The next day, sunny with slightly cloudy skies, Elisia with Risk and Zach were preparing their bodies for the mission in the afternoon. As usual, Elisia was dueling with Risk in the front yard of the house while Zach was watching. Elisia's movements had gotten better since getting a lot of upgrades yesterday and her weapon usage had become more optimized.

Their swordfight grew more and more exciting until Dao and Rhino came to watch their fight as morning entertainment. Risk got overwhelmed by Elisia's abilities, which were much stronger than their previous training. She could parry easily each of his attacks.

Risk ended the duel by raising his unarmed right hand up. Elisia stopped with the spear pointed at her mentor. All the audience clapped. Elisia's face immediately turned red after several pairs of eyes witnessed it.

“You are great, Elisia! Looks like Gray Wolf can't beat the princess.” Violet sneered.

Risk just smiled in response to his comrade’s sarcasm. “I've been very serious in this duel. I think your abilities have gotten stronger since your last training at Grasswood.”

“Eh, is it that strong? I didn't expect that, but you're still the strongest because you're my mentor,” Elisia replied.

“Our relationship is no longer teacher and student. I only teach you basic skills, and you develop them yourself. I admire you.” Risk bowed to Elisia.

“Please stop, Risk! Whatever our relationship, we are still friends.” Elisia raised her thumb at Risk.

Rhino and Dao approached their little girl. They were happy with Elisia's achievements that were surpassing everyone else.

“Dao feels admiration for Elisia. It makes Dao even more confident to take care of Elisia with all my soul and doubt.”

“Yes, I feel that protecting you is a great honor. How about we go in and taste the cooking this morning? You must be tired from this long training.”

“I appreciate that, but I'm still training with Risk. Maybe I'll catch up after this.” Elisia refused.

“You've had enough practice for today. Save a lot of energy for later missions.” Risk replied.

“Okay. Thanks for practice today, Risk!” Elisia turned to Rhino. “What food did you make today?!”

Rhino smiled. “Let's go in and let you try it yourself. I've prepared a surprise for you.”

“Wow, that must be delicious food! I can't wait to taste it!”

After they walked into the house, Violet and Zach approached Risk. There was a conversation that could take place between them. Zach wrote on the paper again and handed it to Risk.

Is it true that she is Princess Elisia Naumann? She is very strong at her young age.

“When I first met her, she was indeed a princess. I can tell by the pendulum necklace she's wearing. But, ever since I trained her, she's much more than a princess,” Risk said.

“Do you know? Seeing her able to fight with techniques that are impossible for a beginner like her to master, I think she’s a warrior,” Violet commented.

“If you can see her aura, you can never sleep.” Risk smiled.

...

After enjoying the breakfast that Rhino made, Elisia went up to the rooftop to look for a place of light. She still wanted to work on her abilities to make sure her physique was ready. She checked the stats to see the slightest change.

Elisia Naumann

Level 11 (1300/1600 exp)–Vanguard

Max HP : 1064 /1064

Stamina : 630/640

Skill Point (SP) : 148/148

ATK : 480

DEF : 255

RES : 15.5%

Agility : 45

.

Skills

Active Skills

1. Molten Flame (level 7 (Max level))

SP Requires : 36

ATK +75% and every attack gains 40% chance to ignore 20% Enemy DEF.

Duration: 31 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 5 (Max Level))

Can see the level, full statistics, and all skills of other characters, including their weakness

Duration: Passive

2. Overheat substitution (Cannot be upgraded)

When 2 or more enemies within the radius 5 metres; ATK +10%, DEF +15%, and RES +5%. Deal 40% damage to enemies that attack her. When against a hostile enemy, ATK +100%, DEF +50%, gain 80% physical and art dodge, and reduces 40% Critical damage that attacks her.

Duration: Passive

.

Equipment

1. Wool Jacket (not equipped)

2. Dublin Spear (equipped)

3. Flame Pendulum (equipped)

4. Necklace of Fortune (equipped)

5. Book of Hex Aegis (available)

6. Monstra, Book of Monsters (available)

7. Telum Experto, Book of Weapons (available)

.

Elisia was still curious about how the [Overheat Substitution] skill worked. She had no time to test the skill with her friends to find out how strong this skill was, let alone to face the mission this afternoon. Enemies would attack her in large numbers.

Following Risk's words, Elisia read [Telum Experto] again to find information about other weapons. Every leaf had opened, but there was nothing new. She had only found ordinary weapons, and its abilities weren't that great either.

When looking at her [Fire Dublin Spear] weapon in the book, a unique piece of information discovered.

“I can upgrade Dublin Spear to Dragon Dublin Spear with items such as [Holy Fire of Profane] ×3, [Bipolar Star] ×5, [Magnificent Crystalline] ×1, and [Kryptadium Shard] ×10. Where can I get those things?”

Elisia read the continuation of the weapon upgrades. Turned out, upgrading her weapon could only do if she reached a minimum of level 30 with skill 2 having touched Break Limit 1. Maybe Elisia shouldn't think about it too much, there were still many other improvements she could get.

There was nothing interesting anymore, Elisia went down to the 1st floor. She was looking for Risk or whoever was relaxing. Just as she touched the door, Zach was already standing in front of her. He surprised Elisia that he flashed.

“Zach?! Huh, I thought someone else.” Elisia touched her chest.

Zach handed Elisia a piece of paper. Looking at the contents, it was the mute man's handwriting.

Are you relaxing? There are a few things I want to say.

Elisia nodded. Zach took Elisia's hand came to the room. Zach asked her to sit on the edge of the bed and That man gave her a piece of paper contained a long sentence. Elisia read it slowly and understood the contents of the message. Elisia didn't read everything, but the essence of the message was that Zach was anxious about Elisia's safety on the mission later.

“Zach, you don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself. After all, we can take care of each other. Maybe many think that I'm a princess and can't take care of myself. It's just an untrue assumption.” Elisia respond to a letter from Zach.

Zach handed her another piece of paper that had been written earlier.

But what if you can't take care of yourself while your friends let their guard down on you? Actually, I strongly oppose Risk's decision to take you on this mission, but Risk is one of the most influential people among us.

“Risk has spent a lot of time with me, so I think he already knows a lot about me. He has a worried side, just like you, but the other side is very confident that I can do it. I trust him.”

Zach sighed. He gave the last paper from his pocket to Elisia. It was smaller and contained only a few words.

If that's the case, I guess nothing can stop you. Take care of yourself and call my name. I will come to help you.

Elisia smiled, reading that sentence. She looked at Zach's smiling face and opened his mouth.

“Good... luck...” Zach's hoarse voice finally came out.

Elisia was so happy that she hugged Zach. The man didn't dodge and let Elisia catch his body. The girl was happy to know Zach, who was like a human version of Dao to her.

Zach also felt happy because a princess hugged him. He let go of Elisia's arms and ran out of the room. Elisia chuckled and lay down on the bed. The sentence that Zach wrote made her think about the worst conditions that could happen to the mission later.

“I think I should learn the ability to detect enemies from all directions in order to reduce attacks from behind,” Elisia muttered, “But, is there enough time?”

...

The time had shown noon. Everyone had finished their lunch. The table cleared so that it became a place to make plans for the afternoon. Elisia waited for the cleaning to finish while reading Hex Aegis.

Considering that she was already at level 11, Elisia was looking for a new skill name that would be unlocked when she reached level 15. There was no information about the new skill yet. However, some clues had been found regarding this new skill from the description of other skills, such as fire base, range increased, and being able to attack over one target.

The sign, she realized, they had cleared the table of cutlery and everyone was back together. Elisia closed her book, then joined the crowd. Captain Hans stood before everyone again.

“In three hours later, we will carry out the 'Behind Bandit Lines' mission at four o'clock this afternoon. Dao had already gone there to observe the situation in the warehouse. The plan is still the same as last night. Zach and Upgrade will be guests at the weapons auction.”

“Also, we've already found them an event uniform. You just have to put it on later,” Violet continued.

“For the waiting assailants, Risk and I will try to knock out the guards at the back of the warehouse. After that, Rhino and the rest will move towards the garbage disposal door. Before entering, Violet will observe the situation from a distance. If it's safe, Risk will open the door right after Violet tells Zach to open the garage behind the warehouse.”

Everyone nodded. Elisia was still not clear about the instructions given. However, since she was with Dao and Rhino, it wouldn't be a problem as long as she followed them.

[The communication device] on the table rang. Captain took it and pressed the button beside it.

“You can submit a report!”

“The guards have been in the warehouse area. There are quite several of them and it looked like they were from one organization with the logo on their left arm. Dao still observing their movements!”

“Have you seen a large vehicle or anything entering the area?”

“A large truck had entered the warehouse area. The workers unloaded several large boxes from that. There is one box that has a certain symbol, which Dao guesses it is the weapon we are looking for.”

“Continue your observation!” Captain closed communication.

Upgrade took the communication device from Captain's hand to contact Dao again. “Upgrade to the Dao!”

“Dao on position. Roger!”

“What kind of organization logo do you see? Send me your vision!”

“Right. Dao will send it right away.”

Communication cut off again. Everyone became curious about the meaning of Upgrade command earlier. The pale man returned to his original position. Everyone looked at Captain Hans again.

“Well. That's our plan. If something bad happens, run aggressive protocol. Any question?”

Elisia raised her hand. “What is aggressive protocol?”

Risk looked at Elisia's innocent face. “It is not uncommon for us to make mistakes in missions that end in the destruction of all the plans that have designed from the start. If that happens, we will have to fight with all our might to escape. That's aggressive protocol.”

"But in some circumstances, aggressive protocol can also mean that we order all troops to clear all enemies for the sake of achieving success in the mission,” Captain continued, “We have to eliminate all the enemies in the location.”

Elisia tilted her head. “So if we started the protocol, we can kill as many enemies as we can?”

“True, but you also have to take care of yourself. Don't let us get carried away in eliminating the enemy, so that we forget that it can trigger a warning alarm that can actually be more dangerous,” Captain answered.

Elisia understood the new term. In her heart, there was a shudder that affected her mind to retreat and stay home for safety. However, everyone had believed in her. Don't let her decision lead to disappointment. Plus, Elisia also had to increase her level.

The meeting was closed with all hands stretched out on the table. Each palm touched the back of the other hand, then they lifted it together. They immediately left the room to prepare.

Elisia was invited by Risk to the first floor to check the equipment she would use later. The girl was curious about what equipment they would give to her. She hoped it wasn't difficult equipment to use.

The first floor was messy because Violet was looking for something. Risk and Elisia looked at her in surprise.

“What are you looking for?” Risk asked.

Violet turned. “I’m looking for the box that contained my Enfield sniper rifle. I saw it was among the piles of boxes here last time.”

Elisia saw a long box with Violet's name on it on the metal shelf. “Is that the box you are looking for?”

Violet looked at where Elisia's index finger was pointing. She was immediately happy as she lowered the box. She put down the wooden box and opened it. A black gun with a small pair of binoculars on it immediately greeted everyone's eyes.

[Enfield Sniper Rifle]

Leaving Violet, who was arranging her weapons, Risk showed Elisia some of the equipment that Elisia would use, such as a mask, body armor, and a small communication device. Elisia noticed things she had never seen before.

[Mask]

[Armor Suit level 3]

[Communicate Radio Portable]

“What is this mask for?” Elisia asked.

“Put it on your face and let the enemy not recognize you. We move in silence and attack without realizing it. Identity is one of the most sensitive things for us. Try not to let the bandits see your face directly!”

Elisia saw a small communication device comprising wires connected to two round objects at the ends. Risk took the device to attach it to Elisia's ear canal. The coldness of the skin of the round object tickled the girl's ear until she pulled the cord of the device.

“Do I have to use this equipment?” Elisia annoyed with it.

“As means of communication between all members, you must use it. If something happens to you, you can call us. If you don't like it, then you should always be near Dao or Rhino so that your safety is guaranteed.”

Elisia looked at all the equipment again. Maybe she won't be wearing [Wool Jacket], but wearing this [Armor Suit Level 3]. It looked narrower and thicker than a regular jacket. She put it on to make sure. The combat clothes were quite comfortable and cool.

“It really suits you.” Risk praised. “You should also wear pants so your thighs don't get scratched.”

“Allright.” Elisia took off the [Armor Suit Level 3] and took [Telum Experto].

According to the book, [Armor Suit] was a special anti-attack outfit that could give the user additional DEF and RES, such as providing physical and magical attack resistance effects. Elisia looked at the outfit's stats using Telum Experto, that corresponded to her abilities.

Armor Suit

Level 3

Max HP +500

DEF +70%

RES +15%

ATK +7%

.

Speciality:

1. Gain 60% physical and magic dodge.

2. When combining with passive skill 2, gain 40% physical and magic resist, max HP +800

.

The additional buff given by the item quite stunned Elisia. With this, Elisia would be hard to harm. The girl understood why Risk cared so much for her safety, even though she could take care of herself. This mission must be dangerous for an innocent teenager like her.

In her reverie, the sound of shooting from Violet's rifle startled Elisia. When she turned around, the gun had smoked from its muzzle. She also saw the woman's hand tugging at the bottom of the rifle scope. A long object came out of it.

“The rifle still good. Since when did you have it?” Risk asked who was watching.

“I've had it since I first got here. I did not know that mercenaries group once inhabited this building. Don't know who, but Captain Hans said that we can use all the stuff here.”

Elisia approached Violet. “Is that weapon difficult to use?” she asked.

Violet chuckled at Elisia's innocent question. “That said, it's hard to use. You must have strong fingers to pull the trigger and the sleeve. Your shoulders must also be strong to withstand the thrust of this rifle.”

“After all, that weapon doesn't match your class as a Vanguard. Only Gunners can use it. In fact, I can't even use it,” Risk continued.

“Hmmm…, you're telling lies! I hope Pinocchio doesn't curse your nose so long,” Violet teased.

“Will not! I don't believe in that mythical story!” Risk pushed Elisia's body up to the second floor. “Let's prepare another one!”

They left Violet alone on the first floor with her rifle. Elisia became more and more curious about who Risk was and he had a lot of great experiences. However, she couldn't ask for that directly.

“Risk, what are we going to prepare next?” Elisia asked as she continued walking.

Risk stopped in his tracks. “I think that's enough. After this, you can wait three hours for the mission we will face together. Toughen your heart!” Risk left without looking back.

Elisia becomes curious about Risk's past, which seems quite sad. The little girl's heart could feel the feelings that touched him. After this mission is over, maybe they should chat more often so that nothing covered up again.

Now Elisia just needed to wait. She sat on the wooden crate near the stairs and opened the Telum Experto. She loved for the book from the first sight made her not want to take the eyes off it.

When looking at the [Greatsword of Sully], something surprisingly discovered...