Elsword – Time Trouble v5c3

bedroom. They were all impressed by what Rena told them.

“That’s magnificent.”

“Then we won’t have to fight the Dark Elves.”

“How can we trust Chloe’s words?”

Add agreed to what Rena said in response. This place was enemy territory. Chloe shouldn’t need to

“This is a good opportunity. What are we going to do Big Brother Add?”

If Chloe became their ally, then the outer castle was basically within the El Search Party’s grasp.

rd floor.

“Idiot. This isn’t because of you. We cannot carry this out with Elesis behind us.”

process of royal castle’s El turning into a Dark El.

Rena, contact the Velder Liberation Army that we’ll start the plan tomorrow night.”

While they couldn’t move in or out freely because of the spatial barrier, it was planned beforehand

the empty house that they chose as their hideout.

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“But do we really have to carry out the plan during the night?”

“Everyone won’t be able to see well during the night. But demons won’t be affected much by this.

“……Then let’s make it afternoon of the day after tomorrow.”

starting tomorrow afternoon would be difficult anyways.

Everything will be over if our identities get found out before then. So continue to work without

not say anything even to her subordinates until the plan execution date.”

“Alright….. Then everyone prepare yourselves. This will be our final fight against the demons and it

El Search Party members all answered to Add without hesitation.

“I’ll give it my best too.”

“I’ll do my best!”

Add clenched his fists tightly after hearing everyone’s agreements. His head heated up no matter

Finally, it was time for their final showdown with the demons.

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Rena headed to the rendezvous point located in landing of the stairway heading to the 3rd floor.

was on the left side stairway.

“…….You’re late.”

After giving a glance at the bow in Rena’s hand, Chloe looked back at the Dark Elves around her.

“So I cooperate with you to take down Elesis on the 3rd floor….. Then we create equilibrium in the

with the other generals inside the inner castle?”

“But where are the other Search Party members? I thought there were many of you.”

Rena seemed to sigh then suddenly jumped down. Everyone got confused and just stood blinking

But only Chloe wasn’t confused and asked coldly instead.

“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.

“There’s no way Chloe wouldn’t know that other kids are inside the outer castle together with me.

them as if it’s the first time you’ve heard about them.”

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suspicious about others? Of course, what Rena was saying was correct but Chloe couldn’t

“It’s not an intuition. Chloe doesn’t speak that way. You should have gotten angry and asked why I

“…….”

“I’ll take it upon myself and spare your life if you surrender.”

“I didn’t change my mind. This is the correct action to take as a demon.”

Chloe sadly then nodded.

“Attack.”

Right side stairway leading to the 3rd floor.

“Will Big Sister Rena be alright?”

The core of this plan was to join up with Chloe then attack Elesis. But Add couldn’t trust Chloe in

Ara must have been feeling restless because she was repeatedly grasping then letting go of her spear.

“I hear fighting!”

“Let’s quickly go help Rena.”

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himself could take care of them easily…… But if Chloe had betrayed them, then it meant that their

The other members were staring at Add even though enemies just appeared. It meant they were

He had to retry from the start.

“She’s telling me to tell you that it’s not time yet.”

than Rena. Not only that, Add had already cautioned Rena that Chloe might change her mind in the

Rena definitely wouldn’t go down so easily.

Glitter soldiers were only gathering below them. They were displaying hostility towards the party but

were ordered to wall the party off.

The party followed Add’s instructions and moved up the stairs while being wary of the Glitter

to the 3rd floor. Add carefully examined their behavior and bit his lips.

“Just who could have come up with this kind of trap…..?”

had been just recklessly charging at them. They had never shown this kind of behavior of trying to

And on the third floor…..

Familiar voice he’d never forget. Add got shocked from this cold voice and looked in front of him.

Elesis was waiting for them in the middle of the 3rd floor’s hallway.

“…..Big Sister.”

as they raised their weapons.

“Ara and I will open a path. Add, you go ahead and help Rena out.”

Even though Eve and Ara had awakened their Memory of Time and Space, the group still couldn’t

“I’ll help as well. Go on ahead Mr.Add.”

“Everyone go ahead. I’ll face Big Sister by myself.”

“Not by yourself.”

“But I still have to do this.”

“Everyone, please. I want to fight Big Sister…..with everything I got.”

Add got dumbfounded and asked but Elsword shook his head.

It was a firm determination that wouldn’t be swayed no matter what. Add bit down on his lips then

Elesis had her sword lowered slightly and was just standing still without saying anything. It was as if

“……..How long will you be able to hold out?”

Eve protested but Add didn’t listen to her.

Add hadn’t wanted this but things were seriously messed up now. Chloe betrayed them and Eun

Water was already spilt. In that case, they had to try to get far as they could. He didn’t like it, but

“I won’t just hold out….. I’ll win.”

Overpass connecting to the inner castle was closer to the El Search Party than to Elesis. They could

Even if this hallway was wide, going to assist Rena fighting beyond Elesis was impossible unless they

for all.

“Then what about Ms.Rena?”

wouldn’t go down so easily….. Stopping the royal castle’s El turning into a Dark El comes first.

Actually, battle in the inner castle will be much more difficult than the outer castle. Problem was that

“Elsword, Rena will clean things up quickly and come to help you soon. Do everything you can until

“…….”

opponent Elesis was and but they were leaving her only to Elsword?

“It’s reckless.”

Elsword put strength in hands holding his sword then collected his breath.

“Still…..”

“There’s no time. Let’s go.”

more terrifying enemies waiting inside the inner castle, he also didn’t want to hear the two’s

“Mr.Elsword, I’ll come back after defeating Elder Brother!”

Ara and Chung’s said their farewell. Eve was still at a loss for what words to leave Elsword. Add

Elesis didn’t even move a step and just stared quietly.

further way.

“…….”

“No, we’ll meet and talk with each other again.”

Elesis fixed her sword then collected her breath as she lowered her stance. A terrifying pressure

But Elsword didn’t succumb to the pressure and followed suit by lowering his stance. If he loses

“Here I come, Big Sister.”

With Elesis’ short answer, the siblings charged at each other simultaneously. Swords of red haired

It was beginning of the fight to end everything.

Arrows ruthlessly pelted the Dark Elves’ shoulders and legs.

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When a Dark Elf approached and swung her dagger, Rena turned around and launched a light

such a fast kick that she had been already launched away by Rena’s kick when she noticed.

press their attack using their numerical advantage. Rena didn’t get startled even for a bit and moved

As if skating on ice, Rena dodged all of their attacks just by lightly kicking the hallway walls to jump

a precise middle and low kicks. Dark Elves couldn’t even harm a piece of Rena’s clothing and they

Ssssh!

danger from the sound waves and turned her head to dodge. She looked up to see Chloe standing

came to assist were standing near Chloe aiming their bows.

Rena didn’t even listen to Chloe’s words and lowered her stance as she dashed into the next group

After jumping into the group of Dark Elves, Rena pushed down on the ground with her hand and

attack and staggered from this surprising acrobatic maneuver that aimed for lower parts of their legs.

time aiming her kick higher this time.

“Kuugh!!”

surrounding and threatening Rena were on the ground groaning in pain.

hit accidentally. She murmured with an astonished voice.

“Because I don’t think this is what Chloe really wants.”

After taking down a group of Dark Elves without having even a piece of her clothing harmed, Rena

ordered.

ssh! ssh!! Dark Elf archers that were standing ready fired their arrows at Rena all at once. Rena

she groaned from the pain on her cheek.

“…….Hmm.”

had dodged perfectly…… The scar she got from being grazed must have opened up and started

Scar itself was no big deal but it was a proof that Chloe’s archery skills were outstanding.

“……Kill her if you must, get her!”

Elves Rena knocked out wouldn’t be able to get up for a while…….

Rena thanked sincerely as she stood up.

good-natured person because of her warm and embracing personality….. But she was a warrior.

techniques and arrows.

Add’s warning, she had somewhat anticipated this and had been cautious.

her personal feelings.

Let’s clean this up fast as possible and go help the other kids. Rena calmly made up her

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Rena suddenly jumped out from her cover. But Rena consecutively firing arrows while still in midair

Ssh, ssh!

arrows cried out in pain then fell at the same time. Only Chloe was able to respond to Rena’s arrow

expression.

Rena was surely catching her breath behind the cover. It didn’t even look like she stole a look

single flurry of arrows. Chloe was really baffled by this.

located all of the archers just by sounds of their footsteps and their clothing brushing against

Rena’s level.

Soon as Chloe heard this, she felt a sharp pain across her cheek. She rubbed her cheek with her hand

have gazed by.

“….So what? Could it be that you’re asking me to surrender? I still have plenty more troops.”

Rena was holding back…. But only one capable of fighting now was Chloe.

“Don’t take me so lightly, Elf!”

their arrows.

Elsword quickly blocked the sword coming in from a low angle trying to cut off his ankle. But he

sword strikes down on him.

Elsword’s body got pushed back further and further as the sounds of clashing steel continued.

of Elesis’ sword strikes head on.

“Uuugh!”

Elesis calmly drew her sword backwards then suddenly threw a sharp stab. Elsword felt the danger

this one.

Elsword ran his shoulder into the hallway’s wall because he dodged too hastily. But he didn’t even

body sideways again……as the sword Elesis’ swung cleanly cut through the wall Elsword had been

cleanly as if the sword was cutting through a cake.

She used the momentum from the spin to launch another sword strike against Elsword who was still

Elsword quickly held up his sword with both of his hands to block but his body flew backwards

“Arrgh!”

sword strike carrying enough power to cut through stone walls. Even if his sword could withstand it,

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

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“…….”

shook his head after taking a slight glance backwards.

“…..Can’t you see that I’m going easy on you? Your skills aren’t enough to stop me.”

Elsword nodded at Elesis’ concise words. He was a swordsman too. How could he not know? He

st form.

“I…..lack in every way compared to you Big Sister.”

by me?”

“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

Elesis kept silent but that proved that Elsword’s intuition was correct.

anyways even if I tried to convince you. You probably aren’t helping the demons with such a small

“If you know that, then why are you fighting me by yourself? It won’t even be enough for all of

“Because I wanted to have the last fight with Big Sister by myself.”

“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.”

Elesis’ laugh lasted just for a moment as her face turned cold like the sheet of ice. Soon as Elsword

Clank!!

for the first time. Elesis’ eyes widened in surprise but then she launched a kick right away. Elsword

staggered back.

Elesis immediately used this chance to swing her sword and cut Elsword.

amount of blood coming out from his left shoulder. But Elsword didn’t back out despite the wound

“Too slow…….”

away with her strength then cut across Elsword’s waist next.

But Elsword’s sword…..strangely got deflected way too lightly. Elesis’ head questioned this but her

Clank!!

as if he knew it was coming beforehand.

As surprised Elesis hesitated for a moment……. Elsword swung his sword this time. Elesis

now.

straightly with his sword.

out already, she was completely caught off guard.

pain flowed in.

“…….”

wasn’t deep, but she was certainly cut just now.

Even though he just landed a successful hit on Elesis for the first time, Elsword didn’t even show

land a successful attack. If Elesis didn’t think to dodge Elsword’s first counter attack….. Elsword

“…….Just what were you thinking?”

were clashing swords and fighting right now, they were precious siblings……and they also grew up

Elesis even forgot that they were in middle of a fight. She had to reproach him for launching such a

“I knew you would dodge.”

Elsword shook his head while focusing on recovering his stamina. He landed a single successful hit

But there was no time to cry about it.

“……”

understand. Elsword added.

to block it. It would have been very surprising for you that I read your second attack and blocked it.”

respond to her standard counterattack of blocking the head strike then going for the waist.

“Whenever something surprising happens during a fight, Big Sister always tries to back out and

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“I thought I taught you many times not to charge in recklessly at me.”

him many times not to do that.

“It wasn’t reckless. You would have certainly reacted that way. Big Sister I know would have

Elsword spoke with a strong conviction. Elesis nodded.

already. Well, you do develop habits while practicing swordsmanship. And you should somewhat

“Not just somewhat……”

“I know everything about Big Sister’s sword. I know all about your skills and special moves as well.”

Elesis made a vague smile then nodded. She then took a glance back at the Glitter solders

away.

This target could even be her ally demons.

to face straightly at Elsword’s gaze again.

based off a single belief that you know my sword well?”

move.”

Well, that was true. Even if Elsword knew what attack was coming next, the biggest reason he

narrow place.

It was slightly advantageous for Elsword to fight in a narrow overpass rather than in the wide

“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

or tricks.

“I know you’re my little brother…… but I really don’t know what to say.”

It was a bottomless and endless apology but Elesis didn’t ask anymore. The little brother she grew

He was requesting that they compete purely with sword to sword, warrior to knight.

Elesis smiled vaguely as she held up her sword. She will now throw away her opinion that looked

time without hurting Elsword if possible.

purely marvel at her brother’s resolve and focus on this fight.

“You’ll die…..if you don’t fight desperately.”

Arrow and arrow flew towards each other. Amazingly…..two arrows collided in the air and were

“What…..?”

archers, Chloe twisted her body to dodge Rena’s incoming arrow then fired her own arrow.

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understandable, but to make both arrows purposely collide in midair?

There was no way she could win in a ranged combat. Chloe immediately admitted her archery skills

in a single leap then positioned herself to launch continuous kicks aiming for Rena’s legs. But Rena

Chloe felt that she shouldn’t allow Rena to get any distance between them so she quickly closed in.

Rena continued to back out from Chloe’s ferocious consecutive kicks. After pushing Rena back all

nd floor’s hallway, Chloe felt that something was off so she launched a

stopped attacking and asked out of curiosity.

“…..How much are you going to make fun of me? Are you going easy on me, Elf?!”

“……”

just changing the fight location out of consideration for the fallen Dark Elves nearby?

How can such a person exist? Chloe could have accepted this more easily if Rena’s skill just simply

never seen someone so powerful with such a caring personality even towards their enemies.

“Hmm, of course I should fight. But I don’t want to harm the other Dark Elves for no reason.”

There were differences in skills but they were enemies right now. Why was this Elf caring about

Rena spoke clearly.

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“Is some other general forcing you to do this?”

but it blatantly left one wide open for a counter attack so she shouldn’t have used it carelessly. But

“Chloe, I don’t want to fight right now. I have to go help the other kids.”

“Of course not. But…..”

wrists then adjusted her stance.

“…….Hmph!”

only when she used her bow. She was an archer so her skills in close quarters had to lack. Chloe was

She had the advantage close up! Chloe charged in with her dagger in front. But then….. Rena

“What?!”

kick coming at her face and quickly blocked with both of her arms.

Chloe’s body got pushed back far after sound of an impact. Chloe bit her lower lips at the

“Kugh…..”

When Rena asked concisely….. Chloe bit her lower lips then charged in. She did fall behind in

Chloe positioned herself to launch a high kick. Rena didn’t hesitate and also answered with a high

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Rena frowned and staggered. Chloe’s eyes flashed in that moment and she swung her dagger.

just from a glance that Rena wasn’t very heavy!

the same time.

was a surprising attack but its power wasn’t too great because it was a kick launched from such an

Rena used this moment to somersault backwards to gain some distance then made a pretty frown.

throwing her dagger straightly towards Rena.

following kick from Chloe.

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

And beside Rena who just got pushed back was the bow she had put down earlier. Chloe got

It was so stupid that she had to say something.

while knowing that you’re at a disadvantage?”

“Then fight me with your bow as if you want to kill me! What are you trying to do by acting so

“I can’t have Chloe die. Help of the Dark Elves is a must if we want to make peace with the demons

Chloe was at a loss for words at Rena’s firm answer. Was she still speaking about peace even when

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“That’s what I meant by making fun of me. Are you going easy on me thinking that you can beat

“……I’m not making fun of you. Ugh.”

strange sound Rena made. Rena concluded her explanation.

“…..”

something so insulting in her life.

Aisha.

Rena’s words weren’t over yet.

“……How stupid.”

“I’m getting sick of this. Just…..”

Chloe stopped her words at the strange pressure. Rena with her eyes opened narrowly was strongly

“I don’t intend to take life of someone who’s fighting a fight they don’t want to. I don’t know what

“How would you know….”

Rena’s voice just now held such a strong emotion that it even got the strong minded Chloe to shut

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that person is continuing to regret things he has done. I know better than anyone else how much of

“…….”

She wasn’t talking about someone here right now. Rena spoke with such strong emotion that Chloe

“So Chloe, I don’t want my friend to go through the same thing. I won’t forgive the person that

“…….Nonsense, you cannot beat that person no matter how powerful you are. No one can.”

“If I can’t win by myself then I just have to find a way to win together with the others. That’s how

“…..”

will to fight if she talked with Rena any longer.

unbelievable action. It looked like she was lowering her stance then she dived into Chloe while

“What………?”

quickly dived in all the way below her. Chloe instinctively made a defensive posture and tried to

“Hah!”

arm, she pushed up on the ground with both of her hands and launched her body upwards. Rising

protect her face and chest.

Chloe’s body didn’t get thrown backwards and instead got lifted up in the air. Ironically, Chloe’s

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Rena had already positioned herself and was throwing a roundhouse kick to match the timing of

freefalling!

Chloe’s body went flying spinning in midair after getting her waist kicked. After hitting her head on

Not only her ribs were cracked from the attack just now, she also received a light concussion.

“…….”

advantage. She couldn’t win against Rena even if she were to try hundred more times.

opponent’s generosity…… The sense of defeat was so large that she didn’t know how to handle it.

stronger.

“Alright, then……”

When Chloe shouted and waved her arm, a magic circle appeared around her. Rena recognised what

“Chloe! What do you think you’re doing!!?”

Answering Chloe’s shout, the air started to shake. A dark hole was opened through the magic circle

Thud!!

outer castle’s residents screaming from appearance of this beast capable of destroying the outer

the fight had been occurring mostly close to the 3rd floor.

Rena groaned after confirming the frantic footsteps running away with her ears and then confirming

their difference in strength, Chloe was persisting to fight even by summoning the Dark Elf’s

“…….Just why? Why are you going so far?”

Chloe shook her head sadly. She then raised her voice as if she didn’t want to listen to Rena’s answer.

Gwwaaarrrrrr!!

Blood dripped down. Elsword panted while looking at the blood dripping down his sword. Most of

“Around 2 times out of 5, not bad.”

also received light injuries on her abdomen and shoulder but she was still faring far better than

To commend Elsword for requesting to face her by himself in a pure contest of skill without his

Thus, she had overwhelmed Elsword in a pure contest of swordsmanship.

the world….I know your sword better than anyone else in the world as well.”

Elsword was focused but the hands holding his sword was shivering. This was too reckless after all.

Elesis was way too powerful. Even if there were 10 Elswords…. No, even 100 more Elswords

now.

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not going to stand aside?”

But she didn’t feel like pushing any further once the match looked like it was decided. Elesis cooled

I’d like you to stand aside if possible. But Elsword shook his head despite knowing the meaning

“Why? Why are you being so stubborn? Is it because of your friends?”

When Elsword didn’t answer, Elesis nodded reluctantly.

the far as I can concede.”

“Why are you being so stubborn? Do I really have to…..”

Elsword spoke stubbornly. Sadness rose up in Elesis’ face. She hadn’t showed any signs of trouble

but Elsword didn’t care about it at all.

protecting Elrios again?”

“….Then just why?”

“Fight me properly, Big Sister.”

“Fight me seriously. Don’t go easy. Recovery skill or anything else, use anything you want.”

Elesis was showing so much direct emotion to the point where Add would have been very surprised

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“……..Are you saying you want to die by me? I won’t ask you to understand my choices…. But is

When Elesis bit her lips and asked painfully, Elsword stared at her with a surprised expression.

“…..Huh?”

It was a pure request for a fight. Elesis blinked from realizing what he meant. Of course, she had

fight very well.

“……Alright.”

Let’s throw away all hesitations. She had been determined not to slay Elsword no matter

“I got it. It might be better for you to die by my hand…..than having to see the end of time.”

“I’m sorry, Elsword. I’ll end it….painlessly.”

Elsword answered quietly then moved his sword with all his strength. This was a narrow area and he

wide swipe.

Elsword saw it coming with his eyes and tried to follow up with his body by swinging his sword. But

muscles screaming out in pain.

He barely managed to block it but his stance broke down. Kneeling down on one knee, Elsword saw

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A clear sound rang out as steels clashed. It was a refreshing sound. Elsword raised his sword to

dodge soon as his upper arm got cut but Elesis didn’t give him any moment to rest and pressured

Her movement was many times faster than before. Elsword could easily see the attacks coming

familiarized himself by fighting her directly…… But his body couldn’t follow up.

“……Ah”

but fighting any more was too much for his exhausted body. But this was the only time he could

It can’t be helped. That person is my Big Sister, Elesis. Strongest person in the world. It’s obvious

No.

His sword shook. His body couldn’t move as he wished because his hands were shaking.

others so……..it shouldn’t matter if I fell here.

Elesis was the strongest person in the world, sun that shined brighter than anything else. But that

and gave up fighting. But he chose to grab his sword again and face her head on in the end.

Everyone believed in Elsword’s choice. That he will certainly be able to fight Elesis. That Elsword

Eve, Ara, Rena and Add.

But they still lost.

He lost even though everyone had believed in him.

This kind of feeling had lingered in his heart.

going to fight Elesis again.

feeling hasn’t disappeared even in this fight. It wasn’t a hesitation to fight his blood sibling. You had

For Elsword, Elesis shined brighter than anyone else in the world.

Even though he possessed a feeling of wanting to always absent-mindedly look up at his sister, that

“…….I don’t want.”

to his hands that were losing strength.

Behind him were his friends that believed in him and went ahead. They all believed that Elsword

throwing himself into a foe that was too much for him, into a reckless fight.

Even though Elsword had lost once already, even though they knew he held feelings of admiration

with this fight.

happy.

could succeed.

“I don’t want to lose!!”

was barely alive and was only managing to barely block her attacks just launched a desperate counter.

horizontally on the ground. He wasn’t moving.

as if he was whispering in someone’s ear traveled across the overpass.

now….. Big Sister will shine brighter than anyone else in the world.”

After deciding that had been Elsword’s final struggle, Elesis fixed the grip on her sword to finish

“Even while fighting like this….. I’m thinking that I cannot surpass you. That following after you is

“……”

the world…… I cannot afford to lose this fight. I have friends that went ahead believing in me.”

long way to go.”

anymore. Elesis bitterly shook her head then approached slowly as she swung her sword.

Sharp attack flying in aiming for his neck. Elsword was too exhausted to even try to block it. He

But he still wanted to fight. He didn’t want to back out from here.

Clank!! Unbelievably, it was Elesis’ sword that was deflected. Elesis examined Elsword with a

Elsword was exhausted and panting heavily, but he strangely didn’t feel tired.

feeling that was a mix of his feeling towards Elesis and his feeling of wanting to answer his friends’

Flash! As if to answer the desire coming from bottom of Elsword’s heart, a crimson flame started to

No, it wasn’t a flame. Elsword’s Memory of Time and Space was answering to his will and emitting

Faced with a giant wall he had to overcome, old memories flashed by in the boy’s eyes.

Elesis swinging her sword and him standing beside her following her moves.

comparison.

at her empty bed again and again, resenting, struggling, trying to understand.

fight with stronger people after all.

At the news about the strongest Red Knights captain coming for afar, he also became a knight

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he was strong. He wanted to become even stronger so he went on a journey.

‘That’s right……’

to catch up to his sister soon as possible. Elsword would have gone astray at one point if it weren’t

He was glad to have such a good friend who nagged from beside him and sometimes showed cute

And he also met good people. Rena, Ara, Chung and Add…..the times he spent with them were

He wanted his Big Sister to recognise him.

proud of, I wanted to show her how much I’ve grown and have her recognise me.

“Right, but that’s not it……”

himself he had such thoughts….. But that wasn’t everything.

her to recognise him? He indeed had these thoughts.

was just for a moment, Elsword had grasped victory thanks to the other Search Party members’ help.

If it was just to be recognised, it would have been better to fight together with all of the El Search

“But this is more……”
His heart was pounding. It wasn’t because his body was engulfed in flames. He was happy tha

Chapter end