Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbZCVjJF6h
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LwEzfkFRB
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwVrjR6qhC
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXLSMnjlle
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJBCwaR499
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeLncsgba5
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvesfBtgit
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh24XIttIH
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVp3qLHwfn
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb2DB8sca8
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrAwnsMJaS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxEmX23EXe
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN962xLMld
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7be57Bmdy6
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPIQ62KgWI
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWFvpMBJPF
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGyLiB2lfj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PCq1qO4Uv
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LyBbiPfFZ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡien1iIJafV
**BOOM**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1J1oejfRm
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XisgUQIEl
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaecsrrhTj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeMNkSgCdb
"Ack!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3oMfWPe09
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKTeqtKd72
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcYr4fNoSD
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpe40RJuGo
The room was a catastrophe.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJL20fa1n3
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV0BVCXDRW
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCcejXe1lK
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliesepeGiY
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEuw1VrRnE
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSWPh14EcG
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvOQ8iC59l
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPvL6OthFG
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70pXt0Gfol
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmSd4CYY66
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61RowQoowV
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg6DhYFspB
**STRIKE**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNQbucu75q
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfbawCyKky
–only to be immediately interrupted.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEYb7USype
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B0wjKy0ZB
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf3aH7XrGR
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO6QWA0YAa
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfHsU6UKJQ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n8l1a6JGJ
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyPwv9xm7h
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNg3ehmw5h
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YX79mlVoY
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBuAdgeSpB
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t8Sa380fA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkr6gJFeua
"C'mon!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnyZABrvf8
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R7vtTgHwh
"--Ah!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrWyezEphf
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Eb0mRXQL
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwtOOhq6MB
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAdX6iAFj8
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8SvOdQ3CD
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSmBlXsSFm
–
–
–
What a moron.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj3MstN5pM
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlATskdStjO
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHQjUewxHI
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1yFtsFB95
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVRjie5bS6
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzgFSExtQX
**THUD**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevndJuQYB8
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqPRQfUWjw
"Ngh!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKBDvMW2L8
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN7JzpV4KG
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnMNklYOvg
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mwWYRQ2rQ
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0YIHLbA9e
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCA5FnlMSV
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsznz4U17j
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKVyrqW5sS
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcAkoboOLG
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUol39l3fXK
"--I should've known!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y4mNFRBj7
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9x6KnazZq
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4oX0QDstQ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLerez0DIQw
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GXclpzKNK
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPvuXkiXjm
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4of0pc3qZ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BccsXt4tW
"DAVE!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzrf9Looe1
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7YXVRpHRG
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMQ49gnbrk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlbRVwSVHO
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pXuouKtSy
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjL6kHKsFZ
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwQfXOe49t
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pXPuYvNWU
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0nnJzZTIU
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgQNO0coT1
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbzRinT23I
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafS75DnOvR
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡighzh5fo1a
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSkbndgCyp
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHCuv7iTKB
"...Those are our first casualties–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCGtidSREL
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyUFRkJhH1
**BOOM**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO1Ct8u1tv
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdBoU5wgiS
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqP0m5RwfU
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXGjlom0I4
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLDhFiQDZq
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS0zaqN8XH
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIvW2o8wrq
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqaKjSjcEA
"I'm here now."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ04ap9ln1W
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5Xf6UOhxS
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTNLfckAnc
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfxFRRQ6cR
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CmiTMxl08
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfJjUhW0gf
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirBJ9q7osF
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam0MmxK9o6
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbz1T79kjL
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GymtuSAZ0
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9px82Y2vmw
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKlbtiNoG2
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLfT85V274
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRKQ6UgCcz
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh7WXpHSgw
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGTp9L8cp0
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMsMFMUbPr
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqam7YqZEJ7
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRuaRPHewQ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYKsgozZ3A
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZsx0vLWMb
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn68G4g6mg
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndM1WqCptS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAansTZjyIA
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8tF7DsVjS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpIZ5a7PcX
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hdq8Ddjh9
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyMsgTObAv
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwzZKGTS1r
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMfBSlfs4E
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziyafFjov1
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fqFb8t4S4
**BOOM**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot0bTfwOLl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNRcjKfSwC
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcpp5vCHx2
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUausdj5jSa
"Pars!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafx1lLTn38
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V0NWFIycE
"Huh?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTfrEcbfX1
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAiuAn2HK8
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzUYEekfkA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FhTHqkKXn
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAiZZKrRNy
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uD1Kr76Xr
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53OaXUfgId
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN9BbVJLaa
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6QEVXiv0F
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q9ZSt1ARL
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqQJ79FLqh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrhpXm5SWS
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzOFqt4FKV
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeXkxUsNvP
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbnREU4yh9
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7QscTNt7f
**CLANG**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ2vV1mGTg
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkIJITytfO
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRVnPrJWZW
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp4vGZlSfv
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXEyis7gWj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHloi12CYL
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb33Iy34ZNb
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhMHC5wtdU
**SLAM**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbOzSg4KqY
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKACSEakOkj
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZCoYkCSZH
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3lW8FXHSE
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyclxAEYTf
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl6UjLtBmU
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9oS4jlAkQ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTpmQMxi9E
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7koaWe1iKk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wQVXH80g6
"Ngh! Shit–!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4Bo2H5WAI
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP8sjUoQ9n
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDuoLIu60C
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjalqf6p1vJ
But then–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRxcBv6GyY
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsFGrsBlfs
**BOOM**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyFW3ctDn5
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CmgjGjsNM
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1IKphqjcj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MBU9bYhvD
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkvCKlmPlz
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqC0rwvMLm
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jfCxYaLQT
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW21DfwWoe
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedYvCXarcA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrclAzn3Ur
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5hicIPuqc
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXRKriORJm
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9pzVwAt8f
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgxs6du0El
"Gah–! You scared me!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpLmek8GGO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3WssS95OO
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjBo1kcPhG
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcWtoGnTSV
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQhYIIkwmA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6d0LB4273
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPX9vu8ONp
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwcJ24zADN
"No, this is terrible."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlew716J1dh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXjRyqOWuw
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc53piWoss
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWvJebYaJ1
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIuIAyocUX
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHqgNaktBE
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1XeAEE2aM
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyJmpfufks
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLwFQyS1VS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oNcbD9b0G
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVX0hbV30Q
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYVdPVHFTg
"No. No suggestions from you, please."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwPtUHS4Ig
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRy0QyFLeK
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlKXtwmi1t
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoUpFRIhny
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD4S8OnUu7
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPlFAwhPGc
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMbQyfPT3D
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbllWdBEAIn
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONht9gg4Db
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh9Ml76rtP
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraOGzIZgDl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdCnktqYLj
Still, no response.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGHncE7Z65
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfLynBU7dl
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSpVUWu64I
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnIJVZRchU
"Because you're entirely incompetent."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85AfYmFU6Z
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkItgzJVafK
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CZhSinRn2
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqQc5vVI9r
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cDeUWokRO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpwxmwVYI8
"..."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmiHcH4rP1
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd71SVL9OHW
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu9mwVPQ1P
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFwNvDaond
"..."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlctmVgnfc7
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ1QpRfVGG
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T2IdvGdBu
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJUIINf9hb
"What?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWYhju4LqG
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VaZiaN7Tv
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmlyXYvSFu
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P1eJJIQLO
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA2hU9G44h
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wqbRaxI8e
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLJbi89X4Y
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DxK8JPxZW
"...I see."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT54wuljMGj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh6CfovWH1
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaYUTa7imb
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS4ltQSDGe
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SvxJr3PBG
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tFOlKg72o
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysiGFrQYQL
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdfghT3WdG
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nfZR6JTJF
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNnjWQBppn
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXot5MCGlAQ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL0gd1VquT
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDloQBPMIr
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdyBdvB0Mj
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XkAQhgFtC
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCF1Fm0TSP
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUZuOeeoPt
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD5dAbejhi
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz43WWnDaH
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EZjWHL2Xg
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOHw4yho2K
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixbVaKmVOL
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2kWFwlSyh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye4k7OOl5S
"Alright!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4h0kcscHO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAd1a1P52Y
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEf1BXYqaQ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpySaqR33P
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsFuZ7Zc6n
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gxrouMkeC
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh091QlcGYK
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAExgFhAeGL
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHg2t7u9aL
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkI6Dn0xFD
–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3XpCuGErJ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLus8g2VaYF
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeqnAj60kf
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdsHfukOYj
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGsbDyCZkd
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjkpubYLMH
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WUjuB82ap
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7dwDxQdv3
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlwQnAkSEF
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJohre2eAWs
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Q019yXGZ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhqcojbQD2
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIbjJTgNhF
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91vSxPIVwb
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpoLCU8u3y
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe2VviHqoZ
"--No!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ1s4qPNDo
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mUatilQqg
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2XYUeO5wB
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsfIVIM0vE
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDpYgSedhp
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WejqTYJtH
"Hyua!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTLoZR8TCD
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7OWmyQJTf
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqiycITfzl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hCaS7Sj4W
However, he did have another sharp object.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxb0mGFxM0
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGGpzdm7a3
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpeWSCV8Sh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmeZQU9VyU
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZXZHrwEwl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WYIGyDPha
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr5Szoe3Xs
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA8xXp6fG4
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3RKv7Pr1t
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaBF5Tgfqj
And what came was–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypvWEpAIRg
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7EJglUuGq
**BOOM**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctoNIG3JQG
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxNHytg2q6
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpT8tBQQ8Z
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf6om89rDj
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUJohBHaVf
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSka3hQufxC
"--oop!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v8rehadZO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6VH1MnhK0
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjPSnxfley
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu35Mf8oatc
"You... you're a sick jokester."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg5qM46Yyw
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWIzS1ppKh
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkhPVbWLX4
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjqNysCcJl
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NJIliCrr1
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GX3owBG0C
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LeBWuluRp
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjokxLvi0Qa
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e3ttcfA3l
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlIn6FTlkK
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00T9CzGcMk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QmTJwM9z8
"What the hell... what the hell!?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjoJ3ktYPU
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSa0lrccp4
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3AZQrkdIf
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwJaUtcGHh
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy93nkzjlDA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGCdAzcxPY
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSwfIrrphB
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH2gyEn1Pn
"...Heh."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDkM4n85dV
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT9E8hqe8N
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6YshsoW26
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvovDDez2IZ
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroyprXLjUd
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7wzi1p1i8
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvKzEYhtfT
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZE1MA9bU1
**THUD**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwN57JAzr3
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjZTbWl365
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnN6HK8iLh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UsfxoNIaP
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N5NFMXKYA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82rXuDJEqx
"Though I have to wonder–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCtiRzOcC5
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2eV2TmKRy
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14YEhA2vUx
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1HgYlYhYk
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd54aoSVkko
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVslBnA57b
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXby0UJORh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgNsdSryG1
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcaoNTDUyW
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR8Zxlcvvl
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdnXqXx9vk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0UH6wDq3F
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBV5my6uJh
"Irritating...!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c3xsZHeOM
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqZZmckU4Z
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKvtJYZtBN
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT971UlAT32
Dave didn't like to use spears.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5jsBJcDM6
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdOG8vmsiF
"...Haaaaa."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCTHQBo00D
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFrkG22prp
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIgNFV6fbo
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxKBDBlFrA
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCIVozEPFC
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgRkaHIRCB
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uEe6R9geI
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3FaTYOBYk
That's what he always told himself, at least.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigh97Y76RF
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYASUNQQ4YK
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZftqSQf2t
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG24JZldpHM
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGKsQnrhtk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd9Okwl3C3
**CLASH**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy31fnCcDv
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwAPROtlYA
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuPRtp7099
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ49h982Z3l
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP6YhDIT9t
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH1Fktd0Fx
**CLASH**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uyYvh9xCj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFbKO7W4qs
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhl9T6FIzp
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv2kmKl1Yu
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0sOMqLSau
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8doowpbA0m
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hocScTj5B
Confusion–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x0omXrKEx
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqYWFyj7EE
**CLANG**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8sj7w2qsk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFgTCqHhwq
Delusion–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XgP6KIcVX
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSEYC838zJ
**CRASH**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IPQZ66QoD
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJEo4vhTMN
All lead to one conclusion:438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqaNJfJNEg
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbLgmjkYFa
**SMASH**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWjWjwfJ0l
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVAhgLbmAl
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGdCC5WXLL
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VS9BPJT5F
"...No, of course it isn't."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjPIOXl9uC
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKVMwcESly
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88B9oalVJr
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAORgxVvOI
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphXqBlAL4b
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe1dLX2vrK
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStSPkdzRnT
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStXiCJlnnb
**THUD**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tenXdMYAD
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1VqkQADLj
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDwALlLpLD
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKFwDaLNSG
"Pars!?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjcbpqv62j
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFeBESkv9e
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWXOiYzJ8Y
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja8L7mMbiD
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq2BN91CfH
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcPDLTjozM
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIAMhPuwBS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBYvFujarG
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELAshsg79y
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTipYpPmYK
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUjPEccJry
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcD0XSI1Da
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFuTXkQJPe
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnzTKM28Q2
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfXm7P6xzZ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeER33GOgyO
"What do you propose?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuXY2micXR
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe0iJsAoeV
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kkJH0TkmV
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDOQ44CjNY
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNlsUI0bJd
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8is1aiIou
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjEBWnnIiA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xQlDn57RK
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHsvcs466q
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnA2PtRzUl
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFGkvTn3DO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWFJSalfsb
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnl2uozdMR
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDUzQqC8Jb
"--Huh?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpYf0SijzA
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFKtSRF0wl
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlBJgFfzaS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD0PiifysS
"...Always backhanded, huh."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLkUYpNtDE
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCAvR2qwF6
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5ugLmrcv7
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMvo5zPO86
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpn0aRurX0
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDZ93XU2Bx
"We likely don't have one."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g4O8mitf8
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFS7CGhOYD
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q2drNEmkF
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhDQgfS9xB
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNTnbvUDl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j5gYBmFdW
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIpzbXAJNf
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I07ZEUG9R
"Well, if you insist."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNiFaxSheO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BxbIYl93w
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0MpVDLKn7
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e3mSqEsTk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPxn6vggMS
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NNX5rx44L
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfG4RYddDh
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjPyGHhptg
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinm6ogKsll
**THUD**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s03F0Guzb
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCNUgtayI6
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqtdLMKVdb
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsfLblgJWI
"--!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOZBF4ZwjV
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHtkOySX7l
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU2PcEmTny
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMZNFYRTGO
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZesAXIGOW
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPOeLzXlit
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAwOokcG4R
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXRmoarUVJ
**SPLICE**438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOgaJEB47L
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsPfm4PYqu
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB1FTwuPda
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbgcXo4Bn5
"I missed one."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vY9vvK99L
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2zSNQ8Tec
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtES0LG0kJW
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyTRAHFO2h
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk9boCf0Tl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT42jZwaoAy
"Hey!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5twKYfwqKl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79U64yuBZA
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieBTfZuAbY
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUYiUAMtKg
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iYQMU5Y6x
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznVgI1NHNz
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrJ1fxgMmw
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT0lbtaI5U
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wpo039nTZ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT1qXFJhce
"I never said that."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZUSjGS3X7
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BkSfD6z6w
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNjNJQ96Yy
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXID4G4BSZ
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NMJ2CXFJR
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOiAyTyN7N
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Bbgl4AvX
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFDbeiCUan
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSTijRPTwX
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QqNxCK5YH
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtF9QWEueP
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM86qRziUe
"Haaaa. Damn you."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSMzEgbiDE
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PS6IokDiz
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowXCafG9NO
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY8BbjrlvL
"They are dead, right?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ364yvD36Ul
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1C7fadWO3
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzKqd4X1Le
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH6Kuh8umC
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJTosHqdzC
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9ufsNq68D
"I–"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflyQRVVX6g
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiARTID1a1j
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91PzwPEozJ
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw94Hfyyog9
"Huh?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4cMf1Ge8A
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGZbtgt14f
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WYpdwgdKH
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTDscZOn2t
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxijQSpxhJh
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9FnGIERou
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov6jIUYx6g
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFyUAougTa
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcp3l7hVzT
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37ZybcSNhm
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBqCHuVOer
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aSOxL2HQ1
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbmIkFfXbp
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3kMCvYY9F
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrgzXzNmSa
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXnrHIzzft
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEFsmgLYvR
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObgSMxUv3l
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWyHg3MgEY
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlQlOq5eet
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmlvSlmiAi
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvB7rjMOtN
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvItMGCOzMS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwJN2y98s3
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU6mOWXHpk
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMf815s77f
"You raise a good point."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuNpRLxkyS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrYkHxs2fM
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkjXMVv7j5
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1KeMFoj2A
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtsDYQxjcj
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvE1k8WP4i
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa5dPfuvmo
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFUhUuzGto
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTMulhapMK
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ESXkkGP5
"Ha, abandon?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ScICnj8av
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm5GaFFlcl
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbWdw5E9GC
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2EbFSy3O3
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatIfdpuLb5
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGZmFt2hWU
"If you were, it was backfiring."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPdjzewdB3
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDaS759u6Z
"Harhar. Very funny."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVspKi9pml
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyTf1Trwy3
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vmy3oLdtm
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWhJe76cLj
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVimYQkLIDE
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56YXgBu1L8
"Aren't you conceited."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhracW1Febn
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUXnmvQJQS
"You think it's arrogance?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0cWl68Lyd
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3TYNNPPje
Pars began to stroke his chin.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEoh4ZSkOw
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W1FuFyGis
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiaejB3XzS
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBw8CrH6jO
"But what you want isn't just greatness."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y4iSli859
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO6tNXB2Xq
"...Yeah, you're right."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJenKirEG6
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68TVvUgixp
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBiEOjE2dK
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKKfsVy88h
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
and then Add to home screen.