On the sunny morning, Elisia opened her heavy eyes. Her body ached as if lying on a hard surface. Her guess was right. She fell asleep on the floor of Tevanny's room without a sleeping rug. She got up to straighten her stiff back. Elisia checked the stats.

Elisia Naumann

Level 7 (150/1200 EXP)–Vanguard

Max HP : 766 /766

Stamina : 590/590

Skill Point (SP) : 130/130

ATK : 395

DEF : 219

RES : 10.3%

Agility : 45

.

Skills

Active Skills

1. Molten Flame (level 3 (500/600 exp))

SP Requires : 42

ATK +50% and every attack gains 40% chance to ignore 15% Enemy Def.

Duration: 28 second

2. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 15)

3. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 25)

4. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 40

5. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 50)

Passive Skills

1. Sixth Sense (level 2 (400/500 exp))

Can see the level and basic stats (Max HP, ATK, DEF, and RES) of other characters.

Duration: Passive

2. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 10)

.

Equipment

1. Wool Jacket (not equipped)

2. Dublin Spear (saved)

3. Flame Pendulum (equipped)

4. Necklace of Fortune (equipped)

5. Book of Hex Aegis (available)

6. Monstra, Book of Monsters (available)

.

It surprised Elisia that she had leveled up, but there was no notification. It didn’t seem like a problem, because this level increase strengthened her even. She only needed three more levels to level 10, and she would know what skills would unlock.

A notification appeared in front of her, which chased away her drowsiness.

“Congratulations, your level increases to level 7!”

“Reward: Player EXP +700 and Skill EXP +350, Max HP limit +16, Stamina limit +10, Skill Points limit +6, ATK +5, RES +0.1%.”

“Max HP, Stamina, and Skill Points Restored.”

.

This notification was late, but Elisia already had the stats listed there, except for the EXP. She checked the stats again.

Elisia Naumann

Level 7 (850/1200 exp)—Vanguard

Max HP : 766 /766

Stamina : 590/590

Skill Point (SP) : 130/130

ATK : 395

DEF : 219

RES : 10.3%

Agility : 45

.

Skills

Active Skills

1. Molten Flame (level 4 (250/700 exp))

SP Requires : 40

ATK +60% and every attack gains 40% chance to ignore 17% Enemy DEF.

Duration : 29 second

2. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 15)

3. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 25)

4. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 40

5. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 50)

Passive Skills

1. Sixth Sense (level 3 (250/600 exp))

Can see the level, basic stats (Max HP, ATK, Def, and Res), and Skill used to other characters.

Duration: Passive

2. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 10)

.

Equipment

1. Wool Jacket (not equipped)

2. Dublin Spear (saved)

3. Flame Pendulum (equipped)

4. Necklace of Fortune (equipped)

5. Book of Hex Aegis (available)

6. Monstra, Book of Monsters (available)

.

Thanks to that late notification, Elisia gained additional EXP, which made her main level and skill level increase. If she looked at the [Sixth Sense] skill, there was an additional ability that allowed her to see the skill that was being used by the target. Elisia got curious, so she walked out to test this skill.

Elisia looked at Rhino and Upgrade, who had just finished breakfast. She started using the [Sixth Sense] skill.

Upgrade

Level 56–Medic

Max HP: 1789

ATK : 350

DEF : 156

RES : 0%

Agility: 10

.

Skill Used :

Device Supremacy (Passive Skill)

Allow him to see an electronic circuit and device around him and make them a new electronic device.

.

Elisia knew why Upgrade could make tools now, but that couldn't be separated from his past as a robot researcher. The amount of ATK refered to the amount of heal value to other people. Now she was going to use it on Rhino.

Rhino

Level 46 – Defender

Max HP : 2390

ATK : 256

DEF : 680

RES : 30%

Agility : 10

.

Skill Used:

[Unknown]

You can see the target skill after his action.

.

Elisia discovered the limit of this ability, which was that it could only view recently used skills. At least Elisia could know the ability of her opponent. This made the girl want to try [Sixth Sense] on Risk and Dao. When she wanted to walk out, Rhino called out to her.

“Elisia, you just woke up? Breakfast first!” Rhino said.

Elisia walked over to the dining table and saw a plate of corn that had been mashing into coarse grains. Elisia ate the food and devoured it again. The savory taste of corn made it like an adventure in the middle of a cornfield. Elisia ate the breakfast menu until there was nothing left. After taking a sip of water, Elisia was curious. She looked at the food name.

[Cob Rice]

“Rhino, who cooked this meal?” Elisia asked.

Rhino turned. “It was me, but Christ helped me pick the right spices. I like that kid. He's perfect for being a chef.”

“Yeah, he even made me coffee, even though I didn't ask for it. Such a good boy,” Upgrade continued.

Elisia thought of Christ, who seemed to had been active. Elisia got off the chair and walked out of the house. Across the street, the girl saw Risk, who was training with Christ. She went straight to them.

In Elisia's observation, Christ was practicing the abilities he had drawn when he was in the small hut. Christ threw a punch at Risk, but the man parries to dodge. The young boy didn’t give up. He launched various abilities. Sweat dripped from his forehead.

“Your abilities need further improvement. If you're tired, we can stop now,” Risk ordered.

“No, I still have energy. Let's do it again!” Christ said in excited.

Elisia amazed by the spirit of the teenage boy she liked. This time, she would not interfere and watch from afar. Elisia remembered what happened last night. It made her want to find the teenager named Brando and take Christ's revenge on him. She could also feel the anger of Christ, who knew who had set his house on fire.

Elisia watched Christ, who was training until his body exhausted. He could destroy his body like that. Elisia went back into the house to get a glass of water for Risk and Christ. Then she came back again. Apparently, they had finished training. Risk continued to practice his sword art, while Christ sat on the sloping ground.

Elisia approached him to give a glass of water. “You are so tired, Christ! Drink it!"

Christ immediately took the glass and took a quick sip. The sound of water flowing from his throat showed how tired the teenage boy was. Elisia massaged his shoulders. Christ felt his body was fitter than before, making him excited again.

“Thank you, Elisia! The massage and water you gave made me strong again,” Christ said as handed Elisia a glass.

Elisia's face turned red and looked away from Christ. “What? I'm just giving you a small massage.” Elisia accepted the glass.

“Sorry if I didn't wake you. I can't bear to see you sleeping soundly. Looked like it tired you last night,” Christ apologized.

“It doesn’t matter. I'm used to getting up later than the others. Besides, there's nothing I can do in the morning,” Elisia argued.

Risk who noticed Elisia's presence stopped and approached the girl. “Elisia, you are already here.”

Elisia gave a glass of water to Risk. “Drink! I know you're tired.”

Risk took the glass and took a sip of water from it. “It took more than hard training to tire me out. Don't worry.”

“Okay, but you can train me after this? I want to test the strength of my skills,” Elisia asked.

“Okay. Christ has also finished and will continue later. You can start now.”

Elisia passed the glass to Christ and took out a fire spear. Risk put the glass on the grass, then Christ picked it up. They face each other. This time, Risk only trained with one sword. Elisia used the [Sixth Sense] skill to see Risk's abilities.

Risk

Level 41–Swordman

Max HP : 2107/2107

ATK : 972

DEF : 353

RES : 20%

Agility : 70

.

Skill used:

Blade of Calamity

ATK +70% and deal damage twice. After deal damage, Target will deal 3.5% of max HP per second.

.

Risk's ability sounded scary, but if she could endure that skill, it wouldn't be a problem. Risk started the attack by swinging the sword from above his head. Elisia blocked the attack using the spear shaft. Risk's sword emitted flames, and produced sparks when it rubbed against Elisia's spear. The girl pushed the sword forward and jumped back.

Elisia looked at the marks of the sword, still scarred and boiling. The [Fire Pendulum] dissipated a lot of heat, allowing Elisia held on to the part. After that, she used [Molten Flame] skill. Elisia continued to swing attacks, but always blocked by Risk. Elisia jumped far again, but Risk moved quickly and attacked Elisia with that skill.

Elisia endured the pain in her injured left arm. Risk wasn’t kidding in this exercise. The memory of the pain of Risk's attack flashed through Elisia's head, making her worry that it would seriously injure her a second time.

Finally, Elisia dashed towards him with the remaining duration of [Molten Flame] to finish the game. However, Risk swung the sword again from the top right. Elisia resisted the attack, creating a wave of fire. Christ even felt the intense heat.

Risk smiled and saw Elisia's head was bleeding again. The smile faded as Elisia moved her sword away from her spear and swung her weapon at Risk's stomach. It created a fairly large wound from it. Risk jumped back while holding his stomach, but the wound healed on its own thanks to his [Piece of Resistance]. But, Risk saw the sight of Elisia's unusual aura.

“Elisia, I think we should stop! This practice has gotten out of hand!” Risk warned.

Elisia silent for a moment as the spear returned to the pendulum. Her body limped until finally fell down to the ground. Christ approached Elisia and turned her body. Blood dripped from her left arm and head again, just like her first duel practice with the man. Risk gulped, because Upgrade and Rhino would scold again him for sure.

“Risk, we have to bring Elisia home!” Christ said frantically.

Risk nodded and walked over to the girl. He carried her in front of his body as walked to the house. Before her vision darkened, Elisia saw a notice that made her happy, mixed with confusion.

“New Achievement unlocked: Deathly Aura”

“Reward: ATK and DEF + 10, Player EXP +200”

.

Elisia opened her eyes again. She felt her limbs being wrapped in bandages on her chest and head. She touched that part and pain immediately hit her. The girl saw that she was in the room. There was no one to accompany her until Upgrade came to her.

“Elisia, thank goodness you're still alive,” he said.

Those words invited everyone to enter the room. Their faces had expressions of concern. Tevanny and Rhino approached Elisia, who was still lying down while carrying a bowl filled with food such as porridge and a glass of strange drink. The smell of that drink made everyone uncomfortable.

Before everyone could say anything, Elisia checked the stats again.

Elisia Naumann

Level 7 (1050/1200 exp)–Vanguard

Max HP : 766 /766

Stamina : 578/590

Skill Point (SP) : 95/130 (restores 7 minutes per SP)

ATK : 405

DEF : 229

RES : 10.3%

Agility : 45

.

Skills

Active Skills

1. Molten Flame (level 4 (250/700 exp))

SP Requires : 40

ATK +60% and every attack gains 40% chance to ignore 17% Enemy DEF.

Duration: 29 second

2. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 15)

3. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 25)

4. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 40

5. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 50)

Passive Skills

1. Sixth Sense (level 3 (250/600 exp))

Can see the level, basic stats (Max HP, ATK, DEF, and RES), and Skill used to other characters.

Duration: Passive

2. [Unknown]

(Unlocked in Level 10)

.

Equipment

1. Wool Jacket (not equipped)

2. Dublin Spear (saved)

3. Flame Pendulum (equipped)

4. Necklace of Fortune (equipped)

5. Book of Hex Aegis (available)

6. Monstra, Book of Monsters (available)

.

“Finally, you survived Risk's attack for the second time. I bring you a bowl of porridge,” Rhino said happily.

“Yes, I also bring you a painkiller drink, a recipe from the Grasswood ancestors,” Tevanny continued.

They put all the dishes on the bedside table. Upgrade checked Elisia's wounds. The pale man's hands emitted a green glow, and Elisia felt like her body was recovering to its former state. Upgrade helped Elisia sit on the edge of the bed. Everyone looked at her in relief.

“Elisia, are you okay?” Christ asked, who knelt before her.

Elisia smiled. “I'm fine.”

Rhino looked at Risk. “Risk, take your responsibility if Elisia gets hurt again. I won't let our queen suffer anymore.”

“Eh, it is not his fault, just like what happened before. I purposely let my body hurt so I can get stronger. This pain will remind me that the enemy will surely do the same to me. So, please don't blame Risk!” Elisia interrupted them both.

Christ became confused by Rhino's words, saying that Elisia was the queen. He turned to Upgrade, but the man was taking care of Elisia's body. He looked at Elisia's face, who was watching Upgrade.

“Elisia, I salute you for never giving up, even though your life is on the verge of death. I can't imagine how painful it would be to be in your position. You're great!” he praised.

Elisia smiled. “It's all thanks to my friends, who gave me the strength to keep going. I just want... to protect them all as a formidable Vanguard. I won't let the bad guys hurt them.”

Risk approached Elisia. “Elisia, in my heart, I have already refused to train you because you still young and you have a lot to learn about the harshness of this world. However, seeing the passion you showed me made me remember the past. You have awakened the old spirit that had set in me.”

Elisia looked at Risk with a smile. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were the only one who could help me face the harshness of this world. That's why I have to become strong.”

“Alright, enough of the small talk! Elisia has to rest, so everyone please leave the room!” Upgrade command.

“I will take care of Elisia-”

Risk grabbed Christ's shoulder, making him stop for a moment. “Let me do that. She is my responsibility. You can practice with Dao.”

“What? Dao?” Dao surprised.

“I know you study the art of melee combat to the highest level. It would be better if Christ got direct training from the experts,” Risk explained.

“Fine, Dao will do!” Dao patted Christ's shoulder. “Christ, Dao will teach you.”

Christ followed Dao out of the room. They left only Risk and Elisia in the room. Their togetherness was back again as before. The girl felt that Risk wanted to spend time together, taking care of her. The man took the bowl of porridge and fed Elisia.

After a little porridge remained, Elisia covered her mouth so that Risk wouldn't feed her again. The man placed the bowl on the table, then took the glass of Tevanny's potion. Elisia was a little disgusted by the strange smell of wheat burn, but Risk forced her to drink it. Finally, Elisia drank the strange potion, and it didn't taste too bad.

“Elisia, I have to admit, everything I said was true about you. I don't know why, but I feel like there's a warrior's blood running in your blood. If you remember your past, I will know who,” Risk divulged.

“Really? I don't remember my past. I've been having strange dreams and visions lately. I think it's a depiction of my past, it's just that I can't see it clearly.”

“Oh, what visions and dreams did you see? Tell me!”

“I was in a magnificent palace with all the luxurious furnishings. I met two people, a boy and a girl, who really loved me. I don't know who they are, but they are very good to me,” Elisia told.

Risk held his chin. “If Upgrade's words were true about Gwelissa and you, that meant you're a princess.”

“Me? A princess?”

“I think so, but you don't have to think about it. That's just my opinion,” Risk said, who didn't want to confuse Elisia.

“If I am a princess, what will-“

Risk covered Elisia's mouth so her voice wouldn't come out. “If it's true, keep your status in a secret! You don't have to think about it anymore. Recover first!”

Elisia nodded. Risk opened Elisia's mouth.

“Okay, but if all of that is true, promise me you'll never leave me.” Elisia raised her little finger.

Risk smiled and touched Elisia's pinky. “I promise.”

Risk got up from the chair and brought a bowl and glass. He left Elisia alone in the room for her recovery period. The girl laid down slowly until all her limbs relaxed. Before he left, Risk saw Elisia's aura, which was still as frightening as before.

“As expected, she is that one,” he muttered to himself.

...

Risk headed to the kitchen to put down the bowl and glass he had brought to the wash. He met Tevanny there who was peeling onions. Risk wanted to tell her something, but he remembered that it had to be kept secret.

“Tevanny, what did you put in Elisia's drink? It smells strange,” Risk asked, who was looking for a topic.

Tevanny turned around. “A Drink? Oh, I just use ginger and kencur for the mixture, then I stir it with the tea. The potion can reduce the pain of the wound. Does Elisia like that?”

Risk nodded slowly. “She drank it all down.”

“The effect will work in a few minutes. She will be healthy in time,” Tevanny said.

Then, Risk approached Upgrade’s room, which looked open. He knocked on the door and found Upgrade lying down, reading a book. The man glanced and raised his head slightly. Risk entered the room to share his findings.

“Upgrade, I think what you said about Elisia was right,” Risk said confidently.

“What do you mean? What are my words?” Upgrade remembered something and stared.

Risk nodded slowly, then Upgrade went to take the electronic components stored in the bag. He took out a bracelet that Elisia had used in Glomouth. He started working at the desk to disassemble the tool.

“I think you're right. We have to do something,” Risk said as getting worried.

“I understand. If we let it be, it will all be over.” Upgrade continued to tinker with the tool.

Upgrade repaired device with makeshift equipment. Each tiny wire had attached and assigned a special component that look like a chip. Risk was waiting for an answer from Upgrade about something that was bothering him. After waiting quite a while, Upgrade finished fixing the tool.

“Okay, I've made the device! If you have time to talk to Elisia, ask her to use it.”

“Wait, why me?”

“Because you are the right person.”