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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ371EErLCE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQTdIAaNnd
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleCbVujJP0
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaqxCOBxC8
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WP7OkUBlm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1ov1PBtJo
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1tiFlbxZ8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnafOfSOvJ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxdVOkycP6
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR1CFl5pRc
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn6qwd5kgv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig59TQ6008
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGY2fURki5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yXIhUaXRA
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzpy2JSKM2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv4JxKBHlF
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCQ0R94JWw
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrgO1givyE
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJqOzoetDW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp9VHaQ1Vh
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dvS7WgRJL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJhH2nqYIl
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn2E0MeNhN
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeZEa7wgdT
"Ack!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3rAl4XDII
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN4mnDnEHk
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNsPDCWDOG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8qWPobyIt
The room was a catastrophe.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RUNYbbdaQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznI3gKtu1N
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPH8Soy8vf
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JkgtWgxQs
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyXfx9kdWq
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQDVbACJhe
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEacs4YeWKE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewaFwQ1TET
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzEm00V7Sx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU0yVSMvLj
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94dokJ9Drr
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrrNT2RRLP
**STRIKE**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w22eq3QSe
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVQ2CUKJmQ
–only to be immediately interrupted.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFda49Hs5hD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPncQd3OZYf
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ9SNxzP9l
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyAfZ2zbrq
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiaK60fOda
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWLquR8RU6
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOk7L1WwY2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdfvtaBL94
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6E9VO2Iuz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeppjoGguEn
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqWX4Bhabm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4r3aFv7iz
"C'mon!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEFDbzu8n1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeSl5aasbt
"--Ah!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK5gcVsIR7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2ZT9WGQPi
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDSOfCf6JA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxObyKP0lJ
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82JMYJyWuO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS3kuZyzmo
–
–
–
What a moron.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1cttbrknv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf83PHZOwf
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TrdwfvCdV
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NR66BK1z8
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbPad9c5FB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8fPja7Www
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB17z0n8hG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveQcQZ3vdq
"Ngh!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h51xZHnKr
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpATuz9Kd5
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfzn6jXOhh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs017NTGAb5
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26Q9jL7Rzp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEDwygz4NI
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tPH5AX5B
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemc3U4jjHv
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINSW5FYJqY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegByGXXOI3
"--I should've known!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvqxAAQcAG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHksQrPLm7T
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn90elm1xxl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkVYaan9iE
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3hUsdbb2f
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23WvgKxbYz
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ5CrZ8D3d
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvN8Eb6d1H
"DAVE!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyJY7rQ2KK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlff2k1XW7C
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5AyUALeOK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfa121JSHS
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzgVevvSrX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JF0l0wSsb
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.
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQteSPFgkla
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLq1HDIISO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad4sNxwG76
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKkoGKFFdD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK0Iall9vP
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjGwzv1MQV
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhtUbD7eCJ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rp3zwJ7tR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDG8TNXO6g
"...Those are our first casualties–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh2VzrnO5W
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2udhiwbpX
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T2pMgmksC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzoX3vIeDT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt6ijSETim
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTw4pcfkAc
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ByZn9JFQH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgwbqDyfHe
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeGIYTxpgE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQcNJ78g5W
"I'm here now."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UCuXH01zW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk42xfNB4o
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRXcKPuVGs
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NCEmUSUT2
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j5If0LlXS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1XS1DrZzm
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhMHi4RT4T
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtM49SayJ7
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyCk5FRkjR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG5WygHCeq
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAYRBPybA6
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W1WQgpwSf
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObJuKpAnKn
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy5LGVa9dd
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEURliNNMh5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76HoEKSRGQ
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOCpDkmKNb
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYrjfHy3ie
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn24FUKyXm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW3f1nGuTI
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftyJurUy4j
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmueWc5QZAs
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q83NBH6Rp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpTdHdVC2B
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEBIZPhJF6
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AuhY3opon
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLoooIgJ3o
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCfkxUmQ2f
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vzge0w1ur
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmsE0Euuyl
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡespC7ciXpv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8g6UoD5ft
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6veeKTUjy
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsETWctDD0
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmsaNuoY6Y
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69PzoTlIjv
"Pars!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx88ivdcZlu
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4R7BwwKTm
"Huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaJlyn49Lg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5adshNZmJz
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KFsB6ngj2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AXIFr8NFy
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyyBqYC4iI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn06rrkBA3R
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg87gJNOPLR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs7CYntO7c
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCCCWDAjbj
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmicpbt6Li
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XdTgVVcrv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerYN8YK8iZ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcEWm7H3CG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8XtckrYmp
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmgMfpUyqI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RfvjR098o
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIaKNfaDSQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLg4SxEQ8P
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOOjXCSDgG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NMxV0k8tS
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZnij9idwD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwwl7ZZ6Ov
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4st4MQbM4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L5hJd7kTK
**SLAM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXMOjbIfPT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrdQevbhTi
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7vpzCBCP4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUQCFipX0u
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCtfrq6IFv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBDE2oyUtZ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRujRQIkCo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7btA04LSiB
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAbvVoCHch
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4UUiSB4Bt
"Ngh! Shit–!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf09W5CiSoX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDkuVdkGOt
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rb7mbT0Fv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlim6jGLBUx
But then–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s7mcOkGuc
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc618eqNUa
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlozaD9ZEWK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FmFzJ5JW1
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo7wnf2o4Q
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpowJVUmPO
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLElxyUfbQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJR7LnIfTo
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU8uwrvQ3k
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKD5qQcZGd
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGm7iEXCuP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47rUEa89jl
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIbqiTUalE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIxbVcsaCW
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6cscX3JnA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lTxlCPkHp
"Gah–! You scared me!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHvut4PqoC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A5cCRwpkZ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl9lELeQzl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iX3b04uyD
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ZxL9I5mw
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD2sP9PfER
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxZsgi0z0F
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7AMDDqY46
"No, this is terrible."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILWQP1oj8c
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jBKB2dtxc
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvthgbWga5d
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeln3HFwfTo
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVZBNgwZaC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DSKmupgFZ
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpWtSb1pLx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t6n72Gxjg
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmOJBrVzPQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gq7GePkXd
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqjMlTIlF4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Tmfyx9Etc
"No. No suggestions from you, please."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE0RQEfSru
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdVMhehZiu
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XR37P15xr
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMKLdsbGYa
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I6XodPqyZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LoV4DPiwv
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hx1z8CtZE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03u4WxW8QK
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsWc92UOzh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJcGcKBMWB
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDCBQ5jk3X
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpApHTrD0n
Still, no response.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo6cr0lyOp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwj1S93sEa
"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–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKfrbEtmSN
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcrjEpa0rD
"Because you're entirely incompetent."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv95hJh3iu
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmLsUr9hFl
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTbBI3K8wm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgafZD1nip
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyFz2Lb58o
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY4S9is5Aw
"..."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb1foffRQx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNxloofY3K
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrCopWBVNb
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mcSW9Cic2
"..."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRnwYvPFRO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGETEHeoek
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXkULkTLLl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKxjWeneRn
"What?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBhnMXWBSo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftqFrpJokT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8kqvFxRJ2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid9Qjc0kxx
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jQtVHmdec
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uFMoEORz8
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0lxAdqsDY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknkOa8hQSJ
"...I see."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ2tVao9QS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI5etJDnT9
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka4GxK0Qni
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTucYKSngYa
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZWffiKt2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1D5TKHvYz
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16dQsLq46y
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV9X7ziEbT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhw4AZuuZW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSxzTyjOGj
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe7q7OJJWl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YbWV2Vzd5
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWt7GkBVHP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4GLlx3eOj
"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–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwTkZkp8MB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdoqOdTYRH
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrEQVRbM4p
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6UATwf2a4
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fFFAfAE6T
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6eTyNbWvb
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:266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM8KfESInJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnGfciPpYN
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBRQAcU6OZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6brzgWEx10
"Alright!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vDupSPw9o
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgQKUDIWeX
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF7K58Is7b
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bx8mAJfBA
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhF1eANwQh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO9QZ3oXbq
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk3Z8oPvU5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVcmF9YWGC
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurMEtWTIn3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkOBtILCDR
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0PlUkruGl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ9nmL9VEb
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcrp9mQ04E
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rm7XQ8e7g
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6VdGBmJUh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhocQuH8rjw
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojSG1lkB0w
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG3JtoGnRh
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapCCS8yFS8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXpYQ2DgmY
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq4owT5uUK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwv1vDxmd1
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAHA5Ce19U
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcXLiDi1ct
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASH4CPW05f
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P6dNYU9hi
"--No!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8vOVCYf7c
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2c7yKDevR
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GsKbLKJfB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15vOjeRZF
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0IdQ4oneZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FOqkFphnQ
"Hyua!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9MoysWTWf
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZsDwyHC5Y
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmixuMpZme
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4V2Tc4sLR
However, he did have another sharp object.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5maCOsjnT3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kxsjv3M2y
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4vxSCaGGT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGglOms27M
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTciz7xAiA2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB00h5G5Bf9
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWw6klFnaG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASJVC4OtD1
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jtgcx9TDX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb18esc41F
And what came was–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6kzP1jhuO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKJTeP7zle
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP8J4ARCXr
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98CrbX2Caz
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmRKPucBdD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4GGwkEb0x
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLqheJhDnl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT96TfkKxM
"--oop!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYKHUlUVtR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg8vzio4Ez
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvChPLbM6MA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctIdAP6wkR
"You... you're a sick jokester."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaAKAHCMCf
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsBeswgHHK
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYVPs2QP3u
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs9bUotEiO
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVjQB84XnS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2G32w08iX
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcsD1NoXx1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0xpSEHl9I
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4PQtC1NvL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpSN375usu
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGat4mVGJz3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY8AAJbX0g
"What the hell... what the hell!?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xv8ThCfhZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWwG9OXzmT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1CVgtQzom
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziiGl4STfs
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBemCYJUpL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6R7G2Zetl
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMSjru7bKt
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkUb3NrAbX
"...Heh."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoKnewOs4X
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp4yraTrvV
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJr3zCU50O
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkUzVMuzXX
–
–
–
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdgekSqS1Y
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jz8Hz5O81
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDebHM4hOT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSXiv64Wcj
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrXczNio2r
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RaPasU3FZ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZckgkPuXm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf3BFVCFz6
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwtGV2Gp2G
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx9NaallnF
"Though I have to wonder–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJSvIYDRUY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauzW2A7lPT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5FQUz5lRH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg7OEcq8Kv
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEZVOgrmdi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZsK6tjyPz
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0JMbBjuO5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1oMMa4efk
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUcgCAJiPZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW6nnywV8y
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlDJpICgnD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvOyCGGYQL
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.
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VqRBiaVEl
"Irritating...!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCnYPvR3N1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHTaYcbD4R
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXP4j6YjaA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiQmwVpmVr
Dave didn't like to use spears.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy6UdYiMXS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJYXcMw3ws
"...Haaaaa."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS47bAKlJNC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuKuHJl4Y7
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3wSWuGARG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfSoQfqJu7
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd3LZ8ptx8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn43J42J0l
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi0hurqiEU
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjanYU6eQHk
That's what he always told himself, at least.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvNjIbSaSA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7GV2Rd8Ry
**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**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lpXG2m6Ds
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFgh3C8Gfe
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfHifBSqdK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzF5ZvDIiM
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3wXrV9rmC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI9VAIdnn7
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**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPID9ZsJmqE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalrjIvHV1u
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?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKBtlPLhOS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbYMUeKBjz
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZy1mI0tQn
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBisO88vcB
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbbkFUYfJl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wZFl7el0s
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvxvtMrlK5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnP3ZQkv7n
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oy0dSkUz0
Confusion–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx3BG5XHCq
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRF8Eqlp3u
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGGlsnbrE3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIVKQRngIY
Delusion–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDCxpbktAE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVtvMiV8W2
**CRASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x3GUPxhOd
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkYmMcA11Z
All lead to one conclusion:266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl78W3ZotX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIX9Nr35VS
**SMASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjOs1YakP1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi4cBSvB0G
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxdGkcTu8H
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRhNugUdUw
"...No, of course it isn't."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1daQ2O5wXs
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4JpsMWmvu
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYV6vIdv4K
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9x10w6BGY
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOaU3Choje
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnMlLB8Ct2
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiMAJ67TzF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8Qi9TbOf7
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaNhpW77b1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqydb1t0Dc
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibcsX8EUHI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnVH7gvEQY
"Pars!?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPB3dS0lSN
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod7RLhmgKu
"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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b5LhH7w4o
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5zuvvqx2s
"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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnAj0QtlPC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMoWIAktc6
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPsZCwrvWi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jgsmoH7w3
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDIFXYSNLB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xyj4LpZF8
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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSycrWoR9ao
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDXgOjWUPh
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC31DbgQ2Vd
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgYqBhefJF
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUpHblRozb
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyieoOwt38x
"What do you propose?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYFCci4QZ8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5vnDMOhCP
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhgb23iHZt
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczBGwTNVim
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dHvp0ApS3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHw1XhabYu
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWtaInZzQB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWSEVyJ5YY
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol6UNdDOXG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEqKstKEaq
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaV95PmGL2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8FKvunt7T
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccKJKDfyPX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB9BpcXBqC
"--Huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3KGh4Z3p3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ3Cdbn61k
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBbb0mk4DC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq22dWpD0D
"...Always backhanded, huh."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTFMONp3cz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7c92vdAtU
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 laugh266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbwxf3RTJk
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaqEsNpgyY
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpfaHLbkJY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV2QZkHDGJ
"We likely don't have one."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEaxyNJDGZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTttgb9X7l
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYuKHy3eda
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnM3z9M7Dx
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb2EJBJBab
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbNmHUhMUF
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp1E1q8Uuk
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiw3lLJNCg
"Well, if you insist."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbEpfXTZX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzkWTqNyp9
–
–
–
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.
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5JrcHnMXl
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0JFgkhZCH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIi3jpcvQR
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJh2AlZHgT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO1uH6EsEI
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ2TOfJ8kS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeW5eUqYEs
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMZ3vAgWIS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ArBs3hnzP
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?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiqMmhSgUW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfB6dBew5K
"--!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaULACGiHkp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGb7HSZBlU
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFGJwxayDG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqyxOtVo0e
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBY4NI0fOE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWPPmAhp15
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwH52J3rSA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvRJyPqnF5
**SPLICE**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2tMvj4AXw
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SRquI2VfU
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPU4PlQjbJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQuMgGxGuq
"I missed one."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbhQYBgHal
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlyYv7vpWc
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRFZLATqzH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHCIsEpLEW
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjWScbpe82
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlZCWxhWrH
"Hey!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbc1hAOz7M
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPEldKhyNQ
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IJ6KsesoW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73uehT1o4Q
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJjYfIVgTi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rjrV2t2oq
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TeEDuszXY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubsQgWCaWE
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6u3WrP0yP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEVJGrYZwB
"I never said that."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpNhd360d5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzVfJxLZtX
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTrWoKU2HS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoibMhtB8i
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8aVn8Oovz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVN3gdAfD3
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6vrDyg2CB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBuS4Sp639
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXduO3HzlSJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6vF9aIiK5
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr29cCK0j4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97KcXs9nq3
"Haaaa. Damn you."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKEQcAacnY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ63lwj9Ohf
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvYQW2T83G
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4tbBf5DzU
"They are dead, right?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurarqZ1nEF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoiiftvRsM
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqxVO2pxsv
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyB3bsdEK8
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZOlPnbNd9
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMNMwZavP2
"I–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuHWic8XuM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXCp65CrEI
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlXsT75scN
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYrhBmdJzb
"Huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjsVbRx18l
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzvMEa4uXn
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz40Yff8vT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqYK8Yuppk
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ176cPQLdOT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QSSbVT8OD
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlyEI5Gl6m
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanqUi6ARJl
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjVXJqPwCL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk2RyTfqJc
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQymDV8px8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuKOsqcywx
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKQpQJdOYY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAokRbUT5Sj
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBE7CVkGzH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVZe3tyrhb
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeTsjNIv7A
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw3LbmhrpL
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ81wEODCpT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsiTd08Yo9
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1LqY6zJCW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYSY0F7sOI
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCrVNdki9m
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBVx2uSv3B
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwbQ0jgdoA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqpZGC4666
"You raise a good point."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYR7JJhQD7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFrWFyAqV5
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmG6vQJgSf
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3SEqcVERV
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKZ2f4FFsU
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATO9C13Ckg
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC72qeIl6V
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeomedm2lv
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbRpXoAiXP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYVY3hYjy7
"Ha, abandon?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSTSvTGjW7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItIwH5yTRo
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6Zk2LUxtO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywwIQ7jPO9
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadxsHFDiQg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt8nmd01nP
"If you were, it was backfiring."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5tCinN13o
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWsCM9YBmn
"Harhar. Very funny."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTufONZeKp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm82mHD5CXO
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelWoRu3s9a
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipUFZj70XQ
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNjNKM6ZWd
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKc8G6S5d1
"Aren't you conceited."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw16geTb3M
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurdBneMp6c
"You think it's arrogance?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReLzA6zrQ2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghGNv6awun
Pars began to stroke his chin.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7Q9DzyXoa
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOawaJKqbNV
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKOBDcwqk6
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9rgSc7lro
"But what you want isn't just greatness."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4jrjzBdDz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oUWbMDxNk
"...Yeah, you're right."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThYJSzPFXA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8bPnok7Dj
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVFTtMNUHi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi0YSSa1h3
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
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