Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p5INkql3T
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI52Lp8eMB0
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbwOP7WIIz
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV728Rr9QCl
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C5RHK6e1S
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjMjNLy1Pw
"What are you doing!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjgol09RuX
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEiwtZUKdy
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVlSLxh11N
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iANiXeSpJ
**BOOM**361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq98PTjk0Ta
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIXELL9bkv
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQgmbpGPAD
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPh7bd3wHh
"Ngh, damn it!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgV2QATV1l
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rh7s4MJFF
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtskFPdHom
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO7WWY2EWI
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9u8aYeg4F
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rjjfEnWOP
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJpc3PmguW
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LIXQM4TmB
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3cdF3SHs9
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfY83fs3z7
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS0dZeh0o2
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEGLCr2WfF
"--Damn it! Rover!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWXyGmgk0c
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f67rdeQ4e
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡud0BJUT5Su
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuKOJ40zjm
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNok5s9ANv
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW0Q6OQdSN
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty184NoJ5v
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtsgb7I1SQ
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5TFoh4BYR
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP3ObnvoLy
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lI0PnCsRC
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tew2HdVQt
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg3UfRNIae
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNUu7z6vTK
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWSo2WOiok
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLoYDCSv67
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcNTMvmDmG
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhQi2ZK3vo
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Tfhlaq9d
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlH4EFAtvC
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ5tkvtFxF
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBdsiHpHoQ
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53whaNko1h
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoTlHJakb4
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbswAfVmDTk
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ut8nuLWkp
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlTA69ig8q
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZse6nH0bt
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9OFxMuej4
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KhActggKs
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMbxic5uJi
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvBHF79BlZ
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH3jAV2oLm
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH5h8hUKck
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYWchgKoAt
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA05cYfcJrE
"Hey, Kenny!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PelWEQQre
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB5fUyhErL
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72DYhrglZi
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlclvVuYzD5
"I-Is she okay?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVdiTv4Gp1
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AnuFztOmi
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEL7XK5aGf
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDDs94apDI
"I don't know what that is!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2JE4ZPtff
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6tEOzaXkw
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwXpShidz6
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuOqfhvmU1
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqnkVMwt3K
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWceqwfYuyR
Though, that did raise the question–361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQR8WxVABM
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl0yxwFbVj
"Do you know where you're going!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngQPQ8VnqJ
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAS2G2aSdU
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr0vVol7vA
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwim3q33IkH
"Ah– where is Dennis?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVfgIgNnJN
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgKIDWUYqg
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW62iBq4UsP
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZER7cKBkTD
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U4BAUt8Fa
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPI9lrusrb
"Shit."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGMudQPs06
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyb6HfG8b1
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ6Tsyb0z2
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6toLQTPoZ6
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQXLeXbmCv
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwmlmUQQQb
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKgZ4g0YtE
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r3PlfGAnm
"...Alright."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6FRC70jUt
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IB7L2WdIO
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MSyUPb3Zs
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJDOFKp5io
"Alright, I'll take yer question."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89wVOxyFVP
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb6qaqW1VJ
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO71TP6qYl
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oJlZWBBuB
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrFTYA43D3
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcMnyusdKq
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwitis1meUc
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xe1pcbfyX
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MwCdt8mvf
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8QJuUQfNg
The man stopped speaking.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6Hp5J3Y8m
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YR6TBlVYh
"Alright, carry on, then."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCe8AnxMcI
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm0fiGG50g
"...Eh?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mFAleI4If
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV903Bgq2CR
I shared in his confusion.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZx54DpcMp
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO5EZdZkzI
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6cO0oT95L
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pRz43AgfY
"I-If ya say so!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO7DKRAFVc
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh90tMtAbDc
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6fCH9ZZXo
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnugN8MEqzP
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL2ie3sabv
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoyFvMYEXz
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVTLH2CdJX
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45FfGKXzjf
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuyC3doOUD
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuEwrNUMsh
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC38VH12Cv
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxn0iy3u3D
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJjekJqlpQ
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaYZspzXgf
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaEYDwjpxu
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFlUXlZDP7
"Damn it, kid!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j51Tft7Sq
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFJ85O0SgZ
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuiRuSYBwi
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudyoR8WdWg
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sxeMWFhTt
**SMASH**361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVr0lsgGlA
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kogTGAVLi
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4qUiGtAQH
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILwB1LjDw3
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k5JZf0lxd
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGDjhR66b8
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh9QX0yEFL
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoU5YQSZ8N
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHDPTvBjtp
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxGutqLHFk
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYokxELYJO
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTejvQdBJ0w
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrqry438J1
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxllYVyx6j
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeArox3dJPS
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQldc570Kz
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsVDRGOovV
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IQsObmxne
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8orRYNU5o3
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUShNSsfyer
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQREqcI6qIG
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKCc0TbdN7
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dNsWqpKfP
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBMZOqzS2q
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHat8DGV7DL
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTgGXSjFLO
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLUBPxMCFP
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFz4m3nrgp
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0w4p0hILK
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwCmWOCVbk
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52vglyQo7z
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C8QcVx01W
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorUSvFUEPE
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cKSnAxK3T
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zxMfhoYrE
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGIX6CfY6r
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifCPHQKHOj
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMDdUEjoPz
"Like I'll let ya do that!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pQaBag12u
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5OvuujxPw
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB3TetI1xX
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmJPSUs6qt
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9xydwp9zd
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYkUcmekFk
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dX0HtfPDr
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASmBfVW6xi
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwdj1yHSBW
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XYknE8pEU
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWngpNqH9nE
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwrefcpTCu
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWGrKO4YPE
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkQWl6b41J
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLPFrn3mde
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3F03sFCgW
"--Hrk!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfyj1B9vZI
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWjh5EEDVs
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwojzflj7H
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1WS2UKUTd
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN6fQy2a5b
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZAchRcVXf
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JuEDmTOvt
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQGNSg2eYr
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYcOTWyfVc
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc89QpPrGy
"Whatever!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2LrrU4X90
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnUYvlwmNr
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp2lcjfx7p
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4foMUlCn3
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSvl2wcbw7
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47pUhwFxBW
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJLBbwXuHK
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ772R4dYy95
Dread, worry, guilt–361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJXuNVYKuy
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkIvprIlpJ
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iIv7KsaPw
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrjLqTTpIm
"...R-Right!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaw5L9BvpR
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqc8UVGwia
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJefDiYhYP
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8dG3m3cdu
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMBv55nPpB
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQXyRsRvFL
**SLAM**361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7vJ4O5C4X
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcuLImLtJO
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnwdJ3OMU6
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd9XQdJkdw
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcUYafpv3v
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCqsKWRkgG
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRa69QxIqv
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30AiGTbScr
"--Ugh!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pBe7vXjE4
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5AO1POq8i
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gHkw42dqG
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLipq1wMj5f
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B94qhowOe
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB7P2kZ9dy
**SMASH**361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2CzTSAAZ1
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQNt1v8hTt
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl6Xiu5Vsk
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxArNyOKIvJ
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3Fix48H8V
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwNLzyhNVI
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLXOHB2gie
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyatnoBGA6a
"Ah! Sorry!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqroID1wlJ
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSa1OkIX6X
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hQGhgZsZE
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9IsPHS03m
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ585lDDeiBB
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaW29Bizak
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmpo9aPsGj
"N-No, that's not it."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RLsFTCj0r
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbI0Xuvinf
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibyAwKMINp
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx7fT4DVaz
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRvsyHJQJB
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9pCtsGWt1
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
and then Add to home screen.