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44. The Secret Behind

Arriving at the hideout, everyone who gathered again at the round table greeted Elisia and Risk. The couple took their positions. Elisia noticed they filled the table with papers that weren't there before. Elisia guessed that Upgrade had figured out a plan.

“You comes at the right time. Upgrade wants to explain his findings,” Scott said.

“You are right. This finding based on Elisia's book.” Upgrade raised [Telum Experto]. “In this book, I found seven weapons that belong to the armament group called 'The Seven Curses of Lord's Weapons'. I matched the seven weapons with the five combat devices made by ELECTEC. Guess what the result is?”

“Those weapons are like the five combat devices in terms of their capabilities,” Elisia replied.

“Exactly. So, you found it first?” Upgrade turned around.

“Otherwise, I wouldn't have shown you the contents of that book earlier.” Elisia looked up with a smile.

“That means ELECTEC took references from those sacred weapons?” Scott confirmed.

“To be more precise, Kontara inspired by those weapons. The book Said that the seven weapons had been hiding in seven different locations. Its location is the answer to the riddle written in this book. Because he had a realistic mind, Kontara made an imitation using an electronic device.”

“In addition, the five combat devices made by ELECTEC represent 'The Seven Curses of Lord's Weapons'; Camouflage Net from The Chameleons, Electromagnetic Core from The Curse Lightning, Holographic Shield from The Spirit of Wilderlings, Integrated Remote from The Head of Orders, and Star of Energy from The Heart of Primordial Souls.” Elisia added. “The other two weapons are The Dragon Breath and The Crown of North.”

“The names of the weapons are very interesting, like a fairy tale,” Kafka commented.

“Have you confirmed that all the devices are inspired by mythical weapons?” Scott kept asking for confirmation.

“If I read the abilities, I can confirm that five of the seven ancient weapons are like five combat devices. I'm not sure if the two devices use the same source, considering their project name means 'fire and ice'.” Upgrade bowed his heads.

Elisia snatched [Telum Experto] from Upgrade and read it again. There was not much to find of these weapons other than their ability to survive among human beings, But how did Kontara know the abilities of The Seven Curse of Lord's Weapons?

“I have one question for you. What is the reason Kontara created such combat devices until he dared to pay a giant company like ELECTEC to fulfill his wish?” Scott asked.

“The reason is simple; he wants to create a weapon that anyone can use without special abilities. The goal is good, but the wrong target. He just wants to strengthen the agents so he can carry out all his plans.” Upgrade punching table. “I should have realized and not followed him!”

Elisia held Upgrade's right hand. “Calm yourself, Upgrade! It's not your fault.”

“In that case, have you guys come up with a plan for the mission? I'm really looking forward to that,” Risk asked.

“I don't have an idea yet. I'm still thinking about Upgrade said earlier.” Scott turned around.

Everyone sat back down with confused faces. The mission this time made everyone could not think whether or not they needed the device. Elisia was still reading the information from the seven sacred weapons down to the most detailed part.

“I don't think today's meeting has produced anything. I'm still thinking a lot that's confusing.” Scott turned to Ilya and Kafka. “You can go. We will meet again here tomorrow.”

Ilya and Kafka got up from the sofa and walked towards the door. After they left, Elisia approached Scott, who was downing a bottle of water. The girl was afraid to approach him. The man turned to her with a limp face.

“What's the matter, Elisia?”

“I-I would like to say that we should continue on the infiltration mission to ELECTEC to retrieve the map of the location of the combat device and use it in our escape from the border.” Elisia sat across from Scott. “That's the only way, no matter what purpose the device was created for.”

Scott sighed. “You’re right. I was overthinking the weapon until I forgot about the infiltration mission we were about to create. Thanks for reminding me.”

“And I want you to stop drinking alcohol. Risk said it was very dangerous for health,” Elisia said.

“R-right, My Liege!” Scott surprised.

Risk walked over to Elisia and pulled her away from Scott. He took Elisia to another corner of the room.

“I think you should pay attention to what you say when you want to advise others,” Risk said.

“Why? I'm just passing on your message.”

“Because it was a habit between them, and I didn't say that.”

Elisia sat on the sofa to rest her mind from heavy things. She didn't expect that all of this had anything to do with Kontara that Upgrade was talking about. The girl grew curious about who this agent was and why he was everywhere. She also couldn't dig up much information because Upgrade answered little.

In all the confused thoughts, Elisia felt sleepiness in her eyes. She was also yawning a lot since coming from the shop. Upgrade saw his little girl could hold back her consciousness and approached her.

“If you're sleepy, you can sleep here. May she, Scott?” Upgrade turned around.

“Yes, this room is private.”

Elisia immediately lay down on the sofa, which was quite soft and smelled strange. Her eyes were closed and couldn't open them again. She sunk into a dream after eating the pancakes earlier. The voices in the room were no longer heard.

However, the strong smell from the sofa made Elisia could not sleep peacefully. The smell continued to sting her nose. Finally, she woke up again and sat watching everyone. Risk surprised to see the behavior of this little girl. He came over and handed her a glass of water.

“Are you having sleeping trouble?” Risk ensured.

Elisia nodded. Risk smelled the same stench that Elisia smelled. Suddenly, he pulled Elisia off the sofa and inhaled once more. That was right, the smell was coming from the sofa. Risk recognized this smell and saw Scott's bottle.

“Scott, I think you should wash this sofa. It smells like Vodka,” Risk said.

Scott turned. “Yes, I will!”

“Ouch, you're drunk again!” Risk walked out of the room.

Elisia surprised by Risk's excessive behavior. She tilted her head as looked at the door that Risk had opened earlier.

“He really hates Vodka and other alcoholic drinks. I don't know why, but I think it has something to do with his past,” Upgrade responded.

“He told me earlier that he doesn't enjoy getting drunk. That's why he took me away from here.”

“Where did he take you earlier?”

“He took me to a tavern at a crossroads,” Elisia replied.

“Oh, it's a shop owned by my wife's friend. The shop has been around since I moved to this area and very popular in Runga,” Scott said, still drunk.

Elisia approached Scott. “Speaking of the crossroads, someone who was neatly dressed like a royal soldier approached us. Do you know him?”

“Of course I know him. He's the guy we talked about on the roof.” Scott pointed in any direction while holding the bottle.

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Elisia shocked. “So he's... Captain Jayston?”

Scott nodded. “He looks good in social life, but very dangerous in government institutions. Jayston is the youngest police chief in Runga, replacing the old police chief who passed away a year ago. Many people suspect that Jayston killed the old head, but there was no evidence to support it.”

“Jayston, huh? I feel familiar with the name,” Upgrade responded.

“You remember something, Doctor?” Rhino approached Upgrade.

“I'm not too sure, but I feel familiar with the name.”

“Does he have a relationship with Kontara?” Elisia surprised everyone.

Upgrade flashed. He walked out of the room hastily, but Elisia caught Upgrade's left wrist. The man tried to free himself, but Elisia gripped him tighter.

“Something's wrong, Upgrade?” Elisia asked curiously.

“Nothing. Let go of my hand!” Upgrade tried to lose again.

“I won't let you go! Answer me!” Elisia raised her voice.

“Let go of my hand!”

“You promised not to hide anything from me. Have you forgotten?!” Elisia snapped at the man, causing him to fall silent.

Rhino and Scott went silent at Elisia's screams, which made their hearts pound. Upgrade looked at Elisia's teary eyes. The girl let go of Upgrade's hand and walked into the room again. She sat with her head down and her hands over the face. Sobs could hear from the door.

Upgrade felt guilty about his behavior. He approached his little girl while holding Elisia's shoulders. The girl felt a touch and raised her head. Upgrade walked to Elisia's left side and saw the girl's face, which was already flooded with tears.

“Elisia, I'm sorry. I still remember that promise, but there are some things you shouldn't know about me. I'm afraid it will affect your intention to return to Gwelissa.”

Elisia wiped the tears from her cheeks. “But… we are travelers... We... share our joys and... sorrows together. I told you the secret I have… and you can share yours with me too.”

“I understand, but there are some things you won't understand.”

“Then what difference does it make if I find out myself one day?!” Elisia raised her voice again.

Rhino came to Elisia and grabbed her from behind. “Stop crying, My Liege! Upgrade just want to make you happy. Believe in him, like I believe in him!”

Elisia rubbed her eyes. “You are right. It would be nice if I followed you knowing nothing. After all, my only goal is to return to Gwelissa.”

“Elisia, please don't say that! I'm trying to keep you safe by not meddling in my business.” Upgrade defense himself.

“Yeah, you're right. I'll be quiet after this and stop being curious.” Elisia continued to fight back.

Silently rose again. Upgrade lowered his head and shook his head occasionally. Rhino could only calm Elisia, whose emotions continued to rise. The atmosphere became silent for a moment with those who didn’t continue the conversation.

Inwardly, Elisia felt angry at Upgrade that broke the promise. She understood that Upgrade condition was always in trouble, but he never told it and kept it to himself. Now, he could only see Upgrade from where it was.

After the silence ended, Upgrade lifted his head and looked at Elisia's face. “My Liege, I'm sorry if I broke the promise that was made. I deliberately didn't tell you so you wouldn't get involved in the trouble that happened to me. I don't want you to suffer because of me.”

Elisia gripped Upgrade's hand gently. The [Fire Pendulum] started emitting heat that warmed the atmosphere. Her smile broke when she saw Upgrade's face.

“I also apologize that I overreacted to your answer. We are a team on this long journey, so we must work together. It's fine if you don't want to talk about something you're hiding, but we have to face the problem together.”

“If you want to know the truth, I'll tell you,” Upgrade offered.

“I will listen to it,” Elisia replied.

“It's about Jayston, isn't it?" Upgrade pulled his hand from Elisia. “In the past, Kontara had recruited someone named Jayston. He was a former warden in Columby who turned out to be a murderer. I don't know what they're up to, but I glimpsed Runga's name.”

“Could it be Jayston you know?” Rhino responded.

“Maybe, but I haven't heard him in a long time. I thought he died.”

“I've also heard that from the cop.” Scott answered. “He was a prisoner at Columby State Prison for three years. After his freedom, he disappeared. But, he reappeared as a member of the police force in Runga and attained the rank of Captain in no time.”

“Then, we must uncover his crimes and defeat him!” Elisia said excitedly.

Scott smiled. “I love your spirit, little girl! That's not enough to beat him. Jayston can control iron elements nearby. In addition, he also mastered magic. I don't know what it is, but his magic power is amazing.”

“How strong is his magic?” Upgrade asked.

“Just enough to kill a warrior.”

Elisia shocked to hear that. She didn't expect that he would face someone stronger than her. Elisia also saw Jayston use [Sixth Sense] and discovered an unusual ability. She had to be careful this time.

“There's no powerful way to beat him?” Rhino asked curiously.

“That's why we have to look for those five combat devices. I predict that these devices can help us beat Jayston and get out of Runga,” Scott explained.

Elisia remembered something. “Can we defeat him with Greatsword of Sully?”

“Greatsword… what?” Scott responded to Elisia's words.

Elisia took out [Greatsword of Sully] and showed it to Scott. “This is the weapon I meant. Greatsword of Sully, a legendary weapon capable of dealing massive damage!”

“Really? How big power is it?” Scott held his chin.

“That sword destroyed the border of Tanin a day ago,” Elisia answered.

“I don't think we can use that sword. We are nomads, not mercenaries. I don't want our actions to take many casualties,” Upgrade prohibited.

“Yes. My friends and I didn't want to make any bigger noise. Beating Jayston and getting you out of here is our goal,” Scott said to Elisia.

Elisia put [Greatsword of Sully] into [Fire Pendulum]. She also realized how much damage the sword had dealt. The sword reminded her of the great damage to the Tanin sewers and the Tanin-Runga border wall.

“It's getting late, I guess we should get out of here.” Scott walked to the door.

Risk entered with three bottles of drinks. Elisia saw it as [Pure Milk]. The girl approached him.

“Where have you been going all this time?”

“I went to the small shop beside the tavern to buy this milk for you. Stay fit and healthy,” Risk replied casually.

“Really? Don't you hate the smell of alcohol?” Elisia mocked her mentor.

“What are you talking about?! Ah, you bastard!” Risk growled.

“Okay, we have to go home. We left my wife alone at home. Get out quickly!” Scott was already standing outside the room.

Everyone left the small meeting room, which was actually a well-maintained empty building. After the door locked, they rushed home. Risk opened a bottle of milk to drink. Because of the large size of the bottle hole, the white drink spilled onto his black robe.

“Oh, damn it!” Risk cursed.

“Hey, keep your mouth shut in front of Elisia! She will imitate you later!” Rhino yelled.

They crossed a deserted street while watching the night activities of the Runga residents. There were closing the shops, going home, until the polices were chasing thieves. Nothing interesting to see.

Elisia thought about Risk's reaction when she explained her past. It was the first time for Elisia to see her mentor react like someone who was about to die in a few hours. Risk also said that he got a message from Province. Did Province know the reason for her being here?

They entered through the back door of the house and found Province asleep on the kitchen table. Scott shook his wife's body. Her body reacted and Province’s head lifted. With half-closed eyes, Province watched everyone who saw her.

“Did… I fell asleep again… here?” she asked weakly.

“I'll take you to your room.” Scott lifted his wife to her feet and walked to the room on the second floor.

Risk put the bottled milk on the table. “Drink it, it tastes so fresh!”

Elisia replied with a yawn. Risk sighed and pushed Elisia up the stairs to the second floor. Before that, Elisia opened her [Wool Jacket] and folded it in her right hand. The girl had to be patient with her question. She might could get something from Risk.

“Risk, may I know something from you?” she asked.

“You can ask that tomorrow. You're sleepy, right?” Risk continued to push Elisia into the room.

“It's only for a moment. I'll sleep after that.”

“No! Tomorrow is a busy day!” After pushing Elisia into the room, Risk closed the door.

Elisia sighed in annoyance. She hung her jacket behind the door and laid down on the bed. The secret she had heard all afternoon made her sleepiness disappear. Elisia must know what happened. Her eyes looked up at the ceiling in the quiet night.

“Fox, what are you hiding from me?” She muttered as pointed to the ceiling.

Many mysterious things filled Elisia's head. Questions about who Kontara was, the relationship between Risk and Gwelissa's past, and Province's messages filled her brain so that sleep could not enter. Plus, she became a fugitive from her own kingdom.

Elisia threw away that thought by opening [Hex Aegis]. She wanted to know what other abilities could be obtained from the sacred book. There was a chapter that interested her and related to Jayston's abilities.

“Blood Cross Magic.” Elisia read the title. “I didn't expect there another abilities unrelated to me in this book.”

According to Elisia's understanding, Blood Cross Magic was a red magic ability linked to an artifact called [Iron Cross of Executioner]. Elisia amazed by its ability to make its user’s base abilities stronger. Elisia opened [Telum Experto] to find an information about the sacred item.

“The Iron Cross of Executioner is a cross-shaped artifact make of iron. This item came from Latera and no one could touch an artefact. I wonder how Captain Jayston got it.”

The book explained that the user must give a half-glass of blood to the cross to make it work. Elisia stopped reading the book and looked straight into the mirror. She opened [Telum Experto] again to look for additional information.

“If the power of this artifact reaches its maximum level, it can turn its user into a monster with extraordinary abilities. Huh, I have to be careful if I fight him later,” Elisia muttered.

Elisia turned on the next sheet. Something astonishing piqued her curiosity. She read it carefully and tried to remember it. Even Elisia repeated it while shouting. There was a knock on the door.

“If you can't sleep, don't disturb other people!” Elisia guessed that the voice came from Risk.

“I'm sorry, Risk! I really can't sleep!” Elisia exclaimed in reply.

Elisia closed the book and ran to the door. After the door opened, no one was there. She looked down the hall but nobody there.

“Risk's movement is fast,” she praised in heart.

After dealing with the person at the door, Elisia returned to the bed. [Telum Experto] was still on the blanket. Elisia wanted to read the book again, but something made her head feel heavy. She read the book for a while and read the artifact earlier.

“If the cross still at its normal level, it gives the user 45 percent RES. But, when it reaches the max level and has turned the user into a monster, the amount of RES given changes to an increase in ATK and DEF up to 70 percent.” Elisia tried to understand the explanation in the systematic form of this game. “I have told Scott this tomorrow.”

Finally, the sleepiness in his eyes arrived. Elisia must not waste this opportunity to sleep. After putting [Telum Experto] into the pendulum, she put on the blanket and closed her eyes. The night was getting quieter. With heavy thoughts still pervading, Elisia immersed herself in a dream.