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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcSsYKn0rr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG5IJj7eiR
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi2ATd4ViG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0agVtrJd9e
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7TcG8iXFg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKlR8ABiJ0
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwulmhuvkEi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE3g4XSy8u
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXylzIxfHbo
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCvBN9Mpb1
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRo1oasqsV
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdv6BrdbjX
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWftbfJk79Y
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5hOlwdPNm
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKbtqJHjoc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkOlaPJVba
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKHdhOvGyf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj6ut6FtKd
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIw5ZbPopy
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nc5m4AEW5
**BOOM**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn60HTydJC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhjRf890Vd
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2Pem5iV0O
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm7PHF9S37
"Ack!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO19nlFTGyp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQF9x5NRfm
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvO1cw4sww
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsQSJ1hp77
The room was a catastrophe.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SMBMU7hW5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtBMIIirxD
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpeBzfh66X
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoil1u258gI
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3nXXIyjZi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy4oEkL5yl
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PeCwGiaCK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5FCLgjVyD
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiW1Rd9cIo
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDThZ9BDr7R
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9mgAzBEdF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pHVQyfMZO
**STRIKE**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJwB6CwLai
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9M99M6OSX
–only to be immediately interrupted.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bGjiTEhad
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qJvpfSUNc
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXuJvVKjH2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqWR1rKTx6
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmHYkP8rA4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU0jO35snc
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBub7HynGKn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR7VlDSRRN
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66oPEkoYEK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaZAW3mtkK
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh56QluIsd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9jadCpmg7
"C'mon!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs6pmr6UPA
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3rKSHrBV6
"--Ah!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJih7VxU7Yc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsSjIHbEVV
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsM6jxZH1T
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIE8hHHVPr
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EJ14NaMpz
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVwfPrPEns
–
–
–
What a moron.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pnDTclnS2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNzJVs2ycW
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw7BV0RJEF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVe345Y4T0
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFLDrzJtuF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8DoAeUtdA
**THUD**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhACj5stvLs
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ707NX16HUU
"Ngh!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwsmE7jflr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvqXLH4HE4
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpoQmBYpUg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeUkSQQ3Hj
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauBSZEy5Hm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Lj6bVjiX
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZqNqYALi5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84BS6oj8aF
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD8Pnw4k3Z
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDGsvdJhHI
"--I should've known!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiUFpow0bb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMG4uyS00B
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQqhNZMYCF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtHCdaCDD3
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRm5ZIRUo2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pDlNjglgh
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0wZgiKBlk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGbmA0vX9U
"DAVE!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWESsixv6A
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpx8hG5la8
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUhNktr1Fb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT38EyCyrr
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5gYGP79Od
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPkW1gg5hg
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.
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv63L1rdCV
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpLkrOJzYy
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSh9SDweH7
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55P3Xk2vdL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLlILuEhnH
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH7SkVMcot
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ4wwwdVxS
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZiAynkgC6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Aj9BAmO4
"...Those are our first casualties–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnypUx9QIG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCABr0MrvRl
**BOOM**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwHINg1v28
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9XtFd2Bvv
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrdzRXpQDw
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf2RrfIhTH
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZemUwvv1S
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FCsSPBlNN
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zjmWpBWal
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI03CBG0kWo
"I'm here now."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0IxpoWeGG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EtO3ISNw7
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1Tv9kPQQR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeT1Gb6SBB
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zXfXmYs15
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6LEMjOD7B
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVEOjVJt1k
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjreeDJC7V
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2Jt7fmcS1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cij5ekXKA
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNrzV0g0JJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc8ot5zgHF
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl139awaO3
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG4zErJGyR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgufdvQaS5o
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVcArgkxn9
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt3dvs2s2W
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKC2fF7F0H
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBvwnqerMi
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWnAHSmJB6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMBVz6xssN
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPVcDzyU7e
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8TXQDBVzo
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygarLfLzZZ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2wTmvxrYK
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcsQPMB7oy
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCpE821hAs
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4qJWsAZFm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSHK8YLp5I
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Qh3Zs4h7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CEP3TjcvM
**BOOM**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzDFpYWNgZ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkvrgDT9OC
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmmP4EMj5s
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk0sGPnelj
"Pars!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKeMPXPemM
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSjn7XBXMk
"Huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27zjZjIsGn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1skoKxGHM
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVS3UI7Hqg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Su9fL3YBz
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6VDN4MI6r
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AO51mqBlD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpBAFip98P
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljZ8ETcorV
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dbRvlk1wP
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC9m4P4TZA
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DbuMe7KSY
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo2aRr7Ie7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczmUEV1vpD
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhexGH40TYu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK0wUMYwRt
**CLANG**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GgxMclxRn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUhZoDVR5T
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRZFqb9sVO
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB3YvSa9xV
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k6Wq4pKkh
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyCJ95tQlw
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBAOhmTI3r
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLMAf8eVJQ
**SLAM**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPCd0V2WHs
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFntKOUxpLF
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27AEeHrabB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4Mp3ydsUJ
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHl3TELdVG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ59k3kItnw
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrKE00Dchu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD2CEZSPwN
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VBGjn3a9U
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP0ERSpuc1
"Ngh! Shit–!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5esUITf6q
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0gHdbLGmc
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm3dmglWxC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHB5EU1VSS
But then–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus0T7LRSCP
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB5tMoEK5G
**BOOM**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvDiFJ5XxK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm9N3fCaQF
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR2CfXmHCE
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQbhKmBFGT
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xVfa3vkxy
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjWPHdpdWm
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKkhJAe4w2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo2FSRo1jC
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38GL1LbOuu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSogUJbjye
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8G6nvE6qx
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUf04HOngT
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT3C69eP93
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMndjUIfUk2
"Gah–! You scared me!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4P2VbnZOK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48kwEYapJ5
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwIMdlUQay
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLa1ynxPoC
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vKd5HG61h
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIlKfRQ20c
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCutmh0Wxtr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsvRVZk1pK
"No, this is terrible."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6iNv5Cuhk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7yC0VL4xx
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzdhMJdu0B
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4rGAcyOzp
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72d56ZDpPP
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSmA13mPsM
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1a0ko0jL6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsfdNtJPes
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oG4Wf3bAR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdJLhNaRkk
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTAdViYlNX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ492N140OMK
"No. No suggestions from you, please."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPdxYd4IR4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2IxptbC9R
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh3DzzcSjz
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQtGKDGmCL
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZYFnca8Wu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbGgVcBiN2
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTJnIKnv9N
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QkwPx8Udr
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEzNK4q91z
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI6ekRJKai
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthQOJDth0z
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKa6Lk8IqO
Still, no response.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55Wwtbmyty
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29Q7EOYXBH
"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–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OO5ObOp1R
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnsBX2eXxR
"Because you're entirely incompetent."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ25q8nOKMv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68Usx0qR0e
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx14QmfwvMi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa92VyZB5Bq
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJdklb2Cpa
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5wHN9mBMQ
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMJWW5CEk2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBWI2mANWm
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NKapGLraa
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX4uspcyUF
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQekVdAYZk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pw9vCjJvq
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjIHDzb06t
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdZGFpykJ9
"What?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiV7RxuN0O
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFExkNMYS2N
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCCTvu8Oox
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesEBYx0W2p
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbkmhBmKC1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEzsgWaoIZ
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoNZsJi8tT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNuoMWX8Ev
"...I see."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA86gHdEyo
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwUJcJyBvb
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Ho6laWfD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF4Pf1pMrl
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5lTJ4YjmW
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKldc52gkMM
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHTLJL7mxB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYpU4KlNwP
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuY95xOQgL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCdy2m4ANn
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2kayEBegL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIdsk2apZl
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYCbxCxrb0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl1RTpn6nM
"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–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouEPfbqol7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLnRykAchC
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tqCtqTeH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOoM3ZkBZN
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFDZznoHOL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5TCgG2v2y
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:222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgty42VABu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzV1HRjjSB
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqHY51HZn8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GZ3xvOtN3
"Alright!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYOVDY1ZaH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sXbXxCjzp
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Rb0wd4maH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uNoo4JIm7
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pHQGALls9
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08jXnDX06F
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxWVu16vRQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XB8cPq0ee
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9roywY4V2i
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NLR8tnBX6
–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnoCIcgPes
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17XfQqB8kC
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaol5Bh3aT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8N77v1ggy
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgthYdRsXtz
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uS6m7oBVa
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWxCuJwIlL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZy7J5097T
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPpGehReM5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1PCfCVdxN
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ5hueJHFO
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77rba8BUoM
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7y0E1qgty
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAnOP9hJRi
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90H8xFJT4g
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhSj6hfjh8
"--No!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzJbaaQtEB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IHYiqHdVN
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODF71wHdgX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGyq9TQwj1
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn4tLgTHA6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXsjzo0tYR
"Hyua!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasz3ziLc9l
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbMgQo29pV
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhflxjQbKsC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT345IiEMfC
However, he did have another sharp object.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTlmb2sCIZ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bFCXHqEqm
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv7IqF7uDo
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnYz6ITgqH
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9cNqC6qnQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTxnUNcNvI
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9momWLzv0l
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0XEc5bOD5
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ17zWUDEc4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTaDPNZPN5
And what came was–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqgawHt5s1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oUDuxNAnf
**BOOM**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S2rpi8Fra
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR3oZxJJOg
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei4R0mm2gL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGxRYjM6T5
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOrjxxzZ5a
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaNfPGqWx6
"--oop!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nsBPFhx3D
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHoKQK7JAr
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeEiqlEJwr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2sLDDGKCd
"You... you're a sick jokester."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1ZF6ghHvh
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu9sC9uyA5
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgipn3SB8Jf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MWjsudIlx
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIskyzTWvcC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV6cSF3HMz
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DnA3QGWFD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAzArNvCtM
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq8HTFUAqc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1DVOpUMio
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHNIaDxZyJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDUUE1PlJV
"What the hell... what the hell!?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrvmFO0BpO
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2qomuDn5d
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v0Lz52t5D
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72peOii5om
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikZtJQku7N
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSyFo8ykey
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChVEaQieo6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFRKusSnVk
"...Heh."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlt5HsPcdX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOo2sYEAXf
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzxDP84EZY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHxZXEtXaD
–
–
–
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB6uywjCnf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GbG3jf4xE
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FBOYiDutn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfjCY5pTid
**THUD**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRdUWkVknj
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7axwZ6vYt
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYgZ3MTrhN
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcejvDOkeok
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTFxShQOrY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXgwstRq29
"Though I have to wonder–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjJ6LXMTyd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOQYjTVS1M
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkCUq9xkUl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvpIFGbdr8
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0RARVANEt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4nT6b4CFZ
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSj7qHkOaH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucs1T4tBtT
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWCz1ZTeax
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv4bZS8wky
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxK58rxpDb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1juB5djJ2F
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.
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKGyt69P0X
"Irritating...!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOXSIFtbXK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcNXHzmr8u
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreeCQegMEN
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5HaNQ4PDs
Dave didn't like to use spears.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1hhXXkEbl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkwlWkqhS8
"...Haaaaa."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvcIdhvLmJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUkKbdbxb0
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgZ1QYPYRm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVeIvRKq1h
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUhCWlIaSc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27KdxUU71D
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1ZNk3uyI2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecZp2Icueg
That's what he always told himself, at least.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzCIOSfM26
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXHAeUfGZ1
**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**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XEHCEp09R
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMqoYF856N
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvQh04gzRM
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H5GPqjcQY
**CLASH**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhddsqp6B1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn6T5p1nZe
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**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVooDNE29xB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RAF4aLat6
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?222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYKuTnKQSk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAh6A7E75I
**CLASH**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLPygaeaHp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGvDcMN7ST
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuVN87HO8h
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfnduQI0Bz
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgRSStMkx6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGF2cJfLyI
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6RExmsNhZ
Confusion–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WzaI8HDfD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWNRRuWF7i
**CLANG**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0MDLJTpwp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqqE3taOtA
Delusion–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinRLu22cpU
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ1PxkQ8cN
**CRASH**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr3oeRfNXV
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBfCrt6Zta
All lead to one conclusion:222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNpW05xCsF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LCfdREKKQ
**SMASH**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eRmWcVqFH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7LaqWGzlf
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKFrwOrLis
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNVpvkNASZ
"...No, of course it isn't."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIoZ4tlrZ7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8AOiMVTic
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lde5HO2b7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8GuNnOOc7
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVP06rhTn0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cTx6biVk7
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoYkWjgUxe
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkzHtk5nnI
**THUD**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVmh5LEPy6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQbGQh6lT7
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9syhXL1K4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ00S7B8L7N
"Pars!?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99loVnTVYd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1cAE4oCUO
"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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA8msc6G3D
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP3gPCHQWU
"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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8fY7jL4VE
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnCY4ZBFLw
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku0DUiR8rX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc07tCrCYy
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SHC9LnuNY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eNtp0jGx1
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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInq0R6cvXl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm4wU4LJEb
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWvwnF7LFH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpkx6gfPse
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZeBH18FeH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonPPV0fWKl
"What do you propose?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6iITefTuk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqInhFKY9YB
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfreiKCB71
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPPHLeeNxC
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZOaw8nYUd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblGyeCSooz
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8sRe46f9Z
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjuDU8gN0A
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaCTx1igI0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHIP6OKFtT
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO0eUav1hl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvfTTABcDu
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Wnlex1Nrb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqsQ727W6G
"--Huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvCcdt4rh5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0tFg1QjE0
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelqh88k9R7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGN0LmYPBh
"...Always backhanded, huh."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZP2UPvj1W
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnpNn8c0GS
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 laugh222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HIIhXHl9a
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4vCKQEB7p
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlOC7B4sym
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyl9aO1Y55
"We likely don't have one."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDNvCKc93u
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDckJIxqw1H
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFweOJgQhe
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ845haMZXGl
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tyRHFlONN
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTSHdWPdHG
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAz8o5bvWv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY37L98VwVC
"Well, if you insist."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4xoF3o6LD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIe1YnOupY
–
–
–
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.
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEq02Ejx7w
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRUqWRiS3o
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxAn9sNb9g
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVVf4mB0o5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPhCxy4swZ
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqnEmLjxTE
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGIWxZqOvg
**THUD**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR5na8527U
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbRSjUaS4R
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?222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtMNNujexk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g6ajtUYjI
"--!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQCXzYNoMt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXFMNnvIXO
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bzURD3Xhj
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xp82ObqO0
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8vdPCPdbu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpFVfUAf0w
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupmG93kDzK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuUB0UlfQr
**SPLICE**222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AaVymuoNE
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsHOf2QpFB
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCaB23SzBa
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1wWIrjxxL
"I missed one."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypBryKSI0z
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz0Zz2UVpr
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOq6lsaFkB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMyGIKG5gS
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKKACkxtUm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSOUnf4ijd
"Hey!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaffPsRXc4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDBkEYSJWR
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkhOfcxqn6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07EUih9xUR
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYoMhq8tGr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkVH6GsO81
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM4fycIJmX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pmiq3DnnP
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qh2ZzJhFm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ3k9E8y4b
"I never said that."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaJ9iGZgFq
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnjAKQx8GU
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC2WyvFWUA
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIc1xx0U3A
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5oxYD4dMB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF2HnG1NX4
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw4MHu7N5g
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Vshs5SMO
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdnhQQpNnY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHfYTREpE2
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEYjmReQKo
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM1AOIp1xA
"Haaaa. Damn you."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JNJZJ6KHv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqJdOx8BfS
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayzVmoSnG3
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZa3Aq5hD9
"They are dead, right?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DnabIUjCv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDFneYXyTf
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RjauxBGBF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4Yc8nwhcu
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC6XEjOWFm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6xl9ihqsY
"I–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc92OmLmNki
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W94OGLMhQ
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vADLnkR6t
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7SD6dqway
"Huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipDzkHSdNI
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK9uyhdbW8
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSUcMqeklp
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt5L8d1PEj
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2dMuzW9rr
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"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdJkdvIw43
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhBz2ec1wn
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEJ9tValxC
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRXZkllIae
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtIolLm3e2
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm3RhsOilR
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUiuicTuI4
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQfcIgNY9M
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"You raise a good point."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO19FneCgg1
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oConX7Xr7
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIMTYgOoaN
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEfDc6lukf
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"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pZX0HRZB5
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"Ha, abandon?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3QC3OKMEX
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEtHzZLdA4
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"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKppdJEGIX
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"If you were, it was backfiring."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZx5xfqQIY
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"Harhar. Very funny."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6T3hFZ5xD
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaciyY8v2zS
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"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgs9p1DXok
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"Aren't you conceited."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XblEVJmZH
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"You think it's arrogance?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaWmMwb481
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Pars began to stroke his chin.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j0lTYxAT6
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56UKM1UUur
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmItSSSR2gh
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"...Yeah, you're right."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTz10HEtIt
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F4RUlAiOZ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hi8UB0svX
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
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