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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpZ7t95nfV
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsagjoTMu9
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlQmH9Uq8m
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K8cxJjacP
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiHftRNfPt
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9tEEtRHi7
"What are you doing!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhRtZlUYNN
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtdILXeu5M
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHm9eG6Txl
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXD70bAqKQ
**BOOM**22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG5Mg3fPSP
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiKF3lMryX
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXjV1gQKPb
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB3acZ92pG
"Ngh, damn it!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM78h7NFwUF
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB82hIFqru7
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybxKOmqOhz
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVv3PIB0qQ
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlByhFtOrUE
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCrQXPHXFM
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI3bLCbaAg
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjBS7Tg1qW
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5lowK6Xl8
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDxlkkivnp
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE1BZLjvMi
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSRwMAAh8G
"--Damn it! Rover!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmSxfBNmZR
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40yCB92kRF
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPoIjyEKs0
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXu2GJrZ1C
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q1r0EmkwN
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36ZZEdAWoo
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquaInTK83H
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ3gLF4Jbn
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf3JXB9lRT
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTuk80c60A
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu8PE9CeWH
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLLBYY1GIo
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUCeH5WGIq
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8dTRjth61
"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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPl8faT0U7
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD87DAHgcby
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoDNblcePd
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzfD69tc9a
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhEmAlmvYZ
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecSNlKEP9Z
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw3vzWEJ4Z
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkYuRiWrxR
"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?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5KLba4cE9
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbAc06WEqk
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjpoVPsj2X
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhrRRi6hRd
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxba246Gy5
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlWieS5KjV
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ2ipVW7TK
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxQ6WfE0Rp
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn86EWvjZd
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNQIRaUvQG
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfpgZiNIDd
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaYzuNtDzc
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzbgAA05TW
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDomaNNeIzc
"Hey, Kenny!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZMLqqLGC8
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVleExdwfrB
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqGTA2fpmU
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUsjBDNJBT
"I-Is she okay?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89m8HcAANR
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiTnWgLvWo
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD82zHpQEJ
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N7C1D4uCo
"I don't know what that is!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9Ee7sO0or
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VaRtyaXZb
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEcgYkICeD
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMStkqWKie
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ0C7oHkc1
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPwTPSGwrz
Though, that did raise the question–22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A1SM8kkt5
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZm86a9qV5
"Do you know where you're going!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESIx9eOVuy
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i3qgtyf3z
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCnUfri480
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttPsihcode
"Ah– where is Dennis?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw8Sy2XXHQ
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsC28ulIm5
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYPp5gFybs
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEhFfWJKVr
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–22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWy9GDyzUY
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTesnvN3dct
"Shit."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnMPRGHMqd
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO5ztmBpQN
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2ckk3NepW
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqjtMns9rh
"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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75m6H3mgRz
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdsGtYUt0K
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6FfbGi8RW
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6gldYy256
"...Alright."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nkBLciFYR
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSgTh8NRAe
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22GSynfIpm
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImWYJ8JRIR
"Alright, I'll take yer question."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4WTtThxgC
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLKckyhMtC
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YtI07Nhz4
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaA7ftWkfa
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8whumZfOqx
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk1lNdzRDT
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKGnjJqPoB
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmBaPC2jui
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpME0aFbVj
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3zHlsGqau
The man stopped speaking.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeK0ieSe6e
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkD1fXPS8m
"Alright, carry on, then."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMpPAw7ojU
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmHSstOWbw
"...Eh?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8h39LPbkm
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9XZ7mtRI0
I shared in his confusion.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHipKo3kUbW
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBj0uhU6it
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHTMvvnbq6
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmNLUd6WNg
"I-If ya say so!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvoXSPW23R
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hHU5ADRRX
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–22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2LQ1RRpUp
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AK2oHibeO
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf9avNwJBi
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp65DmTSGb
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaqL2tNszf
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbvUNpaGxh
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWDK3W9PHg
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JMRA5obsQ
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo8ptLp5XL
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVvZKa5VBt
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnQV8XWqJr
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tZGf3uHCq
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfgtq5Wqpq
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVeCQOj1EI
"Damn it, kid!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoXbSzdNrW
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPvOcyEi9J
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.
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahjgL5Dxay
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mqMDmL4c8
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElDojwrsgw
**SMASH**22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BHCAeN4Uj
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AKUyHrdk3
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IhDjHq6W2
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs56nFUcUP
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf57VUBCFXg
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSlUx269SL
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvaXZEUtWO
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNdSnaTOhk
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWVXC8bi3y
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSQSFusGOD
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC7vgor2Oa
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElz6r20C2T
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs9dQZCygL
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjoICriD7n
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6UVGB2uUz
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNOae0xztl
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMNh2tKUoo
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryDTcBLdBP
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mQaZYJOl1
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlCAqFpU8V
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXATUdbCblg
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIC8gHeeWe
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPBzr6as8U
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEWpZm8Ucc
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpjcQqH0Eg
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CPOhoJIuc
"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."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n4IOTpne7
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkXwj19iM9
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXGoeEXQyz
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwUPxtbc0C
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAgVjZqTe8
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDA4qkAsSf
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTdo6sLjyN
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYVh3w0LFw
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV9YoQzxYH
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk7s18q7Kr
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q30hkub9n
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpxaZLFLd6
"Like I'll let ya do that!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZEqrPkKvo
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMOcyOL5Fg
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpA1MIp7ll
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oF0qd8gNJ
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeA3wiMDXy
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bHv3q8HKJ
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF20Us9t3f
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwWAL4bH1I
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRSviPlPr6
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9apoLlOD2
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8YL8eHYdO
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdAlZW8FXu
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT5FELVY9l
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB443F6PXNM
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Df2dF8aL
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSeUsmd3ED
"--Hrk!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhmvoXcbK8
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtand32Uc8
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaIJbzWwHC
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmTJRfWlQ5
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I3KeyHswx
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkWao7hCrn
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecgDPbXBAp
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB4cKJATwY
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7AUutNehV
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm1SyYgPuL
"Whatever!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iWK9tclnY
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG44BNhLxq
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTzxP6C4Pf
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSGYZuosdN
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfk7Nywrpj
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnEVr0vskr
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgCopWHX0c
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVFefjCMKG
Dread, worry, guilt–22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaSNJ6z9EJ
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkn3kuIhrM
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKE9Z5URXq
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjePdvkYt9
"...R-Right!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMvMRhZ3Ry
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcamTfV9iz
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbxgdy8cau
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbnyki0RqO
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrIBz4W8fb
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSvbr0byht
**SLAM**22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0SQr1VRzB
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXZwnxTR14
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJrcel9AhX
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZClqxJ1tb
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bEyzwVlfD
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjeIPzZR77
"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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3zsG0Ho6b
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYUA9DwDCk
"--Ugh!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkx10A63nR
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK1UjTRKWJ
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvWXxhLzr8
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WivJtZnNL
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUeStwZ8iL
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiYAQRo7Ni
**SMASH**22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6RXgITQab
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cw98B1ugZ
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Irt6BoeOc
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUsrSSWO8U
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDRLeppzQy
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrciM4wCbQ
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLXMkze4uL
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTVbmt1H5H
"Ah! Sorry!"22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiImwpi8mq4
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQI7bU1gyn
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPQC8OkmL1
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMPanO81vr
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUZj2sjZhh
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kJ9OWFIo5
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tL61JZrVi
"N-No, that's not it."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwhTJwdJvC
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ggyJegfnx
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.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XBbi7h6Ov
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTsXM3i1lm
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbw6dZkrin
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S99TKxywx
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
and then Add to home screen.