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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EvODfp7tw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0JSamjTff
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3g1ypyWY9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonXMsXRZaj
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzrkxICmne
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFRVyxVoVZ
"What are you doing!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZsvhiRwGq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFgL3Rhp2v
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF7pGlr2tl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6K9BY0yQs
**BOOM**196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx7PuIphyB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr4rVaScRn
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GFi9YDf6L
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL0Aln6WNL
"Ngh, damn it!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKCo0rPK4Z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i4J3259dw
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHZfjhf7RW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJSER9N1RP
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOOfLKuxms
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXb3UO7uk8
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKyqQn8iTN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGab9jWGMGK
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU7aaiVuor
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt0nN1E5F7
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEhE9cuR67
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Jgc4VJlG
"--Damn it! Rover!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg2NZ2nmo9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUV9sdfHBR
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ0cM84TUV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv7EVxKzcQ
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4lUO8gfQL
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirKIFUu1IZ
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfzHmLO8S3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnUlWMWgq2
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTNhonKDKd
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvtjEEePdu
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxnUtHDKN1
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB73rS8oK67
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTOsziXGs5
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBaeyXyZfJ
"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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPdWlNgjnT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBWFxn4CCO
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWS4mMH3o2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPfi38IP9F
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6e2wU0zqb
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCx9nf80X9
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFxqWQ6gIY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbzaDhqwrw
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0aWB1Po8U
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZbd36LRMo
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7JrnKnF0z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMnUlWGxPz
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMlUUOrUmC
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6SRcc6OcT
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodW8g0gRGO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgdg2lYh5p
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CjBTBA9j9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XgBA7JPQC
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdQgILgfIn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mXf6SWtO7
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3FKocseDp
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCcMlovuwf
"Hey, Kenny!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG3MS4YCCA
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FNUybAZDt
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2wjbZoENE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksY6yHaih8
"I-Is she okay?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XEzHmwHbl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZggRY5MkC
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCfoKZTWMZ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalkCGJw0he
"I don't know what that is!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dKDHOZUxF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRYGVNKNPa
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4EM6bxjDD
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMHaHmmiIf
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VaGAVVso8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UYl1x2x4b
Though, that did raise the question–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxQTgg2BNM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ8vMNUfwV
"Do you know where you're going!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo29GkrAL8b
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzKCNHCZqw
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FBHZAosV3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBETn7vmgK
"Ah– where is Dennis?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRwsAfPxhw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXde79W1Uij
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiLpsuoaJZ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9Nu0lLPCx
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–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKJEQy8YqW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVn2o3nGcs
"Shit."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JpJN12qfp
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmx3OZXhwU
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEkuXdx8QX
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPre4yHsDn
"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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsRrxdtkcg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8ac2eqHaG
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM83CtHJWc9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGZMyUwa5z
"...Alright."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0roeqRnSS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDX3ReegcS
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Ddlc3aVh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokcWYIUnhK
"Alright, I'll take yer question."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XSrLukXrO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejLqEJjKXl
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXESBnFCzn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzDSJ28bi9
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluPH0ke3QN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmwW1TOPx8
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEEd6D0ofn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvEz5D0GVq
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKffLQNZOJ0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunPv0yGwDv
The man stopped speaking.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIfL2ZgoC8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIzraOEnQx
"Alright, carry on, then."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhffCjE6AJg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7IoWFZXrB
"...Eh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGw4g4rJu7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWCCKyGPqk
I shared in his confusion.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbdZMXaE6w
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2zD63RDyu
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yEwpKQqUN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw2mYV33QY
"I-If ya say so!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWFBregG4c
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Asv49LIq
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–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtqUfHqpsw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJdHoUVJ8I
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Uo0KDQmBx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtNLTZre2m
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzxCXMLa8h
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQuhlaP7MM
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZNNPTlZY3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxckDENM5D
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqQ1mAMnQo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu04SiX3Hm
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlq2oKhdzu
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZmkI92Vrc
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2L28HeK7O
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QPuv8uTpx
"Damn it, kid!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTweDQIUpTj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kzDxAB61z
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.
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D40iFqtV3
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRhAHpsHOF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WmRqDNs4k
**SMASH**196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWuwCzuaIO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA0EnHmC9f
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY6sUHbE8U
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrCRXGHozL
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFPONWHmFl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dxUxx2Ftm
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzGDsicJov
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoIXEf8P9g
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uvnyIZpoE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfRfDZMNp8
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSXbcUYoHr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVR6pBcNne
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyJGwbTy3Z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dshNtpvN6
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkdBnt0Sbw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnf3SS4vbo
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFicVxxcoCW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtARK9LnLV
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKpYdXqTEb
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76DvfRa4If
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTam3wtuVe4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iGMvNHkNt
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIGj9yrXRK
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJzrLC83w2
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivrOKHZ81r
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIq12HR7cj
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5n06LMQpl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcbIX8ZYD9
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyuBXSrgS7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHRRpKvShV
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uejqtyjjz
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbeHP9tM1j
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU741TXFPIN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bjqz2WMCy
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGbCYF8c2p
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiGsGSsqrm
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4UvHwVMHV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl59SNBwRx
"Like I'll let ya do that!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ3EeYwLoS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuPvvNtS35
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydabIwnFnu
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdVnQrSfjU
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDKoKbO5m3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa5SW57SMK
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4nsDe8Rrh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuvDkLcUX7
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuG9vjLYnt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nYXRIBILp
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl2E7SOn9v
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2MvMCLeOU
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWVzN99Hcw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YIizxFMUY
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrMQEhl660
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmdD5y6Vcr
"--Hrk!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkkNXGF6km
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol5kSukwZc
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG8qcLcPCV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G6BqjKtrX
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0Mxy1WwN6
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeVTecgp0y
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMJsKDwb9v
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS3TfZBjDW
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6OQ0H9uIw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn1iPEhwpA
"Whatever!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaPspVba7s
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE6iQPc3Ku
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb7JFO01xq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTTUa7BGKi
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHgXvtoc2f
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeXifQeg2X
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5MuESYVQR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWhZeNZuYn
Dread, worry, guilt–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafOTVLb5Dr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqBqXkIzOY
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwNvq2Rc3a
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyK506tlmN
"...R-Right!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYvntzxmXK
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8puHxcR5xR
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrwS4pAT9I
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGeLBG0sj6
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITS0cz1dNj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwQp05sv6i
**SLAM**196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXvO04dMN1
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlup8cyAIN
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PyPya47Ro
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ykKL7wdU4
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIYyPqcTzb
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Qw2Kcwct
"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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadwJLG5J9v
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeLBxGvaR4
"--Ugh!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iKrUGUDik
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KswNJPxkb
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzazfzHzKxQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4k5kcCHcE
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgF9GB3Jmk
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrciwEt6au9
**SMASH**196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1wF3fmWG5
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnpQU5ZmI1
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzFJ7xaKz4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzaPdeRuxm
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfRqFLkIGA
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgAiigPHLk
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfASUVg5wIb
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35VPcA1Eu4
"Ah! Sorry!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX68S3JtjcS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGoHqEnwUw
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSocfHdr1H
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl2bMIqMm6
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6e37F7qAw
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oIuhaoVjU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1I4RkFHf7
"N-No, that's not it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfiXmtluaq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DpA7xmeDU
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FQX8AzTjJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspd9kSJ0M4
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMEa8ggKRi
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X0Cdt83xV
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
然後按「加至主畫面」