[Elsword] - Formulated Hearts

Act 28 - Trigger

...

The day had passed by fairly quickly, hours flew by in a rush. Though nothing much was happening with Eve and Add, as they simply relaxed in their respective homes, Chung and Exotic on the other hand, had their plates a bit more full compared to the other two.

What Chung had done was certainly unexpected. Although he acted before thinking, admittedly, there were no regrets. The mysterious bravery that materialized from thin air; the courage to finally do what he wanted to do and confess, it was new to him. The Deadly Chaser spent the time reflecting on his actions, slightly afraid of damaging his friendship with Eve.

Meanwhile, Exotic was busily preparing for what she had planned for the two boys later on that night, working away on building a new set of equipment.

~

Nine o'clock. Ruben Street. The large oak tree that stood towering above everything else. The trio had met up their on time, not a single second late. During the night, Ruben Street was quieter than ever,
the only organisms that stirred were the crickets cricketing into the skies, rowdily projecting their voices.

"You guys showed up. Positive; we may proceed on with the 'activity' I have in stock." the Nemesis began, with her usual monotonous voice.

The barrier from the quarrel in the haunted house returned, though with a few modifications. "Atomic Shield! I shall explain. Within this field, no sound will escape into the open. Nobody from the outside can see this shield, however, we can see the others, if there happen to be bystanders wandering about in this tranquil vicinity."

Exotic threw a gun at each of the boys, as they were able to catch it firmly in their hands.

"Loaded into those guns are fake bullets. The objective of this 'activity' is to win over Nasod Queen Eve as the 'prize'. You will start out back-to-back, then advance three steps before turning around to shoot. You may only shoot once."

"Wait, wait, wait. Wouldn't the feminine blonde have an advantage? It's a shooting game. He specializes in gunning with his Silver Shooters." Add argued, fidgeting around with the pistol in his hand.

"You may manipulate time and space, to a low degree." she added with a sigh. "For defensive purposes. Understood? Get into your positions."

"Wait, Miss Exotic! Why do we suddenly have to determine a winner? Eve is... the one to decide, isn't she?" Chung flinched. "Wh-What about Miss Rena?! Isn't she supposed to be present at such an important event like this?!"

"As much as Rena desired to arrive, she had no time. She has her own life to live too, are you not aware? She won't always be focused on you two, which is why I am here today." Code: Nemesis elucidated once more, a bit frustrated, if that was even possible. "Or... do you not trust me? Essentially, I am the equivalent of Eve's 'sister'."

"S-Sorry, Miss Exotic. I trust you." the Prince responded.

"Affirmative. Positions, now." she cleared her throat, pointing at a patch of open space.

Reluctantly, they had followed their superior's order, their backs making contact as the duo stood against each other on the grass.

"I wish you luck, Add." Chung coldly uttered, switching to his true assassination mode.

"Same to you." he replied with a smirk.

"One." the Queen spoke, as both of them stepped forwards once.

"Two." the tension increased, as another pace was created.

"Three."

Turning to face the other, their guns were pointed at each other, ready to fire in aiming position, fingers softly caressing the trigger, almost folding into a press.

Bang.

Little did they know, Exotic was lying.

There were no fake bullets inside the guns.

It was all real.

...