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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYLmGDhG5b
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDCE4nqHyi
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w97fFiIqE
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"What are you doing!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTTZejBeCY
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"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rDQUh4pLy
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**BOOM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbujUmTVR9v
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDTWa5Q4YF
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"Ngh, damn it!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0bfj1gPPV
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYhoe4msvt
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoZ26PmzHp
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"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmxfoBQw91
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUray5GvRB
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPDITof4K4
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"--Damn it! Rover!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNIsWgMIR8
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwehvrTkD8
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT77Rhg1Hv
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Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIf0XrKbDw
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"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqABK4cA6q3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i59NTer2n
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7O8eLSjsh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOags50BAJM
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxAkCsX4Co
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSkgRZvuZP
"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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA9ojy11Ga
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOlvXIVp1I
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"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6ok2hlMXA
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjf9BZZvGf
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"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?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPn2Vn4yb4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfSU0Dcjgs
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ569o0hmrDy
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOaHjIs5gn
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgVxbvUpaZ
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"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy3R617Tnw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYsQJmYuNu
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt0sYdpPD4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhBXPvANQQ
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Blrg6tldA
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"Hey, Kenny!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdhedt9oUR
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Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8yD7bMRlY
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"I-Is she okay?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDm2an1M1H
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"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATptq4B9qY
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"I don't know what that is!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOmuCWLEt4
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"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY95LA49Uq
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEYwkPOp3p
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Though, that did raise the question–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9C5MRIQS4
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"Do you know where you're going!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rb3DC22Rf
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKMQgEQZ3o
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"Ah– where is Dennis?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanLSVRZJzD
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"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V2urx4qdg
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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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmSfK28cno
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"Shit."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BVdbRdZw4
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wiPJJZsJT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GFMG8EtYA
"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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34rtRY3wDW
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu9St34bQk
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"...Alright."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoJ7AjiENv
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GqBqD0g9X
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pIBqDbOkj
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKc55vtxln
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6hYGPn6Kg
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWKQrtlPxL
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"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDthgeLXYr7
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The man stopped speaking.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2EghDY0IY
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"Alright, carry on, then."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BE0YbsyJw
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"...Eh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW33j3xAZd
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I shared in his confusion.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw8px798ke
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QImG7oupL
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"I-If ya say so!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjMTtHMxaG
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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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT29dPXZu0R
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoguafaLlS
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebw0XPhT9K
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWkQohtY78
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wamPBYNBC
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrm81IYuqb
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXAnjvNoTc
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"Damn it, kid!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNkCW46Lfa
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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.
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sfQnZq6OE
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**SMASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjluy0x5HJ
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgyReQRl5v
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w8FyNP3WG
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN96RX6VfwD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetwtE36rCl
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP5lsCBoof
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqms7s6AKTh
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCSegdaQhY
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAuLkoRTyn
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMQb2zhZwT
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKxrNfH5iz
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dbpvqKLv2
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLceSjB886
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9KVBinHqW
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"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbczkROWYMG
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"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lDPfxSyvH
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3jAj5K2b6
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfKl1KDxqo
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8euNgGVx6F
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzK5x2XTTY
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"Like I'll let ya do that!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXYT27FOcj
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7eHr3cqtL
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrAUM8FIdZ
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8TpJHpjQc
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBX5XYgOVB
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx6ZtGuexo
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM4GEGyAyI
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Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NsCGrqeud
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"--Hrk!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlNlVifYZK
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WmnZK8SQ1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpJoJ90u66
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ8KOS95vv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK108sdUOj
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrUmPlAL9L
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswpxMvPHgI
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckDvEnogHU
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"Whatever!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1pKkJaFHo
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd1TQPLYUq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzYlBGByhP
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTRpRrlbMB
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I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirtBHaDTCn
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Dread, worry, guilt–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ6MrV8AcN
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"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqaCsexRua
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuaMEohYP1
"...R-Right!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GibRXbwes
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlCYy14LFJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTwyAwafUf
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOYhhiund2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7OigLeepO
**SLAM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmEjVUJTib
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6la0U7Ygr
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95PqvuPzI2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsw7t2rOt6
"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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVzWmGnG8D
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"--Ugh!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabsDwNmM3s
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSK1fk2NkX
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzctYpWbf5m
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeB2eHSWAY
**SMASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaGtrB1yD8
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkCr2bFid4
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaqeX1ZiES
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z7M2968Mp
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"Ah! Sorry!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AjrVKTSgE
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHPe0NMl3K
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
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"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfzHnWZZGo
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"N-No, that's not it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R6uYmjdv4
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsloDyMu1u
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"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH8DunBO23
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Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
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