condition.

Tip of Aras spear shook. She couldnt kill Ran. But Ran was warning that hell kill everyone in

Just like how he turned the village that Ara grew up in into a sea of blood.

things?

Ran got up from the throne. Cold footsteps rang across Hall of Water.

killed?

She had never even thought once about killing Aren. Ara got scared then stepped back as Ran

But Rans steps were faster.

..

was every night in her dreams.

Difference between Ara and Rans strength was way too big.and even if Ran didnt resist like he

When Ara stood still shaking, Ran stretched out his hand to grab Aras chin. Ara couldnt even turn

So stay here with me.

Ara couldnt decide on what she should do. While Ara was in turmoil unable to decide, Ran

Lets watch the end of time together with me from here.

Before she had any time to decide.

Into deep darkness.

Hamel and they were now passing through the cave in order to head towards the Temple of Water.

It sure does.

were heading into the enemy territory but Add didnt mind the two talking.

treating him unusually kindly recently. But now things were back to point zero.

pointless stubbornness? Did he miss a very rare and important opportunity? Did he mess the whole

thing up because he was too confused about finding out that he had been shaken up all this time

The questions continued endlessly in his head. His body was walking but his mind was wandering up

In that instant, Add turned to glare at the cave wall as if it was his sworn enemy. Seeing that Add

forwards again.

Just what was this? Was this a situation as if a little kid was stubbornly refusing to apologize after

examining his own thought patterns.

Add clicked his tongue as he forcefully broke his gaze away from Eve. Then he made eye contact

Come to think of it, why are you following us?

Add pressed his palm down on his forehead when Chung apologized politely.

beforehand that he will act together with the El Search Party. Rena must have allowed it.

Im also intending on helping with that.

My life was saved thanks to you Mr.Add. So would you allow me to help you this time?

Chung must be feeling thankful about how Add evacuated Chung when he was unconscious from

This felt like a great opportunity so Add added a condition.

the plan is ruined from you acting rashly. Im going to return with everyone alive. Ill get rid of you

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Chung nodded without any hesitation at Adds warning. He must have finished making up his mind

I was able to survive thanks to Mr.Add and also Ms.Ara. It will be difficult to withhold my

.Ill look forward to it.

his skills of supporting together with Rena from the back was top notch.

Add and Eve carrying out multiple tasks in the middle and Rena who was in charge of long range

Well be able to see the Temple of Water if we pass through this cave.

Yes, this path isnt too well known after all. But..

and Rena who were in front noticed this and quickly moved aside. Chung nodded as a sign of

Boom!!

then his face quickly turned pale. Countless amounts of spiders dropped down from the hole that

Blegh..

Elsword and Rena also looked up and were startled.

below. You cannot see them well normally.

Its a sight I never want to see again.

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Ara Haan might have fainted if she saw this.

Didnt she get frightened and cling to Add inside Banthus Cave? Add who had been unknowingly

the same and stared at Adds face for a bit then turned her gaze forwards.

Just like Chung said, spiders were laying in ambush in couple more locations. But they were all

that they felt unpleasant to directly use weapons on and that there were so many of them was

Thanks to him, the El Search Party could pass through the ice cave without having to fight the

That ahead must be the Temple of Water. Lets all wear our coats.

heard, there was a snow storm blowing near the Temple of Water.

Its been said that its not cold inside the Temple itself. So we can take them off inside.

Add, do you have a plan?

But it was a building that had been built so long ago that they had almost no information about its

Then allow me to suggest. Lets go in first and have a look around the surroundings together. Then

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didnt know what was going on inside the Temple of Water either so he had to admit Eves

Ran or Karis wouldnt jump out at them suddenly right? There shouldnt be any problems if he

Then let me lead the way.

She felt warmth amidst the darkness.

was stroking her head. She wanted to give herself over to this generous hand and go back to sleep

wrong didnt let her fall asleep.

spear.

Youre awake.

was Rans. Ran was sitting on the chair and Ara had been asleep while leaning on the chairs armrest.

on her spear. But she couldnt continue to the next step. If Ara made up her mind..it wouldnt be

But that wasnt what Ara wanted. Also, Hamel will turn into ashes if she failed for some reason.

Her thoughts were still complicated. Ran answered calmly when Ara who still couldnt decide on

To achieve what I desire.

You wouldnt understand even if I told you in this time.

Ara stared at Ran with a hurt expression when Ran cut off the conversation. Even though there had

Do you.not regret becoming a demon?

..

hesitate no matter how much blood was spilt during the process. Didnt Ran actually hurt many

Ara backed out to distance herself from Ran while still shaking. She then stabbed the ground with

Wouldnt leaving Ran like this bring about a disaster to the world? Could it be that Elder Brother

be the righteous thing to do?

Ran answered dully as if he read Aras mind.

faster than anything while not making any unnecessary movements. Spear arts, windwalking, energy

Taking life like the falling flower petal, this is the truth of Haan familys martial arts.

hold on to her spear anymore.

point her spear but she didnt have the resolve to take his life.

Look at your appearance right now.

At Rans words, Ara finally looked at her own appearance then became horrified. Tight attire with

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Aras face turned pale as she touched the horns. She didnt want to say it no matter what.. But her

But Ran denied.

this broken time is creating.

But what else could her appearance be but a demon? Anyone who saw her right now would say at a

Demon isnt something thats so easy to become. Relax.

I already told you. Its only the shadow in your heart coming out to the surface.

No one ever looks closely into their own shadow. But youve become able to look at it closely.

to lie.

beside Ran even if she had to change herself like this was her true desire? After struggling so much

It would..rather have been better if Ran had forcefully turned her into a demon to