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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzxdXTGEEu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4gBUnkm3a
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWW0onSm6R
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y8u5aVtB2
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac4a2gqIIu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyk8opZwom
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP5Sn9ZJTF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaJhjAgMVk
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOhPr5u8MR
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbesuMebClp
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldQVstUjGW
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZXEPNuOKo
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXvZSvmRxM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8slqn1da8
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5bC0xyPc7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFUJpXc7Qu
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoofvJT6Xr
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhTvGpoxFv
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyf5i6egOA
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjBqpIiO26
**BOOM**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxclHc3HAMy
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XvvR9gwdm
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp4dA5sEws
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6oCBHWDzJ
"Ack!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKYjdGJXWQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj42mjD11o
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohZf5YIENz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDLk8l8MIn
The room was a catastrophe.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHILpFG13TW
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYmSJ39qYQ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz0PmSYkhm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8puhwyLAt1
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nhz3wYAFl
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAeCr2grNS
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsMhHHnhX9
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfCKLuf7lQ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYf5ckIUjo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiyHnEgmHr
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDYin7hKFn
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSLA7R4ktI
**STRIKE**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTaJw6dtBs
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4SFnFdmm5
–only to be immediately interrupted.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS7MNcV1B2
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UJT6S53vn
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSUyhUo5QX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRQJNpnTg
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHQQmJg0Dy
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVbFukWKhq
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06x43j8rpB
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExh4xrI2oA
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSgmKOjZQt
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFiQcCAaIE
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TEKUCevUF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Qc5mIOxU
"C'mon!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FW2zlW3JX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXepnfAVd9A
"--Ah!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfDvlUfLoQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalge85uMFT
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF0X9rfa7w
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FJ7qpxvwM
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZkFBRIpgg
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4EFrrX3zU
–
–
–
What a moron.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlptwutVFQp
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU2yNmD02G
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWTppdwOsx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuYBD4CoO6
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUlvUQp8b7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5y5SBAncO
**THUD**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmu6YNocAl
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei0Z9K5ejS
"Ngh!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMPVxJjv0t
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAn4EVkbA7
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrZ1OZMCMT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLslAEVDPG
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLyJi3GLYf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZKKcBM7LW
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pZmTrcZ4d
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjk6KCXtFn
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxfJeDKJ0u
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWhZznkNDm
"--I should've known!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFhuVW93CW
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR2OjqZbZ8
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkX4hXuxT8
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FzIj9rhhE
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed32JhBPGP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXszFddMqBr
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9jbfOVuu1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuAnJOmwKS
"DAVE!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5MLwOC0KS
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdzLDXFqOJ
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TTV99fcbb
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uG3JtW8PV
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfnCLmGTKC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7pYEUa1ec
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.
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIhQf1R5XX
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MCgYupLP7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uZHctEUKp
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGx4y9PV5r
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0qtLD0pwC
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8abZq0BOX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ11JkiWzG
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHXWFjEFQL
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYU1ItNd4y
"...Those are our first casualties–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhME5l8QEhe
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SGIALG1vC
**BOOM**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXOXobB0sv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVY8WmnP4F
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3aVpJ63ql
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsssFeQXu8
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8EpHA5PI0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qegpLmLZ7
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22yv4TTcZM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXEE6CMbom
"I'm here now."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQYvr2t37O
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHruElhSNMz
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcAgSjQdTq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpkZMezs6p
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoyZTp4GCd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw1mKCeEkN
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoMrvI6Mce
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqsJqP6HFC
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z9xRMgCWZ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnM1A6DZZ6
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0223XEdxD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsaHBFqIuB
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ982NP3yDTz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcRzxCiyFU
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz1tsgA0r0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6m7DIMzC7
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOCtxeIMxC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JR7dzEkaP
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySSrz47FSg
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIf5BWugE9
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBn5QZbLEP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTpDjTyZNM
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfdBSEtDjh
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgMrFULnWs
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFrgeCwduY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsPsnRkF3e
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXW5ar3TiD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRLvB4R20R
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHS0VeIfBO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8lPVlzO5d
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGMbpmNiPM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ignhd36iQ
**BOOM**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YTjGxv6Re
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk37ujgzUWR
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cEY4uasjY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zp46UMqDH
"Pars!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh4RSlZiAV
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrvw5u66Sx
"Huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjiJUv6Y9C
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqT2BMsrqp
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT73trUUR3r
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliDnIu5MZ1
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjmQPEJkpg
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzCRL4uKsT
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8iyVpnuNE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJq4nLZgRm
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchlnMlUhLY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxA97m0927
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDcryv6aHB
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNmHOtxQsq
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqOf2JHvvA
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwRU6eyEpg
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhd3pRmsgP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRyIkiiSdC
**CLANG**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGBSucE8v4
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszoIVmLTot
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhwQLGoxRU
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRJej1EZqe
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2VXfqgzrN
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pw8wcN8la
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sHkI3UHtC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c23pNHTjM
**SLAM**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhHqcD6qgf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6gsAAGAha
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2EFMZROin
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY24ZASKyuY
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsLunVPCXo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMhzcCf1Hc
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIkPBUREcV
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNPVXeOp8V
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvRoW3TR4H
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CdSG9o9nM
"Ngh! Shit–!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCJU8iM2lX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw4LWsEfpZ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8afpzaFIjP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSR3kBHYqh
But then–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuchOqDIHYY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmMquQ5XNq
**BOOM**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51yoI9C3Uu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZYYjacf6M
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRisZVj6eF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtS2bdHF9W
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZw74LuSNE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAnoXjMWLn
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCwdCb2bfR
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oGSGEaWmV
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0d19BoLqu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1joAG8In90
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55npuT1zji
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmVu34cugl
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCaqWORGEC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25cVrxlYQk
"Gah–! You scared me!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET9HhXuCd2
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvKFs6UXVg
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSzT9nsNXu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCRw6xDhYn
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYq66rHimu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgsJD0WMdQ
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK4eeLLjJA
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHheGnSHxT
"No, this is terrible."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxFy90gcqt
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoagQOtd2X
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CFdqUhOFK
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZAH5KfEQG
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueHo1enoS6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7NY7V9csU
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpFSW7qdDq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUGliutsxq
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ5kTasIhg
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD6MuRw2qJ
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICVZ6YwUVf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkNWIR4F2S
"No. No suggestions from you, please."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8PFFx6zag
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPkTRvNEgZ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7MExNR2N6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03sfPhjlGg
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NmwwgSPoC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAmKaTnh0X
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbxXIed6i0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvE6kjuIcV
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JHu6kGG8e
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiTitPjiLa
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQLKCS37BG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpa8XC2UYd
Still, no response.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLtHYZ5urw
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xUpBceIaG
"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–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeGac9sPNV
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtur6PKXY3
"Because you're entirely incompetent."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6QtvHuRqF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CJ5nJUl4w
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Ogm57BgS
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGBD2XRSpa
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazTK8Y7kVY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrP3CGSgBh
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i6N9Vg2SF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAeX7cE9hN
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXj4jE9QDo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLY5l2dFjH
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmV0tZhxvY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ19kweCq62
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1jPCNFBCD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYq58uebTP
"What?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E2NVQIplg
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2u0xFl19x
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquwGCd6VFi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk68NElzr0I
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66JssHabQF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdp8W3PV63
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjCRVOW7F1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5CnjgURMj
"...I see."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXCmqNPVRd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT4u8yYImw
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYcsObrvqi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIxnw9G9Ou
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RxvmiVIR7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgffksZUb1N
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNw5HVgeXP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOO4yPqDlW
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZJfepVB7L
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W7OLnuOKq
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcrC37Gj2f
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jlp0cucgc
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc8mZkGRem
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalrEvvPBYE
"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–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vXuqKkANd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNQh5lhhMT
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nNat2HK1T
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfhWcKiAyr
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpDwVVfo6e
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalGbyAnY5a
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:403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx9BONo6RI
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuceEqH651
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq8RqlYULi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKCgPGBzsI
"Alright!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUYb77O3ei
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP7fTGkXtg
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1tZg7lB4h
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOr1tK0aFm
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW33kNI2kE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrSyfAe7nQ
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCMZsllAwM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCpSsfuAZb
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKUgS4lA7q
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYFXPyihbs
–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Uj9B05Z5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZtJWJpwa2
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpp9g7DpNx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dGhZtWEQZ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSHGSqZq86
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7J1lJBrrr
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJNMKvfU5P
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJA81sHCls
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPujjyKXOBT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwktqZCeugI
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2M7pc0LUi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH5rAyYh03
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56K2JQ4LiB
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAX5LAqCkP
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqzs8ATtM5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdKCHgcbeB
"--No!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmtCam109Y
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsCifySlx9
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRd8sRK8Yx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sqgsfgpse
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXGgFxU8Yv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDBW2ezKoV
"Hyua!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZzI384AbJ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfiYpzduGn
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0Ki1R6aJ5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz166ugmPjf
However, he did have another sharp object.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nu8Gx9KQv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04FhIfukCE
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI5wsANfIu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNnAgYuyrs
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtb1WHRyHN
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnUOYw9TMW
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F3CZxvTW8
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ApLxnd69
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKppxtAnrY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdRyD8Fklr
And what came was–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjVimF76Jp
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5eZ2jCSFJ
**BOOM**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAqf3cfDZK
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m05mjNfEu
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfAXNec3MQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULASin3Haz
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYnHV4Mono
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB0fgSScx3
"--oop!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5FO6KPmON
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJCyzWovxv
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlD28av5d6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVYPzl18Yf
"You... you're a sick jokester."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPesb8xEG7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPiea1LDKe
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZACzPhhsp
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgeCbi2Phj
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy73NfckJWQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdL0YQUaOM
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgMQ8v7eRc
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5IkZHUaP8
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbSWdSOXRK
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79JXuL0tLI
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SqP8kNWgJ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj9wBoGBT1
"What the hell... what the hell!?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeGsnhKal9
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViSym0roND
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YMJqZzv90
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8WH5tjCr1
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBz9pfNlG2
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO541qWBWcj
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCif2knsAVo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa57kt28vGx
"...Heh."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcf4ATZTzy
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjL9fUFxn9
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4EjbaGYpO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOYOEjWOkh
–
–
–
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViIySwrW2C
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41jABkigmO
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaLu71K0AM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvaH3536Yr
**THUD**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVduzIVAsJ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcMHKDqCie
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4maHQovy5z
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5GQ6CBIaN
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKlCQoR5kk
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTBhBT8VBy
"Though I have to wonder–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6TMKjvdVj
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbUxAYBolw
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyrRdBoE2C
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcpb0PYUcS
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO8FTw1xxp
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjC7cvsnyE
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVgHQSbgcM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP7FVVOWqe
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq35HX5uiv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYLduvqwi1
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp2Q84cnim
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8RQOfP5LU
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.
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jWb5E1MBm
"Irritating...!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd50kRLHUA5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCV8g2w0H6
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK30UcLBVQm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQBFlYtCth
Dave didn't like to use spears.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKiF98PPHO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphXBw9t1Ay
"...Haaaaa."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApNpVz5joi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6iSDPne1z
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmWfP7HTjA
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT48k4ibZAo
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTQuCwUMr1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAdKtP7zHx
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DpW30rPoS
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXYxMhdNyG
That's what he always told himself, at least.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Xg08nFc5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bvi1gFyiW
**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**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yZbDT4Ht6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbcTXySVTC
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb4e7OFvro
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwlFGM6kMJ
**CLASH**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAOBMzNtXt
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PiYXepiSQ
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**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6cesBAuRE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTdnjSL5Nv
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?403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQwLLaNtu1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Gk7m8XpB
**CLASH**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9ywO5k51Z
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChINRvjNwg
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ7cK6oGHt
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGvtrAxw9w
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRzAVIW8LT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgAxqmJjDQ
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO4nsuOTeb
Confusion–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3bKiqzcMz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ5mvg8lh2
**CLANG**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzayn9TOb8Q
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2PxASwNIL
Delusion–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjnHKFUWzs
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsfpHlFHH9
**CRASH**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWWaYt3QBy
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r74g7K3oh
All lead to one conclusion:403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6CAnDM66v
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT65yQ8LY4b
**SMASH**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wEjCCeGhD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUTaQQhjkC
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfXKB14Z4B
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHP2yn7wiU
"...No, of course it isn't."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6MuO7vAHF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKNNWhh3TT
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4KK65M5yO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOAQv2TnFg
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL57mJsdKGN
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcz8GHJaE1
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf4weYjsIp
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IwvTT8oW5
**THUD**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YD0RjdzD2
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q5GOSm5Ap
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aSrjkjfw1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AO1euvrpu
"Pars!?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPLd7KBout
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIemkPFVWx8
"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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPSuw6of3n
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T5Un91zg7
"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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLVjFAfN7g
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Nl7rCabp
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1c2XBDxFo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWHHaOOURI
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1scHgNr2Yc
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOBQI7K8ZM
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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgo1BtFNkw
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGDPq9KVUl
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9zAWi31J3
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa5oVICKXl
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAbsmq8T19
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHrvEub84c
"What do you propose?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk7IwBGpO6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft8wD0PrOE
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaXB5fETzJ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjovJIpBsk3
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV34yd5IlEW
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLqcmnnvXw
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZBgOGtaPM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFXH2JiQuZ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2P1PWBvfa
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5MdvJClrx
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbOhav2lRm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpVTbjroBX
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD800K86iil
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF3ui079FW
"--Huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F3rumCMGS
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u3rsDPJZv
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL94NDX3Hw6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKat183uJu
"...Always backhanded, huh."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC3Zl0ubpX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2LPNvwPVi
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 laugh403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqrFePYpG3
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFqIZ8WxmT
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98xrqXg5ZR
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvjX9RUiuN
"We likely don't have one."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMlEntajFs
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8u11IstQb
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa558do3nBW
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BFQ7svskR
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hg3kOKbWd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUivQ9EE9kC
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8IJhLuFS1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH0mrLxsCV
"Well, if you insist."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVyK52u6Qu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayWPUtadZb
–
–
–
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.
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrZT4bLJPK
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ak67M2Tm7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdeBpaM0pb
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGeifrtvMm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHHlk1zof7
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0zCmDatZM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxs4wTUC5i
**THUD**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T6GnRhcb8
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wDTEVqjWg
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?403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9m61LXTSI
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQhd6YNo9A
"--!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZN6xC52C0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXOPyPo13u
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoARM61O7l
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeovvwCWfb
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyZlW07Q54
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbWZxo511j
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS1dVFBhEJ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIHWWjTgBL
**SPLICE**403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm99ilrhtxx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyqk46dQbT
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwApJdBa75k
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcaOlJIn1M
"I missed one."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwAwiSYZQA
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxpKTyUC8U
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwkAFKcor9
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL4NpbE3Y0
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lqtp5bquO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPDY6YEekG
"Hey!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAUzcBCoRQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XV4lVGhdn
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6JRXLH6Co
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI3IrIomxR
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL9WkzHb16
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhz7f7KILx
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtwMW7Xb3Z
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQmEONFa2X
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHFk6uNc4e
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElC2fjOwxh
"I never said that."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sUfiPCunu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjr0TguDFO
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANPjGcfXQe
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVz7FjrAmg
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ6eyQv96b
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmNhaSOQ14
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylXqaQqIfa
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7lzcdY0Uv
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Qy2Es9PO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDYsIoBH9B
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC7UhBFbNf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN0cBEZW4A
"Haaaa. Damn you."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1mjPf9D7v
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVt96OaWov
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYsStKuc1e
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnubffqqNT3
"They are dead, right?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9VocVdDve
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURP2GmEzhE
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBihvRz8xB
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCyk3YsZlB
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dDEiswzZQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO4Ynumxyh
"I–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX1dQ4ANn6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG9M6RFPfZ
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJeknPKpef
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiilnTTAqQP
"Huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilSjTEjQTM
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW00b8CkrL
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayGYdTle6E
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EmcKxPiQx
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKmJlKh4YD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOguk3MZZc
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSqbvsJoye
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZSLQ0b6vI
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oU3KWADyk
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKwVbISnb2
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k5iff8wOO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LQITYFgf8
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx46OeWZNv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarLD0byQG7
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwaKYckK8y
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw85RPod47o
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXQYS077pI
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m2TaDE5Xi
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvY7bnOKsd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc0bIAriLf
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWbmppDekH
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpdbOQzK4c
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1wIQYEqBD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgRdyU0loN
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShZU5qOREH
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18NtSITRlA
"You raise a good point."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5thQg0FUtv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDs3FG027c
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGYPZbQIhY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwh9F5VZUh
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX2CYdfOfv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v6HUfe748
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp8hXdP56g
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e9ogkk5I5
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnU6SsrOR5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT50ZkVigN
"Ha, abandon?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrJ30hHNyC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOq88HAzSN
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQm8ZfNL3j
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwx12aqahH
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5V6tZM72G
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTxOf6ANaE
"If you were, it was backfiring."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTJ7YfBEOO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKhSMbeJ7l
"Harhar. Very funny."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORAeywJEmD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTT5cBpxiL
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n2Q0xvlA9
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMIfruP2IY
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW5Fhy9n2X
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8CMuZIAHB
"Aren't you conceited."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrMx3ConsQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6r7qsnmNZ
"You think it's arrogance?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccw9tWe14y
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT8k5G0OIo
Pars began to stroke his chin.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNWbhH0W7g
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NEOl6gPJQ
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn8Y4IVuWh
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyR29qeKv2
"But what you want isn't just greatness."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfbPlUBuzG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNxiUHRuBh
"...Yeah, you're right."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOzQXr9MHP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoZT3yd18u
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3KnSdtluF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItXA4ZrliO
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
and then Add to home screen.