A heavily armed Sicilian herded into the streets near the border between Elisia and her friends. They disarmed the carrier and examined the body. When the Sicilian wanted to touch the [Fire Pendulum], his hands burned. Elisia smiled, amused.

“Hey, Release this necklace!” One of the Sicilian commanded.

“If I could, I would have taken it off long ago. It's a curse necklace,” Elisia replied.

“Whether it's a curse, release the necklace or I'll kill you here!” The Sicilian clapped his fist.

“Hey, don't be rude to women!” Risk stepped forward to challenge the Sicilian.

Suddenly, his back hit by another Sicilian and fell to his knees. Elisia surprised when see her friend and her teeth slanted. The Sicilians laughed while kicking Risk's body. There was nothing to do but watch their friends get beaten up. Elisia couldn't endure this sight, but she couldn't fight it.

Elisia noticed the distraught expressions of her friends. Captain looked more lethargic with his head always lowered. Elisia felt that it was her fault that her friends had to undertake this dangerous mission just to get her away from Tanin. She also saw Risk lying helpless after being beaten by the Sicilians.

However, there was something that made Elisia confused and curious. Where were Zach and Dao?

Under quite tense circumstances, the Markman came with their leader, . Elisia remembered that they knew who she was. Anxiety filled her heart, but her mind had to stay focused.

The Markman watched all the captives intently. It focused his attention on Elisia. Suddenly, the girl pulled from the crowd.

“I did not know that you were in the capture of these survivors. Why do you have to commit a crime like this if you can come with us?” The Elite Markman smiled evilly at Elisia.

“Why did I follow you? You guys are just a bunch of useless people aiming for a silly contest. Let me go!”

The Elite Markman tugged at Elisia's hair. “Listen, princess! I know your journey back to Gwelissa. Eventually, you will definitely get there. If you come with us, you won't have to go on a tiring journey with people you don't even know well.”

“They are my friends. I will go with them.” Elisia giggled at her stance.

“You are wasting your time and energy by walking so far. I will pamper you with luxurious facilities and guarantees of safety for your Gwelissa's return. You are a princess, and princesses should be treated well.” The Markman continued to make offers.

“I would rather die with my friends than follow your wishes. That way, you won't get anything.”

It surprised risk to hear that. “Elisia? What are you saying?”

“Okay. As you wish, milady.” Elite Markman threw Elisia's body to the ground and looked back. “Call the Markman gunners here!”

Upgrade crawled to Elisia. “What did you just say? Do you want to die?!”

Elisia smiled. “Upgrade, tell Dao that I really love him.”

“Please, My Liege! Don't say goodbye to us!” Rhino cried.

Elisia turned to Captain Hans. “Hans, tell Zach that his jacket should always be washed.”

With a feeling of resignation, Captain turned to the side. But there was only Violet nearby. Likewise, with Upgrade, who also confused because there was no Dao nearby. They both woke up and smiled.

The Markman approached them with crossbows equipped with machine-gun bullets. Elite Markman raised his right hand, causing the armed forces to point their guns at Elisia and company. The cock of the mixed weapon sounded loud.

“This is the last chance, Princess Elisia! Do you want to come with us, or die a corpse with these people of unknown origin?!”

Elisia turned. “Do what you want to do! You need to know, there will be someone who will avenge my death someday!”

“Is that true?” Elite Markman raised his right eyebrow.

Suddenly, one of Markman hit as if it had hit him hard. His body threw away from the other Markman. Elite Markman shocked. After that, a sword slash that landed on his back attacked one of Markman. Blood dripped from the body.

“What… What the hell is going on?!” Elite Markman was furious. “Call the Sicilian army here!”

The Sicilian army of about ten people started running towards their leader. But the attacks rained down again on them until there were none left. Elite Markman grew even more furious and grabbed Elisia's jacket collar.

“What are you planning, you little brat?!”

“Hah, I planned nothing. They planned it.” Elisia glanced to the left.

Risk hit the Elite Markman's body and fell to the ground. Then, he finished the remaining Markman using his bare hands and high (Agility). All the guards defeated. Captain gestured with a swing of his arms forward to retrieve their weaponry.

The Elite Markman crawled towards the communication device held by one of Markman. Now and then, he glanced at the border wall adorned with the corpses of Sicilian, who had been defeated by Zach and Dao in the shadows. The communication device was in hand, but destroyed by Violet's gunshot.

Elisia approached Risk, who had bruises on his face from the blows from the Sicilians. She checked Risk's stats using [Sixth Sense].

Risk

Level 41–Swordman

Max HP : 2007/2107

ATK : 972

DEF : 353

RES : 20%

Agility : 70

.

“Risk, are you okay? You're seriously injured,” Elisia asked worriedly.

“Don't worry about me. I'm used to this kind of situation.” Risk received a throw of his two swords from Captain.

“Time to fight again, soldier!” the Captain said excitedly.

Violet joined them, who was pointing a gun at the Elite Markman. He was so helpless that he dared not move anywhere. However, Elisia felt that something was more dangerous than before, as evidenced by [Overheat Substitution] which was continuously active.

“Are you still interested in inviting Elisia? Sorry, but the little girl would be happier with us,” Violet said proudly.

“I guess... you won. I should have known that this wasn't the right mission for my men,” Elite Markman retorted.

“Who ordered you?” Upgrade asked firmly.

“You guys really want to know who my Lord is? Fine, I'll tell you!” Elite Markman's hand touched one of the shirt buttons.

Warning alarm sounded. A large Sicilian army arrived. The team set up a circular formation to be ready to fight. Elite Markman just smiled as he pressed another button.

“I hope you're fine. See you later!” Elite Markman disappeared.

“That person is so lacking! I'll beat him if I see him again,” Rhino annoyed.

“Prepare your shield, soldier! Time to execute the Aggressive Protocol!” Captain ordered.

They started the plan again. Elisia replaced [Fire Dublin Spear] with [Greatsword of Sully]. She raised it to head height. Flame energy gathered on the sword. Rhino put up double shields to protect Elisia, while Dao finished Sicilian, who tried to get close. For the rest, they overcame the Sicilians who came in large numbers.

The energy had already collected half to be released into the wall. Several Sicilians started running towards Elisia. Dao was struggling with so many people alone until Zach came to his aid. The sword's energy had reached its maximum and ready to be unleashed. But Elisia had to wait for the Captain's command.

Captain came to Elisia. “What are you waiting for? Release now!”

Rhino took off all his shields, then Elisia slammed the sword on the ground. Huge waves of fire shot toward the brick wall. Everyone was silent, watching the slash of the super large fire. The attack blasted the wall to smithereens.

Elisia's body weakened with (Stamina) being depleted a lot. Rhino caught Elisia's body and carried her in front of the body. Half-dying, Elisia could hear Captain's voice.

“Good! Now it's time for you to run through that wall! Zach will lead you!” Captain ordered.

After taking of some Sicilians, Risk and Upgrade ran towards the ruins of the wall. Dao and Rhino followed behind. Captain and Violet blocked the remaining Sicilian from following them.

Elisia recovered on her own and asked Rhino to put her down. She saw Captain fighting alone to hold off the Sicilians. The man looked up and smiled at her. From here, Elisia felt happy. She saw Captain Hans' stats for the first time.

Hans

Level 35–Fighter

Max HP : 589/2089

ATK : 809

DEF : 314

RES : 0%

Agility : 50

.

Skill used:

Mountain Stance

ATK +60%, DEF +10%, Physical Dodge +70%

.

They carried Elisia running into a narrow alley between the gaps of large stones. Her gaze at Captain had disappeared and replaced by a dark, cold atmosphere. In her heart, she would never forget Captain Hans' kindness as the great leader of Siraca's special forces. If they meet again, Elisia would give him full appreciation.

After Captain and Violet escaped, the Elite Markman reappeared among the Sicilians. Everyone respected him. He seemed to holding a phone and was calling with someone called Boss.

“Boss, forgive the Sicilian for letting Princess Elisia escape and enter the Runga region. We couldn't hold back her strong friends.”

“It doesn’t matter. Let her pass. I have prepared other plans.”

...

After moving away from the border area, Elisia and friends walked through the prairie area that led to the residential area. They kept walking until they stopped at a small lake. They did rest after tired of fighting with Sicilian.

Elisia sat on a medium rock while checking all her equipment. Dao gave her a bottle of water taken from the lake. The taste of the water was fresh, like river water in Glomouth. In a relaxed atmosphere, Elisia received a message.

“Mission completed!”

“Battle Result:”

“Tanin Border has destroyed. Run through the border has completed.”

“Reward: Player EXP +1000, Skill EXP +500.”

.

“New Achievement Unlocked: Border Breaker.”

“Reward: Player EXP +400, Skill EXP + 100”

.

“Congratulation, your level up to 20”

“Bonus: DEF +8, Max HP limit +16, Stamina limit +10, Skill Points limit +6.”

“Max HP, Stamina, and Skill Points restores!”

.

Elisia was happy with her current achievements. She became stronger on the long, tiring journey. Even though she had to part with Captain Hans and Violet, the girl had to keep going. The journey was still very far.

“Good job, guys! We can cross the border. Hopefully, they don't come after us,” Risk said. “Zach, where is our next trip?”

Zach pointed towards the urban settlement across the lake. The lights of the buildings greeted their gaze. The buildings that were visible from where they were towering. A frenzy sounded from their position.

“Wow, this region is modern!” Rhino praised.

“So where are you taking us?” Risk turned to Zach.

Zach handed Risk a piece of paper. Risk reading it.

We will meet one of Captain's colleagues who lives in this region. I already messaged him. When our break is over, we will continue our journey.

Risk looked back. “Well. Are your break done?”

Elisia stood up from the rock. “Done!”

Everyone followed Elisia. “Yes, we are!”

Risk turned to Zach and nodded. Zach walked first across the lake. Everyone followed the quiet man's footsteps leisurely. Elisia didn't feel any sign of danger from [Overheat Substitution], thus thinking that this region was safe. He led everyone into the alley.

A more modern urban environment with clean streets welcomed them. The alley they passed didn't smell like garbage. Elisia felt comfortable with this situation. She wondered what could find in the Runga region.

On the way, Zach seemed to scratch the back of his head and looking everywhere. This made everyone, including Elisia, curious. Risk approached his fellow soldier.

“Is there any problem?”

Zach scribbled on the paper quickly, then handed it to Risk.

We should have met him, but I think we come too soon.

“Him? Who is ‘him’?” Risk asked.

Suddenly, an arrow shot towards them. Risk jumped back. Seeing his friend's behavior made everyone take out their weapons. They formed a circular formation.

Someone came down from the building with a crossbow aiming at them. Everyone faced forward and held their weapons. Elisia looked at that person's stats. Apparently, that man was an Archer.

Zach relaxed looking at the man and walked over to him. But the man aimed his crossbow at Zach.

“Stop right there!” The man said. “Say the secret code!”

“What?” Risk surprised.

“Tell me the secret code, or I'll kill you here!”

Risk whispered to Zach. “Did Captain leave you any codes?”

Zach shook his head. Risk looked straight at the man. Things got thrilling with everyone staring at the mysterious man. Elisia waited for Risk's instructions to attack him, but the girl thought that he wasn't a bad person.

After a few minutes of staring, the man lowered his aim.

“I'm just kidding. Welcome to the Runga region! My codename is Scott. Nice to meet you!”

Everyone astonished when they saw the man. Zach walked up to him and gave him a high-five. After that, Scott walked up to Risk and saw his face.

“You must be Risk. A member of the Special Assault division in Siraca Special Forces! You must have known me as Hawkeye when I was still active as a sniper,” Scott said.

“Hawkeye, huh? I didn't expect you to live here after being missing for so long,” Risk replied.

“It all happened in a flash scene.” Scott turned to Elisia. “Wait a minute, is this Princess Elisia, The Eldest Child of the Naumann family of Gwelissa?”

“You're looking at her,” Risk said.

Scott knelt before Elisia. “Greetings, My Liege! Please accept my service while living in this region.”

“Eh, please stop calling me that! I'm just an ordinary person, just like you. Treat me like an ordinary person.” The call annoyed Elisia.

“As you wish, My Liege!”

“Well. I think Elisia need a place to rest to stretch her muscles. Do you have one?” Risk asked.

“Oh, almost forgot! Follow me!” Scott walked into the alley ahead.

The journey back continued. Elisia could listen to nearby town activities. This region seemed friendly to this little girl. The exploration environment was getting wider and more interesting. Adventures would be very fun here.

After passing through a wide, winding alley, they arrived at a simple apartment built into an alley. They could see the main street of the region at the end of the alley. Scott opened the door and greeted the people inside. He also asked everyone to come in.

The room in the apartment was quite spacious, with minimalist furniture. There was a stove, kitchen table, refrigerator, and kitchen utensils. It took them to another room, which was a larger gathering room. They served the food on the table.

“Take off all your things and wash your hands! I want you to enjoy this banquet as a welcome to our apartment!” Scott said kindly.

“Our?” Elisia whispered in her heart.

“Yes, welcome to our apartment! I hope you enjoy being here!” A woman came down the stairs.

Scott turned around and surprised. “My dear, I told you don't have to greet them with such an elegant appearance!”

“It’s okay, honey! They are your guests. I must welcome them well,” The woman replied.

Scott looked back at everyone. “Introducing, she is my wife. People used to call her Betty, but her codename is Province.”

“Greetings all! You must be tired after fighting at the border and walking here. Let's enjoy all this food!”

“Allright. We will take off our things first.” Risk pointed back.

“Okay. We will wait here!”

Risk pushed everyone to the back door. Elisia felt something made her mentor suspicious. Everyone walked to the back door and started a discussion.

“Zach, is he the person you're referring to? I feel annoyed with his attitude," Upgrade said.

Zach shrugged as he nodded. That answer confused everyone.

“But…, I don't think there's any harm if we stay here. We need a place to stay, right?” Rhino mediate the discussion.

“You're right, but being suspicious is necessary. We have to determine whether Scott is dangerous,” Upgrade said.

“He's not a bad person, because he's my partner, too. But he had been missing for fifteen years. I didn't think that he lived here," Risk said.

“I also think the same as Rhino. We still have a long way to go and we need a place to stay. We can trust them for a while until the circumstances answer everything,” Elisia said.

Everyone looked at each other. Elisia had to say this so that they would stop arguing and accept Scott, even though he was new to her. The girl remembered the first time she met Captain Hans, with Violet and Zach. Elisia also knew, but gradually got used to them.

Upgrade walked over to Elisia. “Okay. We will stay here for a while. I think we can trust Scott and Province.”

Elisia smiled at Upgrade's answer. They took off their jackets and body-attached attributes, then washed their hands at the outside faucet. After that, they took entering the gathering room. Scott and Province had already welcomed them.

“Please sit down and enjoy our food!”

Elisia sat between Risk and Scott. She took one food with the name [Chicken Stick]. Elisia's tongue swayed with the savory taste of the food. Scott poured water on Elisia.

During dinner, Province kept staring at Elisia's face. The girl felt uncomfortable, but amazed by the natural beauty of the purple-haired woman. Province approached her and grabbed Elisia from behind.

“You must be Elisia, The Crown Princess of the Naumann family of Gwelissa. I've heard a lot about you from the people here,” Province said.

“Really? I-I didn't expect that.”

Province pressed Elisia's nose. “For you, call me Vivi. I will take care of you like our own child.”

Elisia continued to eat a quiet dinner with her new family. She could feel warmth, making her reminisce about the past. Her parents used to take Elisia for dinner together in the royal dining room. They shared food and fed each other. Sadness enveloped her heart again, but Elisia had to stay strong.

After dinner, Province brought Elisia to a room on the second floor. The door opened, and the simple room spoiled her eyes. Province asked Elisia to try the mattress. The comfort and softness directly touched Elisia's body. Her drowsiness attacked.

“This is your room during your stay here. If you need anything, just tell me,” Province pointed in the room.

“Yes. Thank you, Vivi.”

Province pulled a thick blanket to cover Elisia's body. Her eyes were getting heavy and her mouth was yawning. The long struggle and journey must have had exhausted her body. After that, Province brought her face close to Elisia's head. The night kiss landed on the girl's forehead.

Province left Elisia and closed the door. Elisia blushed at Province's behavior. Her kiss felt like her mother's kiss when she wanted to sleep. Old memories just came and made Elisia difficult to sleep.

“Vivi remind me of my mother, and she makes me happy.”