Elsword – Time Trouble v5c3

3. To Overcome Fate
Their 3rd night in the Velder outer castle. El Search Party sat around tightly in a circle inside their
bedroom. They were all impressed by what Rena told them.
She actually managed to convince the enemy general Chloe. It was an unbelievable story.
“That’s magnificent.”
“Amazing!”
“Then we won’t have to fight the Dark Elves.”
Add who was listening while leaning on the wall frowned.
“How can we trust Chloe’s words?”
“Because we’re still here talking together.”
Add agreed to what Rena said in response. This place was enemy territory. Chloe shouldn’t need to
use tricks. All Chloe had to do was bring all of the demon forces down on the Search Party.
“This is a good opportunity. What are we going to do Big Brother Add?”
“…..We’ll get help from Chloe and the Dark Elves and attack Elesis right away.”
If Chloe became their ally, then the outer castle was basically within the El Search Party’s grasp.
Only one remaining was Elesis staying on the 3
rd floor.
“Are you sure? We weren’t originally planning to fight Big Sister. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Idiot. This isn’t because of you. We cannot carry this out with Elesis behind us.”
This wasn’t over with just capturing the outer castle. They had to go to the inner castle and stop the
process of royal castle’s El turning into a Dark El.
“Even Elesis isn’t invincible. We can defeat her if us, Chloe and the Dark Elves attack her all at once.
Rena, contact the Velder Liberation Army that we’ll start the plan tomorrow night.”
“Yes, got it.”
While they couldn’t move in or out freely because of the spatial barrier, it was planned beforehand
for the Velder Liberation Army to come running if the El Search Party signaled with a torch from
the empty house that they chose as their hideout.
But no one could leave once they entered.
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“Tomorrow will be the only chance we’ll get. So everyone should make sure to prepare properly.”
“But do we really have to carry out the plan during the night?”
Add looked back because he couldn’t understand what Elsword meant by his question.
“Everyone won’t be able to see well during the night. But demons won’t be affected much by this.
We’ll be at a disadvantage if we fight during the night.”
“……Then let’s make it afternoon of the day after tomorrow.”
It was a sensible opinion despite coming from Elsword. They had to make various preparations so
starting tomorrow afternoon would be difficult anyways.
“Everyone listen up. We’ll start the plan on afternoon of the day after tomorrow, 3 o’clock.
Everything will be over if our ident.i.ties get found out before then. So continue to work without
drawing suspicion. Rena, make sure Chloe doesn’t accidentally leak information either. Tell her to
not say anything even to her subordinates until the plan execution date.”
“I already told her before coming here.”
“Alright….. Then everyone prepare yourselves. This will be our final fight against the demons and it
will be that much more dangerous.”
El Search Party members all answered to Add without hesitation.
“No problem!”
“I’ll give it my best too.”
“I’m ready.”
“I’ll do my best!”
“I’ll also help all of you the best I can.”
Add clenched his fists tightly after hearing everyone’s agreements. His head heated up no matter
how much he tried to think rationally.
Finally, it was time for their final showdown with the demons.
He’ll succeed for sure this time.
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Two days later, mission start time.
Rena headed to the rendezvous point located in landing of the stairway heading to the 3rd floor.
There were mainly two stairways that went up to the 3rd floor. Rena and Chloe’s rendezvous point
was on the left side stairway.
Rena walked up the stairs, Chloe who was waiting at the landing turned around to look at her.
“…….You’re late.”
“I had something to prepare.”
After giving a glance at the bow in Rena’s hand, Chloe looked back at the Dark Elves around her.
Over 20 Dark Elves nodded from Chloe’s gaze and drew their weapons.
“So I cooperate with you to take down Elesis on the 3rd floor….. Then we create equilibrium in the
castle by bringing in the Velder Liberation Army to capture the outer castle. Then try negotiating
with the other generals inside the inner castle?”
“Yes, let’s give it our best.”
“But where are the other Search Party members? I thought there were many of you.”
“Umm, that’s…….”
Rena seemed to sigh then suddenly jumped down. Everyone got confused and just stood blinking
when Rena ran away to the bottom floor in middle of her words.
But only Chloe wasn’t confused and asked coldly instead.
“…..Why are you running away in middle of talking?”
“I’m sorry, Chloe. But I don’t plan on getting captured here.”
“…….”
Chloe maintained silence for a while then asked because she was honestly curious.
“How did you know?”
“There’s no way Chloe wouldn’t know that other kids are inside the outer castle together with me.
You would have obviously researched this beforehand. So there’s no reason for you to ask about
them as if it’s the first time you’ve heard about them.”
“……Just from that intuition?”
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Elf who was always smiling and acting friendly sensed danger from just a single word then became
suspicious about others? Of course, what Rena was saying was correct but Chloe couldn’t
understand where she had made an error.
“It’s not an intuition. Chloe doesn’t speak that way. You should have gotten angry and asked why I
didn’t come with the others. You wouldn’t have said something that sounded so made up.”
“…….”
What a surprising observation skills. Chloe clicked her tongue shortly.
“I’ll take it upon myself and spare your life if you surrender.”
“Why did you suddenly change your mind?”
“I didn’t change my mind. This is the correct action to take as a demon.”
At Chloe’s declaration, the other Dark Elves each drew their daggers and bows. Rena stared up at
Chloe sadly then nodded.
“I see. So we’ll have to fight.”
“Attack.”
Dark Elves charged at Rena with their weapons drawn soon as Chloe gave her order.
Right side stairway leading to the 3rd floor.
Elsword, Eve, Ara, Chung and Add were standing ready on the stair landing.
“Will Big Sister Rena be alright?”
“Don’t ask me. I don’t know.”
The core of this plan was to join up with Chloe then attack Elesis. But Add couldn’t trust Chloe in
the end and only sent Rena.
Ara must have been feeling restless because she was repeatedly grasping then letting go of her spear.
Then her eyes suddenly widened.
“I hear fighting!”
“……So things didn’t go well.”
“Let’s quickly go help Rena.”
“I don’t think it will be so easy…..”
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Soon as Add said this, Glitter soldiers started to gather at the bottom floor. Of course, even Add by
himself could take care of them easily…… But if Chloe had betrayed them, then it meant that their
covers were already blown.
The other members were staring at Add even though enemies just appeared. It meant they were
waiting for his instructions. Add realized that this attempt was a failure.
He had to retry from the start.
“Ara, call Eun out.”
“She’s telling me to tell you that it’s not time yet.”
What’s that fox saying? But thinking about it again, the one who fell into the trap was none other
than Rena. Not only that, Add had already cautioned Rena that Chloe might change her mind in the
last moment.
Rena definitely wouldn’t go down so easily.
“Why aren’t they attacking us?”
Glitter soldiers were only gathering below them. They were displaying hostility towards the party but
didn’t come to attack them. They weren’t behaving like this because they were afraid. Rather, they
were ordered to wall the party off.
“We’ll have to move up anyways. Let’s use the 3rd floor’s hallway to head to where Rena is.”
The party followed Add’s instructions and moved up the stairs while being wary of the Glitter
solders’ movements. Glitter soldiers that already numbered over 100 slowly followed the group up
to the 3rd floor. Add carefully examined their behavior and bit his lips.
Something didn’t feel right. It felt like they’ve become a rabbit being chased into a corner.
“Just who could have come up with this kind of trap…..?”
He should first suspect Chloe who changed her mind. But this felt a bit different. Demons so far
had been just recklessly charging at them. They had never shown this kind of behavior of trying to
control where the party went.
And on the third floor…..
“It’s too late now.”
Familiar voice he’d never forget. Add got shocked from this cold voice and looked in front of him.
Red hair was waving from the breeze coming in through the open window.
Elesis was waiting for them in the middle of the 3rd floor’s hallway.
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“…..Big Sister.”
Elsword spoke in a low voice as he drew his sword. Other members also couldn’t hide their tension
as they raised their weapons.
Behind them were continuously gathering Glitter soldiers, and Elesis was in front.
“Ara and I will open a path. Add, you go ahead and help Rena out.”
“…..You and Ara alone are definitely no match for Elesis.”
Even though Eve and Ara had awakened their Memory of Time and s.p.a.ce, the group still couldn’t
even grasp the full extent of Elesis’ power. Add drew the line but Chung spoke this time.
“I’ll help as well. Go on ahead Mr.Add.”
“Don’t make me……”
“Everyone go ahead. I’ll face Big Sister by myself.”
Add got annoyed and was about to answer but Elsword b.u.t.ted in. Eve winced then spoke coldly.
“Not by yourself.”
“That’s right, Mr.Elsword. It’s too dangerous for you to fight Ms.Elesis by yourself.”
“But I still have to do this.”
Elsword took a deep breath then spoke.
“Everyone, please. I want to fight Big Sister…..with everything I got.”
“Are you saying we’re in the way?”
Add got dumbfounded and asked but Elsword shook his head.
“I don’t know. But…..I think I have to be the one to settle things with Big Sister.”
It was a firm determination that wouldn’t be swayed no matter what. Add bit down on his lips then
stared at Elesis.
Elesis had her sword lowered slightly and was just standing still without saying anything. It was as if
she was going to wait until the group finished discussing.
“……..How long will you be able to hold out?”
“Wait a moment, Add.”
Eve protested but Add didn’t listen to her.
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Add hadn’t wanted this but things were seriously messed up now. Chloe betrayed them and Eun
didn’t want to help with time travel saying something nonsensical like it wasn’t time yet.
Water was already spilt. In that case, they had to try to get far as they could. He didn’t like it, but
there was no choice but to bet on Elsword’s potential.
“I won’t just hold out….. I’ll win.”
“Alright, then we’ll leave this place to Elsword and everyone else will charge into the inner castle.”
Overpa.s.s connecting to the inner castle was closer to the El Search Party than to Elesis. They could
cross it if they wanted to…. But there was no way Elesis would stand idly and let them.
Even if this hallway was wide, going to a.s.sist Rena fighting beyond Elesis was impossible unless they
defeated Elesis. If that’s the case, they’ll charge into the inner castle and finish everything once and
for all.
Ara got surprised from Add’s plan and asked.
“Then what about Ms.Rena?”
“We already sent the signal so the Velder Liberation Army should be heading here soon. Also, Rena
wouldn’t go down so easily….. Stopping the royal castle’s El turning into a Dark El comes first.
There’s Ran, Karis and Helputt waiting inside so we cannot divide our forces any further.”
Actually, battle in the inner castle will be much more difficult than the outer castle. Problem was that
the name Elesis carried too much weight.
“Elsword, Rena will clean things up quickly and come to help you soon. Do everything you can until
then.”
“…….”
Eve stared at Elsword as if she couldn’t accept this. Everyone already knew how scary of an
opponent Elesis was and but they were leaving her only to Elsword?
“Eve, this is what I requested Big Brother Add. Don’t worry.”
“It’s reckless.”
“You became stronger too.”
Elsword put strength in hands holding his sword then collected his breath.
“That’s why I’ll become stronger too. Trust me.”
“Still…..”
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“There’s no time. Let’s go.”
When Eve hesitated, Add forcefully grabbed her hand and dragged her away. Not only was there
more terrifying enemies waiting inside the inner castle, he also didn’t want to hear the two’s
conversation any longer.
“Mr.Elsword, I’ll come back after defeating Elder Brother!”
“Be careful, Elsword.”
Ara and Chung’s said their farewell. Eve was still at a loss for what words to leave Elsword. Add
forcefully grabbed Eve’s hand and dragged her away. Rest of the group ran to the overpa.s.s but
Elesis didn’t even move a step and just stared quietly.
A detached gaze, Elesis finally opened her mouth when the footsteps crossing the overpa.s.s got
further way.
“Did you finish your final farewells?”
“…….”
Elsword inhaled lightly then stared straight at Elesis.
“No, we’ll meet and talk with each other again.”
“It will become a final farewell if you cannot stop me.”
Elesis fixed her sword then collected her breath as she lowered her stance. A terrifying pressure
emanated from her now that she was in attacking stance.
But Elsword didn’t succ.u.mb to the pressure and followed suit by lowering his stance. If he loses
here, Elesis will follow the party and swing her sword at them. He had to stop her from doing so.
“Here I come, Big Sister.”
“……Yes.”
With Elesis’ short answer, the siblings charged at each other simultaneously. Swords of red haired
warrior and knight sprayed out sparks as they clashed.
It was beginning of the fight to end everything.
Rena drew back her bowstring consecutively soon as the Dark Elves jumped down the stairs.
Arrows ruthlessly pelted the Dark Elves’ shoulders and legs.
Many Dark Elves fell screaming but there were still too many of them.
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“Hah……!”
When a Dark Elf approached and swung her dagger, Rena turned around and launched a light
roundhouse kick with her bow still in her hand. Dark Elf sensed the incoming danger but it was
such a fast kick that she had been already launched away by Rena’s kick when she noticed.
Other Dark Elves looked surprised when their comrade hit the wall and fell. But they continued to
press their attack using their numerical advantage. Rena didn’t get startled even for a bit and moved
gracefully as the sharp daggers tried to cut her neck and stab her chest.
As if skating on ice, Rena dodged all of their attacks just by lightly kicking the hallway walls to jump
then slightly s.h.i.+fting her center of gravity to move out of the attack’s path. She then countered with
a precise middle and low kicks. Dark Elves couldn’t even harm a piece of Rena’s clothing and they
either got launched away or fell kneeling in pain.
Ssss.h.!.+
Just when Rena defeated 10 Dark Elves, an arrow came flying towards her. Rena quickly noticed the
danger from the sound waves and turned her head to dodge. She looked up to see Chloe standing
on the stair landing personally drawing her bowstring. Not only Chloe but 5 more Dark Elves that
came to a.s.sist were standing near Chloe aiming their bows.
“Surrender. No matter how strong you are…..”
Rena didn’t even listen to Chloe’s words and lowered her stance as she dashed into the next group
of Dark Elves.
After jumping into the group of Dark Elves, Rena pushed down on the ground with her hand and
spun around, she drew a circle with her leg. Dark Elves swinging their daggers all got hit by Rena’s
attack and staggered from this surprising acrobatic maneuver that aimed for lower parts of their legs.
After making the Dark Elves lose their balance with a low spin attack, Rena spun around one more
time aiming her kick higher this time.
“Ahhh!”
“Kuugh!!”
Rena stood up after finis.h.i.+ng 2 quick rotating kicks. All of the Dark Elves that had been
surrounding and threatening Rena were on the ground groaning in pain.
Chloe wanted to shoot arrows at Rena but could only observe because other Dark Elves might get
hit accidentally. She murmured with an astonished voice.
“.......Could it be that you’re going easy on us?”
“Because I don’t think this is what Chloe really wants.”
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After taking down a group of Dark Elves without having even a piece of her clothing harmed, Rena
answered while lightly brus.h.i.+ng the dust off her hand. Chloe maintained silence for a bit then
ordered.
“Fire.”
ss.h.!.+ ss.h.!.+ Dark Elf archers that were standing ready fired their arrows at Rena all at once. Rena
quickly jumped sideways to hide behind corner of the hallway. Rena was collecting her breath when
she groaned from the pain on her cheek.
Drip.
“…….Hmm.”
Blood dripped down from the scar Rena got when she dodged Chloe’s first arrow. She thought she
had dodged perfectly…… The scar she got from being grazed must have opened up and started
bleeding due to her performing physically intensive maneuvers.
Scar itself was no big deal but it was a proof that Chloe’s archery skills were outstanding.
“It won’t be easy after all…..”
“……Kill her if you must, get her!”
A crude shout was heard from above as if responding to Rena talking to herself. Thankfully, Dark
Elves Rena knocked out wouldn’t be able to get up for a while…….
“Still, thanks for not trying to kill me if possible.”
Rena thanked sincerely as she stood up.
She didn’t particularly feel angry at Chloe’s betrayal. It was easy to mistake Rena as an excessively
good-natured person because of her warm and embracing personality….. But she was a warrior.
She was a trained warrior that survived through mult.i.tudes of battles using her physical combat
techniques and arrows.
That’s why while she felt regretful that Chloe changed her mind, she didn’t feel angry. Even without
Add’s warning, she had somewhat antic.i.p.ated this and had been cautious.
In the end, Chloe was leader of the Dark Elves…..she probably couldn’t decide things just based on
her personal feelings.
“Alright, I’m worried about the other kids. So.”
Let’s clean this up fast as possible and go help the other kids. Rena calmly made up her
mind…..then launched her body sideways while aiming her bow.
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Dark Elves that were carefully coming downstairs got surprised and tried to aim their bows soon as
Rena suddenly jumped out from her cover. But Rena consecutively firing arrows while still in midair
was faster.
Ssh, ss.h.!.+
Rena rolled on the floor once then stood up……. All of the Dark Elves that were trying to fire their
arrows cried out in pain then fell at the same time. Only Chloe was able to respond to Rena’s arrow
in time because she was located furthest away on the stair landing. Chloe asked with a ghastly
expression.
“…….How did you know our locations when you fired those arrows?”
Rena was surely catching her breath behind the cover. It didn’t even look like she stole a look
outside the cover but she precisely located all of the Dark Elf archers and cleaned them up with a
single flurry of arrows. Chloe was really baffled by this.
Instead of answering, Rena pointed at her ears. Chloe became horrified after realizing that Rena had
located all of the archers just by sounds of their footsteps and their clothing brus.h.i.+ng against
themselves. Chloe was proud of her own archery skills but……her skills didn’t even come close to
Rena’s level.
“You’re the only one left Chloe.”
Soon as Chloe heard this, she felt a sharp pain across her cheek. She rubbed her cheek with her hand
to notice that there was blood coming out. She thought she had dodged perfectly….. But it must
have gazed by.
Chloe asked with a stiff voice while being surprised internally.
“….So what? Could it be that you’re asking me to surrender? I still have plenty more troops.”
Those that fell just now were the Dark Elf elite units but Chloe bluffed. No one was killed because
Rena was holding back…. But only one capable of fighting now was Chloe.
“Alright, I’m sorry…. But I’ll have to take you down. It seems our kids are in danger.”
“Don’t take me so lightly, Elf!”
Elf and Dark Elf both bleeding from their cheeks glaring at each other…… simultaneously fired
their arrows.
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Elsword quickly blocked the sword coming in from a low angle trying to cut off his ankle. But he
got pushed back in strength and staggered….. Elesis didn’t miss this opening and poured more
sword strikes down on him.
Clink! Clank!
Elsword’s body got pushed back further and further as the sounds of clas.h.i.+ng steel continued.
Elsword gritted his teeth and tried to withstand the attacks but there was no way he could take flurry
of Elesis’ sword strikes head on.
Each strike gave an equivalent shock of a boulder striking his body.
“Uuugh!”
“Are you just going to block?”
Elesis calmly drew her sword backwards then suddenly threw a sharp stab. Elsword felt the danger
and quickly dodged by launching his body sideways. He got a feeling that he shouldn’t try to block
this one.
Cras.h.!.+
Elsword ran his shoulder into the hallway’s wall because he dodged too hastily. But he didn’t even
get a moment to feel pain because Elesis closed in swinging her sword. Elsword quickly threw his
body sideways again……as the sword Elesis’ swung cleanly cut through the wall Elsword had been
leaning on just now. Royal castle’s hallway that stonemason put hard work into building got cut off
cleanly as if the sword was cutting through a cake.
After tearing apart the stone wall as if it was made out of paper, Elesis immediately spun around.
She used the momentum from the spin to launch another sword strike against Elsword who was still
trying to regain his balance.
Elsword quickly held up his sword with both of his hands to block but his body flew backwards
upon impact.
“Arrgh!”
Shock that his sword received got transferred directly into his body. You couldn’t carelessly block a
sword strike carrying enough power to cut through stone walls. Even if his sword could withstand it,
his body was already squarely being damaged.
Elsword’s hands shook. He won’t even be able to defend properly if this kept up.
“……”
Seeing that Elsword was only focused on defense, Elesis lowered her sword and sighed. She didn’t
look satisfied.
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“It’s no good. Just move aside.”
“…….”
Elsword realized just now that he had been pushed back all the way to the overpa.s.s. Elsword
shook his head after taking a slight glance backwards.
“It’s not over yet, Big Sister.”
“…..Can’t you see that I’m going easy on you? Your skills aren’t enough to stop me.”
“I know.”
Elsword nodded at Elesis’ concise words. He was a swordsman too. How could he not know? He
at least hadn’t got pushed back in strength against Elesis’ 1
st form.
But he couldn’t withstand this Elesis’ form even in strength.
“I…..lack in every way compared to you Big Sister.”
“If you know, then why are you still standing your ground? Will you be satisfied once you’re killed
by me?”
Elsword shook his head when Elesis protested as if she was scolding him.
“I cannot fight you if not now.”
“……”
“I got that kind of feeling. That this fight will be the last, and this will be my last chance to properly
fight you Big Sister.”
Elesis kept silent but that proved that Elsword’s intuition was correct.
“I don’t know…..why you sided with the demons. But that’s not important. You won’t listen to me
anyways even if I tried to convince you. You probably aren’t helping the demons with such a small
resolve.”
“If you know that, then why are you fighting me by yourself? It won’t even be enough for all of
your comrades to come at me at once…..”
“Because I wanted to have the last fight with Big Sister by myself.”
Elesis gave an empty laugh at Elsword’s calm answer.
“I’d like to play along…. But I don’t have much time. I’ll cut you down for real if you don’t move.”
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Elesis’ laugh lasted just for a moment as her face turned cold like the sheet of ice. Soon as Elsword
shook his head to refuse…… Elesis jumped in with a single stride and swung her sword.
Clank!!
Elsword who was only busy blocking until now swung his sword and responded to Elesis’ strike
for the first time. Elesis’ eyes widened in surprise but then she launched a kick right away. Elsword
was too focused on their swords that he got surprised from a sudden kick coming his way and
staggered back.
Slas.h.!.+
Elesis immediately used this chance to swing her sword and cut Elsword.
The impact was lessened thanks to his armor…… But it wasn’t a light wound judging by the
amount of blood coming out from his left shoulder. But Elsword didn’t back out despite the wound
and bravely swung his sword aiming for Elesis’ head.
“Too slow…….”
Elesis whispered in a low voice. She tried to swing her sword to block Elsword’s attack, push him
away with her strength then cut across Elsword’s waist next.
It was a combo that was possible because she was superior to Elsword in both strength and speed.
But Elsword’s sword…..strangely got deflected way too lightly. Elesis’ head questioned this but her
body was already connecting to the next attack.
Clank!!
Then…..surprisingly, Elesis’ sword aiming for Elsword’s waist got blocked. Elsword had blocked it
as if he knew it was coming beforehand.
But Elsword couldn’t have blocked it with his current reaction speed!
As surprised Elesis hesitated for a moment……. Elsword swung his sword this time. Elesis
hesitated for a moment to think if she should block it or not then decided to back out and dodge for
now.
Then as if he read her intentions, Elsword heavily threw his body forwards to smash down
straightly with his sword.
This kind of reckless charge was an act of suicide in normal fights. But for Elesis who was backing
out already, she was completely caught off guard.
She hastily turned her body in response to Elsword’s pursuing attack. But her shoulder tore and
pain flowed in.
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“…….”
Elesis quickly backed out to a safe distance then stroked her shoulder as if she couldn’t believe it. It
wasn’t deep, but she was certainly cut just now.
“……Don’t get too careless Big Sister.”
Even though he just landed a successful hit on Elesis for the first time, Elsword didn’t even show
any signs of gladness and just fixed his stance while panting. He just literally threw his body entire to
land a successful attack. If Elesis didn’t think to dodge Elsword’s first counter attack….. Elsword
would have been the one who was cut instead.
“…….Just what were you thinking?”
Elesis tried to suppress her unrest but she couldn’t hide her voice from shaking. Even though they
were clas.h.i.+ng swords and fighting right now, they were precious siblings……and they also grew up
while facing each other’s swords.
Elesis even forgot that they were in middle of a fight. She had to reproach him for launching such a
foolish attack. She was basically scolding him saying I didn’t raise you like this~.
“I knew you would dodge.”
“……You bet your life on a chance?”
Elsword shook his head while focusing on recovering his stamina. He landed a single successful hit
but his enemy was very powerful. His palms hurt so much that it felt like they’ve been torn apart.
But there was no time to cry about it.
“You would have certainly tried to dodge.”
“……”
Of course that’s what actually happened but Elesis made an expression as if she couldn’t
understand. Elsword added.
“You just tried to get me with a combo attack. But you never put into account that I would be able
to block it. It would have been very surprising for you that I read your second attack and blocked it.”
That was true. Elesis’ strength and speed surpa.s.sed Elsword’s. He shouldn’t have been able to
respond to her standard counterattack of blocking the head strike then going for the waist.
But he responded. This fact was too surprising.
“Whenever something surprising happens during a fight, Big Sister always tries to back out and
examine the situation instead of responding right away.”
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“……”
“I thought I taught you many times not to charge in recklessly at me.”
But Elsword was a type that charged in by relying on his stamina and strength. And Elesis taught
him many times not to do that.
“So you guessed my battle pattern? But that was still way too reckless.”
“It wasn’t reckless. You would have certainly reacted that way. Big Sister I know would have
certainly done so.”
Elsword spoke with a strong conviction. Elesis nodded.
“I see, so blocking the first combo…. You were able to respond because you read my moves
already. Well, you do develop habits while practicing swordsmans.h.i.+p. And you should somewhat
have a grasp on my habits……”
“Not just somewhat……”
Elsword denied by putting strength in his voice.
“I know everything about Big Sister’s sword. I know all about your skills and special moves as well.”
“……I see.”
Elesis made a vague smile then nodded. She then took a glance back at the Glitter solders
observing from behind her. Glitter soldiers realized the meaning behind her gaze and quickly backed
away.
Elesis could fire a demonic energy to restrain her targets then hit her target to recover her wounds.
This target could even be her ally demons.
But Elesis gave up on cutting down the demons to recover her wound and instead turned around
to face straightly at Elsword’s gaze again.
“So you are aware that you lack both in strength and speed. Are you holding your ground just
based off a single belief that you know my sword well?”
“This overpa.s.s is narrow. No matter how fast Big Sister is, there’s a limit to how fast you can
move.”
“……You shouldn’t have told me that.”
Well, that was true. Even if Elsword knew what attack was coming next, the biggest reason he
could respond in time to Elesis’ swift attacks was because Elesis’ mobility was restricted due to this
narrow place.
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It was slightly advantageous for Elsword to fight in a narrow overpa.s.s rather than in the wide
hallway.
“I don’t intend to hide anything….. This is my last fight with you after all Big Sister.”
“……”
Elesis realized what Elsword wanted and chuckled from being taken aback. Elsword was way too
honestly conveying his desire. He had absolutely no intention to face Elesis by relying on luck, plans
or tricks.
He wanted to stake everything he had to face Elesis with all he got.
“I know you’re my little brother…… but I really don’t know what to say.”
“I’m sorry Big Sister.”
It was a bottomless and endless apology but Elesis didn’t ask anymore. The little brother she grew
up with, Elsword who had only followed after her back was now seriously trying to stand in her way.
He was requesting that they compete purely with sword to sword, warrior to knight.
“…..Alright, I’ll accept.”
Elesis smiled vaguely as she held up her sword. She will now throw away her opinion that looked
down on Elsword, throw away her soft feelings. She also shut off her wish of wanting to destroy this
time without hurting Elsword if possible.
She was happy about her little brother’s growth. Forgetting all the circ.u.mstances, Elesis decided to
purely marvel at her brother’s resolve and focus on this fight.
“Thank you, Big Sister.”
“You’ll die…..if you don’t fight desperately.”
Elesis withdrew her smile then charged with her full strength at Elsword.
Arrow and arrow flew towards each other. Amazingly…..two arrows collided in the air and were
neutralized.
“What…..?”
Chloe was shocked by this but still threw herself off the stairs instantly. This was a battle between
archers, Chloe twisted her body to dodge Rena’s incoming arrow then fired her own arrow.
But her arrow was blocked by the arrow Rena shot while standing still.
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Rena had predicted how Chloe would react and fired. Rena predicting her actions was
understandable, but to make both arrows purposely collide in midair?
It’s not an exaggeration to call her a G.o.ddess of archery!
There was no way she could win in a ranged combat. Chloe immediately admitted her archery skills
fell behind Rena’s and closed in for a close quarter combat. Chloe jumped down the entire staircase
in a single leap then positioned herself to launch continuous kicks aiming for Rena’s legs. But Rena
kept spinning around and backing away to easily dodge Chloe’s consecutive attacks.
Chloe felt that she shouldn’t allow Rena to get any distance between them so she quickly closed in.
She absolutely couldn’t give Rena a chance to draw her bowstring!
Rena continued to back out from Chloe’s ferocious consecutive kicks. After pus.h.i.+ng Rena back all
the way to the center of the 2
nd floor’s hallway, Chloe felt that something was off so she launched a
jump roundhouse kick then landed. Rena dodged the kick by lightly ducking then noticed Chloe had
stopped attacking and asked out of curiosity.
“You’re noting going to continue?”
“…..How much are you going to make fun of me? Are you going easy on me, Elf?!”
“It’s not that. Other Dark Elves might get caught up.”
“……”
So she didn’t back away because of the pressure from Chloe’s continuous attack but was instead
just changing the fight location out of consideration for the fallen Dark Elves nearby?
Chloe’s mind became numb after finding out the truth.
How can such a person exist? Chloe could have accepted this more easily if Rena’s skill just simply
overwhelmingly surpa.s.sed hers. Karis and Elesis were also terrifyingly powerful after all. But she had
never seen someone so powerful with such a caring personality even towards their enemies.
“Just…..what are you trying to do? Aren’t you going to fight?”
“Hmm, of course I should fight. But I don’t want to harm the other Dark Elves for no reason.”
“……What do you mean?”
There were differences in skills but they were enemies right now. Why was this Elf caring about
other Dark Elves’ wellbeing?
Rena spoke clearly.
“Chloe, you aren’t doing this because you want to.”
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“…..Don’t make me laugh.”
“Is some other general forcing you to do this?”
Chloe got furious and suddenly launched a spin roundhouse kick. This kind of attack was powerful
but it blatantly left one wide open for a counter attack so she shouldn’t have used it carelessly. But
Rena didn’t exploit this fact and just swiftly backed out to dodge Chloe’s kick.
“Chloe, I don’t want to fight right now. I have to go help the other kids.”
“If you want to, then defeat me! Do you think war is a joke? Elf?!”
“Of course not. But…..”
Rena shook her head then sighed as she dropped her bow on the ground. She lightly flipped her
wrists then adjusted her stance.
“Alright, I’ll accept.”
“…….Hmph!”
Chloe took out her dagger and scanned for Rena’s movements. Rena was powerful but that was
only when she used her bow. She was an archer so her skills in close quarters had to lack. Chloe was
also an archer but she was more confident in her closer quarter combat skills.
She had the advantage close up! Chloe charged in with her dagger in front. But then….. Rena
seemed to suddenly jump forward then launched a flying kick.
“What?!”
Rena’s jump was so light that it barely even made a sound. Chloe was shocked by the sudden flying
kick coming at her face and quickly blocked with both of her arms.
Bam!!
Chloe’s body got pushed back far after sound of an impact. Chloe bit her lower lips at the
throbbing pain.
“Kugh…..”
“Want to continue?”
When Rena asked concisely….. Chloe bit her lower lips then charged in. She did fall behind in
ranged combat but there was no way she would fall behind in close quarters.
Chloe positioned herself to launch a high kick. Rena didn’t hesitate and also answered with a high
kick of her own. Legs aiming for each other’s heads collided in midair.
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“……Ugh.”
Rena frowned and staggered. Chloe’s eyes flashed in that moment and she swung her dagger.
Rena’s archery was G.o.dly…..but physical combat was a fight of physique and weight. You could tell
just from a glance that Rena wasn’t very heavy!
As Chloe swung her dagger, Rena quickly leaned backwards to dodge then launched a front kick at
the same time.
Chloe backed off for a bit after getting her waist kicked by this unexpected acrobatic maneuver. It
was a surprising attack but its power wasn’t too great because it was a kick launched from such an
unstable posture.
Rena used this moment to somersault backwards to gain some distance then made a pretty frown.
Chloe felt that Rena was going to say something useless again so she immediately jumped in while
throwing her dagger straightly towards Rena.
Rena tilted her head to dodge the dagger coming at her forehead but she couldn’t evade the
following kick from Chloe.
Rena blocked by raising her arms…..but her body got lifted up and ran into a wall. Rena still didn’t
fall down and managed to maintain her stance.
“……..”
It was given that Rena didn’t fall down. Rena had sensed she couldn’t dodge Chloe’s flying kick so
she had purposely thrown her body backwards to reduce the damage she received.
And beside Rena who just got pushed back was the bow she had put down earlier. Chloe got
surprised and stared nervously but Rena didn’t seem she had any intention to pick up her bow.
It was so stupid that she had to say something.
“……You. Are you making fun of me right now? Why are you insisting on fighting close up even
while knowing that you’re at a disadvantage?”
“It’s true, Chloe is strong.”
“Then fight me with your bow as if you want to kill me! What are you trying to do by acting so
softly, Elf?!”
“I can’t have Chloe die. Help of the Dark Elves is a must if we want to make peace with the demons
after this fight.”
Chloe was at a loss for words at Rena’s firm answer. Was she still speaking about peace even when
she was betrayed like this? Even when the fight had already started?
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She could say for certain, this was an extremely outlandish individual amongst the Elf race!
“That’s what I meant by making fun of me. Are you going easy on me thinking that you can beat
someone like me any time you want?”
“……I’m not making fun of you. Ugh.”
Rena frowned while brus.h.i.+ng the dust off her hands. Chloe sensed something was off from the
strange sound Rena made. Rena concluded her explanation.
“Arrow is difficult to control. I might accidently make a mistake.”
“…..”
So she threw away her bow because she might accidentally kill Chloe? Chloe had never heard
something so insulting in her life.
She never got this kind of evaluation even when she returned after losing half her Dark Elves to
Aisha.
Chloe was furious to the point where she suspected if steam was coming off her head……. But
Rena’s words weren’t over yet.
“And I also thought you might change your mind if I beat you in close up combat.”
“……How stupid.”
“Will you promise me? That you’ll do as I say if I win.”
“I’m getting sick of this. Just…..”
“I’ll seriously get angry if you tell me to kill you, Chloe.”
Chloe stopped her words at the strange pressure. Rena with her eyes opened narrowly was strongly
glaring at her.
“I don’t intend to take life of someone who’s fighting a fight they don’t want to. I don’t know what
you’re so afraid of that’s forcing you to do this….. But I’ll take care of it for you.”
“How would you know….”
“I know.”
Rena’s voice just now held such a strong emotion that it even got the strong minded Chloe to shut
her mouth.
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“I know a person that lost his will and was forced to fight even though he didn’t want to. And how
that person is continuing to regret things he has done. I know better than anyone else how much of
a large wound it became to that person.”
“…….”
“And how he’s desperately looking for a way to atone amidst the battles.”
She wasn’t talking about someone here right now. Rena spoke with such strong emotion that Chloe
was overwhelmed and could only keep silent.
“So Chloe, I don’t want my friend to go through the same thing. I won’t forgive the person that
forced you to do this kind of thing.”
“…….Nonsense, you cannot beat that person no matter how powerful you are. No one can.”
Seeing Chloe making a seriously terrified face, Rena loosened her expression and spoke softly.
“If I can’t win by myself then I just have to find a way to win together with the others. That’s how
we’ve fought until now.”
“…..”
Chloe didn’t answer anymore and pulled out her spare dagger. It felt like she was going to lose the
will to fight if she talked with Rena any longer.
Soon as Chloe charged in with her dagger determined to fight to the death, Rena performed an
unbelievable action. It looked like she was lowering her stance then she dived into Chloe while
sliding.
“What………?”
This wasn’t an ice field, what kind of trick was this? It was so startling to Chloe but Rena had already
quickly dived in all the way below her. Chloe instinctively made a defensive posture and tried to
throw her body backwards to reduce the damage just like Rena did…..
“Hah!”
But Rena’s response was faster. After adjusting the speed of her slide in the last moment with her
arm, she pushed up on the ground with both of her hands and launched her body upwards. Rising
kick that threw her entire body. The impact broke through the guard Chloe put up with her arms to
protect her face and chest.
“!”
Chloe’s body didn’t get thrown backwards and instead got lifted up in the air. Ironically, Chloe’s
attempt to throw her body backwards had helped with Rena’s attack.
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And the freefall that followed.
Rena had already positioned herself and was throwing a roundhouse kick to match the timing of
Chloe’s fall. Chloe’s eyes and head knew of the incoming kick but she had no way to react to it while
freefalling!
Bam!!
Chloe’s body went flying spinning in midair after getting her waist kicked. After hitting her head on
the wall and falling down on the ground, Chloe quickly stood up but fell kneeling down right after.
Not only her ribs were cracked from the attack just now, she also received a light concussion.
“Want to continue?”
“…….”
At Rena’s calm question, Chloe finally admitted defeat. It was a perfect defeat even with her weight
advantage. She couldn’t win against Rena even if she were to try hundred more times.
Bow was that Elf’s specialty in the first place. Chloe lost even though she fought relying on her
opponent’s generosity…… The sense of defeat was so large that she didn’t know how to handle it.
It was just like Rena said. After losing in closer quarter combat…..she could clearly admit who was
stronger.
“Even if I continued to fight….. I won’t be able to win.”
“Alright, then……”
“But! I still cannot back down for the sake of fate of the Dark Elves!!”
When Chloe shouted and waved her arm, a magic circle appeared around her. Rena recognised what
it was and raised her voice in horror.
“Chloe! What do you think you’re doing!!?”
“ROK MANDOOS SAMANDA……. Come forth!! Spirit of the demons arise!!”
Answering Chloe’s shout, the air started to shake. A dark hole was opened through the magic circle
and giant arms and legs appeared through the hole.
Thud!!
It was so huge that hallway, walls and 2nd floor’s ceiling broke just from its appearance. Sounds of
outer castle’s residents screaming from appearance of this beast capable of destroying the outer
castle just by moving was heard. Everyone must have not known there was a fight going on because
the fight had been occurring mostly close to the 3rd floor.
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Rena groaned after confirming the frantic footsteps running away with her ears and then confirming
the giant beast howling with her eyes. She couldn’t understand at all. Even after she clearly displayed
their difference in strength, Chloe was persisting to fight even by summoning the Dark Elf’s
guardian G.o.d Dark Nephilim.
“…….Just why? Why are you going so far?”
“……You don’t know, Elf. You will never know how terrifying D is.”
Chloe shook her head sadly. She then raised her voice as if she didn’t want to listen to Rena’s answer.
“Alright, rampage. Dark Nephilim!!”
Gwwaaarrrrrr!!
Giant beast large enough to shatter the Velder’s outer castle howled with all its might.
Blood dripped down. Elsword panted while looking at the blood dripping down his sword. Most of
the blood was flowing down from Elsword’s arms, shoulders and hands.
“Around 2 times out of 5, not bad.”
Elesis evaluated coldly after pus.h.i.+ng Elsword back all the way to the end of the overpa.s.s. She had
also received light injuries on her abdomen and shoulder but she was still faring far better than
Elsword. This wasn’t because she used her recovery ability.
To commend Elsword for requesting to face her by himself in a pure contest of skill without his
comrades or strategies, Elesis had also faced him by herself using only her sword.
Thus, she had overwhelmed Elsword in a pure contest of swordsmans.h.i.+p.
“There’s nothing to be surprised about, Elsword. If you know my sword better than anyone else in
the world….I know your sword better than anyone else in the world as well.”
“That’s right. I….. also learned a lot from Big Sister after all.”
Elsword was focused but the hands holding his sword was s.h.i.+vering. This was too reckless after all.
Add wasn’t mistaken.
Elesis was way too powerful. Even if there were 10 Elswords…. No, even 100 more Elswords
wouldn’t be enough to come out of this victorious. Not only that, Elesis was going easy on him even
now.
She wasn’t recovering her wounds, she was certainly holding back.
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“Who is superior has already been determined. If you continue to fight…..you’ll die. Are you still
not going to stand aside?”
Elesis was happy at her brother’s growth and had faced him seriously only with swordsmans.h.i.+p.
But she didn’t feel like pus.h.i.+ng any further once the match looked like it was decided. Elesis cooled
herself then requested calmly.
I’d like you to stand aside if possible. But Elsword shook his head despite knowing the meaning
behind Elesis’ request.
“Why? Why are you being so stubborn? Is it because of your friends?”
“……”
When Elsword didn’t answer, Elesis nodded reluctantly.
“Alright, I won’t kill anyone in the El Search Party. I’ll just render them incapable of fighting. That’s
the far as I can concede.”
“I won’t stand aside.”
“Why are you being so stubborn? Do I really have to…..”
“I won’t move even if I die.”
Elsword spoke stubbornly. Sadness rose up in Elesis’ face. She hadn’t showed any signs of trouble
when she was facing the El Search Party in the past. It was rare for her to show this much emotion
but Elsword didn’t care about it at all.
“Then why? Explain it to me. What else do you want? Do you want me to stand in the side of
protecting Elrios again?”
“No.”
“….Then just why?”
Elesis asked sadly. Elsword fixed the grip on his sword.
“Fight me properly, Big Sister.”
“……What?”
“Fight me seriously. Don’t go easy. Recovery skill or anything else, use anything you want.”
“…….Are you insane?”
Elesis was showing so much direct emotion to the point where Add would have been very surprised
if he saw her now.
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“This right now isn’t Big Sister’s true power. Use your full power.”
“……..Are you saying you want to die by me? I won’t ask you to understand my choices…. But is
this really the ending you want?”
When Elesis bit her lips and asked painfully, Elsword stared at her with a surprised expression.
“What are you talking about, Big Sister?”
“…..Huh?”
“I want to fight Big Sister. That’s why I won’t stand aside.”
It was a pure request for a fight. Elesis blinked from realizing what he meant. Of course, she had
also lived her life wielding the sword so she also understood compet.i.tive mindset and the desire to
fight very well.
“Show me Big Sister’s full power.”
“……Alright.”
Elesis realized Elsword’s resolve and nodded.
Let’s throw away all hesitations. She had been determined not to slay Elsword no matter
what…….But this time was messed up as well.
“I got it. It might be better for you to die by my hand…..than having to see the end of time.”
Elesis spoke with a sorrowful expression.
“I’m sorry, Elsword. I’ll end it….painlessly.”
“…….It’s not over yet.”
Elsword answered quietly then moved his sword with all his strength. This was a narrow area and he
knew the trajectory of Elesis’ attack. Just as he expected, Elesis was running in trying to perform a
wide swipe.
“Ugh!!”
Elsword saw it coming with his eyes and tried to follow up with his body by swinging his sword. But
he was too fatigued. His sword was being delayed due to his body, due to his overworked bones and
muscles screaming out in pain.
Clank!!
He barely managed to block it but his stance broke down. Kneeling down on one knee, Elsword saw
Elesis’ sword ruthlessly flying towards him again and swung his sword the best he could.
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Clank!!
A clear sound rang out as steels clashed. It was a refres.h.i.+ng sound. Elsword raised his sword to
block the oncoming multiple sword strikes but he couldn’t even block half of them. He rolled to
dodge soon as his upper arm got cut but Elesis didn’t give him any moment to rest and pressured
again.
Her movement was many times faster than before. Elsword could easily see the attacks coming
because he knew all about Elesis’ attack methods, he could see them even better now that he
familiarized himself by fighting her directly…… But his body couldn’t follow up.
He wanted to attack.
“……Ah”
He felt burdened by this body that could only manage to block. He finally could see them coming,
but fighting any more was too much for his exhausted body. But this was the only time he could
have a fight like this, it was a once in a lifetime fight……. He hated himself for being so weak.
It can’t be helped. That person is my Big Sister, Elesis. Strongest person in the world. It’s obvious
for me to get pushed back like this.
No.
“…….I”
His sword shook. His body couldn’t move as he wished because his hands were shaking.
That’s right. I did well considering how Big Sister was my opponent. She promised not to kill the
others so……..it shouldn’t matter if I fell here.
“……I don’t.”
Elesis was the strongest person in the world, sun that s.h.i.+ned brighter than anything else. But that
sun turned her back on the light and faced the darkness. This fact was so shocking that he despaired
and gave up fighting. But he chose to grab his sword again and face her head on in the end.
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Everyone believed in Elsword’s choice. That he will certainly be able to fight Elesis. That Elsword
can surely surpa.s.s Elesis.
Eve, Ara, Rena and Add.
They all believed in him, fought together with him.
But they still lost.
It was a fight where they were glad just to have survived.
He lost even though everyone had believed in him.
Yes, of course. Big Sister is stronger than anyone else after all. I can’t win no matter how much I try.
This kind of feeling had lingered in his heart.
This feeling certainly existed even during the beach when he vowed in front of everyone that he was
going to fight Elesis again.
This feeling didn’t change even after he returned to Velder to settle things with his older sister. This
feeling hasn’t disappeared even in this fight. It wasn’t a hesitation to fight his blood sibling. You had
to call it wors.h.i.+p instead.
For Elsword, Elesis s.h.i.+ned brighter than anyone else in the world.
But,
Even though he possessed a feeling of wanting to always absent-mindedly look up at his sister, that
shouldn’t be Elsword’s everything.
“…….I don’t want.”
Elsword gritted his teeth. A different wavering feeling made his shaking body rise up. Life returned
to his hands that were losing strength.
A will sprouted up.
Behind him were his friends that believed in him and went ahead. They all believed that Elsword
could surpa.s.s Elesis. They all believed that Elsword could succeed even though they knew he was
throwing himself into a foe that was too much for him, into a reckless fight.
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Even though Elsword had lost once already, even though they knew he held feelings of admiration
towards Elesis, even though they knew his skills were hopelessly lacking…… They entrusted him
with this fight.
He was happy. He didn’t know how to describe this feeling but he knew for certain that he was very
happy.
Boy who had only been running after his sister’s back was able to meet people who believed that he
could succeed.
Another feeling rose up along with his admiration towards his sister.
“I don’t want to lose!!”
Clank!! Elesis’ sword that had been launching fierce attacks suddenly shook widely. Elsword who
was barely alive and was only managing to barely block her attacks just launched a desperate counter.
Elesis got shocked and backed out. Elsword was kneeling on one knee with his sword lying
horizontally on the ground. He wasn’t moving.
Did he die? Elesis examined in surprise. She then heard Elsword’s quiet breathing. A voice so small
as if he was whispering in someone’s ear traveled across the overpa.s.s.
“I always admired you Big Sister. Even in this moment where we’re fighting….and forever from
now….. Big Sister will s.h.i.+ne brighter than anyone else in the world.”
“……I see.”
After deciding that had been Elsword’s final struggle, Elesis fixed the grip on her sword to finish
this. But Elsword staggered as he stood up.
“Even while fighting like this….. I’m thinking that I cannot surpa.s.s you. That following after you is
all I can manage. You are amazing after all, Big Sister.”
“……”
“But I still don’t want to lose. Even if I’m fighting against Big Sister who’s the strongest person in
the world…… I cannot afford to lose this fight. I have friends that went ahead believing in me.”
“You can’t win only with that kind of tender heart and petty resolve. It looks like you still have a
long way to go.”
Block just now had been his final struggle. Elsword didn’t have any strength remaining to fight
anymore. Elesis bitterly shook her head then approached slowly as she swung her sword.
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Sharp attack flying in aiming for his neck. Elsword was too exhausted to even try to block it. He
couldn’t see properly because his eyes were already blurry.
But he still wanted to fight. He didn’t want to back out from here.
“The sword……”
Clank!! Unbelievably, it was Elesis’ sword that was deflected. Elesis examined Elsword with a
confused expression as the incomprehensible events continued.
Elsword was exhausted and panting heavily, but he strangely didn’t feel tired.
His body felt heated. His heart felt hot. This feeling right now, he didn’t know what to call this
feeling that was a mix of his feeling towards Elesis and his feeling of wanting to answer his friends’
expectations.
Flas.h.!.+ As if to answer the desire coming from bottom of Elsword’s heart, a crimson flame started to
burn up from his body.
No, it wasn’t a flame. Elsword’s Memory of Time and s.p.a.ce was answering to his will and emitting
light.
Faced with a giant wall he had to overcome, old memories flashed by in the boy’s eyes.
Elesis back when she was young.
Elesis swinging her sword and him standing beside her following her moves.
Elesis whose skills had improved so much in such a short time and him who was weak in
comparison.
Elesis who left to join the Red Knights without leaving any words. And the times he spent looking
at her empty bed again and again, resenting, struggling, trying to understand.
I’m weak so I won’t be of any help to my sister even if I’m beside her. Big Sister went to meet and
fight with stronger people after all.
So let’s quickly become stronger myself. So that I can be a match for Big Sister.
At the news about the strongest Red Knights captain coming for afar, he also became a knight
because he wanted to meet her no matter what, because he wanted to stand on equal terms with her.
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He became a knight but he was still weak. He could never be satisfied even though people told him
he was strong. He wanted to become even stronger so he went on a journey.
Then he met Eve.
‘That’s right……’
Eve was truly a good friend. She stayed together with Elsword who fought restlessly from wanting
to catch up to his sister soon as possible. Elsword would have gone astray at one point if it weren’t
for Eve.
He was glad to have such a good friend who nagged from beside him and sometimes showed cute
sides of herself.
And he also met good people. Rena, Ara, Chung and Add…..the times he spent with them were
joyful but he couldn’t completely erase his uneasy heart.
He wanted his Big Sister to recognise him.
She betrayed Elrios. But stuff like that didn’t matter at all. She’s still my Big Sister. Big Sister I’m
proud of, I wanted to show her how much I’ve grown and have her recognise me.
I wanted her to be proud of me. I wanted her to let me stay beside her.
“Right, but that’s not it……”
What came up most clearly in front of his eyes weren’t something like that. Elsword had convinced
himself he had such thoughts….. But that wasn’t everything.
Just why had he insisted on taking this fight alone? To show Elesis how much he changed and get
her to recognise him? He indeed had these thoughts.
But that couldn’t be everything. They had already faced Elesis once before. In that fight, even if it
was just for a moment, Elsword had grasped victory thanks to the other Search Party members’ help.
Elesis had recognised this too and that was why she had revealed her hidden power.
If it was just to be recognised, it would have been better to fight together with all of the El Search
Party members.
“But this is more……”
His heart was pounding. It wasn’t because his body was engulfed in flames. He was happy tha