Novels2Search

21. What is Love?

In the evening, after the party ended, Elisia and her friends packed up the cooking utensils to bring into the house. They had brought home the tables, along with the frying pans and cooking pots. Elisia brought other kitchen utensils. She put it in the kitchen. After that, everyone sat in the dining room together.

“The party went well. Maybe we can do it again somewhere else,” Rhino commented the party.

“I feel good to make other people happy,” Risk said. “Elisia, how did you come up with such a party idea?”

“Well, I only thinking about how kind the Grasswood villagers was, so it would be best if we repay the kindness,” Elisia replied.

“Looks like I can't doubt you anymore. If you have other ideas, just say it,” Upgrade said from behind.

Elisia's body responded to the sleepiness in her body by yawning many times. Tevanny approached the girl.

“You're getting sleepy. If you want to sleep, I've already rolled out a sleeping rug in the room,” Tevanny ordered.

“Okay, thank you.”

“Upgrade, where are our next destination from here?” Risk asked.

Upgrade into the room to picked up the map. He came out with a wide sheet of paper. The pale-skinned man was paying close attention.

“We have two destinations here, to Hanoi and Tanggon. The distance between them is same, but the one that fits our route is Tanggon, because it connected the route to Po village,“ explained Upgrade.

“Okay, we'll go to Tanggon after we're done here,” Risk said, drawing a conclusion.

“I suggest you guys hitch a ride with Mr. Pata. I heard that he wanted to go to Tanggon country in a week after collecting hay. He is a freight forwarder. You might ride with him,” Tevanny suggested.

“Great idea!” Rhino responded.

“Dao also accept it,” Dao replied.

“I will say that to Mr. Pata tomorrow,” Tevanny said.

After a warm conversation in the dining room, everyone returned to their evening activities. Elisia laid on the mattress carpet that Tevanny laid in the room. However, the drowsiness vanished. Her mind was being filled with the face of the young boy she had chatted with at the party earlier. She felt her heart beat faster than usual, like she was fighting.

“Tevanny, do you think it's natural for us to be with a boy, then my heart beats faster?” Elisia asked innocently.

Tevanny smiled at Elisia's question. The girl became surprised, then she sat to the left of Tevanny to wait for an answer. The woman put down the blanket she had folded.

“Do you know about love?” Tevanny asked back.

Elisia scratched her head. “Love? What's that?”

Tevanny smiled even more. “How do I explain this? To be sure, when you meet a boy, you will get a different reaction. If you feel weird, like your heart is beating faster and your face is red, it's love.”

“Love is something that can't be described in words,” Risk said from the door.

“Or like this, your friends' affection for you is also love. They care about you until they finally pay full attention to you.” Tevanny continued.

“So is it love? Does that mean if I love you, it's love too?” Elisia asked.

“Exactly. Now you are at the highest level of love, which likes a boy.”

“Then what should I do?” Elisia asked again.

Tevanny and Risk looked at each other. Risk entered the room and sat on the bed. The two of them didn't know how to answer Elisia's innocent question. They looked at Elisia, who was waiting for the answer to her question. They looked at each other, then smiled together.

“Do you remember when you asked me about my relationship with Tevanny?” Risk asked.

“Yes, I do. You said that you liked Tevanny.”

“I feel the same way as you. My heart beats faster and my mind becomes chaotic. That is love. We can't explain it. You are the one who can determine for yourself what love is,” Risk explained.

“He's right, and love is blind. Be careful,” Tevanny continued.

Elisia didn't understand what they were saying, but this question seemed to had asked of someone before. She couldn't remember who or what the answer was. However, Elisia didn't want to think about that and took [Hex Aegis] to read.

Risk left immediately after Upgrade summoned him. Tevanny folded the white cloth again and piled it on the bed.

This time, she read about how to read the opponent's movements. Elisia found that this ability didn’t need to be mastered well, as it reserved this ability for other classes. This book only explained the basics of reading movement.

The book said that in reading moves, Elisia should be able to describe possible moves just by looking at her opponent's position. She must paid attention to all the limbs from top to bottom. Nothing could miss. If she understood, then Elisia could withstand the attacks that were aimed at her.

Tevanny watched Elisia, who was actively reading the book. “What did you read from the book?” she asked.

Elisia turned. “I read about basic skills in fighting. This book helped me learn skills, and Risk taught me.”

“Wow, it seems you have a close relationship with Risk,” Tevanny said. “How did you get to meet Risk and his friends?”

“I met Risk because of an incident. He saved me from the bandits and took me to his house in Glomouth. I met Upgrade, Rhino, and Dao there. Our relationship grew even closer because of the incident.”

“Your friendship is full of tragedies,” Tevanny commented. “Do you know what Risk likes?”

“I don't really know because Risk's nature is secretive. He seems to like anything, as long as it is fighting and strength,” Elisia guessed.

Tevanny was silent for a moment, then got up from the bed to go outside. Elisia went back to reading [Hex Aegis]. In fact, she had learned a lot from Hex Aegis to the higher levels. For the rest, she just needed to check the skill upgrades in the book.

Elisia Naumann

Level 6 (750/1100 exp)–Vanguard

Max HP : 750 /750

Stamina : 579/580

Skill Point (SP) : 124/124

ATK : 370

DEF : 194

RES : 10,2%

Agility : 45

.

Skills

1. Active Skills

1. Molten Flame (level 3 (250/600 exp))

SP Requires : 42

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

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

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)

2. Passive Skills

1. Sixth Sense (level 2 (150/500 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)

.

“My skills are getting better after training for many times with Risk. I think I should practice more diligently starting today. Tomorrow, I will take Risk to practice,” Elisia muttered.

Reading [Hex Aegis] made her feel sleepy. She closed the book and laid down on the sleeping rug with the blankets straight on. Elisia tried to close her eyes, but the thought of love still haunted her. Elisia thought about the young boy she was talking to earlier. He introduced himself earlier that his name was Christian.

“He was very polite and kind. He listened to all my stories and was always smiling. Otherwise, he was handsome too,” Elisia muttered. “Eh, what did I say?!”

Elisia turned her body to the right and left to find a comfortable position to sleep in. However, the image of Christian continues to haunt her mind. The girl had understood Risk's explanation, which made her heart flutter again. Finally, she slept and yawn. She used this opportunity to be immersed in a dream.

The morning arrived. Tevanny opened the bedroom window and let the cold air in. Elisia woke up from a deep sleep, accompanied by a breath of fresh air. Her lungs felt refreshed, and her eyes opened wider. She got out of bed.

Elisia stood up to head for the dining room. She heard spoons and pans scraping as the girl sat down. She took the teapot and poured water into the glass provided. A fragrant aroma wafted into her nose, showing that the food was delicious when it entered her mouth.

Tevanny approached Elisia, who was waiting for her breakfast. “Elisia, have you seen Risk?”

Elisia shook her head with a face that was still mess. Tevanny got annoyed seeing it.

“Wash your face in the bathroom!” she said.

Elisia got up and headed to the bathroom. She held water in her palms, then washed her face from forehead to tip of chin. Cold water ran down the face, causing her body to shiver. Then, she came back with a bright face. Tevanny smiled seeing her.

“Now you look clean. Rhino will prepare breakfast for all of us soon,” Tevanny said again.

Elisia sat beside Tevanny while sipping the rest of the water she poured earlier. The girl touched her pendulum, feeling colder than usual. Maybe Elisia was safe. The round thing didn't show any response. Elisia also checked her stats, which always intrigued her.

Elisia Naumann

Level 6 (750/1100 exp)–Vanguard

Max HP : 750 /750

Stamina : 579/580

Skill Point (SP) : 124/124

ATK : 370

DEF : 194

RES : 10,2%

Agility : 45

.

Nothing had changed during her sleep, and she didn't seem like she was dreaming of anything. Elisia's mind felt clearer and made her more sensitive. Apart from that, no strange memories came to haunt her. However, the image of Christ came back.

“If I ever see him again, I'd love to spend time with him.” Elisia shook her head. “Geez, what's going through my mind?!”

Tevanny felt movement from Elisia beside her and turned her head. “Elisia, is something wrong?”

Elisia turned to Tevanny with a slightly red face. Tevanny was suddenly anxious, but Elisia informed her she was fine with a wave of the hand. Tevanny understood, but her expression became a mischievous smile. The girl became embarrassed.

“Why are you looking at me with that face?” Elisia asked.

“No, I just thought that you were thinking of someone. Your face describes it.”

“No! I'm just shivering from the cold water!” Elisia didn't want to admit it.

Finally, the food served on the table. Rhino started summoning Upgrade, who was still in the room. Without thinking, Elisia devoured the warm egg fried rice. The savory taste and slightly sweet made Elisia like it. Rhino's cuisine was unrivaled. Now, the stomach filled and ready to run the activity.

After drinking, Elisia took the dishes to the kitchen to wash. She immediately dipped the plate into the bucket of water and tried to wash the plate. Even though it was her first time washing her own cutlery, the girl was trying to do it well. Tevanny, who followed, saw her little friend. Elisia turned around and surprised.

She immediately left Tevanny and looked for Rhino. The big man was still eating breakfast with Upgrade. Elisia approached him.

“Rhino, have you seen Risk?” Elisia asked.

“No, I haven't seen him this morning,” Rhino replied.

“He usually trains since early this morning, and comes back when he's hungry,” Upgrade answered.

Elisia ran to the front of the house. It turned out to be true what Upgrade said. The gray-haired man was dancing while swinging a sword, just like the one she saw a few days ago. The girl approached Risk hoping to join the practice. There, she also saw Dao watching.

“Dao!” she called.

Dao turned around. “Elisia, good morning! Nice day to get started on this sunny morning!”

“Are you training with Risk?”

“No, Dao just watching. Risk asks Dao to learn some moves to Dao.”

“Looks fun!” Elisia stood beside Dao to watch Risk.

Elisia watched every hand and foot movement of her skilled mentor. The girl wondered how long Risk had trained that ability to fight with two swords. In fact, the two swords emitted different auras, with the right sword being white and red, and the left sword being black with purple smoke. Every swing of his sword seemed in rhythm with the surrounding atmosphere.

After finishing the move, Risk turned to Dao. Elisia's presence made Risk surprised, and gave a small smile.

“How did you sleep last night? Good?” Risk asked.

“Restfully. I woke up refreshed,” Elisia replied.

“I'm sure you saw my move earlier. It's called Art of Sword, it's useful for training the coordination between your limbs. Since you're using a spear, it has another term, but the point is the art of movement.”

“Dao had also studied sword arts while still in O-tiS laboratory. Dao still holds it in the memory section.” Dao pointed at his head.

“So that's the name. Hex Aegis also explained about the movement, but I don't really understand it,” answered Elisia.

Risk smiled, amused because he remembered when read the book. “Every melee weapon wielder must have its art. You can try the move yourself if you have time.”

“Yes, and I plan to train with you today,” Elisia said. “But I think Dao has taken the opportunity first.”

“No, Dao has already said that Dao just watching. After all, my eyes already recorded all of Risk's movements.”

Risk held his chin and had an idea. “Perhaps today's training can combine between Dao and Elisia, as a duel.”

“That is a good idea!” Elisia answered excitedly.

“Risk, Dao not sure if that's a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Elisia is still young. Dao doesn't want to fight a youngster like Elisia,” Dao explained.

“Don’t worry, Dao. I will be fine. Trust me!”

“Besides, have you forgotten about Elisia's abilities?” Risk quipped.

“No, Dao has not forgotten it. If that's what Risk wants, Dao will do it!” Dao drew his sword.

Elisia immediately took out her fire spear. The heat returned from the girl's pendulum, along with the fire spear. Dao walked away from Elisia until they shifted to a wider field. They looked at each other from afar, and the wind ruffled their hair.

Risk started the signal with a downward swing, signaling the duel had begun. Dao moved swiftly beyond being able to be seen. Elisia glanced everywhere. Dao movements were harder to predict than Risk. She also remembered that Dao’s ability was extremely high.

Right behind Elisia, Dao swung his sword at Elisia's head. In a short time, Elisia turned around and held the sword with her spear. Dao jumped farther and flashed again. Elisia looked here and there. She wondered why her movement didn't hit the rather long grass there.

Elisia remembered about reading the opponent's movements. Her gaze sharpened in all directions. The girl felt a rapid movement nearby. Elisia tried to estimate the direction of movement by closing her eyes. Her eyes opened, and she swung the spear from the left. The attack hit Dao in the stomach.

The robot man stood in a painless state. He saw Elisia, who was jumping at him with a spear that wanted to slam. Dao jumped to the left, but Elisia swung the spear towards Dao's landing. The man endured an attack strong enough to made Dao's body slightly push.

Not stopping there, Elisia lowered her spear and jumped while throwing a kick. Dao's face hit, but not too strong. His body only lost balance for a moment, then returned to his starting position.

“Elisia's attack was quite painful. Looks like Dao wants to stop.”

Elisia surprised. “Why? Did I break your system?” she asked.

“No, but Dao expects a system that doesn't want to become active. It would put everyone in danger.”

“He's right. Maybe your duel with Dao is enough. We can duel again with Rhino,” Risk said, interrupting the two of them.

Elisia nodded. “Okay, I think that's enough!” she said, while checking the statistics.

Elisia Naumann

Level 6 (750/1100 exp) – Vanguard

Max HP : 750 /750

Stamina : 574/580

Skill Point (SP) : 124/124

ATK : 370

DEF : 194

RES : 10,2%

Agility : 45

.

Her battle with Dao only used up more stamina. Looked like she’s not hot enough yet to made her training more real. However, the limitations of Dao had to be tolerated by Elisia. From a distance, Elisia heard a voice as if someone was calling her name. She squinted.

The girl ran up to him, the spear still in her hand. “Hey, Christ! How are you?”

“I’m fine, thanks!” Christ saw Elisia's spear. “Are you… practicing?”

“Y-yes.”

“Sorry if I bother you. Actually, I wanted to take you for a walk in the village of Grasswood yesterday,” Christ said. “But you seem to be busy.”

“Eh, I just finished! I can accept the invitation,” Elisia answered.

“Alright, we can go now!”

“Hey, wait a minute!” Risk exclaimed from afar.