Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n6wJ2dUPX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZrRevLrMg
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI8vMkqf9k
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1YNjVoVUP
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl96giX56v
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4alFl0KY7U
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0jH9KsEgW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk1DGNwaOY
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgWrdo9mEY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oXaSqjO29
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuaB94iYeh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvxjKYDsN3
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0ZxFXcx0H
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFuHsW2AH7
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDcVIBYAvC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlkklRtaBS
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6FI2MSSCb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa07vnfz0np
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS0DtBxl5L
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZN0UEzH7m
**BOOM**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk9MKhkcAS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVdGrVByaS
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisNxzDf88Y
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2gtElPkJX
"Ack!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8OEgFVkW7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JcjzzANZw
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFWC64vxPy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI990LStgsg
The room was a catastrophe.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzZLHH4IHT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyiv2ncca1
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQtCOzhdsQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0HSmJNG5K
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LAz2MPGc1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL9Fypdu6x
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQsKIIhMjc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHZASQAy4x
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglOTJvr5HW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd8D5YWeFK
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvO2W4SuYJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQegsdYDWBu
**STRIKE**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87EhXtEKil
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4orQTRWm68
–only to be immediately interrupted.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCr3uCUQpT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXhhsuWpYb
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1rM42ps0N
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRfAFzCcG0
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCPiAPW0l3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOfGrr1zRq
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTMWCdFEcU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXilBA936Dz
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tv702Mydw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiihCAPmVsV
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS1SAaaeew
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WiOf0OOob
"C'mon!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEXMBkkrAc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTaWpLbWNv
"--Ah!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW6UeWtzFi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4StdRsCME
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte2DOxBedw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhTLR7kpvg
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs4iOHiYw5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWtHAU8SBP
–
–
–
What a moron.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNTjDaPzYk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz2TxpI8Xr
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ11XxW0IH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOe28IgSZm
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw7AZoOdLM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob9caDQSBI
**THUD**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vnwKyO533
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ1ftuBPNS
"Ngh!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8oj3UgTTv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqXtUQXdoQ
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbnOI503VY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBTXUXBjLw
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3PIn30kS6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VjDjSnwnD
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhehf9ufu7d
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIWafxBd7F
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLqAI9iDvJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgHOFHNRFB
"--I should've known!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS1hTcfVAJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOLhM6iacl
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6ARkntxtr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRXgvCWPAV
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0V1hIqLb3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkT3CCrpXj
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB74kWnzfe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPz9oMjBYv
"DAVE!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMKbb6z3sH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUws7WlBMzS
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAwK5kE2dW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Bei54fHT
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z4q75ib92
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMMLPDJF4N
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbrUcUEki2
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe1vbkYemP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z7zb6NTDZ
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMgPSiwKs7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpghpcsE2A
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmSUNS9Es0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PywcrgHgv
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHMZS2AWIa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCwsOQMVf8
"...Those are our first casualties–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05z4i1Anga
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE0V5oEgUb
**BOOM**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmNIvCaqyh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM78wYwnt1
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERKRGaTX3T
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78OvXyDyEe
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuKFLSP97W
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1WmxnaOqV
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6WiIEKiBh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUGYqr8CoV
"I'm here now."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcbLNWWhLe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhwA5q2DcR
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CTjC5JmaY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiXaUeSPhw
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7gJrMj1Vm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyVErZyQvN
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyrRRiLCU1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgtuzkk8u0
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmO19nt8lK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1GYpjbc4Z
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukpBzg0OGb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPwtyOGmoN
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUVo7V6CQI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4wdPJgGJa
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegStJNwRTp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bVozG54JQ
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohsxTsMnS3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWR3mUsj0r
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtN7kBhKJE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjnIQ5wXx2
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGWHDFWr7F
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKC9WOoxO7
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUvnLOzWjz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOaniSartT
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NNLAwnEju
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL01IxJudeM
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z9OdFXrgS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3yNUOpFNq
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT2EClUrFn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOnJ2ipLdz
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI0fcH6lej
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuzN3TQNUF
**BOOM**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnRcYWQYwM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMCOnJXCBx
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1TnHD9TNp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEVj7w1kNe
"Pars!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelVdAKgTrJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8xmmHGp29
"Huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS5FkCDHnJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXebYldsXBj
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOSCpYacle
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nfCVurNZJ
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBITOIFy34
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbZgIajU7d
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyxLjZghtK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3A46fZvPv
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQXQnEXp6W
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2GZvLpuey
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwBoiV3QYZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTYIPD5U8U
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8qCLlS24g
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUsO4NewRB
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8iOVUUTOX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lM3QHQmmC
**CLANG**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpqeiugjY4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIRkxNbnGq
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbimciRJYJQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh4pxTOSmg
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwe3ZRD54I
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZtRTmmwzw
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EFZIdoMbT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5fp1NDnD1
**SLAM**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0VfpgbC5U
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05SjLO5Ivy
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuz8NYaKeF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxO3t9xDbd
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9owfm6cHDc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQkZ8l7v0p
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQbZYjq18i
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFss7XSbjr
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz7aLDIwgf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhepu5oAnE
"Ngh! Shit–!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PiWjXyfHH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkHqPEllOq
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXagwmlhICe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkpyCFmnAU
But then–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6BwwAxtJZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqHd0NwDrR
**BOOM**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRDAHJK4K1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOH1OIgi1K
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlg9bhlfl2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNNhTLNbvi
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJQE1OMoHg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNJtdW0YOp
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniWfrcKREv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxO6eiraK1
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifP11Vcknm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOwvhhPcab
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi6wQXgE0z
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TPzD0MjOR
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdh8Omr2ma
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ6tNHW9U1
"Gah–! You scared me!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj16RLr7gE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9aoCSAIMG
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgj0tzD66o
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E5QYFGWDV
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGmzByKr1D
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAuWbuuTB7
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8JW3IiBbT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN1eJi8O4q
"No, this is terrible."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQpstU9dle
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonjHCJFo8I
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIubNox8nA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsgKQ4Tvl9
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh2ltUxDij
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpGddZMcOR
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQLAE02cdm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw44gsFTklW
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa9p7aNKPs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5dJjSvkjM
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMZYXu8dKC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljfXWYxd2P
"No. No suggestions from you, please."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S9UWvDyoi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5azbw3Ud3f
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwczkZtF3a
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7SERvn88J
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzE5cbmuJm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dvoKa7e71
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqhmFmgSAe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4thkieRnS
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5C9xvlkmC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPSlMw81yw
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknn6oyIaWf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ2l29W9aM
Still, no response.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEcUxM6g87
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOOWAY08Tm
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk796Q8uOYl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNB5TAve6U
"Because you're entirely incompetent."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX20abPkhx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnidYFkRNZ
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3vyqsL5Sy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjWWKOWQNF
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqla5tfAkfI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX4TTp7CIj
"..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt15ZFWphK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6KPgCeXMR
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51rnp90DuY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxRd36uPrS
"..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V0JKqbqij
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6QZ2FTVDz
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwXSYMDKx4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfRH1U0Mjq
"What?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R55hwu66m
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dXxR5yxdN
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1nXHvlKJq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIyS4h2GPX
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbBHjHo7O7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAY0TqU1vD
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0PIYnamd8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BIAPuYJWN
"...I see."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe1eNYvFpy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNTwWQUzxh
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICpQqLyMyU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJGNIItzq7
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb73Segclm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyavzNEU4jt
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJk5rck7P7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYsdomn9qr
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhFy1GBd7s
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7P0ruxptO
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KTa5ylMvQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UlpWLOGu9
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8NxJCKI6T
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8fFYn9bSv
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OojGW1NvP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0diKm1vjYQ
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPi6XzhSwq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHc8LYWErI
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzte815Ls1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE73smEotD
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8FeJK4yri
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiK1o6QYpl
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82R5qAVCKh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYZ1ScDJDt
"Alright!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITK0FJhKY5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEyFBhvUCl
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xbg0NbROv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15D3h3cIaf
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOCxevdq5w
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbvK257flz
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNiESbX1qP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMhrYZqtaw
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsN440xWVN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1BJaSEHbL
–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEDG3uIR2d
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJs3kKUq4R
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin144EvxrR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4of8w2QWLb
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMroE1Xma9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WI5qWFuUa
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4quJZUzV9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ce1fE9dsJ
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2XX06oGXa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ2bujl26M
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqql7RW4Kp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzbUSkhXcz
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8lKS66his
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoTgGHq5k8
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQlaoXp4fZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGhPHFahEd
"--No!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV6KtwTJIL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5speqKypxL
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjagTkkMPzk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwQ09h9cLl
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYDfR31LQt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxWJy1XP0s
"Hyua!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAOh4q5UIx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JuTc8cOwW
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aoxCtzP6x
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZbuIi6W58
However, he did have another sharp object.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v3QxugAbX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtH2jRSIR0q
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcALXFomdqM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo6x197H0b
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheoXcwPtIm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5FvXyPnBJ
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7IQZzZhp4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAohBkYQBEg
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnLvj9TPt5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rHvxz5PuK
And what came was–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShiS2pGCCY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNSJWJoquK
**BOOM**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX5kHgj8GN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAG3Z6CnZu
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbf3kFt6Th
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFibMT17YBu
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgSmJDIeRJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp7QO7PgzJ
"--oop!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22FBbMrqoG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5TskYnIEp
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcSmpioTKw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWvjrmnrQJ
"You... you're a sick jokester."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YDo3E0Kpu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB5cETFV3J
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFf1zq8TjY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGKYS87vEE
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDaX3T0U6D
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInOIklmC5p
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVi631jh5h
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKYeQALZNI
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYEZ8k5CnG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmcIRFNw5r
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ529mFOLx1a
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtqF7YmcPP
"What the hell... what the hell!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HgOBSeEQc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7FBbkOdno
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWF8fEinpi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C2urW1Bc5
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUhPWf27LE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eOwRMRJ3S
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfcQvgdwH2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2V399U8i7
"...Heh."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wguHj8Vka
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC4bpsjxYu
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAStwbPQkKr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rBWoqOkWE
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6Iu6GUzdq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszbxQ4AhRD
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLCw3kM817
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWRUVEXp0R
**THUD**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClv7GaFazB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBrr6gtCOR
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEmZqghZlT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPJAu5yxrs
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLI3e7NzgV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4yyOEPFZu
"Though I have to wonder–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PmNODrHIE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29yyAeaHZf
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqKQMGMf4q
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaM7fdcej5
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6kdikloE7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MJ2LcQTcZ
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOlTIAlYdY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQFL2bTKB6
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtTFoCsb3G
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJB9MCRyET
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwkrSum3tK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4nhD1OPzI
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4bHptAN6E
"Irritating...!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOOuoBkZAy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aVQrAefFR
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN4fYJpQNB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIzl8BdjWQ
Dave didn't like to use spears.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Oi38MnKvj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMz8kodP8k
"...Haaaaa."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaPMK7d92L
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVMUtrWMsR
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWWMvmt4dN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTeTCH6VQ9
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImrKl2IzRa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwOMm4Yboq
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrlcbnXEXF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAVRnpUxY4
That's what he always told himself, at least.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCh2qjPsOl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI3m7uoECn
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXTQM2WsAH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BMsX78lji
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0E7L8tOYZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4q5kksXvN
**CLASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ncHyyp8wq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXNDSPtHHp
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXkrZLiQ6X
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW80ZwOe5Jg
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKTQmdeAKn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97qsS4nGgI
**CLASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o2trk0nta
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I75ERBFiq
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAlYPQR2b8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0zIzHEzLi
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJq5dKt16R
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvQs9LpPkZ
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTHBYR1Fl4
Confusion–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgciC6C0trY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNtzog3m0v
**CLANG**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlnc5bNJkT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjQisW91ha
Delusion–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y0Q4cLjVq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmMj8faxOJ
**CRASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhemn5VgVLi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeRWyvC8Rc
All lead to one conclusion:175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNRn47YzrB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WFmxtXjRS
**SMASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBrUSws7Zn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKE6oTLzCg
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswb76DtBQa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCejOSLtfs
"...No, of course it isn't."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDeEVLACKq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V19aprFys
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGMKiz1ktY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwt3B2EYrN
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3pVtEyWD6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGxuOxZcBt
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3AbUoEC8T
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt3UVbWXls
**THUD**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5bFdbWs8A
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQvepe0Mt3
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7lJhkfLZF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFLUrBZaRC
"Pars!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyKDRaes8b
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhusjXIrbn
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xFeS2n3PE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrgf88jjf9
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Tw4ppdae
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd63asT9pz
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8ejVrUHTU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3nyPJmi0J
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWOvcdc1e7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gpWeoedsn
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1vcaT6bYS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaeJsukytG
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wIvDO3Uoq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmhBqu65JK
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxinCPRpxl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm20HWEwDm
"What do you propose?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2fs9EXgin
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX6KJuOf5k
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXuPp5JOgV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttRJt0KZO1
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cVM479sq3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQcaQGHTsv
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr6nq8zCzR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM3vFvRW1A
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia21t118Lp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ0Lb3lh59
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqPuAApHRF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE8sNutG28
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnKOrgSEy3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTo6LBxu5Q
"--Huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW46xlxuPi9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhrzh564xf
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxtEqLnhKa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KUzeogoKD
"...Always backhanded, huh."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpWUTCTjb9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fUgQScSVL
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuhtoNfsxe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCoynsCGOL
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVIL6StOH9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDseEMEF70f
"We likely don't have one."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH61699UXx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yjgGctwCe
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxgnI22S5f
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw0sY9Nlpr
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK0ZCClAAr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaob1mLAGL
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1BMqh3tAI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xoyrIb9Sn
"Well, if you insist."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLaMvAJRc5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaow13xSEuP
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewEGpeCmXO
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jaDVZnrO5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJAu2fSokJ
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4dsoExDun
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2epvCHXxM
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEQd1yT0CW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUlQWyP6Qj
**THUD**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSub5KW2SQT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQLdWd7bvg
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLasgW0ySn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AGcxPbNOP
"--!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6Tw58dlly
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeqrWz1EjR
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfuXdsCf3y
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmGfngTmjw
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldKunZNgsH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8FGa8Wdgn
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzziN6N4SIp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhHa9xDQdH
**SPLICE**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPdf6hhkI0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScnW8mNe6i
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo1kGcgF0J
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HjVsNZdiv
"I missed one."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbzkwBTAJa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE2fQZY1x1
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6MBG2Skr3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggHBrjqBYN
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrTyIw2hH3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mRda76Rir
"Hey!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dZSYtEs8x
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEVoOVvZpF
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKDzSZxOeP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTGKXFKN8r
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2OQfjLv2j
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOfyHxBGgP
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrdhY7qctM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWPEwobQbh
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWA3tezGxv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PBLv0Fp94
"I never said that."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHSkZ43h6A
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLPorWINeM
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnsNeHkUKC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kNBjbU6y6
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMYldmriHc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlnggUwi75
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymon1YPkXm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W0Yxp3t82
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3aT8h4oBY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBdQEllBrk
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt1axCFfzA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsZnlnLrKt
"Haaaa. Damn you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHkdUTJyAH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq5KoWeV7y
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzD9NbN73l
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdnvlDD5wV
"They are dead, right?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdiRlZpwH2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ848Pegywd1
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw0m9QVqJo
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqkStlaGL9
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzDZItEDpv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNav1rKMjK
"I–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9hVhW3PL5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7AYhYv11Z
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0V8IYdnlx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKuribqyKI
"Huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt6mJ7GC1M
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwQH4JDMe8
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ib4j2fLVc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9StCEUI3X
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uBfylW5N7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9SQ7KGI4H
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvTVv1Gi3R
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNjCFVDApK
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnw8fkE38e
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78sx7hQefp
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvYSIdsYLK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqf9djAyLO
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GOtkTb22U
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4UNOyuJs7
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT47wB2OITs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoRxC2HwkZ
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKahInHXpOo
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBfCSOmAsD
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrthRMNWGZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAreJxa20J
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdRFUxgilA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyQqV2MZDP
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD4mbkwS1C
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsVeYLIIK1
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aQc6L5il1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6V9dtPX4L
"You raise a good point."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkd3B2gWGx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhde70nmwEA
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspjheO6hTk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9y278d8tY
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n045yoYac
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt2YkuVe0H
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblTRIdp0LI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmWm9Y9psb
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6mLBIg4Ed
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AfPfCdYui
"Ha, abandon?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4nd2f7ish
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBsE5JITH2
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsurD8Aixq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLfY0nIWBU
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAS138Bjhg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7vQE9XcTN
"If you were, it was backfiring."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1RA2tXbTb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLxXzOFxnL
"Harhar. Very funny."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXBOJTyIiD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcIqJJT0qR
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5DKc0w6sE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEDxes0MGr
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkAlBesBjU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSk5lTKHwd
"Aren't you conceited."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjUmVId8No
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm6ld27lqR
"You think it's arrogance?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJYpTcVE0J
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG48D0dPW3j
Pars began to stroke his chin.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYF3JUyZdC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9e6Ld9weH
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQmZpeBTXV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqnBxJG7no
"But what you want isn't just greatness."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP56Sv8Lfgu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn86L1euHoa
"...Yeah, you're right."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Rwp0NfTLk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ9JcxZqx7
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ4926JeFP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3yRCeWjqp
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
然後按「加至主畫面」