4. Butterfly Effect

It was a small town that the El Search Party arrived at after leaving Elder. This city built on an open

Wow, look! Ms.Butterfly is flying around!

Yawwn, Im so tired. Is anyone else tired? Im also hungry.

able to rest in a proper inn for days since theyve left Elder.

While talking to the other members as the leader of the party, Rena stopped her words in middle of

withstand the pressure when Rena continued to stare at him.

Alright, Ill leave it to you.

disappear into the crowds of people.

this ever since she witnessed that scene. Add for some reason couldnt help but to be obedient even

Such nonsense.

react when she kept gently smiling at him. Add ended up not being able to disobey Rena before long.

happened now. Add sighed and looked behind him.

Ara was looking up in wonder at the butterfly that sat on tip of her spear.

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his back while tapping the ground with his feet.

Ara let out a disappointed shout as the butterfly left her spear. Then for some reason she stretched

of wind tearing showed how much force was in her stab.

Elsword quickly swung his sword to hit the shaft of Aras spear. The spears trajectory was changed

Ara whose face had turned deathly pale even though she was the one who had stabbed with the

Thank you, Mr.Elsword.

I already spoke with Rena beforehand. Lets go to the inn.

an unwilling leader.

After letting out a sigh, Add took a slight glance towards Eve who walked behind him to the right.

When they started off from Elder, Rena had already made a very detailed travel plan and even

if he should remember this.

many times now that Add didnt have any desire to protest anymore.

When should we eat? Arent you hungry?

A sudden question. But regardless of how Add disliked Elword, Elsword never brought up anything

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Thats whats strange. This place looks same as any other towns.

Didnt we come here because we heard that Feita was invaded by Demons? Then why is it so

..

that Demons were appearing through the Dimension Gate and causing mayhem. The reason the El

Im glad that the city is safe. But I cant see any signs of fear or fatigue on the peoples faces. Streets

They could have gone to another city.

open too easily?

this consumed Dark El. Also, this Dark El was something very scarce so Demons couldnt use it

They took the effort to invade Feita then went somewhere else without doing any damage? Isnt

Youre right.

Demons were invading the Elrios continent. But Add wasnt particularly surprised. It was a rather an

Thinking about it now. coming after Eve must have been a signal flare for the Demon invasion.

properly started their invasion of the Elrios continent. Thats why they deployed Demons to where

In this timeline, the El Search Party was able to prevent Eves destruction thanks to Adds directions.

invasion first?

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Seeing how Eve looked surprised as well by the Demon invasion, it didnt look like Eve was hiding

Add was deep in thought when Elswords stare brought him to his senses.

Since Big brother Add is smart, I thought you might know something.

Im not too sure either. But.

the pieces fit by saying its to obtain the El or by saying Demons were evil beings in the first place

The key to this answer was Eve. Just why did they go out of their way to send assassins to such far

He said D

by the same person also. Did D give up on sending assassins against Eve now?

Tell me if you figure out something.

Then lets eat first. Lets bring Eve and Big sister Ara and eat together.

Sitting and eating together with everyone was uncomfortable.

taller like that.

Eve is also going to eat with us. You should eat together with us too.

if it was decided.

Then Ill go get everyone.

Elsword disappeared without listening to Add trying to stop him. Add clicked his tongue annoyed at

Add didnt like socializing with others in the first place. Moreover, his personality didnt fit with rest

Ara who lost her mind over a single butterfly, Elsword who nobly covered for Aras mistake and

If needed to, Add could tear apart something like a butterfly and laugh out loud. No, he could do it

Hmph..

whenever possible but he never had the time to do a feature expansion.

The most important feature of the Dynamo was time travel. That is, its battle capabilities were more

Of course, Add was extremely strong with just those extra features. Now that he can use Double, he

So field is the problem after all? Ill need to improve the features affiliated with Space Warp..

emphasis on defensive features. But thinking about the fights that will continue on from now, he felt

As he made plans for improving the Dynamo, Add suddenly pondered about the future. After the

Demons that invaded Elder(Although they had actually come for Eve) received a lot of attention. So

If they achieved more feats in Feita.There was a pretty good chance that theyd get dragged into

Finding the El wont be important anymore. Kukuk.

Other members opinions was that they couldnt leave alone Demons that were trampling over the

look like she had any discontents.

Was it because Elsword had decided to join the fight?

Hmph.

Fights with Demons will continue regardless. Add just had to achieve his goal during the fight.

without any hesitation.

There was possibility that Demons will come after Eve again. In that case, hell just use the

Kahahaha!!

with many unknown information before was clear now.

Add laughed enjoyably for a while then slowly shut his mouth after finally noticing a silent gaze

Why didnt you tell me if you were watching?

anything.

.Okay.

business here now.

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different since she was cold towards Add before.but he could feel a strange wall between them

I thought I understood but I cant.

1

the floor and started to eat.

completely vegetarian and Add had a small appetite so he only ate appetizers.

I heard that vegetarian diet is good for your health.

Although Nasods dont need to worry about health.

Thats why I used my own expenses to buy you some vegetables. Was there a problem with that

Eves voice turned slightly cold. Elsword was too focused with eating meat that he didnt realize this

Eating meat gives you strength to fight.

Nutritional unbalance ruins the balance of your body. Didnt I warn you before?

They seemed to have argued about this topic since long before.

At this sudden question, Add stopped his hand that was scooping up soup with a spoon. Elswords

Meat comes first for martial artists. Thats the teaching of the Haan family.

I also researched quite a bit into this. Its better to reject careless consumption of meat and

Ara thought seriously at Eves response then shook her head.

Fighting isnt done only through strength.

her up.

Ah?! Then will it be better for me to consider eating vegetables after all?

plate seemed like she still had regrets.

eat whatever you want.

Ara smiled gently and continued her meal. Add had meant that as a taunt but it felt awkward now

Eve stared at Add coldly then continued to eat her vegetables quietly. Elsword whose hand had

from this oddly formed silence.

Could it be that they are calling into question how he mocked Ara? Although Ara herself was

Was it too harsh to say that all she had was strength after all? Ara was a girl too. He just had

in the front lines.

When Add opened his mouth again, all three of their gazes focused on him in unison. Add got

Actually.

How should he apologize? No, did he really need to apologize? Add tried to buy time as he thought

This is why I hate eating together with everyone.

Actually what I said before was too muc..

Rena approached and spoke to them. Eve asked as she pulled out a remaining chair.

Umm, thats..

as well, Rena took a slight glance behind her. A young man politely bowed his head towards the El

I think it would be better for you to listen to what Mr.Lento here says.

accepting our call for help.

Ara answered brightly but Lentos expression was dark. Shouldnt he be rejoiced that reinforcements

Add noticed this and asked in a low voice.

problem. What is it?

looked at the El Search Party members in middle of their meal. Elsword was still continuing to eat.

Kukukuk. Thats a very peculiar way of saying it.

Lento had said it, it wasnt him or anyone he knew that had defeated the Demons.

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Umm, Add?

I know how you feel but dont press Mr.Lento too much. Hes just as confused about this.

Lento then spoke again in a low voice.

Scouting mission.

at all but Rena had accepted this mission on her own.

mission.

him.

I never said anything.

open the door to the boys bedroom but saw Rena who was making a slight smile beside him and let

If you have something to say then say it already. Why have you been acting like this recently?

He didnt understand what she meant. Anyways, it would better for them to avoid talking inside the

door on his back. But he soon frowned after a moment of thought.

him even if Eve misunderstood.

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An abrupt topic, Add winced then forcedly let out a laugh.

Im asking about what Add thinks about Eve.

Add withdrew his laugh at this sudden question that was thrown straight at him. He thought Rena

Do I have to report everything to you? And that shouldnt have anything to do with the current

As I thought. You didnt like me taking this scouting mission after all.

devil. Add started talking straightforwardly since his thoughts got found out anyways.

moving. But if thats the case, they should just look into it by themselves, why do we have to go do

Hmm, that makes sense.

help requests from all over the place. We cant physically answer them all. Try to measure the weight

Telling us to come then having us do the chores? Add didnt like this situation at all. Renas overly

Add felt more angry the more he talked so he shut his mouth. Rena was making a troubled look.

leave this place.

make sure to stop Rena next time. Add was about to round things up but Rena shook her head.

Thatll just slow things down.

but Rena spoke calmly.

Its because theres something I didnt mention to others. Lets all go together.

That guy Lento was acting strangely and Rena seemed to know why.

Then.the whole situation changed when a single person appeared.

That person headed to the Temple of Dedication alone and Demons have stopped all activities

Who was that person?

Temple of Dedication in order to save the endangered Feita. Then that person went missing ever

Mr.Lento didnt tell me that much. But.this mission might be dangerous.

Demons base then the entire situation changed completely after that.

What? Did that person go do negotiations or something?

Add nodded at the truth that Rena told him. The situation in Feita did seem strange now that he

Could it be that.that person killed all the Demons by themselves? But if Demons had used the

Well.what you said could be true.

Theres no way human capable of such thing exists. If such thing existed, itd be a monster.

right?

prepared.

Someone went to the Demons base alone and there was no news after.. It was a very interesting

fight Demons more effectively from this.

Yes. I got it.

Add finished his words and had entered the room but was taken aback. Rena stood on the doorsill

Because I want to talk more with Add. Will that be okay?

Add spoke stiffly to the point where it could have made the listener feel offended. But Renas smile

Hmm, we still havent finished our talk about Eve right?

Yes, that talk wasnt over. But Add was sick of this topic now. Add reacted coldly and glared at Rena.

Hmm, okay. Im sorry if you were offended.

to converse anymore and turned his head around to ignore her.

Alright, lets head out tomorrow at noon.

bed and let out a sigh.

Add already knew since long ago that Rena went out of her way to look after even the minor details

an outsider.

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her. But.

Add was in a position where he had to strive to steal Eves Core in order to go back to the past. He

It should be better for him to at least draw the line for things regarding Eve.

Add murmured as he shut his eyes. Hell soon be able to find out what happened.

After preparing for the worst, El Search Party entered the temple. Since they had heard this place

obviously didnt let their guard down.

They couldnt see anything even though they moved inside pretty far. Ara murmured with a troubled

There are no moving life signatures.

Well find out if we go further.

Moving together like this is waste of time. Lets all split up and look for anything thats wrong.

This is Demons base its dangerous.

anyways.

Eve nodded in agreement when Rena suggested a compromise. Then the problem was now how

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What?

with Ara, and he could have various opportunities if moved with Eve.

possibly be thinking?

Who said I only like girls..

because what Rena said was true. Other members were already agreeing with Rena without

.Alright, Ill do that. Then how about communications?

Add took the weird objects Eve held out towards him. Add tilted his head. The object was shaped

Its an Extreme Nasod Megaphone. We can hear each other from far away if we use this.

Add understood its functions and tried speaking lightly into the megaphones. It seemed to have an

This is incredible. How does this work?

Eve unexpectedly gave a friendly reaction. Add was quite surprised by this fact and stared straightly

A, anyways there will be no problem if you use those. Tell us right away if you encounter any

What?

if you charge in recklessly at enemies.

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swung his sword to hit Moby away and laughed refreshingly.

Clank! Elsword was feeling confident after hitting away Reby that flew at him after Moby. But at

fending off Moby and Reby. He didnt have any time to swing his sword again.

Slap!

Eve looked down at him coldly.

anything reckless. Youll be putting not only yourself but other people in danger as well.

Elsword looked extremely dissatisfied but didnt talk back. Eve told Add stiffly.

Eve turned around and left without waiting for Adds answer. Ara hurriedly followed her and Rena

Then contact us if you find something. Lets meet up in the Spire if we dont find anything,

Elsword with dissatisfied eyes. Elsword was sitting down muttering to himself.

How long are you going to stay down there and mutter?

also got up and followed.

Elsword was that kind of person.

without knowing his place. Even now that hes grown and become somewhat more mature, Add

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Its better that way.

temple that was supposedly captured by Demons, there werent any life signatures inside the Temple

Theres not even a rat in here. Whats going on?

I dont know. We might be able to find out something if we keep moving up.

Elsword to his side and turned his head back around with a snort.

divide up the team like this?

line to be in separate teams. Then considering commanding and decision making abilities, Add and

Thus the best team combination was dividing the teams into Ara and Add then Eve,Elsword and

Eve, Add in the same team just like back in Wallys Castle.

Big brother Add? What do you think about Eve?

explicitly made a frown.

Kukukuk, why are you asking me that all of a sudden?

What does that mean? When Add didnt answer, Elsword stopped and looked down.

What appeared before them was a chasm. There were evenly spaced out stepping-stones creating a

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There was no reason to jump when he could just fly.

steps but he didnt hesitate at all.

Elsword continued to talk as he jumped across the chasm. Add matched his speed with Elswords

She also isnt, too, good, with, talking to people. So she gets, confused, or if things doesnt go her

What do you mean?

Elswords tone was as if he knew clearly how Eve would react. Even as how Add recalled it,

Almost to the extent that Elsword could have purposely let Eves final slap hit.

..Why are you telling me this?

asking directly like this but Elsword was speaking so openly that he had no choice.

Because Eve is my precious friend. I would like you to get along with her as well.

Add didnt have to reply out loud but he couldnt help himself. Everybody be happy and get along~?

Really? I would like Eve to get along well with other people and not just me. She was always alone

..

with Elsword.

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Add replied dejectedly. Somebody else here was doing his utmost best to survive even by crossing

But surprisingly it didnt make Add angry. Was it because it sounded so ridiculous?

seems to have befriended Big sister Rena already. But she doesnt seem to be making progress

Elsword said this and calmly looked at Add.

Theres nothing going on.

Elsword didnt say anymore and continued to jump across. As Add followed him, he realized

If he ambushed by firing a shockwave right now, Elsword would plummet down the chasm. Add

Elswords life was in his hands right now.

to take Eve.

ambushed by Demons.

Wha? Huh?

designed to be crossed carefully without putting too much strength on the structure. It had broken

Elsword waved his arms trying to regain his balance but his body was already falling backwards. The

Ugh?!

Elsword also realized this and desperately swung his arms but he still couldnt stop his body from

Grab.

then quickly regained his balance.

.

ruin this chance by myself?

sword sensing that he was about to fall. He must have instinctively realized recovering his balance

It was such wild animal like judgement. Honestly, if Add had been in the same situation he would

Big brother Add? Im okay now.

Elswords reaction speed and the mistake he just made for another time. It wouldnt be difficult for

Im going up first.

Add ignored Elswords shout from below and flew upwards.

Demon corpses were all around them. Add and Elsword kept silent.

that it could paralyze their noses.. There must be even more Demon corpses up ahead.

Add didnt say it out loud but he agreed with Elsword. Of course, Demons that were after Eve were

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a corpse that still had its entire body intact. Seeing how blood and flesh were splattered all over on

overwhelming storm had swept by.

them got blown away with one slash.

he examined the Glitter soldiers corpses. Elsword was right.

had swung their sword left to right as they ran forwards.

Even Add shook his head at this terrible scene but Elsword for some reason knelt and seriously

Why are you looking at it so intently?

Elsword shut his mouth and continued to examine the scar on the corpse. Add didnt want to be in

He arrived at the Spire where they had agreed to meet.

they came up because their faces were all grim as well. Add was about to call out by

towards the direction of their gaze.

Cutty Sark was hanging on the wall pierced by harpoons. Not just one but dozens of harpoons

It was as if someone was playing with a toy, displaying Cutty Sark on the wall as if it was an insect

This is too harsh.

Even if they were Demons, there shouldnt be a need to go this far.

As Ive observed on our way up, they were all finished with a single strike. Not only that, this was

Hmm..

them anymore.

Is this person an ally or foe?

Demons threatening Feita for them. Theres no way this person was an enemy.

was a once-sided slaughter, a massacre. This person was strong but extremely brutal.

the madness.

Add didnt like Rena acting so unconfidently so he asked abruptly.

pull this kind of thing off.

shouldnt be many people who possessed this much overwhelming power, cruelty and madness.

Rena had a troubled expression as she trailed her words.

..Knight?

also a Knight of the Velder Kingdom?

I dont know either. This kind of person.

good person?

Ara looked like she couldnt believe her own words because there was no confidence in her voice.

running away.

Even then, I wouldnt like to meet this person.

Wait, theres something above. Its a life signature.

..Is it the person who caused this?

good state.

Ara was about to quickly run to the top but Rena grabbed her arm and stopped her.

But Mr.Add just said the person is in dangerous state. We have to hurry.

Add spoke bluntly and turned around.

As Add walked in front, he took a slight glance at Elsword.

grimmer than ever before.

Add made a snort then moved up the stairs.

A giant, wolf faced Demon was sprawled on the ground. El Search Party with Add in the front

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surprising was that it still was clinging to its life.

Add unconsciously called out the Demons name as he approached it. Even if it was a Demon

Berthe who was panting heavily slightly turned its head around at the call. There was aura of death

Huff, Huff..W, Who are you?

Berthe closed its mouth and looked like it was guessing at Adds identity. Looking at its condition,

still tried to run its brain despite being at its deathbed.

But even Berthe immediately let out a painful groan when Add kicked its sides. It must have been

Mr.Add!!

information out of Berthe.

Kugh, H, human trash..

Add thought about kicking again but gave up on it. You could visibly tell Berthes condition

But Berthe who was facing death showed its teeth as it laughed.

What a deaf beast you are. Anyone could have finished you off. Stop acting so mighty.

eyes.

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you?

Your confidence will be short lived. All of you will end up like me if that thing appears again. That

Berthes voice as he spoke forcefully seemed to dim all of a sudden then became quiet. Its life ran

It was barely alive in the first place. Going out of its way to speak quickened its death. It was a

..

Demons have been wiped out. What should we do now?

Everyone turned around following Renas grim voice. Add who was quietly looking down at

Add thought deeply as he walked then found something on the ground.

It was different from the color of the ground so Add picked it up with his fingertips It was a

throwing it away.

It was already dark when the El Search Party exited Temple of Dedication. They would have

they had to choose a campsite far away from the Temple of Dedication.

This was the unified thought of all of the El Search Party members.

asleep quickly and was making quiet breathing noises. But Add couldnt fall asleep so easily.

D.

So Add had thought D was Demons commander, the one behind the assassins that came after Eve.

damaging their own forces at this point when they were launching a full scale invasion of the Elrios

He couldnt find out in detail because Berthe died before finishing its words. But Add could tell with

The knight that Lento mentioned must have gotten caught up by this atrocity and lost their life.

Anyways, Add had no idea what to do if this person were to come after Eve. The Shadow Master he

..phew.

Add paused at the question coming abruptly from his back. Eve who was on watchout duty spoke

Ku

Add was about to get up as he laughed but paused. Because another voice, Elsword answered Eves

Eating and sleeping a lot is your only good point so hurry up and sleep.

Add had mistaken completely. His face turned red. He was glad he was late in getting up.

You should too.

Eve replied with a somewhat proud tone. Actually, Eve had suggested doing this many times during

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Add listened to the conversation behind him and bit his lips unknowingly.

I heard you say that so many times now.

You told me that your older sister told you that

sleep right now somehow..But he couldnt fall asleep.

You seem to be at least obedient to what your older sister says..

You could feel a strange sense of nostalgia in Elswords voice.

youre worried about? Of course, after seeing such a scene I do understand..

corpses piled up like that would prevent anyone from falling asleep.

Add, are you sleeping?

Unlike Adds heart that was beating loudly, Eves voice that the night wind carried towards him was

Im sorry this late at night. But if youre awake, lets talk for a moment.

Add slowly brought his upper body up and took a slight glance behind him. Eve and Elsword who

Others are asleep so come closer. Lets talk quietly.

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of them as he let out a slight laugh. Two of them didnt seem to think that Add was listening in on

So what do you want to talk about this late at night?

Eve must have been worried about Berthes last words as well. Elsword was also waiting for Adds

Add was about to back out by saying he didnt know but changed his mind.

Its someone whos related to Demons. You could interpret the scene from today as Feitas Demon

It was a frightening display of skill.

Add let out a snort.

worried?

us soon.

Add erased his smile when he saw that Eve was looking worried. D had come after Eve before and

unnecessary worries.

understand this?

Eve made an extremely unpleasant face when Add mocked her by bringing up Nasods. Add was

Then you must have forgotten. So you woke someone from their sleep just so you could cry about

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discuss this with but it seems I was mistaken.

so distraught with worry about what a single small fry Demon said, I must have made a mistake

..

mood was about to say more lines but Elsword made a sigh at that moment.

kid you knowwhy do you have to say it like that?

Elsword looked at Add with a very pitiful gaze. It looked like he was feeling really displeased.

A kid is saying something weird after staying up for too long.

Eve, why did you go out of your way to wake Big brother Add up to talk about this? Do you have a

Its because this person knows something but is hiding it.

..How did she notice?

Add felt relieved at her continuing words. What Eve was pointing out was that Rena had told Add

After getting his composure back, Add crossed his arms and snorted.

It would have been dangerous if we ran into whatever that caused this. You should have told us

What? So you wanted to stay out if it was something dangerous?

Eve stared coldly when Add taunted her again. Elsword sighed and butted in when the two started

Eve, you dont have to worry about me. Its not like this is the first time Ive seen corpses. I also

.Im not doing this particularly because Im worried about you.

Actually I almost fell down the chasm today. But I was saved thanks to Big brother Adds help. So

..

Add pretended he didnt care as he looked up at the night sky as the atmosphere turned strange all

Stars were bright.

My, are you fishing for compliments.?

Thank you for saving Elsword.

Add forgot what he was about to say when Eve even bowed slightly. He never thought even in his

But how come the reason had to be..

Im going back to sleep now.

hearing a single word that he had helped Elsword.

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that long since she met Add. It was obvious how shed treat the two differentlybut Add didnt

Add lay on his side and was about to close his eyes to sleep but paused. Ara had her eyes wide open

Their gazes met. Ara must have awoken from her sleep and had been listening in on their

I, I didnt hear anything, Mr.Add.

I didnt hear anything about how Mr.Add and Ms.Eve were arguing.

intimidated by this and shrunk. But flustered Ara suddenly opened her eyes widely as she got up

Someones coming.

He had thought she was making an excuse but Rena across the campfire was also getting up. It

Theres only one but please be careful.

They had moved away but this place still wasnt too far away from the Temple of Dedication. It

for their next victim.

approaching this way.

going to let it get close?

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be cautious if it was coming towards us so abruptly? Add couldnt understand but Rena instructed

Add too, quickly.

Add who held out in battle position the longest also moved the Dynamos behind his back. Of

right away.

Haah, haah..

approaching was extremely fatigued. Rena approached the form that was approaching them.

..Ah.

The person that came running to them with all they had dropped in front