The sun was at the top of the horizon; the morning had turned into noon. Elisia was still lying on the bed while enjoying the tea made by Tevanny. The girl was tired of lying down, but her body condition made her like this. Since earlier, Elisia had been reading [Hex Aegis] until she came to the term 'Limit Break'.
According to the understanding that Elisia caught, ‘Limit Break’ was breaking the limit of skill level. Elisia didn't know what the level limit of the skill was, but this explanation let her know that her abilities could still be stronger than before.
“If I maximize my combat and training, I can gain more EXP and speed up my skill upgrades,” she muttered.
However, ‘Limit Break’ apparently required some special items that could only be obtained in certain places, which meant that Elisia couldn't upgrade her abilities soon. Elisia had to be patient. Maybe now she should explore more places.
A few moments later, someone came into the room. Elisia glanced at him and smiled. The teenager sat beside the bed holding a glass. Elisia asked him to put it on the table.
“Christ, how was your training?” Elisia asked.
“Training went well. I didn't expect that Master Dao was so great and taught me so many things. It's just, I wonder why he talks like that. Sounds strange to my ear,” Christ answered happily.
“He's just like that.” Elisia tried to sit up with the help of Christ. “I still feel sorry for you because your house is on fire.”
“You don't have to think about me. I still have a little hut in the alley. I have a room to sleep,” Christ comforted.
“But I still wonder why Brando burned your house down. I'm not accusing anyone, but I think the basis of this matter is because of past events.”
Christ lowered his head and fell silent. Elisia also lowered her head. It seemed she said her words at the wrong time. She reached for the glass on the table, but couldn't reach it. Christ helps her and Elisia can drink. After her throat was wet, Elisia meant to say something.
“S-sorry, Christ! I don't think my words came out at the right time," she said.
“It does not matter. I'm glad you care about me, even though we've only just met. You trust me and do whatever it takes to help me. I don't know how to repay your kindness,” Christ said, who felt burdened.
Elisia held Christ's left shoulder. “I don't know who you are, but just looking at you makes me believe that you need help. Seeing how other people treat you makes me even more convinced.”
“But I don't want to involve you in my troubles, let me alone having to deal with Brando. Even though he is the same as me in life, his abilities are far above mine. If I make trouble with him, the people here will also shun me.”
Elisia became confused by what she was doing to Christ. Everything the teenager said was true; if she helped him to defeat Brando, the villagers would also antagonize her for helping the bandit's son. But, if she let Christ face his problems on his own, the teenager probably wouldn't be able to. Elisia's head ached suddenly. Her vision became blurry. Now and then, she moaned until the whole house heard. The girl lay down to make it better.
In her aching head, Elisia saw a large room adorned with glittering decorations. She seemed to walk into the room in a graceful dress. All pairs of eyes paid attention to the girl until she arrived at the pulpit. A man, who had been a mysterious figure in the previous dream, told her to say something from the pulpit.
The pain in her head went away and her vision returned to normal. Elisia glanced at everyone who was watching her anxiously.
“W-what are you looking in me? Is there something wrong?” Elisia asked while surprised.
“We should be the ones asking that.” Upgrade sat across from Elisia and checked the bandage still attached to Elisia's body. “Your wound have almost healed, but we heard your moaning voice just now. Is there hurt?”
Elisia held her head. “I don't know, I felt my head dizzy, then saw you guys were already here.”
“You must think of something heavy. We want you not to thinking about anything that might make your condition worse,” Upgrade requested.
“Okay.” Elisia nodded and looked at everyone's faces. “Sorry to make you guys worry again.”
“No problem, Her Majesty! If you feel hurt again, you can call me,” Rhino comforted Elisia.
Finally, everyone left Elisia again. Risk was still standing there, waiting for everyone to leave. After Upgrade left the room, Risk walked over to Elisia, who was still lying on the bed. He took out a bracelet and showed it to Elisia. The girl remembered that it was the bracelet that Upgrade had given her while in Glomouth.
“Upgrade want you to wear this bracelet again, to make it easier to summon,” Risk said as put the bracelet on the girl's right wrist.
Elisia looked at the bracelet. It looked even shinier and cleaner than before. The dominant red color on her made her look beautiful in Elisia's pure white hands.
“Thank you, Risk,” Elisia said happily.
Risk got up and was about to leave the room. “Take care of yourself!” he ordered.
After Risk left, Elisia continued her reading. This time, Monstra would be the next book to be read. Previously, Elisia had read about Forgotten, so she had already seen some monsters she might encountered along the way.
While reading, Tevanny visited Elisia while bringing a plate of food, Corn Rice with Fried Chicken. Elisia closed the book and sat down. She served the food in front of Elisia.
[Cob Rice]
[Grasswood Fried Chicken]
“You seem to get better,” Tevanny guessed.
“Yeah, I think so. I just need to rest again,” Elisia replied.
“Do you want me to feed you?”
“No need. I'll eat it myself. Thank you.”
Tevanny walked away, leaving Elisia alone again. Without thinking, the girl ate the food while it was still warm. The savory taste of corn and rice, plus fried chicken that had a distinctive aroma, made Elisia's appetite increase. As she ate, strange memories came back to her, but they remained the same as before, so faint.
After eating a delicious lunch, Elisia tried to stand up to carry the plate to the kitchen. The girl's feet hit the floor, but nothing happened. Elisia walked out.
In outside of the room, Elisia saw Christ and Risk were eating lunch with the same menu. Christ suddenly approached Elisia when turned his head to helped her walk, but the girl refused.
“It doesn’t matter. I can walk myself.”
“Are you feeling better?” Christ asked.
Elisia nodded. “I'm getting better. Now I will take this plate to the kitchen.”
“Just put it here! I'll take it later,” Risk said.
Elisia put the plate on the dining table, then sat down to get a drink. Christ continued his stopped lunch. Elisia watched them, two people who really cared about her. Elisia thought about how her next trip would be if they weren't in her life. She also used [Sixth Sense] to see Christ's progress.
Christian Lao
Level 2–Fighter
Max HP : 890
ATK : 256
DEF : 143
RES : 0%
Agility : 20
.
Skill used:
Rapid Punch
Agility +50, ATK +20%, ATK Speed increases, gain 30% physical dodge.
.
Elisia saw a significant increase in Christ's abilities. Dao must had taught him so hard that the teenager became a fighter. It made Elisia want to duel again with Dao, but she hesitated because the robot man once said that something would happen if he fought intensely. Maybe she would ask Risk later.
Stolen story; please report.
After their lunch was finished, Elisia put on the clothes given by Tevanny and [Wool Jacket], then invited the two of them to go out for a walk because Elisia had not seen the situation outside since lying in the room. The main road was still, as usual, bustling with horse-drawn carriages passing by. Suddenly, Elisia was approached by Gray, who pounced and licked her.
“Hey, stop it, Gray!" Elisia cried with amusement.
Christ removed Gray from Elisia's body. It helped the girl to stand. Maybe Gray missed Elisia because Tivet had always taken it with him for the past few days because he like dogs.
“Next time you don't have to pick up any animals from anywhere. I don't want to take care of it,” Risk said as walked to the grass field.
“Yes, I understand!” Elisia followed Risk.
They walked around, enjoying the fields that had just been harvested and the new seedlings planted again. Elisia watched the farmers packing up their field equipment to go home because the sun was moving from the top of the horizon towards the west. Unknowingly, Elisia's hand tightly gripped Christ's hand beside her. Suddenly, the girl withdrew her hand.
“Sorry, I missed it.”
Christ smiled. “It does not matter. You can do it again.”
Elisia blushed, embarrassed to hear. She held Christ's hand again. They stuck together and the hand grip turned into an arm embrace. Christ made pleasure feeling to Elisia again. Christ's body pressed closer, causing Elisia's face to turn red.
“Christ, your body… is too close,” Elisia said quietly.
“I want to make you more pleasure, so you forget the pain in your wound,” Christ replied.
Christ looked forward. Risk's eyes were already aiming at him. Christ immediately distanced himself from Elisia. The girl was surprised, but it turned into an amused laugh as Risk watched them.
“You two have a very close relationship, don't you? You need to know that Elisia is only sixteen years old. So, you better be careful,” Risk said.
Christ smiled shy, then took Elisia again to walk on the field embankment. They could still inhale fresh air even though it was noon. Elisia's lungs felt more comfortable. The girl was eager to train on a sunny day, but it still wrapped her condition in bandages.
On the way, they met Dao, who was driving a tractor. It reminded Elisia of Dao, who did the same thing in Glomouth. The farm vehicle started walking towards the main road while pulling a cart filled with pumpkins. Dao saw them and waved his hand. Elisia replied with a smile and a wave of her hand.
After that, Risk took Elisia and Christ to the harvest storage warehouse to enjoy the view there. Elisia felt that the wounds on her body had healed. She wanted to remove the bandages that were blocking her movement quickly, but she was out of the house. The girl had to be patient until she got home.
Arriving at the large building on the hill, it presented them with a view of the vast expanse of field. Birds fly over the fields while chirping. It amazed Elisia to see a nature painting.
“Grasswood has found a way of gardening that can make plants fertile quickly and produce good harvests. My father once helped the residents of this village to finance peat lands,” Christ explained.
Risk turned his head after listening to Christ's explanation. “So, your father used to be a benefactor in this village?”
“Yeah, my father once said that if we live in an area, give them something that can help them. My father has helped with the welfare of this village,” Christ answered.
Risk smiled. “That's the way the world is, kids. They will lose hundreds of kindness that we give just because of one mistake. The world is cruel, but that's what makes it move.”
Elisia pondered Risk's words well. A memory flashed back, showing the last seconds when she saw someone for the last time. Elisia started shedding tears involuntarily. Seeing her accidentally, Risk wiped the tears from Elisia's cheeks.
“I'm sure you're remembering something. Keep going, but don't let the tears roll down your cheeks,” Risk said.
Elisia smiled and stopped crying. Christ immediately stroked Elisia's shoulders to calm her down. But, one of his hands was slapped by Risk.
“I don't know how many times you've touched Elisia, but seeing your hand makes me sure,” Risk warned.
“Come on, Risk! Christ did nothing to me. He just took my hand, that's all,” Elisia said, who defended Christ.
Risk chuckled. “You remind me of my youth, but I hope you don't imitate me. I don't mind if you two just took hands, but if Christ does more than that, he'll have to deal with me.”
“Yeah, I'll make sure that not happens. Right, Christ?” Elisia asked Christ.
“Y-yes, I won't do anything too much,” Christ answered doubtfully.
“I'm happy because Upgrade promises me something right now, so I'll let you guys do whatever fun. Remember, I'm monitoring you!”
Elisia and Christ were feeling happy. They walked into the fields to get around. The expanse of fields that had just been harvesting cooled their eyes. Elisia held Christ's hand so as not to be separated in the middle of the field.
While crossing an embankment, Christ stopped in front of a small monument built on the outer edge of the field. He fingered the wall, then looked down. It surprised Elisia to see Christ's strange behavior, as if she was praying facing the monument.
“Christ, what monument is this?” Elisia asked curiously.
Christ looked up. “This is a monument to mark the area of the field my father bought. The people of this village made it so that they would remember who was in charge of this land. Now, this monument is just a memory, and covered in moss and vines.”
Elisia pensively heard Christ's answer. She hugged Christ from behind, calming him down. Christ felt the warmth of Elisia's body, then stood up straight. For a few minutes, Elisia was still hugging Christ. Until a bird startled them, the hug released.
Christ turned around. “Elisia, your body feels hot. Are you okay?”
“What? Hot? No, I'm okay.” Elisia acted as if nothing had happened. As usual, the pendulum must send heat back into her body.
“Maybe it's just my feeling.” Christ looked at the sky. “Looks like it's getting dark. We have to go home!”
Christ took Elisia back home. Quite a fun tour of teenage boys living alone. Christ should had earned a decent life because of a single mistake would destroy his father's past services.
They returned to the warehouse to meet Risk. The man was still standing there alone without changing his position. They approached him to go home. It surprised risk to see those who approached him.
“You're not coming home? It's getting dark,” Risk asked.
“We want to take you home first,” Elisia answered.
“I’ll catch you up. I want to enjoy the atmosphere of a wind-filled evening and feel the power of the coming night in a little while,” Risk replied, who said strange words.
Elisia and Christ looked at each other, then they left Risk alone in the large building. They crossed the path they had taken to return to the main road. They also broke through the tall corn plants, which blocked the view. Elisia wondered why Christ was passing through the cornfield when they had not taken this route earlier. Finally, they made it out and arrived at the main road.
They paused for a moment because Elisia felt pain from where her wound was. It looked like the wound was opening again. Christ felt sorry and carried Elisia home. At first Elisia struggled, but in the end she gave in. They returned home safe.
When they got home, they headed straight for the dining room. There were already Rhino, Dao, and Upgrade already sitting in their respective seats. Christ lowered Elisia on the dining chair. An annoyed look appeared on the faces of Rhino and Upgrade. It seemed Elisia had forgotten that she had to stay in the room to rest.
“Elisia, do you still remember what I said this afternoon?” Upgrade asked to make sure.
Elisia smiled fearfully and nodded. “But I only went out for a while to get around. I'm so tired of being in my room.”
“If the bracelet you're wearing isn't on your hand, I definitely won't know if you leave the room,” Upgrade said annoyed, “You're going to rest again tonight!”
“Okay, I'm sorry I forgot what you said earlier,” Elisia said while looking down.
Upgrade sighed. “I know you're bored, but you must be patient. I can't keep using my abilities just to treat you. Be careful after this.”
“Right, if you train with Risk, you should be able to dodge his attacks. Don't hold back just because you can do it. You're not a defender like me,” Rhino continued.
“Yeah, what's wrong with me?”
Everyone turned. Elisia was surprised because Risk was already behind them. Even though the position is very far from home.
“Risk, you came back so fast. We just arrived,” Christ said in amazed.
“Of course. Let's sit down for dinner!” Risk sat.
Tevanny came with a dish ready to served on the table. Inhaled from the aroma, it was this afternoon's menu cooked with new spices. They placed food on the table, along with plates and spoons. After all the food served and Tevanny sat down, they started raiding the food. Christ helped Elisia by taking a portion for her.
The meal had finished, and nothing left on the table. Everyone was pretty full tonight with a rather big stomach, especially Rhino, who ate too much. Tevanny even hit Rhino's stomach until it made a sound.
“Eat some more and you'll grow up like a cow,” Tevanny teased. Everyone laughed.
“Sorry, but your cooking is delicious. I can't help it,” Rhino replied, slightly bloated.
“Just let Rhino, that’s for his strength as a defender,” Risk said.
“Speaking of defenders, you haven't trained my skills in a long time. Do you have time tomorrow?” Rhino said.
“Why I train your skills again? You're strong. There's nothing you need to improve anymore,” Risk answered firmly.
“Come on, I want to test my skills again! The last time I used it was to fight the village monsters.”
Risk glanced at Elisia, making Rhino confused. It also surprised Elisia to see Risk's behavior.
“Elisia, do you still remember that I promised you to train with Rhino and Dao?” Risk ensured.
“Yes, I do still remember,” Elisia answered.
“You'll get it tomorrow after Upgrade gives permission.” Risk nudged Upgrade beside him.
Upgrade silent for a moment, with arms folded forward. Then he raised his head. “I allow after your wound is better than before. I don't want to take a risk too much.”
Elisia was happy to train with Rhino. The big man raised his thumb and grinned. This made her impatient for tomorrow.
After the conversation in the dining room was over, everyone went about their evening activities as usual. Upgrade checked for the wounds on Elisia's body again. Apparently, the wound was open again, as expected. Upgrade put another bandage on Elisia's body, made it difficult for the girl to move. Elisia whined.
“This is the result you have to get after you don't want to listen to me!” Upgrade said, “You must rest fully tonight!”
The man immediately left the room. Risk and Christ, who were standing beside the bed, approached Elisia. Before they could say anything, Elisia got a message.
“New Achievement Unlocked: Daily Life of Vanguard”
“Reward: Stamina limit +20 and Max HP limit +50”
.
“I'll take care of you tonight. I'll make sure no one will bother you,” Risk said, “Think of it as an apology from me for hurting you again and taking you out of rest.”
“I think I should go back to the hut. I've been away too long,” Christ said, “I'll be back tomorrow.”
“Alright, be careful on the road!” Elisia exclaimed.
Christ left them both in the room. Risk paid attention to Elisia's body, which had to lie on the bed again because of his actions. Risk stepped out to get a drink. Elisia tried to close her eyes so she could sleep early. However, something was bothering her, until suddenly, her eyes widened.