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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpPv3kMuJc
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07MDtOz1yn
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv5j4wxeZd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR3HO10knM
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kKZT1pJaj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnw8vY5fDL
"What are you doing!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O6O90stKg
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBw6WqqVFa
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLRmwA7xWS
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEEwU4woxQ
**BOOM**208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWQWMTeJ7N
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fO0QO4Y2a
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjCbNwFkAA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81kVgVP8oN
"Ngh, damn it!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR6n78uYgj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYCz9yCmQX
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnCofqAqVg
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSs5vGfwhp
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrvo3W3hTD
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNZH8vXYgV
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdxeIo2KlM
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmJuHIgKcd
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzanNTUTIqM
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLi5jRkunk
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14SfQL3sXs
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdME5dgVqra
"--Damn it! Rover!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADadanUucT
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoce4VXp7Z1
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx2JwbpNLL
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81U5WdK59M
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJu6Kijcu1
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM7UogsPtI
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw5nbhLIl6
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1nm7KwPzN
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnV5GVXCCE
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqN1NBSzKV
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGBaDYVeni
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxggAULkwnS
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX0KeaK8Ya
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj8AduJxr2
"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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvCrXgbglB
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpY22CIrl8
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzV9MPJR0c
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05nkNs9KHZ
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuAG2KJXBp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GE3fyeniD
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ3j6mh4T3
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVeYjXC4nw
"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?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuucNbBUc0n
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabpxDwTuKr
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJyHjgdY2M
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVScwhhbmZ2
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8ngyj54by
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VQFSPZuJZ
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa670sE0C5u
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm8KgqttRL
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiMZyA8Cx9
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDVjwLiAGw
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KDjPrxQ0Z
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtARm4KAENV
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw4aWu5wMX
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ig7YMIedv
"Hey, Kenny!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ORxfrzhug
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rMYJBfTze
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAXAYF0AsY
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZGrDuZj6L
"I-Is she okay?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiwZTVregu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODeNOXJ5ab
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrb7qEgLG0
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6qcDX2AuC
"I don't know what that is!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbH3uS6KYg
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QhtHEbXdl
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVnXvIw8bg
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrDHg18bFo
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K5PRhDDMO
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMKThY5HPi
Though, that did raise the question–208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbPHYstDpb
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVRA6ISzpi
"Do you know where you're going!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWQJm0JC6n
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWRMTXoopV
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj1y6JMYto
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWOzHeyHWR
"Ah– where is Dennis?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTAQ7TttlA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BpO88tX9V
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm2R6gpeDE
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgJ7bEkWwb
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–208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23nAqmadej
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUi21EiBMa
"Shit."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDJFgeHmYU
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EqQnmReic
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6jakbn3YD
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvlTs11Gem
"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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUMjrTx9o8
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDdHNBWN0n
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxN0yDtk3e
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TuRJ0JZgp
"...Alright."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5irJhOWwfp
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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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6wq5tXh4d
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaCSbqen9Z
"Alright, I'll take yer question."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OIrdOX4X4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4rRlhX5CT
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwDE90BoCW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNgWYAjSCE
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1emJtrkeyu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqXtqDM049
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTliHokINi
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsruRihOvZp
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9UgLOsdgc
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL2u3uSZYe
The man stopped speaking.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5STwQ1Ts4
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"Alright, carry on, then."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN92QqgrZAZ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoaS2GmqWl
"...Eh?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXFRVWouTf
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWgEEM5KX1
I shared in his confusion.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jMtvYA98t
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lw8CKxU1s
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Eo21SglxV
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UQGEMYChi
"I-If ya say so!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLHwmu6YdY
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mgsZgelVb
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–208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmasSzEhtxS
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y2WBdR6S6
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog3cOwpOgf
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwiNz9h9w7
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjkSsBCXmC
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjHLxDtu03
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQG7XOzGm2
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHNyzybrZt
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKrYxOoSgQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBkXxZLlHI
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMHZHcY4dj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHLFSvIjJS
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbAms2DnBN
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GjTxikFCB
"Damn it, kid!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2STjnWrm2s
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUw9ovsNUJ
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5hxzzU9MX
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TvW8BFOog
**SMASH**208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPczPphPAU3
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadqI9vdQo6
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReuq2fe5JW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiSel6Iq1L
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaalAcEicfP
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiZfKnIxTE
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhiQnXw6xp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4a4WUWgWi
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBXHg0N2jG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVzxViMhLA
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLh5whAw2x
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRj4yY3wiK
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFdfZr4egp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2CvBUMBtM
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1g3fmZkIp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLiZiWewnV
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpczBQC0OM
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgshPM73mA
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeyoFaMdbj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijZt5CtqxD
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx9yk3HX6m
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKzIZeMUSZ
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0wwVZzOXe
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfypO0vNNr2
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4br0Ckzet
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVdmRZpfI6
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYFW7OVRXA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcXo5BSWVR
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh75AxIGkZ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98DOfutQRG
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONVkcTMc7n
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZi5AQwQ7R
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdJljXm4JE
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm4kuMpmPw
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa9GDhx6C1
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CKdmivks6
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkbuMRnSGv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYv2zu14LS
"Like I'll let ya do that!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJUy0kovZ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9WzsVleIR
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6gfb6NjIg
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCySGVXMkZh
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEjCLXnAz7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpxzwyFMkK
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zhr5oDdcn
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBQjcrmRFQ
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzxVLuLpwT
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhU6Fn25e6
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAIUCq9bK2
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2oDjIbKtI
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqCpqjLMmQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMABXRN66NZ
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JNMEA03rl
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc8YLB1CgI
"--Hrk!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffQ9RwMRrl
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5fngnxViY
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cYUIoGSrI
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yqLNugRzB
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPlMWTkOuu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpPlUdbjwx
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8g7blQpdt
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqB7xHOYBf
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3I0dAmvKl
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi8bv4cSrS
"Whatever!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpzBdLLWGx
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa78WwbOb7f
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XDJCw1rEU
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHdAXCidh9
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJWh0x1V9z
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8k8dxssSv
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwwYD0aEmJ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KQHlirZk5
Dread, worry, guilt–208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTw7oXczE9
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvLzwoLupQ
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkziaF8GIo5
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JQAO13bzK
"...R-Right!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKqU9mk7WH
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCGDKkJBox
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqAxo1qBq6
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsQxMvbIrE
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnW4bZNjtt
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJsIL4NO9r
**SLAM**208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqvnUiLVhk
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcF2ucsovw
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROG2cm1k0d
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHphGro9jV
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxq5mnWOEv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi08eLs7Nil
"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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWQjEKdknc
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jS5vUUukP
"--Ugh!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6WUr3aYcA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F6YDN9iqo
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ex2VyVb1
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtspF2DP5sr
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5uDe7r3o7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwdFGRrSKh
**SMASH**208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNbDTOuVs9
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jTo3r0vb3
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMsOZ9VfY2
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdB60u5TF1
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgihsCot1U
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZRJyY4QiG
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkZVp8JKzx
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BUiPo3hgo
"Ah! Sorry!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5KH3bFJi7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqOtdthdnL
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgWpiuNWDR
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ1JYvO89v
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6RztlEuds
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV3AQrJWRK
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoPI7Cdbmz
"N-No, that's not it."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAVknCG1ol
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXcQjhtNxI
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ04Z91b3i
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs7xHZYNtU
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5wljS0neQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBCyAXUvB9
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
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