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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbOtVavfZO
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVNnddm0SZ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsYTyHUGyE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNurAIcSBQ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSWjHkchu4
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemelHNUnwr
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraDbahLvLB
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACJPhila2h
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlFrZNlUhl
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2LxOb5hyP
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4sndrtqbZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyX5kHDYjT
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPh91H20Ea
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3IUqKn21t
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF9irD5vzH
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vrzFJdD6u
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2qpDYsxZh
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87T2ebzFwE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsADhtggFbz
**BOOM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZuVevK41w
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB2QuTaWL5
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2VTMKvaxr
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"Ack!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyocYcq586
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwuaJfGqdO
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqkqJWEu8f
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The room was a catastrophe.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFvEbRUuWY
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wd4oYbJfZ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZknheuNlp
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcihjyFAcn
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHrDc5U044
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRbqQxMI6w
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA6gZAKzZv
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cu8Kq2KZH
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdcD8FOIra
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2ciH3iVRh
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu0CJ5N4Ol
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEK9bFiw68
**STRIKE**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6efzLxCRH
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–only to be immediately interrupted.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpEW4baYoj
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoDRcg5qoW
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGanCtEZU0
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqXGTHgg7r
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmsaJHjlzB
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbyoUJZzgG
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGesWMIPwgI
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrzwLowa89
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJUeXNaE9U
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSnMWv70Ef
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg8rCHYdz5
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT5wJ3Wchk
"C'mon!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TwhxH9oIJ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCFCl7hGPS
"--Ah!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9MtszkGmD
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZVH4SVRRU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhcD8CDoKA
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb1dDU2erO
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–
–
–
What a moron.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRHfXbGe5P
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWTrQT14hF
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv0zKmmuLW
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTDYCQllz3
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiscShZqPV
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup77DFnS5u
**THUD**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVhDvM9rKT
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"Ngh!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJOIlITAZE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH12nCIpOe
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxBpEaaQKv
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HRPPZMwLl
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYY8PEtYUA
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DSPWawc1q
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg5KFFXwu2
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4zem2XuRA
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcz0iQv3FL
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"--I should've known!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq60d8CxyLc
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoVQlWLyh5
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1uNxUGink
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5sHDWrKwJ
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOoCY35NQe
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5shOdWHV1n
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVCwXUrzXc
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOIdd6e01u
"DAVE!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6jxYPSGPj
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXNzjEucjV
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dd5waORg9
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUr6U3OCML
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemOJ5IhQ0H
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zXoS2Ugne
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.
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xxpkmbraR
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k76a4uMSd
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4XPfUjzvh
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjKMD5kcbZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK0TiR2mwG
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3AP0HwX6n
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXAyTthFBQ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L83ogRkrd
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSDWFoHONo
"...Those are our first casualties–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAS10RDEnr
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP534zlUeQo
**BOOM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZZ1nQtMHd
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO8MQbFEyR
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXGTG8jtoS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNjREHu7zt
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIELm0SEo66
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypyTQxMS6r
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW5HM9XzeU
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"I'm here now."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB7cHnV0LC
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaXXTRLeMy
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXvItOnZTF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWIGOqzr1m
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tklvXEHSg
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIz2fbXJcw
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDOxeArhhr
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLlPuouLYJ
–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx2RXjXm3z
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EPet79FQa
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTFPsBQHJo
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltBxQ5CFEl
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFBJsxYrmr
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfPef9L657
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfmw2NgMB8
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkINkA6fFU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw0jyRl0Mu
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYh0giUg6D
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"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUMmW8QEM6
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9ali6iQl8
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzMWrMzr64
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPFe9l8TVk
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNsdth03si
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKBRet4bGB
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll8wB3Rrxx
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MyFiaBFVx
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2u5OXBGSS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul052Ipigc
**BOOM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl5NIZ24lm
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3cg6BpeD5
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBICtLTDEd
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"Pars!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92K9mNCSbz
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"Huh?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qUZQZIrQT
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkrImAppLr
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfTkvpQI2i
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jkW7sfK0U
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWnfPi7Nme
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzPSn1p64P
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVwGFgFktH
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAdrvqsjSw
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRuDGMI2MG
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE3oaJJfvC
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a9P7HqCqD
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDnBANm7n2
**CLANG**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKaNkOkU8D
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCpa1pIiYa
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomfnVNSStH
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MGEq41ya6
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0KPlVfk3z
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJnnW6lNsc
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNxQyq5Dzf
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdb2v6arvU
**SLAM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyTQS3GpMA
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIG9g7syOR
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYys9O6AyFu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45coChhOr
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApZeoIQTmk
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v4PWvzTM7
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SUA7NcEBR
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkm4EP7MxR
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38ECPx6PrV
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNISYglgcL
"Ngh! Shit–!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pTt6xiwm6
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rhr7YVSrA
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8VJD1vx8k
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But then–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGbBR5N609
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunbfq5R8r2
**BOOM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3V71zcqz6
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw3EwQBeyY
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUbIIhEtqh
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH87jacek6
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzD2elf2ZW
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JuBtEZDE9
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvykV7ABFNx
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShWCM58gGh
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZuzijzrTk
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnyIwex7Cc
"Gah–! You scared me!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDMNFP2nsX
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlsHKF75h6
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xpOxfQhJe
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIu5l6TLMA
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzPTXGnAlR
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"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ8hz1NtGE
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"No, this is terrible."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3Ua52JtqU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwD02mAWfQ
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Ks4FIvG5
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hYjMLRxUl
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LsNZcTsXF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYfuosIKgw
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7U0tLZ5G1
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5b1KkSpIu
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgdXfTd4lZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsncpzJt78W
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrwfbxumjw
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3CqMDWOoJ
"No. No suggestions from you, please."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3q7NLK6Zu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQMynhPmXZ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mgefypwBL
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8xOcwuDyd
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKkjCM7GAr
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrRWkwb880
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofBB4ptCLP
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjKZ0oSauO
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKMLtmc6gn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNq244f7VS
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTose6JY6Lo
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbhwXqd2es
Still, no response.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxrLstjSeZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0Acwu6YtD
"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–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwxqp0wbcC
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt9IGRo4bW
"Because you're entirely incompetent."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr7o1T9cJ0
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10yyrPTvJ3
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr6e0grVar
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EyUUZbRaH
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTfXM14SI2
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiHsC4KZLH
"..."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFKMKWHxLK
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfqES7GuSD
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmha2GxCERn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAZpqVoWI3
"..."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53zetVq1x0
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdMvXzNC9S
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnNnv2fJxG
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa9fua8Qy7
"What?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWqv63nrOC
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMoPDQ0Bal
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ngpeLxCRT
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVY0iI7hMq
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzywNs8ctS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM1OfdwTbV
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV83qCunq4
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRniFjXiQC
"...I see."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1upZ2VUwGq
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2eFCu0W4y
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9TSynTazZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0eXJRLMFd
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLJS49XVFK
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUZunxXO8T
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8wLKPco08
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAIuCcmRh8
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yYhIKE0rt
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TWgonI1PE
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZqLkZPKi6
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ipEyMsXaA
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1rOrQFios
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna2hsUZ6nl
"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–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WAbVVQ2dg
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvMizc7xr1
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxMxuWnoBa
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtBXH3MpQ5
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSzUdRMXUy
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQo07783iY
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:182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pUhovU8GE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvDDJ42kjb
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm0GXcG2GW
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqZU89bSU7
"Alright!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY0VXS7ceh
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqayhJN32Zo
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt9cDQ5YkX
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg141XUHaO
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbRmEq9MBI
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETdWEINxb8
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p8eSAeJ5R
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2Z57pfQcu
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6WR1qSqYV
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXp6Js2Poi
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkwW5vUBeR
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAOzJPMbHc
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNjO6zWVF9
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5wEysdH7z
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr8p2ks4tH
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd2kdpsyv9
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2suY6jSkI
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02WhOItFhN
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFPCwm7tME
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ34TeSSeo
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYeBsug8B7
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCoVjWgWZW
"--No!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wESlflxsQ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA8QNNApOA
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuQXk37sBW
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAUEMtlAvq
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKGYZ5yk2L
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJuskJepKM
"Hyua!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yvivc5u8P
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ98u3Um1m
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW92I2lptm
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6ZHocpFrK
However, he did have another sharp object.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpJ2TLzoU9
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToBF8TYGnm
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2EVvwhMlr
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYEVefW0sN
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeTMUgmcxn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3qC0AcSAT
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfipkm0a7r
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MCoMI0ZKX
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡognFX0j8Yo
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxGA9jpxJO
And what came was–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95mKkSHxNC
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLVABaqgo8
**BOOM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy1yIyMpG7
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnDtB5V1cD
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qqTloMpQu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK4EQP0cwb
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbSMQYAz2x
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcCJZgXMi4
"--oop!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc5CDL8IBU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7awd2poV6e
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yDSQme0jH
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRfnEyp6X1
"You... you're a sick jokester."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w8v71JTMD
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms9Ff3lqdQ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPmD4U1eGy
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd6C2nAU77
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCjKOe0z9y
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC2vNhfc8u
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MPmpOXzCG
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq57J4rSR6w
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHSGVrFPBB
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHUFv1tv2j
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsSlp6ab9s
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMV9CIl8IE
"What the hell... what the hell!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6q6spKSpu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgyAeMbcuu
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgxEuR3vMC
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TDY2fstHU
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE7PsKnyxW
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlDO8JBq3Y
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzyfbmb9mc
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgQzKgJfBV
"...Heh."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ttQFd5zN
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhQXs8TxY8
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCqzzcYPIZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29uVXc0Ql7
–
–
–
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyaFA1yQZn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPHBPUo6eZ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjchRc0sp4
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WQkqvfyY0
**THUD**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5OaIvSoHh
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJNE61fhyl
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LTx8gHTX0
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfo9jwPFFj
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvaJOOQKro
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4M30IUbgB
"Though I have to wonder–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu66qJzUcnX
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r0Xe4KTEG
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVgz1CIBkm
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4dZCLC5dg
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dNxlfFtxd
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1czVtMsDD9
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffL8JsMoIF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckk0bwvdzb
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AaLhPtyrN
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmSWlLm3xF
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25gCu1ycGR
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YFrvK95s4
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.
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtvGV8aWbr
"Irritating...!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ3PdD7QEM
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocdNwafAeg
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPu6DqmWd1
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrl4LWlINu
Dave didn't like to use spears.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISeSuCD2zJ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA1H5BVdBt
"...Haaaaa."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7Msp5jHgY
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobbUQVvWhD
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7mA6pxxv5
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCao6oRavh6
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7UAmvq3qW
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa4RkiDehP
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue73U7i7SM
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwWJOP8Kro
That's what he always told himself, at least.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCBQ4dzXlF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEH2uOdp3T
**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**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbzzvDidbK
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm4KMFYlom
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Sfj5ypAVJ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7408foD7i
**CLASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT9RnZvaI7
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnLk6NDA5m
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**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinaMSNBPs
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCGOHNUtmj
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?182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYpb7iSPTy
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruEqBqnPub
**CLASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2hT7mUYFL
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEeDRoErJW
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXebvL5a4v
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77q8JXeNCH
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOOfXTzPeR
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqulo67xvc
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5gpUDWeBJ
Confusion–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32SuRvFIIu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFYIZ3Wtkz
**CLANG**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6MEVFAZjD
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30qCUjOidb
Delusion–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ606CVe650e
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59poGxNIBc
**CRASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKmQVOKeaU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxg1UWmSmw
All lead to one conclusion:182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjQWQm5pDI
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8u6M0yKAJ
**SMASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJLORAYGAw
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyuSiCNvsM
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YaJUNPnC8
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScuO7ZAUDK
"...No, of course it isn't."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk6fi9kqOs
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z2K6MRVXl
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YJCb4Uo3s
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35REOBft8V
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ2Ciu7UPf
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V0bbTbU7W
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5wH6gyT49
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj2cv9oaki
**THUD**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjzgt40gJ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfPbaflql4
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIzHqH5P51
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0ZzkpGKhL
"Pars!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcYTilRiKF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWA2zf65n6
"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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofH0JvvYyd
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN9qlxntFi
"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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqsp6vgCby
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1pUoB56gf
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxbCfNXnB6
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYANaOXlWMG
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE2t03QLiK
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b4maILEDo
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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h4LioSkkm
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHcrB6tTiw
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSoxVsfpgh
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdEtsyX6CS
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtxNmAPFKB
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9JhvPTwT2
"What do you propose?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfTF3ZHWOp
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FO4cBtUZQ
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VbLQibF8K
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQd2LeOO8h
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNobAbj6al
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zHN93YB6v
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYtmIVUDxa
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTBKK7qRnt
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tA01pfIzk
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdT5ldrfus
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa15J9Lp3sx
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoHWGMXCvi
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGHBUVuChO
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRHyOUGwmW
"--Huh?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7txcPazYr9
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowGGF5PVyS
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetN7sePUDU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ic45nM6O1
"...Always backhanded, huh."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvONpHqzTSO
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwjPQerY5b
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 laugh182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUZI2ZSMWn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1m22hatuc
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOp5tNYYsz
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehA2vgjkcV
"We likely don't have one."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD36QipUDY
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0yTqCH4fV
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM2tCQXWNl
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G3bh3YYFW
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisSOU3xMrL
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6W4dWZZt0
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pfEi0yU9N
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCDfW7YAFy
"Well, if you insist."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxCrOmD1sv
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRjFDro55f
–
–
–
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.
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIryLHwQZX
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeOHWOYdcY
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7CJbTExDD
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADBvxs3zNQ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56PfaFLU3l
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s5Q64MyoU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHWhq2opXE
**THUD**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mJIVwQgVe
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt0Hntb8lr
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?182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoBqC5hSND
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5eKZLqdIj
"--!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURbUqTFwLr
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0BGF97b1b
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzay3ojMjOn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SdiIF6ZTA
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58TCAlmpMh
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOci6OIExKI
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7aZk2GL0l
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nhp3WXLIw
**SPLICE**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJna41rR3X
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSrQaWiyZB
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUjJXTILKO
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RUMPdeNUG
"I missed one."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbujDKc32F
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTA1wb2N39
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHV6Vc2qh2
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE05b2pR1V4
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10zOFfXPns
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtebqNml11
"Hey!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyLggqIa7q
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPGSb3Ov8f
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AyKUwu5nL
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP36ut3eYh
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAaWdubqe2
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP1vhifchY
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lQ99SlpeO
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDfQxJCp6S
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJmTGlFiiI
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnawhM75xsa
"I never said that."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pUFV7yECD
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5gBhoik77
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB0iUDOeAf
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITSzjKGD6y
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgMwqsoBkw
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHnIhJ8uRd
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIDQIhjMmy
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgNEDauZ8l
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSEFGXvVJe
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDD5EuMOCt
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMgYnOKp30
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83LDSGYBBP
"Haaaa. Damn you."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEvP8KUshG
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WAvN0S7u3
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2emt7wN5oS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhsX2EMext
"They are dead, right?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs2dWxghWq
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgQgFGOuM1
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst7qUY9292
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyQKzkGmyX
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXL0Nyct6V
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS18aTYDezz
"I–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u8JLQX68T
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPy1xygjYE
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOLkVp6peS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHQgNvslPa
"Huh?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXWvx44QyI
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1m55mVvWo
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWAzIQlkYr
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvbr2y2Lv6
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdpUmbeUdB
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcykyg7hFSe
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVzmGN3yLx
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zNLyN0vZy
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4owYReTkM0
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmeAjD4izN
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtHYCN2rts
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Fn6UTQV6
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8aAH11et6
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiX5RZjxAv
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9N2xJbXyX
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGIjvNuCA2
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnKUrg7uvY
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEUWxCOCBX
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBtIYQTxjB
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcfOjuD685
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL6TR2mQZx
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovimFIPVIX
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1NTJ8nyOQ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3tsfroUED
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZfwiwpQXk
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVlm2zbo0d
"You raise a good point."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TgLqVYJHD
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CHpT82Tte
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYdh9LZSnj
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91aHScAVnD
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOMLM3w7qN
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCMq3k89Ci
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsXMVa8k4w
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPHDg09bOV
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyDnkGyY9Y
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8lY8hZILD
"Ha, abandon?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfzZDOxyXE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3C6Jq6lVO
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzkYrpuRyn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxndwHxUhs
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK5LdMvDwq
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDaxibBRTq
"If you were, it was backfiring."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwyGmDOUnL
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeHRZQTbj3
"Harhar. Very funny."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4avAEEs9UZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58aJY5vXGl
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSHnX8gXfg
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIqAWa2U5j
"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62vSNaFoJw
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQcgAi7KoJ
"Aren't you conceited."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPgkWdftUS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5oK8KlW4a
"You think it's arrogance?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50aumRyUxT
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEJEIDi5rv
Pars began to stroke his chin.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUEfbfzXEu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B42IA9h6w
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxkNY4YdXF
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6AiSVotrv
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zjgqHzxwE
"...Yeah, you're right."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkstGStguqG
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybBjdkm71q
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcriumGqHZQ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fCjQyiWyc
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
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