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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowAHf0yi7c
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSFVkvcpVZ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbiwtwtaOi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwQ2R7HMEn
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz29OOKAWvB
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9HBtgZn37
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KczHmrg5K
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VcrwPez74
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwntOk8uzo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJdR6oOQi0
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrLgbgFej0
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQem1PnpPmi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeWwttWKE1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZU3Aq5Vnl
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQyf22CYsr
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRhuyRunOk
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnvaneb9CF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKaEjhM7hE
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMxkXuE3iy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZE6BdHOpp
**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoYV00Zj2R
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGsyNDf53s
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfXnn7zKtw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZeHChd3ZY
"Ack!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhCCA0gFNB
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlSJIVIRl2
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9ATAdOrpv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjxjE66Zs4
The room was a catastrophe.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Kt5zZFbQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzMqWajuVa
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnO0BgjM9t
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DlnjbXCDu
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryXVBKI12Z
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwCBFJh2uD
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h5MZvLuRK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLM24tnuVx
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1kzgLEnLt
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR59pyMUOn
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOKYQjbJxa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6qNwVGM2U
**STRIKE**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd2Axw739A
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rmqRfr9ja
–only to be immediately interrupted.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyxVKKPIOT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxLWUYNtRe
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zzHadr6yy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmGrvvuFrs
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KkmASyBXK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zg1aAuGmT
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJrki1cvqZ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGqzWThUVM
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcIP939KqE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuhHHJFBkC
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNzBmKPunY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcIqnyBGjL
"C'mon!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhVtul5sOF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN0xcxdoEP
"--Ah!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVfKCbfcKA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqfGGbIfmi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgQgKqiuQp
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquockbAR6q
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBssH1XPmSL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnW49zmynE
–
–
–
What a moron.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGQFkFOVku
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWhQBeXA5o
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiQiMesrce
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiRiK2woP7
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwfJv7POWO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdhhprpwCZ
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcCOUOjE7z
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXYe8tYYi5
"Ngh!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnm1w08eMT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFgIu1EjcZ
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZNuvEArk1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX7A0tKLCA
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdX4OrpmGg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRuXvc65k9
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPti0AneWW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssjTDvCOwR
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoHeRDVQo5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5mo6ErOqu
"--I should've known!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k1yGgfjH8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fbP6terVh
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYPyqTYHQ8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaYk6W902o
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylmryHyR9e
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvcfT00Y1N
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEUSObXeFg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxEsiyhBDE
"DAVE!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf4SEmjTZw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjCK4ziPw6
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XvEQ88XwJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMYgWzTwoY
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyboGWB905O
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaw1Fy0EQN
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.
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldlCxIeqbf
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6ml6cu0ud
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpacVgTF7sx
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRJbkbzmnf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JQKpNsjAY
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCCyYZCw5s
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN2x9D5TBD
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQjjCU87aV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiCrD9ojvZ
"...Those are our first casualties–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK0bDEYJBz
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvMduBQsOY
**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIPKlaOcKV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYUJQ1xMim
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtQljLV9bU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaF4h8dtiV
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIPivxhY8t
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUyrtKsgP4
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxboW7ikhF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpZcUyQHj5
"I'm here now."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQc22ry07O
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl0b8yE0ZN
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGXxrCrdG7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJDlgrxHZx
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRIWmR2HkQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRBDJLNqxp
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlIOT16toI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRisfzkEYcR
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU903A92C9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUYjbqRD4m
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNPmD5Gy0K
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61O6DCXpHj
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIzCymdWdT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgg5cvYcUI
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu48KHQ4k4
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2EmqKh7a6
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODM18QQmmH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AeCfagJ1S
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpPpOue86A
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a9mX8xEC3
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxI0zp7GXp
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOY4cTwos2
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTKoZ4PeNd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70BNcznJ8s
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljNNkPsJzV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLJ6sqvXDQ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsBdMV3Jcd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg03gyq6gn
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VMOJAwjZ9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ky1M5KdWv
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yNaYs12Pa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pZ6brpkcP
**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LWpAxiPhM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5klyhAqMsg
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOlgWmHcTR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXjW9zvTEj
"Pars!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeP6r1iW2M
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLimtPDLBcb
"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM58JEZhJL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUJ7HqownV
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSBpDUeU6S
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPseNNVX90
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3H99Swo3g
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZijLas5Q5
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCDOro5Lkh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBczTfCKbHr
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPTwrfZUSg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0tOjrNKqY
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L9OzvQGf7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCWstOFZwB
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sIFgK2NbT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwrVr0uSKS
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWMoTE9cpL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aFb79VZM6
**CLANG**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SJNhwjlHZ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdvs2lgML1
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILKEhONuyF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RaTdJEXJA
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKWvFXW8iv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh62aiuADMO
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wiGIPt9jc
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29BPC5Ugrk
**SLAM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7VglJRH2r
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRecro6sEEU
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR8cS1tmXN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ToTXZyZfq
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH2O13cJSQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3dfwhyS8r
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQISdUEDvC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYbrzf4CaP
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H7XhTA9WR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruXHw8YVf0
"Ngh! Shit–!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6JBuiCVGU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiTxAeqY7d
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFLT51ngMh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdwsssBcl4
But then–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4jdYtAdSR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E5fUJLbXp
**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf2GlxR6NS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4LHWIiTsS
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj2UzENkYM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvCV5rpCl
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c6Gu3fVx5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPy4P2qBNZ
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmjEgv6j9W
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1NfwGcP8K
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQt12l7BQW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dZXCOdckm
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5ytYbl4gY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKzr0iLIjL
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik7VENkv4z
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJEEQcneOc
"Gah–! You scared me!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8w71y7t51
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfjE6vy1rS
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0lMtskcNC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUdb87ckRo
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fLyqbRftL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ91lYkpAu
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE15U7IK04
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLTi39bxp7
"No, this is terrible."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQNmwrVMWe
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyqykBL0Js
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lJGKn7VKN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZchZTw5M6
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27tJW0MOk5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWRA8xzwfM
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmBupw6DFo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cDx3tJrzg
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqKjR0myjD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ464Y66dYGV
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSoHmF1ouj
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZstQdJLch
"No. No suggestions from you, please."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9Z2O4Nsk3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYiRrnG3dM
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzW4bLLYBD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbpQxgUeNB
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrJmG8FsH3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn6Gi5VZ43
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4S4Jn4jCo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q1aB45mFb
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJftXyAbNN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZLA0CVb8M
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWEKvexzIH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR7cEyOWOb
Still, no response.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz55Fctrox3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7b7PxD4cO
"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–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tnZJbqPLV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcWj0VwUse
"Because you're entirely incompetent."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0EUopSotv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp14cEBT7J
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwkN4BjNcm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE7cDD5z9X
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACSVRF3s3o
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKZUWnV9p8
"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoEW6kNu3l
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAKu4o7tX8
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgmZY0kabZ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BYIOsSaud
"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hxqfl86dq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnlyKWAyCX
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEljUX7JeXa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz09vmXTZH4
"What?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcTEzd2T5P
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfMygD6bjf
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx6ERVayGQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIXGMFuzyL
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyXEADtofx
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVBCPHAxyw
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYXHPVeAxi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1uWedVkAB
"...I see."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NPBzwauXh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdON6QJznY
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C5R3pFLNS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmT2vJhgZa
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwJICRymaD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKRvwD7DEt
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGVkNCKbCE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRWeCihZfJ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu4H0tawNx
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE23qVmXmwj
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawb4PDQpIR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrvF56lfPK
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSPbqzDPR5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk0K2lf9xc
"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–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEuUo5bijI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOqAVtXYZq
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbLVtVn6Sx
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7UtnQOlgV
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJiq8TbcNv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusuQ0VcJlT
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:230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp0q6BV7Tt
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrRauglXar
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQLghlJcAi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSqmYLyIqi
"Alright!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK5iEyuXxC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFAmADvnu8
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApubVO1vmK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxLxYEKRqU
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYA6i8eGE9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLex4zt710h
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLHD5MzDVg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P5lGu0oMg
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIk57e1dZ1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzLQScSZTD
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k9YmpKDqQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpdp4L9d2P
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPEPPvUtSU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSmj3dIm9w
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn3fe4FoXv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuYKOUV40s
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvfaX5Aetz
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ671QDLTMa5
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXZkPGaOt4
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEcYkkydYo
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVLs76ZAaZ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPVp3wShX0
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3QNOE8TIl
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MkrwLfQ1e
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYkoT9vUr7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuzz4Qkgl0
"--No!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OsSy6LDt1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGMOzGORwV
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qy3awffmY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaurNjktTzy
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7xilJAHWS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80kuV9x25L
"Hyua!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExuzIQPkli
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0iM68NWii
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBcGBMqlPG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZScO2kfa9
However, he did have another sharp object.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2IM1gL8uw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufsvwcprrH
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV2T5A9kwR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmJOnzbaTP
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQdvCPNYTf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPV7xOyIBW
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnJzfquKCy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXi6kIzleB
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV62zisYvV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6GYq4HCSX
And what came was–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS0Nfj0E1j
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nWwhImZsI
**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7DidiCdDq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO1m5X4BNv
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrrOqs9omD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT6UkKMd7K
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8UWOnnfVY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRIT8Fegyj
"--oop!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOJbT9uXfN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxlOUdlTdL
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh12zjkkVn
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJVrG53gtk
"You... you're a sick jokester."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNzCusVId6
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXMd3jhzJU
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljwIdfwcO2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMEdRQazXq
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmOW4hyKEA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YBxW5QG2l
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8R5WcBb7W
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIfrstL0or
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbhor6B16Y
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIMSsqKWiK
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV0eOFQUs9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIh2XklpGx
"What the hell... what the hell!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKzq9LTAff
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lzRrLKuah
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyeugz9SyT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6FDpwmURo
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfX0kXKfx5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbOuPbjE5E
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMecRJ6nfPq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrodqumhOTh
"...Heh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNxqaXjazC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMF6Lqp0yB
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA53kZtm6z
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCswhyPvDbj
–
–
–
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhxXzI8U00
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAC1T0WtcG
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYujcMeAod
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYsnTOQBr2
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QSzRahsOS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ1xiMr3sD
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ev9B4iWGr
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZpDFi0TxK
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQj4ErdTlO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7uXmP11lS
"Though I have to wonder–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzOtYmmSh5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChQO2DBNAg
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgccqeWBqI5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbuFHhKr7T
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Fcb7eeWtX
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aBzHVmxnP
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0HYb9uQpm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b563AgZ9U
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbihU5BaOv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiABb1klWsa
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkAeccT6pB
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJLMJ6A6AN
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.
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxzqbb56xW
"Irritating...!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf12AEHi9gU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkVVZk7z7m
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSsNMoylBE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhsU9oB4F4
Dave didn't like to use spears.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVh5DjG1mN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK3cEpQAWX
"...Haaaaa."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxUCgt16vu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFYin0fxUE
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3vtWsLkXJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6eEvFPtQi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ0tLg44El
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgNbqKozcK
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURata5knGO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx8kRBJR2F
That's what he always told himself, at least.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1ewoRbecc
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFnhp37xp5
**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**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANn9Ly6FJJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYwaAaMk1S
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhY63eu0hh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22Ao1SuWqf
**CLASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaR8livmNf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW2CzTpYyz
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**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaMxyvNYmg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtffnZXcxy
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?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJO1EHZ1GM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQcN2afAEj
**CLASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitKD2bQ7D1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxmBRcckgL
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf38QmRx5D
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumkSC4BiU5
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaLm02Hz2O
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmcHwC8VCD
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxjn0SlbgD
Confusion–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzS51KDgiy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lBDu0UPx6
**CLANG**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DW1elRZwy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW00XRciUH
Delusion–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m2TmuNFB9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaG0arQJZE
**CRASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeISyiQNBX
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbJf5hydWE
All lead to one conclusion:230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9BR5JYmk5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVKVE5brDG
**SMASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfnFGuU063
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EDiCHE3B2
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoTVNf52CO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvUsPCHkzW
"...No, of course it isn't."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MzBF6UNwu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpGvfutRvA
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsbWDINj6W
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwMBBjgddI
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoysZHKg3a
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQNI2BrmsI
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oaduISwLt
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM2OUSc34F
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhsKin9GA6
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YOIazQdVA
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv3INEiLkT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPfkKEjCoX
"Pars!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKlWdbfCrl
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm1pBYlt8f
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa3nXwmxtL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosjhygZOFC
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t1zNeQTIZ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd28SmrOfdj
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfaOLmxAmk
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S5GKL6XFe
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM87zpEDket
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4hb0tcrZc
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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPmD4nabFN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIILGSvWQs
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJFeTl67yS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe2uGzfvaT
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7FzgaqUtG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0q4lXrF9f
"What do you propose?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcocbxv2tRk
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJPB6AUsUW
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AImOwrMJP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR5CV7uila
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC8Tn0Uilw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJFyuGLp0Y
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiDrd9Qo4f
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq6qZuS3kN
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahVHxtLeAD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQuhVHIMgu
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUaUQAbqP8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAgcjiXnvP
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPllwts0Kbc
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0GOBKi0hd
"--Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj7wZ92HYu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbIv2c5eet
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2fnkIR7ZB
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgtWDOogv0
"...Always backhanded, huh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPHwVwS0h6
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy121xSoMN
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 laugh230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwyeH6LPQu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl3Ik5WsfE
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz3hf2JLSo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqZBEwHOPQ
"We likely don't have one."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZKXxdi87H
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmGEWGHJwl
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2XvVP3EbM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNiwVosceS
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lYKmYO8mN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsgrpCSZC6
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKXcsyRgKl
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2EyB3x8j5
"Well, if you insist."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlNRWssbX2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4zfHuLZ3n
–
–
–
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.
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMN4KJaKGI
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui0dwojF1D
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJB6h1rVOH
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU4IoyC35y
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J97Zajwor
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyBM9oTSEC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iGpwKplA1
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTofE3bu1NA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7ccDWZlUT
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?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakUj8kVqUO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiB6khN6aF
"--!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNKppSHJIZ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAmnne4D2y
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMzRfBEtoL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKWzQRWwbN
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyGm5f9TFj
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc4jZ010Py
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pvKuP5jm8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyECYoAFGp
**SPLICE**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuB29hI9S6
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsXFgjWD91
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEnCv2ao5B
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwQLwe452L
"I missed one."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPvl9tF4TF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwORyF9JKh
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lCiEofrBN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPcP6pnAyL
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyguBfN030
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNvIbtlYyz
"Hey!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ODbktYTU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNK980YyeI
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jbevtFbxi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuKd4kueD0
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zb9hkGL3b
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpot3wgGyu
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBroug8c6c
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9sSTOTv96
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGhRa7LIMa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFiz33hkQs
"I never said that."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1ibloAuWa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAfBL3H58F
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QEzCzfT0R
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBZgvMjb6w
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sOYNbdxYV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtVdxvE8qZ
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtF7hvznQW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyIf3iBfIB
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBHUpKjru7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG72IK539eI
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxEaan5YF5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kmJBGVP3y
"Haaaa. Damn you."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigAlZMJ86p
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9kvpnNAEy
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPp1j4ZK5z
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMtsKp15gZ
"They are dead, right?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJeiPnhtgO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GDs0utXUF
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLyxDo2ntN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkLD9WIDBp
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eclrnPVq9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW3zPlttAM
"I–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Wub7JnfV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoHILJRq3R
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYplkDsgF4z
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmFVGxHn90
"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59JCO9mog0
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbsM4A4Ntw
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMJE9dzJip
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5SKqDbzPh
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRrSRjssxH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfZbOkyo12
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QgxSB8koA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsusznhUgz
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmS7XWoq4N
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYffskGpKkO
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgQnyKaVV4
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qadSS0cVY
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELrUNaPuIi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KzfmaE8Pt
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn468zU59AH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxPXTsdEwO
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAWDA6GiTF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbZkcH91Ux
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnNenPJbTF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolI92VvwVL
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaelTZmYDzH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wyKcwdh1K
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL6MgMMViJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD2D7Mjcqv
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSkYjjOXDb
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXNZhuDrFw
"You raise a good point."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9LNwoeG5l
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvYZMQKmfH
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyhJ6Cyxb9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi5oTY4UPR
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ppsbQjFeW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pGdijDjTp
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2jqCm28jS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jTM6wEiVd
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xVk1Gf0Yb
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSoI2bPzsN
"Ha, abandon?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK4aKy3LxR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMQ3iWs9Wi
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48xUzU3Yxy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT5tgHJnp1
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaiczFIpVe
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYxnBKOnuR
"If you were, it was backfiring."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbOaP0eEIh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHaAzDBPUd
"Harhar. Very funny."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcCUETcKMf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hz8i730fu
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN4svW5yk3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTeY5pSLzq
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48U4GkIKtH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzmRI5tVab
"Aren't you conceited."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30PgUvm6ga
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXoAfcOnEl
"You think it's arrogance?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV3gAkYkn2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUZbiJKuW8
Pars began to stroke his chin.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXwh683ODD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLatdOtkaw
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrR0UtqOcW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7A8cIG56z
"But what you want isn't just greatness."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KH92p8vyh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpQwcFxoPd
"...Yeah, you're right."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9hjfh7V9L
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Wx3ZRnmW
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEWUtZspqu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfEoaVmCSy
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
然後按「加至主畫面」