The ambush from the last floor was felt throughout the crowd.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0jdrcWZAf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKMyROd6H3
Even though Juke and I weren't affected, the other's faces were considerably downtrodden. Some members were now left without a partner and had to team up with people they weren't very familiar with. Morale was low, especially since our leaders were missing.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ5z1k9fjx
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFWXtjSYi0
The remaining group was small, too. Only about eight people were left, meaning that, with the five remaining floors, some were simply required to take them alone. There was chatter of moving as a single unit, taking on each room as a whole rather than having forces split from the group, but others countered that doing so would be abandoning an order and that we had to "trust our other members."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YYOxkIYHT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbFphH9ZSL
As for me, my nerves only spiked. The image of all those fallen bringers was engraved into my mind, and I desperately tried to keep the word "corpse" out of my head. Over and over, telling myself that they were simply unconscious when the right side of my mind constantly told me otherwise–
**SLAP**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnYkcxFxyY
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2HZCsptMe
"Ack!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHoyrCTDs3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGhOo5Yoyx
I wasn't prepared for the strength I slapped myself with. My muscles were incredibly tense, and I hadn't even realized.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMhPTzFZAq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNfavV11Vs
"No use in thinking about it. No use in thinking about it! Come on!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTCo8I2M0i
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM90BQkHpdB
I steeled whatever I had left of my resolve and kept trudging through the stairs. I had a complete vision of the crowd, and it made it apparent just how thinned out it had become. To my great dismay, I could even see Rover.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx79HzD4kG
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHBPpwfCLI
"...Useless–!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9EiC1OmFI
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNXalUh6T7
I tried not to think about anything that. I knew I couldn't suspend it for long, but every second I could force my legs forward was valuable. So I ran and ran and ran and ran and–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTJi2Q8ZPU
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFoA7zlRzv
Suddenly, I noticed something. Though I naturally hadn't been paying much attention to her, the person beside her had changed.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrIKvRswfm
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg3nGw1BPC
And it was someone I recognized270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdFgNsEUSy
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkWQ1n2vy1
–
–
–
The most grueling part of this siege hadn't been the laborious running. It hadn't been the various enemies, the threat of death or even seeing allies fall like flies in the previous ambush. No, for Rover, it was restraint.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbD5sqleta
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerzvtSDvzd
To do nothing in the face of Hard-Bringer gave her near-uncontrollable rage. Those she swore she'd see crumble, running amok and stealing lives as they always have, unable to even point her weapon at them. If it weren't for those looming words by that wimpy child, resting in the corners of her mind like spiders, she would've caved in.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xzPYX9liz
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNkt7e1kWM
Especially now that her surrogate partner was a completely new face.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCJUXKnjv6
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNsCPQBYhe
"Hi."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWQ35YTB1c
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKSNyexy3T
As she raced up the steps, a man in glasses only a little taller announced himself. She could see him facing her in her peripheral, and though her habits urged her not to, she matched his gaze.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxF4ZpGMy4
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza0iNreGwQ
"What!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKGko0RKPa
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs8wTnknVg
Though, perhaps, she should've spared an extra second checking her tone.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPd0BAOimO
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBXoYbh8F8
"S-Sorry for the intrusion, ma'am! I just thought we'd familiarize ourselves."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsikT4W9U3k
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqULgbeUPKQ
His nervous expression didn't loosen one bit. When Rover tried a softer face, the sweat on his brow multiplied. Rover gave up appearances, quickly discarding dismissive dialogue before her introduction.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJVyuhqvxF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC98t1gpjY
"I'm Nigel. You're the volunteer, aren't you?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVUWqkMxeV
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx7kqcE16k
"Volunteer makes it sound lame! I'm Rover! L-Let's work well together, alright!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJRo58Rwuk
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcsiZTobFj
Nigel's tense expression eased a little. He worried about a sudden reassignment just as much as Rover did.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezTpQGy7zl
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8loLB1FoC
"I know this is a bit impromptu, but my partner perished on the floor below. Thank you for bearing with me."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2avFw0Emq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dVyjClpAu
He raised his right hand, one that clutched a metal collar with a tag. Rover knew immediately who it belonged to, and the unusual idea of consolement entered her mind.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yxQVejI8b
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlD7qMtbPR
"That... that's really bad. I'm sorry for–"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kVbKpBz0O
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88cyXFTwgb
"Don't worry about it. You've suffered a similar fate, haven't you? We're in the same boat."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP1xHN29dR
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY9hJh7k2X
He kept a smile with those words, but his eyes lacked the light to convince her. He turned his head away, and the two of them kept running up with their usual worries.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqbYePhGuX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFcRXtJWtJ
And then, finally, they hit a flat surface.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlV7vH81oo
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dAXyiRVNo
"The next room's up ahead!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiU46Ceg55
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaicoZpMYkP
She had been in this scene nearly a dozen times already. And each time, she dreaded it. Sprinting to that door, knowing that there would be a monster in man's skin. She swallowed that dread like before, and each time, it poisoned her blood further and further.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvghkKVLdc0
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EwDuJCzFw
The crowd made it to the room. It was relatively small, but an immediate feature was the giant stained windows, granting a tinted view of the city outside. Rover gave minimum attention to the stature of the room, however, because there, by the exit, sat a man who could only be described as–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYimO5UTxL
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR0j5bWWEN
"Holy shit! Are ya a titan!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbk0x50cRz
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHm0YQWO50
Rover glanced behind her, realizing that Juke was the one to yell that. She saw Kenny near him, huffing with his hands on his kneecaps.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNjPcFFekv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN0TuAF4Vm
A titan. It was a familiar word. She heard it from the stories her mother told her. But, of course, there were no titans in King's Peak, only tales of them.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0TFgLYkrk
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4uegs4IWd
But, even if it was only in name, the titan a man was. A member of Hard-Bringer with such size, and his head nearly reached the ceiling when he stood. Such monstrous height intimidated nearly everyone, but for Rover, it was the opposite.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTsfvjIzqS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg6Kjqju67
Rover recognized that height. Rover recognized that build, even though it was concealed by robes, and as the man went to pull his hoodie down, the face that appeared only confirmed her intuition.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54P64IUGR2
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFYu5OO3vK
"This is where your advance ends– huh?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgqmCqKl40
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoxCIgm5Pc
The towering man stopped his speech, compelled by the dashing girl with a rapier in hand. She leaped forward and stuck her foot out, but the man blocked the kick by raising his arm. Rover then thrust her blade, and the man narrowly dodged by tilting his head. However, his angled head was grabbed by her free arm, and through a feat unexpected of her size–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgqqNNDRbG
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAej9UZuCB
**THUD**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR1joC6dZd
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEPwtzfIFs
She shoved the man down to the ground. She immediately followed with a thrust, but she only caught his robe, and the man scurried away.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnyQBI6u2J
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIR8SkntWH
"...Same tricks as always."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA2QlaC2ny
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsoQjxD47j
Though her snide remark was entirely unperturbed, the rest of the room stared with mouths agape, as if they had just witnessed alien life.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JWtqyi4iy
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3kClQsUi5
"Hoh– it is you. You!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoZUFO5g8W
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoAE8Edv0T
Because, the once hulking, monster of a man, was now suddenly the size of a teenage boy.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWTFXd7gcV
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5NofvBa9x
"I never expected to run into you today, Rover! Hahaha!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpYGzskOFd
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B5MJWMiIc
The crowd was stunned. Only one member moved through the shock, and everyone stared to find it was Nigel.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs8bMUP3n2
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnq4Vbi5Oc
"Everyone," he shouted. "Move on, we'll take care of things here!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokkDC5s5xo
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hag1uNtKF
Rover pointed her weapon at the man, a clear warning to stay in place. The man obliged without much resistance, and Rover turned her head to make sure everyone would leave. But then she noticed how Nigel didn't move one inch to that door, and his use of 'we' only just registered in her mind.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsCaCDFirK
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm28dt0Tp5w
"Nigel."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpdXT9ZC2B
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NDN3q68Wl
"Yes?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB2Gdqxh1P
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySnHqnVrG4
"Leave. I'm fighting this one alone."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zeIZuTuq1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceDhwvqVpr
"...You're kidding me, certainly."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlx6sLqoW4
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtYBve9e4n
Rover shook her head back and forth.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAhONIa0RW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj2quf4JXN
"Do you honestly think you can take him alone? You saw what he did, didn't you?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKQ8U1ElO3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReSTrJHvJa
"Of course I did. And I know how it works."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn49SBzERMt
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz9ugRrnQ2
"You fought him before, then?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuslTsoj5e
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH2djKJpKn
Rover quickly nodded. Nigel looked at the man with a constrained face, balling his hands into shaking fists. After an irritated, almost hopeless sigh, he complied. But not before one final word.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNKXjyl5Ps
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX8WuzTMgo
"Aren't you and I a team? Are you absolutely certain?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb4PfGpNTn
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWUXaGKnk4
Operating on instinct, Rover nodded, but then his opening question computed with her, and her eyes suddenly constricted.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0dbLXlTue
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx6JJLHD0I
"Very well! Don't die on me!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMASxeOGww
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdlrEuhx0O
His opening words caught Rover like a chain. It reminded her of that moron's scolding, forced her to consider her vow– her earnest word that she'd cooperate –and inquired why she didn't abide by them. But Rover answered that inquiry easily.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x1IuqhrqF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6gcj6Cg4r
This man wasn't just a Bringer. She had a history with him. This man was an enemy. A bipedal wretch, barely human, who boiled her blood and furrowed her brows.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy5O5NXb9a
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidkPimvaEu
No, now she was certain of it. This monster had to fall to her hands; anyone else would just be a hindrance. So she would take him alone, as she always had.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NdNeLZdrg
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eUqMT5CjJ
She looked back one last time, making sure that only she and the man were in the room. Nigel was gone, but to her surprise, there was still another member of the crowd there. He drew particular attention. Standing between the exit, not quite leaving it, with clear indecision festering within.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HdAYCeKOT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C1FRVPQhn
"Rover," Kenny suddenly shouted. Her eyes moved to his face, constricted and complicated. She was compelled to call it a scowl, but no scorn was in Kenny's face. Only concern, and disappointment.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCTcKH1O45
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zax3b8TEp
Even without hearing it, Rover knew his words. It suddenly was difficult, to see his face like that. Now, the embodiment of that vow was staring directly into her. Not just at her eyes, no– she felt the observation of her soul.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFghNznGOTS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10pGom4rQr
"..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXt1O1UeCB
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl0xBdPysd
It was suddenly difficult to do anything. And yet, the feelings that burned within her formed too great an inferno to douse. If that boy took two steps further into this room, or even one, she felt like she would lash out. She felt like– she knew she would yell at him not to butt in, to mind his own business, to go fuck himself, and to leave her alone. Words that she had slung candidly before. Words that she knew better than family.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMndiqoSum
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1E38LpKfD
And so, she communicated with a stern nod, and Kenny's biting mouth chipped his nail.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXKkINU5qx
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPeXvyT76l
"Fine. Good luck!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7iDKRcCjG
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIEJ9981Nk
And then, he was off. His bidding of good fortune completely stunned her. However, she quickly recovered–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyXikRIvgZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0YfMXXkY0
**THUD**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUVctQickT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWeYxMDxYE
"Sharp as always! I'm a fool to think that would work!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcKQJegJSf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP8vUUooue
There came a sudden strike from her front, but it was one that she blocked. She freed her rapier from the struggle and backed away, brandishing her weapon and sliding a leg back into a stance.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0ntiRcKpP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuIou6jrtB
"Are you ready," the man asked, a boorish smirk on his face. She could almost see the swirls in his eyes, the way they lost any reason, seeing only combat and carnage as they always had.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvcodKyJeL
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHEThgNNrm
She tried to ignore the uncertain, guilty way her stomach formed a pit.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WvmJAGSAR
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV8GIAhZdF
"Come at me, Boris!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVJupXQRDZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvfoVW7mUi
–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHsQlmhuiP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7xxVVXgZe
–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbPXh5x7QA
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1xXClH0LV
–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOGwj81eps
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCsWr4bBVj
Right before she charged forth, her stalled thoughts sprung into action.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq27ABbmL5Z
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cP0FzQ53X
Rover knew of their volatile unpredictability. But she was always prepared for it. Even on that street, when they made their audacious announcement, Rover hadn't a shocked bone in her body. But to see Boris utterly defied expectations. She wished she had more time, maybe a moment to sharpen the tip of her rapier, to check the grip on her dagger. But it was too late now, and as she took her first step into battle, she lost all leeway to care.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnZ7uNfFI9
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbKAcwS7q6
Boris contested her dash. As he charged forth his smaller stature expanded slightly. He leaped forward, but it wasn't to tackle or to grab. He swung his hips and turned ninety degrees, unbending his legs for a sudden drop kick.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdCO2ClUqH
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8lWQfVSva
Rover blocked it with her hands. His increased size made the blow harder to cope with, but she still only slid a foot back. Now on the ground, Rover seized the opportunity to stab at the man. She thrust once, and her sword was met with the sole of his boot.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0WViMXDGc
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeulfv4YoFr
"Huh!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dP2gOHAiD
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBfcbI7wKU
He spun onto his belly, catching himself with his hands, using her rapier as a borrowed axel. He pushed himself off the ground with enough force that, even with his lack of leverage, he flew as a battering ram toward her. Rover's rapier nearly snapped under the pressure, but she moved it away before its steel blade turned into a wobbly tube. She ducked Boris' charge, but he grabbed onto her rapier, swinging back around and destroying Rover's balance. Rover, however, had only one hand on that Rapier.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXSC208PLZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IbjihETa4
"Hah!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg2IYEtusz
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JQv664n4b
She used her other to grab her dagger and stabbed at the man. He took the blow unceremoniously, even growing to lessen it, and she was sure it hurt by the subsequent grunt. He flew off her rapier a solid few meters away, taking Rover's dagger with his body.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUJy9y8xYF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBlIbC8AlK
But she didn't let up, because she knew that if she waited any longer–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRXZgQRGL6
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIXdrTj8yy
"Here!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlnmAWYguA
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn7UjOJCTD
Boris dislodged her dagger and he chucked it like a throwing knife. Rover caught it at one of its crossguards, but as she was distracted with doing so, the man performed mana spinning.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIdiWNx0h1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYWBniA43M
"Good thing that dagger's so thin. Otherwise, this wound wouldn't be so easy to heal."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDDY1IwQpt
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIHQ4CNCua
"Tch."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb9E134PFr
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nTEiQbbu3
Boris returned to his former size. He stroked his chin, tending to his thoughts as he stared down Rover. She afforded him no time and charged forth. She thrust her rapier once, met with a jerk away, and thrust it again. She repeated her thrusts, each of which dodged but less comfortably each subsequent attempt. Rover knew him better, however. She knew that right as she thought she'd get him, he would pull an underhanded trick. So she assumed the eyes of an analyst, narrowing them and gazing at Boris like a hunting cat.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLXWFOKdB8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi09i3pZL8v
**CLANG**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyC5L22Irb
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YNhDiHkXR
And that trick came. Boris caught her thin rapier between his hands, clamping it so fiercely that the metal would snap any moment. But Rover's stance suffered no blow, and poised to strike back, she slung her leg from her side. The blow struck Boris right under the rib, and from his obvious wince, the damage wasn't meaningless.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSQzEg5WQ8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJc08xyb1p
She struck again quickly, sliding her rapier out and using the butt of its hilt like a rock, smacking Boris square in the face. Boris reeled from the blow and took a few steps away, but Rover swung her arm back and straightened her Rapier, honing in for a vicious thrust.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR75oyqsS9
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08fURHmPml
That thrust, however, had been dodged. And the force Rapier stockpiled only sent her tumbling to the ground. She never landed, though, because a sudden fist to the face replaced her embarrassing fall with a punitive flight. She soared across the room, disoriented, anchoring herself on the floor with her Rapier right before colliding with a wall.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAPE3QgHjz
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21kd5aoCHg
As she gathered her bearings, she saw Boris charging forth with a puffed chest. Only, it wasn't puffed, but swollen to inhuman degrees. The image of a bull came to her mind, and for a moment she was paralyzed. But she shook the intimidation off and stepped away, missing a blow that–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs89Po7fGFi
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivicSPxsUW
**SMASH**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9z92D1Aff
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIVkvY0dPo
–shook the room as it ruined the wall.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnembigjrKR
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NoY8ai14f
"Ack. Shit!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFOm1zZONP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy3Cpk1CIB
Rover realized his reckless gesture was an attempt at an early victory, but she was too energized to fall prey to it, and now Boris was only more hurt.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWd15itwvG
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZalpyOIA5
"These tactics don't work how they used to. You've grown. Haha, you've truly grown!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo5qU479DW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltxn4OUPBr
Boris deflated his comical size, returning to a more reasonable stature.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1kxZgOPoK
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYQdSsP8iP
"But not enough."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OmpBRhu2Z
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ485VUeGWFQ
"--!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy8TSpXBcK
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dFlmBKHwH
Those words, unlike anything prior, brewed steam within her head.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDRFyhuVjT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5oQlCTjSt
"What the hell are you talking about? I'm kicking your ass!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWidIL2aJu
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGjZNfI8hX
He wiped some dirt off his shoulder.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fenJw1csT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N99Wr127X
"Your intellect hasn't improved one bit, has it? Can't you tell I'm still toying with you?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYNG2nG4u8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISEqnt6vWu
Her jittering mouth couldn't open to respond. So badly did she want to deny it, to call him out for being coy. But to do so, would just be to lie.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi41y6uAJWH
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIavoLkyDlT
"I remember when you and I first met. Back in those ivory fields, when I offered you a home, you scowled at me and called me scum. That a bringer like me ought "270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SATFDAzPO
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjrO5IZylm
"...So what? What are you getting at, shitface?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMUCdk7CuV
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28B4KLU8Xo
He smirked. He placed his hands behind his shoulders, closing his eyes. Rover didn't understand what he was doing, and that worried her. That worried her deeply because she thought she knew every trick this monster could pull. She thought she knew every ace up his sleeve, every nook and cranny of his capacity.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLx7kOn06w
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhGRZg9qwC
But, as she was proven yet again, keeping expectations like that was for fools.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTaUoyoNz0
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyUQ8Gy0Dr
From the back of his shoulders, cylindrical masses of earth formed, taking shapes and morphing as his hands moved outward. His arms stopped just above his chest, and as he lowered his arms, Rover's eyes blew open, her clenched throat vomiting a gasp.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhElYmEJJWL
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2ndSZI6Ar
"You talked so much of this goal of yours. Of how you'd beat me. Of how you'd prove yourself to me and all of my colleagues."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7wKaNrme2
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJUTzxuBUv
From the back of his shoulders, a new pair of arms found home, and they pointed their fingers with snappy girth.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjOrMVwm1R
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlycq87hlRg
"Hahaha! Come! Show me that this time, you'll do just that"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSQqLSoFZc
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoXwaLfvjy
"--Fine!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERF6td54zX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFyZGcIhQw
Though the doubling of his limbs was obviously intimidating, Rover tried not to be dissuaded by his appearance. She charged forth, dagger now firmly in hand. After all, if she fought the new Boris with a stale arsenal, she'd be crushed.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvenAaLcr1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RmyBKcDKR
She began with a thrust, and immediately it was caught by one of Boris' earthly arms, not budging an inch. He bent his legs and threw a regular punch at Rover, one she avoided with a backstep. Her rapier was now confiscated, and she watched Boris raise it with his earthen arms.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqAjaSaLFB
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHBATXYlga
Something inside urged her to scream in defiance. To yell at that man not to do it, but she pushed that unburied temptation down with a commanding glare. Gazing at Boris as he snapped the rapier like a twig.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokcG8tR6TQ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ANgH1AdYc
"Well," he asked, "what now?" He threw the split rapier to the side and taunted Rover, daring her to come closer. Rover didn't fall for the taunt, because what she had was not rage– at least, not at the man before her.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw0rhvuKYJ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEV32w9X6X
Rather, her shaking fists were directed at herself. She raised the dagger and looked at it. Despite its needle-like blade, the curved cross-guards made it a poor tool for thrusting. This was her only weapon. This and her fists, anyway, but if her past had taught her anything, it was that fists were a futile tool against him.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNmEgPvalk
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ameAn9sF
"Completely still. But, of course, you lost your only way to kill me. Will you give up?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSN5awOsI3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfz3HmGkmQ
"...You're counting me out already. It's pissing me off!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1yEXmft6W
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9DLID5Xeb
Yes, her remaining weapon was better suited to defense. Yes, she was physically weaker than Boris. But if her kit made it so that she lived and died by the presence of her rapier, she would've gone all those years traveling King's Peak for nothing.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA0uw2aogj
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpOQwIkhxs
"You've learned nothing, you overgrown oaf!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG1VLRWhAu
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lyzUr9BQo
Her free hand latched onto the strap around her waist, turning it and revealing the satchel that had gone unnoticed by Boris. Unzipping it and reaching for its contents, Rover pulled out an item that made his eyes widen. A thin, elongated, but sturdy vial, one that fits comfortably into Rover's palm.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZZKwqstxP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK1fjAnjCY
"...I see. Hahaha, I see! And what kind of exotic mana does that hold?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7IwrGoUok
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3WvQqbkDZ
"Come and find out!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBjSfGzcaM
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RiSbdZ46W
And for the first time in the battle, Boris broke the neutral state, dashing at Rover with arms blazing. A result that came at the worst time possible. Because, although Rover revealed her condition for victory, not a single thought of how to use it came to her mind. And thus, she panicked.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbJJLOJxA0
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE48JZUWvK
Fortunately, she was always a better runner than Boris.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0JQySGuFp
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wnH9geXIr
"Get back here! Come on you coward!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItopgM0ecM
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zoL5CuPB0
Rover dismissed those venomous words. Or at the very least, she tried to, but its potent bite was felt throughout her body like the mountains of sweat her brow was producing. She had no idea what to do. For a moment she doubted that she remembered what the vial even contained. But one look at it, at its orange hue that signified distinct divergence, assured Rover that much.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ5HMBC2fS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HYZEO0yEM
And then, the answer came to her. The wave of panic crashed with the gentle grace of summer water. She stuck the dense vial in her mouth and turned around.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxttkwdNKH
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hwISE6Sin
"Finally!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RbZ6jtlvI
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKURsSGuEw
Boris threw his earthen arms directly at her, which Rover dodged. In a bent position, Boris brought both his arms up to uppercut. Rover blocked one fist with her palm and stabbed through the other.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsApKC32T1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsknrqpPRSU
"--Ack! Shit!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxRveOJrdr
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYuSkyYsA7
The parrying dagger slid smooth like silk out of the wound. Rover dashed back immediately, anticipating some kind of reaction.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXs78BYhdz
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIH5Hojq2A
"...My fingers are broken. Just what is that dagger made of?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLfO6ZevFa
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJkpg4TpfD
And then a profound smile found itself on her face. He backed away to perform mana spinning potent enough only to close his wound. Those broken fingers were just what she needed.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDibg5jCjdV
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfTvetsEst
She performed a swift dash, closing the gap between Boris and her. He immediately put his earthen arms up as a guard, disjointed just enough from his body to make an attack impossible. Rover thought this sudden focus on defense as suspicious, even as the mana spinning on his hand gave her a reason, so she dared not approach without caution. After all, with how volatile his size changes were, he could–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXJApZFayu
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jK3pMtvZn
"...!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyRXP8KsMC
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRMrRZrRyr
Her past experience came to the forefront of her mind, and now she observed her reality with a perplexed perspective. He barely altered his size throughout this fight. He stopped only when–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRZ4sDkUo9
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWAsqs9XbU
"Ah-ha!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oLa0pDvga
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj563H4kNF
Though her profession of understanding was muffled by the glass between her teeth, it made the rise of her confidence no less explosive. She seemingly threw all caution to the wind, charging forth directly into his earthen arms. Boris dashed away, keeping Rover at a distance, but to no avail. Her speedy struts caught up to his back peddling quickly, and instead of attacking, Rover grabbed the earthen hands.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQZhcXsrxC
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSGGiSKuZa
The gesture alone confused Boris for a moment, just enough to stun him for what happened next.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh8gnfTQgC
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnok89yf7Kr
**THUD**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQKbFAwwu8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKonqKiGD2
"Urk!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig42aOvXgh
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfi66zgSTC
Using those arms like a swing, she propelled her feet into Boris' gut. But she didn't stop there. Because there was no better opportunity to do this than now. She pulled the glass right out of her mouth and popped the lid open, throwing it at Boris as she fell to the floor and rolled away.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Qbwk8A7L
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs7J9f1bf1
Now at a distance, Rover observed the magic. But no magic came.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorcXEJsX4a
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbBDHevuGY
"Huh?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8Qrl8n6Ef
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWxcyO2L2Z
There was a fluttering cloud of orange dust before Boris, permeating through the room like any ordinary gas would.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRBhxY6dmb
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgi32N1qGX
"Haha! What was I afraid of!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbmITF3VCZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUFL6Jfh28
Boris broke into a bellowing laughter. He held his gut not only to soothe the pain but to hold back his chuckles. Rover knew he would've pointed at her had one of his arms not suffered damage, and though that made her bitter, she kept herself composed for the moment.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIdv9cMt4r
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF502x5yyzZ
Boris quit his laughter, wiping a few tears out of his eyes. The orange cloud permeated slowly, so it still was rather thick, but that didn't dissuade Boris from sticking his head in and smelling it like morning air.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZeIbhNhUE
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCzc1mIcBU
"What's this? Doesn't smell like anything. You crack me up. At least you put on a good show!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmZgvvBy5e
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PO4Qrdbq9
Boris threw his arms wide.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqgBIHifFk
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzxJoatXFS
"But I like fights more than performances. I'll do both of us a favor and end this–"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo37nJA5mEW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYrmqJqPnJ
In a flash, as he spoke, as the spit flew out of his face, and as the lids of his eyes closed to blink, he raised his leg one step forward. With that leg, his body followed right after, crashing into the dust of orange, spreading it just far enough that it contacted the earthen arms.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYnsyfzNXW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr9BLmIHER
And then the magic happened.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4udRTEyyn
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CdNqAjM23
**BOOM**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY0QrPTbj3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqODN8txTz
That cloud of dust erupted with volcanic ferocity, an explosion so small, yet so extreme that Rover struggled to keep her footing. A great cloud of smoke took the place of Boris' body, and Rover looked on with the slimiest grin she had ever worn.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoTZRjZsmg
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRuN3jwGxD
"Heh. And I even figured out your actual size."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpW8JnP3AS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MTuwXgLv4
She stood up and wiped whatever junk found itself on her shoulder. She approached the site of the explosion, and just like in her memories, it was near heatless. She didn't get too close, however. Just close enough to see Boris' crisps, when that cloud of dust would eventually fade.
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYSOCmrABB
"Hmmm? This is taking a while–"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaakeIAGX0
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NRIJos6Yb
And indeed, that cloud of dust faded. It faded rather fast. But then Rover realized it wasn't that the dust faded. Rather, something had stolen its spot.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp8dgc4kXY
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIM2d0myGd
The arm of a titan, reaching out for her, with its open palm like a claw. Rover's instincts forced her body to dash away. Then she stood and watched. Watched as a hulking mass exited the site of the explosion.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwhwMReXZk
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iEpC6KJxR
Then, it shrunk.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTRRZgfGQT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0beAMmCbq
"Oh ho ho, you marvelous beast."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuikzbWpPas
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIl5avwNuf
Boris' robes were gone. Cinders, undeniably. Then was the leather armor Rover knew he always wore. That was gone too. The only article of clothing that remained were his pants, and even they were hardly intact. He was covered in burns blistered the likes of which she'd never seen, and his earthen arms were now missing. By all strings of reasoning, Rover should've dashed in and dealt the final blow. But she couldn't.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17rPR8TvOH
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzBuBkzkvl
Come to think of it, it was the first time she'd seen a part of his body aside from his face. And now she felt as if she just discovered a new man. Because all around Boris' torso was a carpet of gaping, sporadic holes.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmetMKv1f3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqpgGUPx20
"I can see it in your face. Your disgust. But I know that there's awe in those eyes. How couldn't there be?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PNes8cg8G
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddNEXfhzuO
Rover snapped out of her trance and brandished her dagger.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONgxSMSeHx
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKsibtwO3v
"What you're seeing is my Endowment. Many have called it a curse, but I'm not so ungrateful to insult it like that."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH4AmLR9xX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPOgnMYtlp
Boris raised his unbroken arm. He began mana spinning, forming a brick of earth in his hand. And then, from the large hole centered at his navel, the very same brick spewed out and plummeted to the ground.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAl2nrGz8a
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0V1w1gqXt
And then, a few seconds later, another brick spat out a different hole.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieOK48sK2e
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirx2yyGFp9
"Those arms I formed made for a dandy shield, wouldn't you say? Though of course, you hit me in the last place it spawned. Lucky you."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgKL806nUb
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1abnu4Z1z
Another brick spewed out. It came from his shoulder.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyWPDuyOWy
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTSOWK2zY7
"Well, you've certainly made a mess of my face. But I don't need good looks anyway."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOukaPcmaXi
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaHExNXgD4
He dropped the brick in his hand right as another spewed out. He wound his arm, as if to stretch it, then gazed at Rover with the eyes of a monster.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM31GAmcuZ9
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqcyun82Ff
"You're not done fighting, are you? Come on."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2UdNHaEv2
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyP6gWn13c
"...Freak."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWco1oQsLAq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99VssdQxID
"Oh yeah. You loved calling me that before, didn't you?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweODFsVbyY
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdkVMyvBE4
"And just look at how right I was."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgVhvEUygS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTPTbRQdkX
A hearty chuckle came from him.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0sIfbgntm
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8NYy0wMBl
"Well, that won't do you any good."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCly4whzOb
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtQFHIpCNx
Boris entered a stance, taunting Rover yet again.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxe7vFl26j
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRtFINp8nv
"Come on. My legs are scorched. Your marvelous plan gave you this opportunity."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoT26lynVf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZHs645KFL
She put one leg forward.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeEF1NEwTv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDSBQSSVSV
"You've got brains since the last time we met. At least, more than I expected. You used them well. You're still worth keeping around."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1pJ4p0Aov
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Then another. Boris' grin grew wider.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlisn9Cs7ev
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxCiJEy0iz
"A helpless dog like you shouldn't loiter around! Come on, Rover! Don't you have something to prove!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgek8Jqo9C8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmnypb8hUr
And even through his manic glare, Rover sprinted. She sprinted with energy to finish, the will to see that monster put down.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWlGmut0bL
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–
–
–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG05x2Qocg
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI5PwXAVac
–From an onlooker's perspective, Rover could see why she'd get concerned stares. Even though her body locomoted tactfully in the fight, the windows to her mind made contorted, bemused shapes. And the removal of her dagger compounded that contortion.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi1NRLKXfM
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebSpIcdCZA
She threw a fist forward. It was slapped away by Boris, and he attempted a counterattack. Rover tucked her head just in time, and with the tiny space between her skull and his arm, she jumped. Boris avoided a dislocation, but Rover kept the assault with a kick from the side. It was blocked by his other hand. She slipped away just before it got caught, and using her right leg like an anchor, delivered a flurry of kicks at Boris, who went to block them.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMCpQEInTu
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPZG0a5bqK
–Rover's kicks were laced. Whether it hampered or bolstered them wasn't something she knew or cared about. At some point, she forgot all about the process of kicking, her mind wandering to holes in her gut. The oozing pastries behind the glass, unable to snatch that gilded stash.
Boris quit his consecutive parries, realizing that such a task was a fool's game. He backed away, which took a moment to compute with Rover, and Boris used that moment to charge in and deliver a quick blow. Rover fortunately blocked it, and as she didn't slide across the room, she had ample leverage to pull a maneuver. She spread her arms and wrapped them around Boris, turning around and putting it over her shoulder. Boris was bigger than her, but that mattered little with her strength. She threw him onto the ground, and his back's unceremonious clash with the floor made its effects apparent on his face. However, Boris pointed his vacant hand at her and out came a burst of wind. Rover didn't have the reflexes to dodge at such a short range and went flying across the room.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeCnZSOAiB
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxHNqpvI6P
–Those morphing cakes reeked of red. Its verdant smell commanded her to smash the glass, but she was smarter than that. She knew that if she broke the shield, she'd lose on the spot. And that couldn't happen. Her blood boiled to steam. Her teeth ground themselves to powder. It was inevitable, seeing as that's how it always went.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd99F1A2pAx
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAKCAKnize
Boris jumped up from the floor right as Rover landed on it. She struggled to get back on her feet, as the blow from his spell sent her head into a frenzy, but she made do with her wobbly knees. Boris charged forth and tackled with his shoulder. Rover tried to block it, and though she avoided any serious damage, she was swept off her feet yet again. Boris followed with a kick, but right as his foot was about to connect, another gust of wind blew from his chest. It saved Rover from a painful blow and sent Boris soaring away, but the edges of the gust still connected, and she was back on the floor.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOp24pnuUU
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmQsq4xiHR
–When things get at arm's length, they become untouchable. But the obstacle isn't always a protective pane of glass. Sometimes it's a shelf, one just high enough so it's out of your reach. Rover jumped for years, but every time her legs grew stronger, or her arms grew longer, the shelf grew with her, but always a little more. Eventually, her fiddling fingertips couldn't even brush it.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFFyIhrEV6
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu7JX65MSO
Rover fought yet again to get her feet to the ground. She wiped her mouth with her arm and spat out blood-infused spit. She must've cut her inner cheek.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTc8suB6n7
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZN8OFp5n6
Boris was far away from her, but charing with full awareness. His pace slugged from before, it was clear to Rover that the explosion still affected him. She used that thought to muster her remaining strength and met Boris' charge head-on. The two entered a series of throwing and avoiding fists, and Rover's superior speed gave her an edge. She landed blows square in the chest, and as she hit his pores, they immediately constricted. Rover cared little as to what that meant and kept bashing, but then Boris landed a fist into her cheek. She rolled with the hit as well as she could before rounding back with her strongest punch yet. It landed right into Boris' palm. He twirled his arm, a clear attempt to break Rover's own, but she had experience with such tricks. She put her free hand onto Boris' and jumped, countering his rotation with her own, and kicking him in the head. But Boris didn't release his grasp, and instead threw Rover up and punted her gut.
–There was almost no doubt in her mind of what would happen. It was inevitable, in spite of her struggle. She was going to lose. Would she die? She knew Boris well enough, and so she knew she wouldn't. But to her, no future existed beyond the time of her loss. No prospects are had at the precipice of failure. It was like the blackness of recollecting one's memory as a fetus. But if these rotten thoughts were all that were within her, then maybe she could've squeezed out a tie.
Rover fell to the ground, wheezing and panting, remnants of her stomach escaping from her mouth. She expected an immediate attack and braced herself, but such an attack never came–
**THUD**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ313usUySS0
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0OuTeohbf
Rover ate a kick to the face. She rolled across the ground but stopped herself quickly. Her right eye was covered in red, but she could see Boris even through a blizzard. He stomped to her, but Rover didn't move. She reached into the sheath and grabbed the hilt of her dagger, and right as Boris was in range to attack, she threw the weapon at her.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvk91hvDEI
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrzIF4lAN2
–There were chains around her arms, doubts in and out of hiding, pouncing and making escapes with military expertise. There was guilt in her limbs, the ones she used to seal the oath she carelessly shattered. There was anger in her stomach, the one that was always there, residing like a parasite but pulsing now as if it was bound to burst. There was sorrow in her heart, the one she used to fuel words about things she just didn't understand. The one she used to hope. But one affliction was chief among them all.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqpwZNHwEM
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbymMtsk4So
Boris was caught off guard, but not as much as Rover hoped. He just raised one of his arms and let the dagger pierce right through. Boris' screaming was nearly musical to her. Blood leaked from the edges; it was clear the dagger was like a clog. But even so, Boris pulled the dagger out of his arm and sealed the blood-spewing hole with his fingers, performing mana spinning.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UYYEckFon
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"You have gotten smarter. Or maybe I've just gotten dumber."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCV0acJQ8w
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmDNVa9dBx
Rover tried to get up and attack. After all, he was right in front of her, making himself vulnerable. She tried, and she was able to get her upper body off the floor, but Boris kept her down with another kick to the chin. Any strength to rise departed, and all Rover could do was watch as Boris approached.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1PGJqsqmH
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAVWKDAJzF
"What a shame. For you, of course. This is the closest you've ever gotten, but you didn't have that extra push."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUXxxlMlfd
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRk5EwqMuz
Rover balled his hands into a fist, scowling at Boris with daggers for eyes.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGIQSrZUOU
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oV7Ur2Evl
"Relax, now. Twisting your face won't kill me. Might as well save the energy."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy0SxNyl2z
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMBkhwKENP
"You... ass."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUOT2fq7GT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuclWvu996
Boris stopped before her legs, staring at them while pinching his chin. Rover couldn't begin to imagine what was going on in his head. But she kept on scowling, even hissing at him as if the action would deter him at all.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiFsdfwkOo
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmitSn4ehXF
"You're not crawling away?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbECLsVD3Nq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gOzRlDBUb
"...I'm not a damn worm."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSBvxvmkIf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8QnblCEL4
"Right. You never were the type to do that. But your insults are missing. Well, not that it matters."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C9OWQVb0e
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6rb7U9aYd
Boris crouched down and gazed at her legs. A shiver crawled up Rover's spine, one that left tingling dread in its wake.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO8lFTO1kg
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWwaP6vSSm
"I'm spent, but I can't let you run around either. So how about I do, this?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU6RJLr7iT
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVvWcfyflx
He grabbed her left leg by the ankle, and as he did so, he began mana expulsion. He formed a great club of earth in his hand and walked over to her hip. Immediately, Rover knew what was going to happen. She moved her arm in an attempt to slap it away, but her hands couldn't reach him.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF7yJCKfN6
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzVWVoWMte
But, she still tried. As Boris raised the club above his head, the corners of her eyes were taken by darkness. More and more area, subjugated by black until only the very center of her pupils had the ability to look. They stared at the club, as it stood motionless above his head, and she knew any second it would come down, and she knew any second she would be made a fool.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIdoXv9Q3M
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And she couldn't do a thing.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWPHggdEYh
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–Frustration. It was her frustration. The object of her long-lived hatred, its ambassador stood right there. But she was being beaten down like a dog. An injured mutt who had to limp on all but one of its legs, even unable to beg. At the edge of achieving her dream, her ultimate goal, she was forced to watch it slip further and further away. And then she realized, she couldn't destroy Hard-Bringer. And then she realized, she couldn't even scratch it. And then she realized, she'd have to wait again, and then train again, and then search again, and then despair again. And as the final blow of the battle came, only two words sprung from her mind:270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPWL9LeTXg
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9BnXBZpwR
Sorry, mom–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUin8HFOju
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**CRACK**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO5euBJIqt
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW593WBYf0R
"AG– AAAAAAAAAAHCK!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiILXtCKIja
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnmw8oPyqX
Her nearly six years of combat experience couldn't have prepared her for this.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOG5BqAwTZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGia60mHJK
"And there goes your leg."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN9Wy40MRQ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI6S6Jb4Hw
She knew of no word to describe the sensation. Seething, writhing, pounding, shocking,
burning, aching, twitching, pulsing, churning– nothing came to her mind to describe it. The shattering of her femur, shooting fragments of bone like shrapnel to the lining of her skin, but not enough to pierce it. As if dozens of bugs drilled through her flesh, as if an entire home landed on her leg– that's what it was like.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1zUG64IAt
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H9NGk7Yxu
"It's funny. If it hadn't only been you, I'd probably be dead."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzWcwE6dex
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdTHDADZui
She couldn't even move to clutch her leg, to soothe it in any way. The most she could do was groan and yell and grit her teeth, but none of that was possible at once, and when her focus got captivated by his words the way it did, the pain exponentiated.
"Dogs like you– they like to hunt alone. But the moment they face something threatening, they bite just short of drawing blood. Maybe then, you're a defective wolf."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN56kABjt5
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NFU6LW1e4
Boris uncrouched and stepped away as a club of earth spat from a pore. He was clearly haggard, limping as he walked away, hardly able to move one leg before the other. That was the only consolidation Rover was afforded; a tiny solace within the sea of agony.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMhXcK3cNi
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But those words of his stole it away.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D4MkY6bpb
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0P1UYmMh9
"Raw strength wins yet again. You got close, but I am still undefeated. Until we meet again, Rover."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohi6xI7k7y
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgPXGno9P0
Boris continued limping away until he reached the wall. Then, reeling his fist back, he smashed the glass panes open. He looked down and whistled before turning around and looking at Rover.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVwX2wNBmi
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFVxqVnsMe
She wanted to scream, but all the efforts of her throat and lungs were channeled to ease her suffering. And oh, how she hated it. How she hated the grin of his face, an arrangement of his teeth and mouth designed for eating feces. He waved her goodbye and jumped off while cackling like a witch.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Guyc6Qpg
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKktOxOo6aN
No strength to draw, no will to push. All Rover could do was lay there and cope, lamenting her loss and that wretched monster's words.
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