Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUfosJ5CYX
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJKjWWQfXs
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aBpCM4Rog
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZSFocuFH3
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Um0NbExFS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQhwEjfYxd
"What are you doing!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroVbZA3d37
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTYQXdKLtw
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7atMAwvlnB
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy8hYxIcVO
**BOOM**364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb6h0chS9K
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMCFnrfYzZ
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgEWpERUUE
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP53sfrzlW
"Ngh, damn it!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxnkhb4w3r
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YQaQCIxlT
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi4OAmoRzb
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Y2AFkNBs
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3bvfXq0d1
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeRhZWoxre
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dcjUPRXpP
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9k0SX1EUh
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlRzb4K5ud
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sWg8XizM9
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzF7wN2SPg
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jqnrGjeWM
"--Damn it! Rover!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrhYR5CuKv
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZUA4PmjLz
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k5Na5yeul
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgxHU3dgZR
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxgPgUZ0Rk
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvy9lPBm2u
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgAuqEPCSK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPPSieEraI
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rWuX2fgFR
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzIrLsOh6x
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3lR9BpcFS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHTB0o5Bwi
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw6tn5aUfq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1YLqxYhag
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKJtXZKoBd
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMz1WBKzQV
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YY58t47NU
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPWOhXV4yE
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ220fOv372A
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F0frcdCTU
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb4pK09Frt
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjJt1eJgrS
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMay13ZDHv
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE76J10NFOG
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHovwUwkITx
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfkQo001QE
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGVtDTVDwU
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuPsIFQnYs
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToNfIFeWUW
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouTaurJElT
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJI9FBKmRF
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIHgtUk8gh
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp13Xg7Sxd
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRClwVtY4ic
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KQn51DMf9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSgRU3rOTY
"Hey, Kenny!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWPKGqxstE
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YI6vPkih4
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0bcFuqAuo
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChXjg0gwV8
"I-Is she okay?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH0oLKlx3M
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2XtufAK9v
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH8QxLzLrV
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuQLRe4KMk
"I don't know what that is!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8iw8L5gc9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkIUHCJxDx
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9E795sLc1
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5GfKMiCfY
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUfXyB8WjH
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYTWp2V0Cg
Though, that did raise the question–364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OyKmaP6P9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMw2a7TLmt
"Do you know where you're going!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoEWWdK5DI
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiL6udrb8K
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8eBNS1IZz
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2llLfLnIlm
"Ah– where is Dennis?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ2a8XaEFv
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhxXYL3n5E
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf0dzaIIPh
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCDMxmFmT
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuOqHBYxtR
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMaiz28O5F
"Shit."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpaAJn9Znm
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrNrfJPqwY
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg7sYbP2Bz
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrworLLvxN
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa9BNH9Gyq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUcPZBD6TA
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR29NQy7uU9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMrcrjW6lj
"...Alright."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo36iu3hMiX
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRefbyfF7i
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE6CHIH6jx
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCYr69Jhsm
"Alright, I'll take yer question."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFliH6TkEIG
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEgzENL04h
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xsbtRcZrD
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LXDlpkc1a
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ33zmlrKc
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryCgKmdM84
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v86YCDicC
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8grcFy4fz
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqprVOFWMT
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61qOAgp5DS
The man stopped speaking.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqGxLuVu33
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXhvMQpnln
"Alright, carry on, then."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSK6mNRu82
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5e1SnEXjz
"...Eh?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNfFLlhOKO
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxra7sJA7e
I shared in his confusion.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwurxy5njwL
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl0bvx9mXp
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cUBGUoOzb
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wdydtMlc0
"I-If ya say so!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LOgI9vAyq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo930SRbLBm
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cZaqScUnW
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIdTavaGl2
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi83oVoAaK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK8U1mTijf
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNopMTWEedy
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8wxo52jmh
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV3EpQqwF9
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCHRGIfTE8
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IUHJPBP9R
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B0wY1w3Vz
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC2wh8kQmn
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV0RrMBuhk
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm8VJ8qsYc
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQBuQq7Ze
"Damn it, kid!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTR4pmK9iX
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nkh2yldLf
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡainHtJ4BRY
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2DsZDbJcq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUc883To4U
**SMASH**364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdji26RMPzT
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4LalCWzvQ
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkWGOeOiKG
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ8FqGTEyA
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcviE1wCeoW
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLodJJc0blV
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQcyw2tKo4
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF1ab0cMZW
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGIhQ8wtcF
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdioFLRCp2r
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8M9w8LewF
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaHZ5lv0o9
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5ycHQ1AKb
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88AOohnM7Q
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRri4xd9aZr
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyCgfJHHgI
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS9IF22a10
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKXZ4CYlYf
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGkq7uvBV0
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBri7Suozsb
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9Ft2nULST
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEhaVt15n7
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckdTn4hZ6b
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtVcbVaRW3
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ3D5scmZ4
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8gnPSMzvD
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUCGhKh2fm
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nYM9TlHbB
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz2ouLBKTM
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF4OmBJAYN
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYrTcbcSkr
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf54b9gsXa
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGIAMyOQKV
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGIcQdX6U1
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkPxgv655o
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9rfvTGVfn
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM179pg3XW
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz4cqzcM6Y
"Like I'll let ya do that!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18aLSYexCd
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvjHvDTRU6
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyNZ89xDfa
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55g6TZVx0p
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1MpK5IKWS
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5NQOYNUYr
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCu6DRWxZk
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhZquQLnmi
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF65ixeydq
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XviZNluRO
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa4vS8CNsP
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa727CZERh9
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMW0PYnmRk
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4kGwxgfil
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnCd4xR3yP
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorro1dCsHh
"--Hrk!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPWYyMq3s7
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YEZq4aZ1Z
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4ZX15hWhy
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD1IP1oaRP
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk7QjOiw4F
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5o08NEMhV
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM8e5SG94w
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8cNZnfyoR
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8MAalUWwa
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu6CABwRwn
"Whatever!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49syL6CfVQ
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhEfpq8GYY
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyrkDl6QKA
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZULLa46KEM
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC06Q5AzxWV
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy5TnOznWG
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XfjQONDtQ
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnywWt9hwew
Dread, worry, guilt–364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC56ToWO6ch
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr5wfUTZgU
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83RLby1YOr
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7VQYtcQZw
"...R-Right!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSh5vQEONC
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyIgLnmJCT
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53bbyG0cfK
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6v6DpWKG8
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfod2iw31P
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbegREQEzX
**SLAM**364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9Cqmgekyr
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcFaEMA4Vk
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjCzvrzqLg
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5EKHk6EVb
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfcwS9BFBv
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWFoDO0438
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo5xCLdNgv
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaTJKiEsGZ
"--Ugh!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfP73uxgC0
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRuTXbfxOP
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOYizz3JkH
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbR1kZWi7S
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4avMz4trE
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu96xP2r7W
**SMASH**364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡproOnMEGvb
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF4FvYFGtF
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNBB6Ra7sC
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDzSBrOlCW
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnmmdDomqT
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK5NEtaqSu
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyaklJs73j
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsvQV8sq8h
"Ah! Sorry!"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjKCFkzUk3
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO17rUn2jI
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft1RvEaUZc
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dy6XRvVI8
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrruAoTKTR
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIoCokfbjB
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiwdwFBrOU
"N-No, that's not it."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQjrRqAPuX
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN3VU3O7Ne
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdBcxWx9sE
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvV7div3w1
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuhNqspi3V
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzzRpC6Wxn
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
and then Add to home screen.