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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ838JtUXMC7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ExGeOPdMr
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwLgHhktVk
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPQQpwK3wg
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAzDwVHjTy
"What are you doing!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRFywiZul6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a4TWr5ote
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsk81leEXT
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrTA0oWKmI
**BOOM**217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERY2UmCS9B
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYkfl8phTv
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjBUvQHpIl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHLci94Tyo
"Ngh, damn it!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vTp1ntpib
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESC5Cd83xB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeXHX7WslZ
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TLFAnQKHt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ721Rrgx2eg
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgx1MCbGAU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcdiA5dOD2
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe54hFqFV9Q
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6tQRbtrIr
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI88imt6VXK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtJ3y2I5y0
"--Damn it! Rover!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg2cIyfK6F
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUFnXQo5x9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtTO0Ucj2A
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbuDTaKiuZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25XhV5TrOe
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS8jf6iTgW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahOeSxv3Je
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq1KFSGZ6D
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtPt8P8p9U
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXs47DRoFt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNDvFWVOxn
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8wi0XN1EO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpF8spoxrC
"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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPWQsoIaoJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGYnplUPty
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwbDN30SMT
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3exgf3RlQ3
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0aH0wOEm8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ3S9SinnM
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFmdzSGh2z
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWn7eguPcu
"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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJq9WpH967
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI3NONvVFa
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqni4ujKQcq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazQGldw0Ln
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeiq9jk7xp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XCkHSg7py
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJrQSWERJ5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtBrJmz2hm
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjul4yrqWUq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GuGISv1Ju
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz97hvcgDE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGwAslb1EM
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0frI5D2vc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglggccyNJu
"Hey, Kenny!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI2haTVADj
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiZtNiIH5g
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKDcimCIuC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZui14HwsD
"I-Is she okay?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKkhP2HAns
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsfddyzK4S
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLpPOmaU6X
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tg0FZGJlZ
"I don't know what that is!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdWhoIPnBq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHRgG8O93m
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB6GCS8KA3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBBQE5TFcn
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpZTypTike
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ixFcSumo2
Though, that did raise the question–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzml5wl5FK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCKVmD8xCj
"Do you know where you're going!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OajJ6Oytv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytIsw3oLz1
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaJ1RWEx19
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xqfWLH7GH
"Ah– where is Dennis?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeTs8DZBD9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTXJOoGCVP
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc9bHaHrAq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaZInUY1kf
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–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxQH21ltAd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDeGErsAZn
"Shit."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2woSEJFjBL
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0jtlWYicz
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYvE5N0sys
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqYk3RvbhN
"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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a3BSQX7Nv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKOATpTEGu
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIALtHi58fN
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"...Alright."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDJUZn5CZ5
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2qQioWYaW
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkBfqsXHQq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8BFClMqCB
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhbQH8l0L3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEw5wU4eoB
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oxexdgVGv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwetUSMj6MS
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9uD2lThSo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok28fZ3xvW
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSNsikWY0x
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG9Dr8IZlo
The man stopped speaking.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8mwOeRDnb
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"Alright, carry on, then."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXfIvBmdq6
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"...Eh?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflYAE7Yjxk
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I shared in his confusion.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhghRJQeqkr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoBoEssDiL
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ysQSWMrkr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMZxKj8cSW
"I-If ya say so!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MbRHmT7JA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FTg7tCo3N
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–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZwFW0HvY8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4EHS2PPiv
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Lq0yt8PC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLCEDr1YAV
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1I2tpE9xZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0cKf9BfnV
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwyUi9cPKK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9sAlia7dz
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34wS18ZFug
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMUMtAoxyk
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOPo5HiVop
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCflONeNcU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64uZfv1ii9
"Damn it, kid!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6WFFCOhPm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi5JR589Sz
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.
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQDgWVodOS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAvq4r5qY
**SMASH**217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNVho0ThJ0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCpi1SaCwZ
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuAQbGNDqU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBrBYLw2qC
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm5H4RjGI3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQYzuWiRIA
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3jTMF65NK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfzMdRvpwN
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6muxYthhN
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡredubcpFdY
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4938RRwjv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDdjomU3ur
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlSCQYRRws
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRuXLlCpd7
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4WaBBjzPP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK6F1KL1Aw
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhauT15TZF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5mSN6uQHn
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4upgFbCsl5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1gGTIdEjN
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpW8SpdhYd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6khPHIcAbD
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzktgOaVzF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUiRzmqvmy
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BXujEzGMH
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLavGMhEbuQ
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JX9kH9H9t
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOQKiqxk28
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9mYrFJkrl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4RFZQ1CMB
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNHVMIQbwf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUmxmOTPUi
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JvLCVE8Ol
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4k95AU0fE
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn2wCbwqvw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa80RlN2UsW
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o41M5N33q
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVYZ3Ejb8B
"Like I'll let ya do that!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExx5yHmI7L
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8dLuKwlpl
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEecuovgbW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGS1JOANmE
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtQH5ncZnB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF2ZAPo1RM
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL83ttRZRFg
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVaBzj23uB
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxOVZqxGXG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcxsXf7pd4
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYTwapN7nn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJebgpd4VXo
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5kpxIGcwQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm8VV0fZK5
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQMKHJQuq3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeHKQv74uU
"--Hrk!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJMSXYISYE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mUquTiWp5
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPWJJcE8Yv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98PHsJJfHd
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbGsCU1qiS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN56Evm7lf3
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLssJAsvQiH
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBhfXVsjuw
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8Ec5y5IJD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrX0Intaue
"Whatever!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbatzllHIPd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjoZW0QiWQ
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZNKSG5wzq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5ZO8o1BaV
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEjFnjNnDE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo5fUr4GDB
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkWCCsYGa7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScsrfPLKG7
Dread, worry, guilt–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe37ZnCiw5Y
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1mmIwBJAP
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjv4NCGarY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6TZfZOpFY
"...R-Right!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbKnIK1Snc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdX4xkYkSN
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Htz1xSh3l
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0u46UvpeG
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiqWeKROVN
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1pjt9KoL0
**SLAM**217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tLUfAJvAu
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrj5nNLDcM
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFgXrgQsEn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr4SyLoipw
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYJvL3BzOd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdobTRdYpAG
"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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDm8p8yRMR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMcdRnSjNz
"--Ugh!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf6AlMTGXq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pvb1venhC
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKQffzcoeB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlo8KpiJxX
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyUfdwCYPJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx7lyvkJ97
**SMASH**217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrO6JFOCHG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7LAKcpmJB
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x7H7bfbDt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEFwB09SOe
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXvxLYIKHK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rRLYj6mIh
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ444giDLau0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3zLMWd57T
"Ah! Sorry!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgyoOqyMdJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdtXsVJ9Un
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL68NDpYFq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIE5xEMcHB
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KC8hICJWZ
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7eoA7tGIP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwR5lSg0f0
"N-No, that's not it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX5GaV14VE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ4ZzSDcTv
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs6eKxOYHb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQWjjBs5A9
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaSazBEB8b
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGecQ6PkX9R
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
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