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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmbbWxkgyY
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPosl2nWgBQ
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLGOCNEQmB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eXx0MkVf0
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRgAHbqIDi
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaq3ZncPRu
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ501h8iS6gA
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHMToE3rxl
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ITQr6wEM9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zKI5xND5W
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRwKy4vchc
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMoO2GXZbg
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlKsOVFhAe
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc5uNVtFfS
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCS4atWVd
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCFLbuMuQf
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw0k2o7auG
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04hyE0X3bB
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGqxZFD3gG
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE7osteq8U
**BOOM**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBPFXEtDLK
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2cNSBZnPT
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6f8zhBzq7
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAaTjv9fH0
"Ack!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV7QDQIE5D
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTbvJyqBWW
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjdW49KH1A
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20aUg06oJu
The room was a catastrophe.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DQPheQEiH
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfA7srN1Gx
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdkLaG0k6u
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLONlUbIuln
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtMXUDFDdk
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xKYT7xir2
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUozWb924j
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCQwQ6dyXH
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHLokovw77
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7gYo3veID
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPRmLH0NtT
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0PKz6yFzB
**STRIKE**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu87JiQpxDY
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTFs10D10s
–only to be immediately interrupted.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaQjV1vQHc
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdlkOkP1xq
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85v9pldWeT
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJo8NHs46h
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShgZHxplBA
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NaByQSFyr
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloIfclWbLB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlgcnEtDhJ
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxPPYJft5V
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUqLo8qN5h
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7NaICJU19
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctSDjO7KCf
"C'mon!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkVSp7HVuB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROxqCUSwiI
"--Ah!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhEgUFuEWF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2GYXA5eD9
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQae9JOG9b
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWWugzhG0D
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O2NYhzet6
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlgzhCqKyT
–
–
–
What a moron.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vPQDbJ0X0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6GKEQzcV2
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJc6nVsfxu
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQaBC06Lb8
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiISwGh4Vk
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfQvsBvC7T
**THUD**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o4VTb8IO8
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EWEKq3GCe
"Ngh!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OHWCV150Q
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNk8TBJqSe
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsg26cTcH0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkXIW1alIH
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReGizK8sMc
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyUrYRttr4
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD0GsVJ85U
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhrkc6eYql
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnr1Ot3dh8
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXVzHQM12d
"--I should've known!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW4GIL5Dkj
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNBzFAcYLA
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0dzTodwiF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1CQDmE7DY
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ640Uqe4r3A
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25VUkXgQR0
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTXKja9DvQ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXgA0ImLdl
"DAVE!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFZKeO9GeV
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq3wMsErXa
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9AHOMHKmf
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd26tVMX5Xi
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadh904bWHi
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydT48VWNoE
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.
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7DuykulOr
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM0o8VdOMU
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVtyHsIdSU
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0dEx1KM2Y
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaxOMNmCrE
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN3bJagUFU
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2eQiRpfKG
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NjytoiGrC
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x6xWZnFEz
"...Those are our first casualties–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZqdAhHStI
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXXX4aqyKE
**BOOM**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaQpHKVq6P
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpViZwS1q0B
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcJg3yq01d
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN9Du8Tny7
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXfKdWqhmQ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSxvLYyT64
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO04uldUbFI
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU7ZR7LZeo
"I'm here now."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJmRJSAty5
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0cz8Qsi5m
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbswPx3nqx0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4xpedXs8Z
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zfY4las5k
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDk9mUiUkx
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xsUUpkdK8
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PYhk3tBPg
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEHqSCn97w
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHbVltEI05
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYHLqUHVj8
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbOxwr4blW
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7PLdx32hM
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOQphI6Pt4
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7taWFobuR
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpUg6byuFf
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPgDzOwiuC
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6kNVSLF67
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7NJ0AX7Ao
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPt19M918m
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lX1OqiN6Q
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjzS6vYQf0
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxoERMm2cU
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPRgqkXBS1
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5NLSttXmF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYohP3yxlU
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CpgdKBp4D
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPXK1WdnsP
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMONmcI8k2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3oAgcUAK2
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWAtnYUfWT
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sZlkEzsKO
**BOOM**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP03dLPXLo
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdD8p4Q0Hc
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3GlviZIsC
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1fJuk09l2
"Pars!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ053YqNZnvC
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bCWUwatvS
"Huh?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3VjMaiy79
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDRRbqPOK4
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kk9kFK8cS
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV3YXO3G7n
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPsFeaNH3E
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAKqjzBpA2
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w7W247SAW
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J7Wsstkau
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwNgPYJyTK
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmQXGx2sdy
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcDcNkNZWW
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzDLtu2yzF
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUcDWafXDh
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ciPrxRq67
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhTLp4UqR6
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJW2iwspP6
**CLANG**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjvuefcV93
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrteW14JP7
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbNKzv8Cr8
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk2LX8OGnU
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEsDgdkMCn
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy41pwXtzbW
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNfZefc6DR
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1wGdZZU2w
**SLAM**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQshW2Qnr2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtxibqalso
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oy5c4gFC0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBPJRmd5Oi
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1CCDMCv8z
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tY7Parrj
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFfcbtsldO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguvADu26dE
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlzyN2HJ9z
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72bHAUMAeJ
"Ngh! Shit–!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmDy0ZyDFH
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj1HFZYNGa
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxwAmcwi7a
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO3KitzPji
But then–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFeH0hgnnD
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1LjrASmoT
**BOOM**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhUk2oqlMC
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsPxzRnnEo
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xeoSVDnat
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u5B55AsJY
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6carfALl7
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevqPeCJ2K2
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlYrLnpjVz
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArgNWnCqZ0
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZKH1M5g4c
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD9lldni0K
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu933TOh8F
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQBF95h55T
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9lYRWY9PK
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqxsnMyzqk
"Gah–! You scared me!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jnh8d3hED
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASKqtCLrHE
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOnho9leGv
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEERNHuklMX
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxPUVzYFak
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx2JKWHMGi
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeqVd2y8ir
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp2vXWFwPi
"No, this is terrible."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8zM2v9ZuN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi8ODq1ILm
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyio2qL1BGn
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmUZNcmS4Y
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngz1Ph9xEA
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYCGVUdjEO
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wtv7TVFaa
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNsS8hApFR
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx8yjOTROz
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCYIAIJn1x
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMcqG3yATb
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwnfNFEZi5
"No. No suggestions from you, please."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fcwitMTjI
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzB4XvGwfo
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MrdM22mEK
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYjdhNJdnO
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB1mENfNsg
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi0KiM47dG
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ1rDGSNNw
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc6fmfSV6r
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshqQ923yb7
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ARzig6D8C
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHN7ZVdRhh
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYiPVJhUjc
Still, no response.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3f5rLQAos
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuumOAX1GGQ
"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–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPzhwTRaA6
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP38J1DVswL
"Because you're entirely incompetent."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBKeAjgYhn
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpZyRu1iBn
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgkSyoLQlx
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHyn7ReTHo
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEHdz7o1tK
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD6mMdIYsX
"..."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQqmFsDBjj
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE26M6MgCS
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uUDCxjBqM
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi2w2mOgmh
"..."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3181jirRF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG00wCOsDh
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKomZC0rOwN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7UOv9B5oY
"What?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEPZvnNqaw
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIy1dXEPcJ
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy6rjeWHus
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRscoqvsoi
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWVvECovDJ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdFSxaqhHz
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdagX1oIzE
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLMBpqWR4B
"...I see."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrWV7ITbPO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFeZaswNGv
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfegZDi5XF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLGZc6P95I
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryjR5iTG5r
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4P2UjXIdK
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9o2NSqPaf
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZM3Ou3DSW
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7QmAwkwRq
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrXItlADyt
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zJk1wL3yB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKsb5ShYm9
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bGPH8oIuB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDcAFcJRs5
"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–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh69Bq2pfB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uogMEVpHP
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLecCBhvM2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRVS1WDVnM
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk83IYWsPT
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TFaUBsFYe
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:444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEGH11xOMS
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CeGkJLzbV
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25HqW52fuZ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUhkC00jg6
"Alright!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMd1dPa76D
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv95fE7cAIZ
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCJbGGZV5P
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJDplXmEQt
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOeXyZ4H0l
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaZXXOEclv
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGkxe60EpQ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j0ZWOdHk7
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcncCJp6y6
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEWZ3YvDfv
–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNSiTlSh3
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdFaGzn4xA
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v6FReMYAs
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zto9lTSJ9
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixkH60DyHV
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQpgsLacM2
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr7i5mBTme
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzM66pc5ER
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYHCro0hsi
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMYLtvCxRi
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT6HxmZZeT
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL4gef5Mjp
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sNhwTSlR7
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMhfnGo5cJ
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3frEpqR8O
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxrZ6hsvoT
"--No!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHj9hBDMfU
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfGxpsJYnz
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSehoxFSTN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygzWPWG5vK
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC7kg84Kaw
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF0n2Kyvqm
"Hyua!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSnAh6BolI
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT9EepvoM6
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQtCj0nghb
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3bLDg8BYf
However, he did have another sharp object.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegAuAJFhAx
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddAQFqKAwH
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlIIWhFNUO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5oKpmUHaQ
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5iQldeew9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DYJvXKduF
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5cFCOCfFo
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXr99vuEhH
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu5vQst4BK
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvNw8jloVe
And what came was–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmwiYgjf9V
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpVylSOMeO
**BOOM**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6N6wy5gBN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNWcMDqVz6
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAbkkYdNwO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFRZDEcLGF
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxxLKbGQR5
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb4DYsTQqF
"--oop!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfUtEgTutp
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm9pmjwnIT
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p82CznBkO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO6RoeUvDe
"You... you're a sick jokester."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UlU4GtSxd
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1Znl52tAc
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdkLHyjSQD
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk0o0JFdg3
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoqK8xsGXl
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO2CZchgga
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvocwi3qVyw
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7glNPrTTM
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1NvWTXbaS
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHfEGxur2e
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNS7WMJGF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelPBwMejLV
"What the hell... what the hell!?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMoaM2R3kr
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb1aVlMcvI
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdUfwo3YU3
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5cRTYOohK
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSiAOBu0t2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoCJ6Kiv0n
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mCEEGBNa2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyRjRD3YfP
"...Heh."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nh1Hgebzm
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk1NG7xUY3
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItkLPzqwXP
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N3lwvowiK
–
–
–
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5j5OcdxiQ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeD7rNyLt6
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DyRHEViYI
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8EUGXVIqJ
**THUD**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDRrNYJIuy
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY2YCSi9Zm
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNzFbPKHLr
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdDXQYcU6y
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKugtDhGVpP
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpau9mtKmyo
"Though I have to wonder–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2Q4Y0FQeO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQSqrCwCg7
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyaMQmjSK9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWGXhGJ285
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKVqQyKK3D
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbR0X6KmMx
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9YeURv1i4
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMVDRCvT7i
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55e40B7LkG
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoEeNDMAbk
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpbd6gOyLR
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl7usmi140
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.
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnbGVBwrUU
"Irritating...!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9INgroIy9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWJVPg07X8
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUmmxh9aAq
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxZIG6hBmh
Dave didn't like to use spears.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuYFoWaU1L
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYhLTpN9KZ
"...Haaaaa."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV38oWfy3RJ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGVL1ij94s
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh2QIuGJkS
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7aUDdbNy2
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNexAuaDLHn
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTde6aTJ0UL
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFRyBgIjm9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k166bBCt5
That's what he always told himself, at least.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjgbsQ715g
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpTj8Y6yaZ
**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**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBonI3Fkx6P
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBMpHCAj7s
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqh4t8WqHM
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb7f2sY6LL
**CLASH**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22as9OB2Ve
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1xVH31ta0
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**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkQTTOUEUp
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwCgiSpNH9
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?444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQLg5idmQC
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL5X7ofWF7
**CLASH**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb5jtE58Dk
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnpaXQjGqI
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBDpWO1MVn
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBirQwD7f2
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XyGNDLaQJ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCADRN8q2l
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0uYdYzHrm
Confusion–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbShPwNxUZN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqC6uBCWSJ
**CLANG**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFyvumcmhv
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI64x0Wzda3
Delusion–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMcokUHQeE
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs1SPpTzJe
**CRASH**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoprhTxz0ui
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmxrRT1Yp0
All lead to one conclusion:444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXEnKTI1vt
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgutJBLlAu
**SMASH**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MKf3zpmsi
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWq32enNkv
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdhzFUUbzk
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7BkSoBOra
"...No, of course it isn't."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDG3owp0DB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB8F5gxqen
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bsJdizupq
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bs7bdy0MZ
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFLikN6YPz
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxc0xBa7ZH
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrGVo9w3Gt
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeRFG2DmQ9
**THUD**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjSgcWJa8v
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9u5lZgu61
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYhcoXfI7G
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwKLjPOr3s
"Pars!?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfZt6rq3Bc
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2aipCICr2
"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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9193oEUvvV
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRI18IG9fI
"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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLSuZ7cAND
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHqVjHPmMy
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PTjJ6XsvX
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxWpG8YSpa
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qFo9igyOO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU5tuPhHrn
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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaTxf69rLW
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrNhBGe4N8
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QNuXw8Hfx
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRxnvYerWz
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgFMWDkKae
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1uAoqOlw2
"What do you propose?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JT3KEUSaM
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL7Gae1qlt
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSdN0tcbMN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdqkfWvUba
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC8LeHiwII
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNpZFbDCo7
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySqe1DDUnB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcoSkmEevW
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczGwoqKBL3
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokfIKB7BQ2
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡornkhTbML9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCuPJxWJcK
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAMb6ym6Dy
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvYqHJDa1W
"--Huh?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46ZMCkIBWD
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt0QP4qJd1
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlCD6kPxKN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhilfsliOaw
"...Always backhanded, huh."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgMIPtD6yv
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmcwCD4cOt
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 laugh444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx8BANpoNN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mum9HxBEe
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscsa20Kl3y
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYjRNtyPDV
"We likely don't have one."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX0DuwV7XQ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmzUfijDvc
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4jRAC87LT
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGD1Ufqz1Y
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3qVHzcSaq
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhDvX87D8P
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g6aDwysms
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJuYh2KfIs
"Well, if you insist."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMjB88eAOH
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU7KlicgOO
–
–
–
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.
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfIe3nFaLn
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVG5yFPTi0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwsKg1qcGc
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsf7VEo9KY
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs3oMiM2aR
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP8i0ZvoAP
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dd6kqdBUz
**THUD**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26LCdPrzsX
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzv5gI0nsZ
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?444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhVqDKm9IF
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7vv0lZxZJ
"--!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozjkOhW70p
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO7msz40Jg
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIalQseUces
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUHVcXHDg7
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOcsGieUDi
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0RDqN7wqA
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–444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bVkqwHJ5K
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbogg6EZLw
**SPLICE**444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd94Rx2E4Al
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVZxx2nExg
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1fOr9tK01
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEZbtQ0cwo
"I missed one."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Hy1oXORN
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvfEz03afD
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBc3bvfFPj
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qjwpdNlwj
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9q24SIWc2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd06s6u4LR0
"Hey!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xcIEjRL8g
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHvVL12aOA
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXPTIAk5E2
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHXAa4lOFG
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxatIJHywz
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws4fYD1QjZ
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMqOi6Q6oB
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo87dkHkTWk
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8R0hQOnMe
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKJlKpVQBd
"I never said that."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0eJi7Hfvv
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg961fNBKGC
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3xTmaQpRZ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3eEYNWOqA
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VtTszG4q4
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUg4g8VUqI
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dYwtdTuy8
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfXKQNyly0
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6NUGG1VnH
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxYciPS5cX
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h5nOYcIC0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A9R0XV2wf
"Haaaa. Damn you."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz1noXcuHm
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn2HL6JuDK
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoEH05FBWw
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7O4O7BbDI
"They are dead, right?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLmhmRdgbO
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc7fs86H5z
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisBroOJNBD
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp5m4M0Iwr
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTigUnDm8y
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PVHGpNVYg
"I–"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTbY5Cn6i3
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2iytqj748
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjasslLQmQt
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMJIOA9587
"Huh?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzFEXUg4gj
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5EBYWnP9p
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m1wdWy0GX
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oQkpqPBMc
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkJW8PklLM
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5IrK0y75X
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2UEi6R3LA
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxW9wa5rMA
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXkULT9dkm
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LsHeGAl1u
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBarz6PYROo
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB83bwLLpc
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiU1NL7BKs
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87FtDrAuZ2
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.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3N046f94n
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBztmSSCpLe
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSY0FnmBr0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2eTJLcuxw
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ0Ye2skU9
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46hnFEplmG
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiUqCzYa8P
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wynTYnjXa
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9pbSo7Uyy
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzf5SrsbpH
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo3vM9Epjm
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQZmxyxlAh
"You raise a good point."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKEPli03lc
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aUW8Fa4bM
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjHbjfjZ0W
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBsnsbQRpr
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgqudfyDJw
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEdupdfwtL
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodlhXvN2sW
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5ElMyYL0z
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX6Y8YDpbs
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS37D5ymHW
"Ha, abandon?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ71lhVjik
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55akXVAfe6
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaE3UdbuTp
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRkMAOZUFa
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo1xqNu4fi
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrISZq7XOcK
"If you were, it was backfiring."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6BJw67zxU
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNPyrwjEpl
"Harhar. Very funny."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTEwUVCnth
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcxF5PP2o0
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABlbs9NzI0
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pVadzb7vg
"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."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwU3O84Xl3
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXn35wvUZK
"Aren't you conceited."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9JZdWcVjI
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzKFwilQDN
"You think it's arrogance?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYBG91p48U
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDBYwrnB2g
Pars began to stroke his chin.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ2aECp8vQ
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBunhVfD7dB
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qBOdiUEx4
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pwSWvjbux
"But what you want isn't just greatness."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB4wVCSRNt
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Ii6Qmmfy
"...Yeah, you're right."444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWytBHzSSiq
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpxjSFvHQD
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYsBuySjTc
444Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaCj1jyaEE
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
and then Add to home screen.