So... Sup. Name's Elsword. For you to even be reading this, you already know the story, 13 year old swordsman-in-training on a search for his sister yadda yadda yadda. I may have the same backstory as that other original 'me' but when it comes to just about everything else, we're nothing alike. I would list the many many differences between him and I, but this intro(kinda sorta) is beginning to drag out, so I'll leave that among many other things for you to find out later on. So, enjoy the ki- I mean, story... I guess? Never really bothered to learn how this crap works, so...

Meh.

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"So this is Lake Noahs, huh?" What a joke. Stories of 'fearsome monsters' and 'mischievous master thieves' were all I heard when it came to rumors of this place. From what I could tell, it was beautiful, lush, green, open, sunny, perfect for a family picnic really.

Heh... 'Family.'

Looking ahead, I saw dozens of Phoru and further ahead, Bor, littering the path that led to Elder. It made sense for them to be concentrated over there, since it was the only human settlement in the general vicinity other than Ruben since the El was scattered. It was easy pickings for them.

Little did they know that they were doing the same to themselves for me.

Letting a smirk make its way onto my face, I began my walk along the trail. I'm not even going to go into detail about the next events. All you need to know is that it was a one-sided massacre where they died and I Iaughed. I simply through the blood off of my sword with a single stroke and continued on until two girls confronted me.

One of them was a short girl with purple pig tails. A student Mage judging by her clothing and staff. The other was an elf. I could tell by the sheer brightness of her hair that she was among the purest and the strongest. That purity could be her downfall in this world though, despite her prowess. Plus, unlike her companion, her eyes held a promising amount of experience and wisdom. They lived thousands of times longer than humans so it was to be expected. They were an interesting duo but they were blocking my path and thus wasting my time. Not only was I searching for my sister, but I'd taken on the same mission as her: retrieve the El scattered around Elrios. It was very time-sensitive so the human barricade in front of me was annoying me greatly.

"What do you want?" I asked curtly. The purple haired girl confidently sauntered forward with an angry look on her face. Great.

"What was up with that?" She yelled. Ok, so she couldn't even detail the source of her getting angry with a complete stranger. That's inconvenient: immature people like that are always near impossible to reason with, let alone placate.

"Listen, kid. You're wasting time, and that's invaluable in the crisis of Elrios. Now either you give me a decent reason to waste any more of it talking to unreasonable strangers or I cut both of you down like one of those Phoru and continue with my day." I stated darkly while slowly crouching into a loose stance with my back slightly hunched over and my hands down on either side of me. Vitality. Elves are notoriously nimble and teleportation is among the first techniques taught to mages. Plus, I was outnumbered. Speed was definitely the way to go for this scenario if we were to fight.

The Elf dismissively waved off her companion's indignant stammering and walked forwards with her hands held up in a disarming manner. I didn't drop my stance.

"Sorry, my friend is very stubborn and passionate about things she doesn't agree with- in this case, your slaughtering of those, and I quote: 'absolutely adorable animals.' I understand why you did what you did and I want to invite you to the El Search Party." She explained nicely. I nodded my understanding and sheathed my sword, sparing her a smile. Ignoring the shorty's protests, I walked up to the elf.

"I'm in. Name's Elsword. What you and the kid's names?"

" Who's the kid!? I'm older than you!" She yelled, harshly reminding me of her existence.

"Hm?" I challenged. "Last time I checked teenagers were older than toddlers..." I stated with sharp sarcasm. Surprisingly, a confident smirk appeared on her face.

"Hah! I'm 15! In your face, brat!" She yelled while pointing an accusing finger at me. I stared silently for a while and then turned to Rena.

"...Is she premature?" I asked hesitantly. There's no way a 15 year old girl could be so doubly small...

With a sigh, Rena answered me with mild exasperation.

"Why does everyone keep asking that...?" She said more to herself than to me. We both laughed at that. Next thing I knew a fireball was coming my way. Instinctively shooting my hand out to absorb it, I turned to her with a murderous glare.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Grape?" I managed through gritted teeth. Her expression(which was already changing to one of shock due to my unexpected absorption) faltered, but she futilely tried to keep up a tough front.

"What am I doing? What are YOU doing calling me prem-" she was cut off by the tip of my blade being pushed against her neck.

"Don't misunderstand me, you spoiled brat. I've only joined you because it benefits me. I hold no emotional attachment to you whatsoever and if I deem you traitorous or a burden, I. Will. Kill. You. Clear?" She answered me with a shaky 'yes' and I removed my blade. She slipped down to her knees in a nervous heap.

"Good." I was about to sheathe my sword when I sensed a small killer's intent. Turning to the source, I saw the elf who had her bow pointed at me and her eyes narrowed. I walked over to her with a judging look.

"You care about your friend even though she is in the wrong and show a distaste in killing. Your kindness is admirable... A warning, that kind of attachment in excess will make life in the current Elrios, especially the front lines, exponentially more difficult. I suggest reigning it in for now until you have the strength and jurisdiction to share it without consequence." She contemplated my words before putting away her weapon. I did the same and helped the student Mage up. She seemed both hesitant and afraid to resist. We continued to the gate of elder in what would be, to most people, an awkward silence. I didn't mind it, but a thought suddenly came to mind.

"You know, I never got your names." I said thoughtfully.

"Rena." She somewhat spat.

"A-Aisha." She answered hesitantly. I sighed. She was too distraught to battle efficiently so I decided to try cheer her up a little. Good thing I learned how to lie flawlessly in my travels.

" Hey, Gr- Aisha." I called out while putting a hand on her shoulder. She jerked and looked to me slowly. I was still mentally reeling from how quick she went from a complete braggart to a scared little child.

"Sorry 'bout earlier. I went too far. I'm a little impulsive and prone to violence. I can't explain now, but maybe later on you'll know why, when I tell you about the darker parts of my past. But for now, I just want you to know I take back what I said. " I finished. She nodded after staring blankly at me for god knows how long. I shot her a grin and slung my arm over both of their shoulders while striking up a conversation about funny stories of my childhood, how I beat Lowe(sorry, forgot to tell ya guys that), and what I knew about Elder.

Both she and Rena loosened their shoulders and if I didn't know any better, I'd say I saw a small smile creep onto their faces.