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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElKjVyFhDM
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrflJmw8UMN
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qbIBZuODP
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8wO36mAnV
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2BV6kQ6C8
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5YCu899EZ
"What are you doing!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwpUmeJNb8
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6ZVA5srUh
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b4AZglewm
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OzBpBC4W1
**BOOM**123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r777ZYxh8
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73UABbxpcZ
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtSY9Ahzs4
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyCZui2JdL
"Ngh, damn it!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufohRrEYZ2
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBA36a0Ka7
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CEr3zWXl4
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w7GaXbPKA
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPfuhGi6I
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7HgT6ugFm
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MET9CtPqm
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT1LSGvAI6
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI0zmasR93
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MDBnXYYRr
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkowkSicUu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeGBSmAMDq
"--Damn it! Rover!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BkdtM9Vcd
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8hii2RKrm
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUACJKSax3K
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHcdB9GHu4
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqykyQRunJ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAGVOkpLJa
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8xW7jdCCC
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe98WWEkEk
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz4AQFSuRH
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqikGIqlBgB
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2adSoYOUT
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCh2b5joCz
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOUWFkkmBW
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA215Jd2UV0
"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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4TAPftnAJ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkJHhLBw1Y
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYknmfdfwF
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaox1EkADUd
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLVjwZPpHu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfffk5v4opO
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG3zlDgkUT
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK2WMBj0F2
"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?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvulgTwtLb
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxsB2x3wGx
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eLOFkQzOt
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfKnkf2OgH
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KRZ1SlavW
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaMA0aj0rq
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z73J25HNI
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiHOWsnQ41
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGmRgHlV2D
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Hd0dYGzr
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZne8PK24x
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeit0p6U7z
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhyF25A1Qx
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzNIZKV7mI
"Hey, Kenny!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKarhJVPZKc
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgSgE2SHoY
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gDqjKoNUZ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyP7wq6Ar0
"I-Is she okay?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvncMwH6g8a
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NbKUt3ouf
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotndHPJsQb
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0w7MlF0nh
"I don't know what that is!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtArIDvWOt
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9CEJQappR
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyAkbW507v
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjVscPWWkW
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fhfYpLXZA
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RtNyjndUt
Though, that did raise the question–123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLpQJnCs7n
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOKQJd6INf
"Do you know where you're going!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudkQT1DQXD
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTzwYiltoY
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK2f5iyY4m
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMRV4voQf0
"Ah– where is Dennis?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxJopt9zLu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyUV0UMlal
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi2OrSobPl
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidLUoxOSEf
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–123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rvARe89MY
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez8ZaCnSih
"Shit."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZhtNuppbk
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BhKjmmin4
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagSdPRB2qJ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8FstPgNIS
"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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoofB75BDNu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCDCwn4hEv
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK2HsoGb2I
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUZmFhRlSt
"...Alright."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y4tahGWii
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8i1ts94CE
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8i2avM7gQ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovxJ8a2qjy
"Alright, I'll take yer question."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH4O6J93Iu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8udoOZudA
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e57ghr01F
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5k2LbQueL
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HxHshynnN
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDdibWyauA
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEZs0cfsV2
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlawf5e2w2I
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ohZmpbOAe
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4inTtfgxm
The man stopped speaking.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU3TbHjlkO
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAk3ecdrl4
"Alright, carry on, then."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMTZBVYd5K
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WAmufVVF2
"...Eh?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo1LcnEF21
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxd4a97y2Q
I shared in his confusion.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu94XmvrVz9
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUca34BVfY
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwmsHoVQMP
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMohXGccyhi
"I-If ya say so!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dbOSZERgB
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbZwo7QgJp
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–123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWjlTgF43n
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9eiS8lq1e
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEvQjIG1ur
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqItSmQExk
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZOwU8neEQ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH8yjwYs4G
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR4s5Y9tVF
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKRbtxouuW
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNpnfPvGSR
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5O1BXdwUG
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVTLUrWnSe
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC9l3ZVoqT
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJZmisj8pN
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk7ccJvqXq
"Damn it, kid!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtDN4143k0
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEuf6mOhfx
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.
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBvwMvXxUK
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9iT8YAhCB
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh9Bi7ljvB
**SMASH**123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDC3UPpvet
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ292uqISLhP
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dXvVaxqQ6
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBjhMtpoub
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGKBkxNjdb
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGxTt9lTHp
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeMK05oFwQ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgsyuNfyse
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS2yeJEfeP
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAHjg915hR
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCqCAxv8T6
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf6iTMD7Ep
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn8HJ6r7cu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVfpFdpRlV
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruWp0WOfw9
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkztUiq5Bt
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmia18K9gVl
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQn5OZWhx7
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaVeLToHOF
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjP9z8sUTG
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo94OikgzSS
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkMfik2o4h
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjoNfxoAUX
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCgKGFpJsr
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x3TRxGHrl
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRZeCtq8K0
"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."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrSC7JG3Su
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99gtgYU4zX
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDwfM4QkkD
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ExjZ6fUj1
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo72KCqH6oJ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblOLt7VNk4
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqWfpEtg9z
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOERYvGiWq
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMcU3L5TE7
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6liCjQb30
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZfhTT4qSv
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1oUCUZav2
"Like I'll let ya do that!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFwgaXTK5v
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeceebRIcZ3
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8rO14L1JK
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHQqbYdORp
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhaR0ReKXz
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO2aHKaV0d
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEXiR1ETJx
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTn5muktk9
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2lud1NuK7
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUktRAn9JF
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxdg38F13I
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRTl4DgmKJ
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrvtP3czNw
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd9K7DVbJB
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvGcswaOi9
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYeIIP6T8j
"--Hrk!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWUUqckbay
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcp0IqoLwI
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlVPNkuxdt
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wYFDOtfIX
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0BhZN03r7
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepagi2cVOv
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4GlqbGaZe
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJiWMkzD1X
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGx8zu17o3
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG8ev0ev9V
"Whatever!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7LQFbot12
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9CQibAgjm
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucQEnKnQj6
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nWrykdvSJ
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV5Qi4C9cM
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHvBesQEMB
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eq5JPccFp
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyYTTJYFTA
Dread, worry, guilt–123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIvCaHwROg
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mhtQ671Ft
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnbYguaiuh
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3HWcqqvnf
"...R-Right!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1708GlrBtL
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdSMRcOGzn
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN9uTRvkh2
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdv3xZPHET
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD5uocsnvv
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1YBjPnYAu
**SLAM**123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98KXSDntXd
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptZNMBFEry
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI3OzEFPqg
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8gj2fuDiF
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFT2qGoFYJ
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDjUX9IMJe
"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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAgOuQThTE
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYlDL1AIhv
"--Ugh!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0HIND5z4K
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoysnmVDPwa
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH3DWO3wUU
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBApqiJC7a
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqwWgI2QJe
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZKGMp8vGY
**SMASH**123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkm0LlMfPq
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzdwwmR0Pt
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU5heyfBCh
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE3DIirD6I
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY0Ms8j48g
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFgYwnwxhx
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwgGYcxn9k
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4WK8O0kfw
"Ah! Sorry!"123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh4t3o10Vg
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFhPaEJ4JD
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsmaz6ZdoW
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwdqtpoULW
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO998QCeis
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkLCuUiqs1
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtze3EoTU7
"N-No, that's not it."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqyWMjqTGu
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1YUDYySzs
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.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3mWZv7IIR
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3znyzBsVh
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q5xTD7Gj1
123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL8RwYeQ5h
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
然後按「加至主畫面」