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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTGRZ20ToV
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrnaVq3k41
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOta0F3OdF8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAC1W7GocL
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT9gAcQ2kY
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What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQjEPLNFvP
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazOut3KetJ
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRF0i50oBr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOsE9A4MWV
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhUHcBY5b6
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnW8gxJQBs
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt3nbCy3OJ
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeOuNWaXzw
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I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXHf4N1QgL
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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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53PQmwBmA4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDdZ1coraN
**BOOM**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzsW6Gx0Fn
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eUrpuuzNW
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnJvJCxWkC
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"Ack!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYfbFNFkrz
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDkMStVUJH
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The room was a catastrophe.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkKdfNXHht
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2YXdt9qRZ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tURTYrsXW
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvIhx7KaZS
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"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm50P89OVjS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMaa3OVLSU
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD1ClMJKRQ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJLxI3Snh3
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTxjppXnWY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwEgO3wbyJ
**STRIKE**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS9VGkYof6
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–only to be immediately interrupted.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8VN3JAUA0
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DLcsBNZK5
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"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9peyNk9V77
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUQHy7tZDI
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHsuZUAZPs
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNiYoMU7tk
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IKSYmHHEq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK88aSChvp
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHa3e881qf
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY72vKIkZ1
"C'mon!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzbSLCcv6f
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCcvJSXgDd
"--Ah!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI0rk2GTlt
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I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hRpLLjzR0
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I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfqnvhD7z1
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–
–
–
What a moron.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWyKW5S4xX
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOJ4SPNZyA
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEO2nMhj8G
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A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRSmQyEIdD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBvmvJKa5g
**THUD**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLqx9yARLE
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"Ngh!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4kGnjAX2W
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBpJcmT25O
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWfQ4QxxRM
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI2ZHdRyYq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBfi1sSYQS
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX07399RLv
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1NGjbgrJ8
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"--I should've known!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf7RyqbfLE
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib9T9aM4zD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCUoHULtz7
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGH9Ax1U8n
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAt4KAoQnv
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WCrwTWhBE
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"DAVE!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk9L28dhnj
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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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E1bIfHoG9
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqphyDh77W
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIiWuVUpU0
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSMpbAPQqG
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.
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1z6G2KJw9
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0rhghPn0w
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffLfG85f4A
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2veFxx93sd
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvaiJZ1xQm
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3xG9hfptr
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj6fteflAj
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"...Those are our first casualties–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1hW9P7M59
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtlQGsg5cE
**BOOM**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBYVVJRhLd
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCjaID48yh
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwFvEkiim8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtTIQnFdrM
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyN9J3aH9J
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqW9pA7yvb
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAQtpvC2w7
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"I'm here now."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KxrhKZazH
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptYfkhLz8e
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd9uGeqa3F
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb12Z9ZtMr0
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And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3rL4viXJI
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKzd35YOMP
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFibq185plK
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D7b20kLe0
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B3SlSwXPN
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvTO1Ogcr2
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By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDf6KIB7yt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtybzkTqdk9
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW641gyawIY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSHBGnAylq
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn8tyr6mhG
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowCAX9wqA1
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCLK78Zq9p
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"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChEt3I7VHp
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4HxoZbEIf
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtow3pyAK9q
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aNJ07sUGm
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCwvc320f2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgteoTCJSIP
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDEHtEbNbu
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr8llBtiJB
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZDxS9IsOO
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsl3YM7Po8
**BOOM**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWt9pQ5xNg
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCKI9OqBho
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZb1PXDJHn
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"Pars!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbNk3Tw1EX
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"Huh?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwSPFGF9cC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNArj5S3fl
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35Hj2RzVqH
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwr9LVl4bl
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6F4Y6Ya7O
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It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs238bwDgEr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGDMDWlykU
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIb96f2xU2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRLZy4tJuc
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeEU1UlKJs
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OEXthueH4
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn4BM7RPXn
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMBLrmWQEp
**CLANG**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj8p0ct0GC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡart3KlFNPx
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpderw6Cqdt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxD4RzFCB8
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6xTcbewDC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAsEC4WKQa
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZtfGWoq0n
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL5WJR5mIz
**SLAM**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOExILil2G2
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DwS4EZLnH
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Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRo69Cv1sc
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsYqqDIaXw
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb8AkN92Zr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9b0z9VjhG
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu9Ik9V3DA
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ3xzpwTqz
"Ngh! Shit–!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzNRqDE420
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtWT8odpxW
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7KxiXBFf6
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But then–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxEOxAQMUX
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhewLdYkOI
**BOOM**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePzWhuBWU6
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqQtwUjIHU
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G9TI5NdPj
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6t0n4h4et
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2wLGFiOPr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EJvIkgOZO
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk7IgUtd0l
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XZycbICKH
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBss6Ne1y9f
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Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuIKh3ziaF
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZacLxwi0d
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcW9m9QURN
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEBvKBhqKg
"Gah–! You scared me!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHBUZJDqJV
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3yXSBZPVD
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBR4OXgSax
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSK33M0E8k
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP81X7JKzEL
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTdU4hmAmF
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm0kmnwnYu
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmyGY4hPFd
"No, this is terrible."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywgPfWArB3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxATQyHtuff
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5SOaE8Lx3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2snT1xgPo
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp0i1uaFrl
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiJcBRMAbe
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dE6hqrIV2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRPJIocJEC
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMypPx2BOS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYgyNbxqcr
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAajymEdQD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJJRl5I1x5
"No. No suggestions from you, please."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43GMd3MN2x
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv6GbobtMb
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMvWhxR2Iv
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYG6aDFSRR
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFgDstqSd1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvSdP0Mqe4
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkx3GZWL8z
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcqe5fkkzu
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcgPdOOeB8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrkhLRx1gT
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDMRHA1mBq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIj71UbAcQ
Still, no response.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45JhSGhnxc
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07rNPvIhby
"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–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF14QtdwB2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcyDuqS3B0
"Because you're entirely incompetent."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbViUP9Hus
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSB4VKbNxJ
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXFIutws8H
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfe7vIptba
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm08ag0bGyw
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmpbMO8zh6
"..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k2dnVTbm0
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kKyfrg0Yz
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8E6Gvejlr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AQMtlO0ym
"..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKIJVUuXxa
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDl7TQQvP6
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZZhkdnsAW
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHY9qZa8ux
"What?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTIYqhkVRy
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPAcIeQlWu
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwXMrTWK71
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP7iedFSZG
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgBFc7Vtag
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXN5ouOnOL
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16VGFAPJ8T
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd99irJSOE3
"...I see."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGVqIhsxIp
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRspq1PQ6i6
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMyWSa2RFL
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJw0XMYFgb
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATxgvS3wjq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW80aVpMz2
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMKRIv5BI3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasr2jyKyc6
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2t8ym3nF1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjt4j4s6t8
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw8rTOoul8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMLWCMrr4G
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhqmyoM1f1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF5JCX8wvX
"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–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMNC171CoD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg6HYMbDZt
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTT42yRqni
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMdOiSkDSJ
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8wb3p6F6K
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoMbedO7T7
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:161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcG8e9987n
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2lFkjHXdx
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QjCvdYpIH
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PDotOssqV
"Alright!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTvPMDz2Wr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KS1iIQxta
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkECN4rkytr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetpDI2ftNf
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG6j0xbcLA
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFmuVMqKtV
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5OAuTOqGL
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVytJPXL4gc
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAWZ7YezL3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95z07XMWqa
–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKrrBx7vnq
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He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0RXBeNzAl
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl8nbyrhLQ
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSefSBYvxDt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRYF9FhBxM
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplJqe5FeLO
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2XGPTyoD3
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGysGsclp9
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyqsKsnnhG
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsl9ix2Cbm
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeW28uSdb3
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgKSty4TKo
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr7pNKFnBA
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg0dhGqYpz
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjEXLoUTuJ
"--No!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj9L4juDod
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvHfQeJ7CV
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcpAT1uVYD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCGQeFbQPi
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpREKBbIiUD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztiEq84ikh
"Hyua!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiBqKtF9wE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHXaW0ama3
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCONcqPy0I
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5A4kWftYK
However, he did have another sharp object.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHFmaxteOe
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gKhYVPYGa
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uQ2ryHJIM
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGC8Gb4FeJ
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdCmfvi7rT
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZBswjmjjH
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEaBEJ5f8K
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSnoOx5bHV
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5yPNWqyT8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP8LFsUCQ3
And what came was–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9B6Ruj0SZ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXbXjaVfFO
**BOOM**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL1As6GqR1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41CFsAPYrm
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxugcHHZu1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxlimQvqk8
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtffayrLNs
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK8VOxVAlc
"--oop!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjmOu6w7AB
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF3fp2umTV
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4gDq3Zf4B
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRYgrexZkv
"You... you're a sick jokester."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeks4fsMjt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsQWRZuevk
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGlPCzu4zI
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbm933Hz64
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscsSUwk8kG
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvX7xlBrxF
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNDS8Qa6PA
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVBmkeLBau
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X0ArQD96T
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQY0bTL8LL
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sPrEU5te3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkurcwVtyG
"What the hell... what the hell!?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8iosKjMkO
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufXg9ZQ9Y7
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoruCKpYD0t
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS7Kvyd4ai
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w8BNBJmUw
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wHrVN2NBp
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSSk7Q0Znp
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5JNGfP7K4
"...Heh."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pDMikadrD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi7SmEpvmi
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01NEIb8q7f
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfZ4D0ebJw
–
–
–
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1ipyvZLO3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡursjT3k0LT
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hiKEpNOro
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyg0RISvCR
**THUD**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbQseJs7vL
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHefrRdyYx
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqFGrIlrZN
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzleQTMB90
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOzszGFvBI
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"Though I have to wonder–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfZVdB0fUl
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzAmSILEDU
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxKTvbqEuv
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf0MdrY6j2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx6d1buQi8
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQOv9zFRvY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JupM3Zyww
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJdEcOlDcY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtYNsOn35d
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn2ELQHJay
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzZWteuqWH
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.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHgRZzaZxI
"Irritating...!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgro0Ky9Zi
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBuZvMLJZY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GYAOynVzW
Dave didn't like to use spears.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTU34S22RJ
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"...Haaaaa."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3tTxhZdVN
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8QCIBCYd9
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex723NP6bR
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCY4Hgs5Gw
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vWdlINub6
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJnyED5iRh
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That's what he always told himself, at least.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTt7ZuQSKz
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeTugvpJIz
**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**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknGJ1kKE2Y
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitc5Jyurr9
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqMijvW9sh
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9d9u1RoTh
**CLASH**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFuboOtsdV
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyTSweW0rx
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**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRQowsxP5z
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuG9yEMjMi
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?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KFfez1ga6
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnkzmbrl5w
**CLASH**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm45iDHJD5
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UpzhWFxPG
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprWHwLj7oT
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhEuzo7rOY
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBMNRuq5V2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs7MCRXQQm
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI7PfoeC4Z
Confusion–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqtdo0Rvwl
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWyny4aHHj
**CLANG**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AfVEHTFas
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAGNbWx3bc
Delusion–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYlMZTctI1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpcvNWJ3A2
**CRASH**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GTm99cTxn
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfSNyyc4SM
All lead to one conclusion:161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BU57KHrfI
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3mbEun7G0
**SMASH**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsuBubjJ9J
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmg4eGURdP
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mgf0hXdIm
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKSPFLk7yU
"...No, of course it isn't."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FYDxNNO7l
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6B93gwsNz
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvEWU2Qu44
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGVezN0EhH
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YYUKEL1fi
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASLqz6zNWN
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX8AFtJ9KC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXTmuwqRtU
**THUD**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZI1r09ipf
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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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VoexWjcE0
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchnVzqTqmZ
"Pars!?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpXil4rEej
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72X2sp9Nv5
"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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F1x4A2RaW
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF43FFIvU6
"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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmaEFp4yIJ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRvHkVqP63
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUqtdWe8vE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4s3YhfRtm
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FNiGb6dMb
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUKppKUm3H
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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cmACAs24a
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1L1HzlUZN
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFYUZX5tCL
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ivDD1ljPu
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzcXOZJ8T4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69tBEoc2qJ
"What do you propose?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCv5HvJ7yP
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGlpwPd7EW
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiizN1ex3zs
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1wKpGmbkc
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgUUit4sOs
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdIRfy7rVk
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV1bHzVJi8
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OoNBuLh6v
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscU1irHuF9
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQhFnXunRi
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiBnakNnLN
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5RpY3jDbD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbh6UQLQvl
"--Huh?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNOphk7l4h
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeahf8OogRK
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgeW9twZpt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcafjAlaEmE
"...Always backhanded, huh."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE7XBSWR79
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrXEzHAdav
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 laugh161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop1LyczClV
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVveoQRZgk
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcJcOAINKw
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7jPS0nLRA
"We likely don't have one."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTebZhh0vn
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Hhbyhguv
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYKx7duDsc
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzfJSyb08o
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckdctZpFDF
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78WOpLjb7x
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jyPViAoi1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcVBZQ6jdo
"Well, if you insist."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jyjB2AX8r
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hITeorDEn
–
–
–
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.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqeTyejfM9
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJw93Kj7Vq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1mhdxdIUG
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF4A7S249o
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDeXeHWSaB
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmZVELnqji
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUaVVZDjsP
**THUD**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsL5v6tNFZ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIoDSp57kq
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?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p0TaGBsSV
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnyUt1Zhkb
"--!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyfF6dyEUk
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8eZwnkvUA
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IyHa2rwen
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpw2CdfROo
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC9auo7U3I
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaMkq8MgPK
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX0uMkBFBo
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjTQbGg5K4
**SPLICE**161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkzfla2iEF
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ds6dD07na
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PCNJknapE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmXPq569x1
"I missed one."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZroQj1GMu
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4qzdEAsdu
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RVflM6ZjG
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡophNlfXmhR
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsyWmHrasW
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mi5FGR6E0
"Hey!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAgQt1KOTp
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7QZjfZgOz
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwWLXoqr6Y
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEyQYSxFoU
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42n9Mr5b3F
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFsxJbNbSF
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElpBshvdU4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gl1dOv1it
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN44sqKfrEJ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrBo8oY4BC
"I never said that."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZAMI0nnAO
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHf88TiJU0
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVDbrrhNe1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbQoOyypO3
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1VVGryWC9
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PhMIMdYlL
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpEv07OB0A
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzGr6MyQVN
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bZfGyktAC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepSuwtTIJq
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZUjgYg13U
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"Haaaa. Damn you."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMbPLXEpU0
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtC6UtNUhF
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCekXRa8lTE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWverE8n6v
"They are dead, right?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorXwneVSFq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqiWw5eXnh
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNFQIhA5UP
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNB7VJpi1b
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvvTTntcaG
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQuf7BHCA7
"I–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJaszxTWMR
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq1KkoxPU5
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYWoAO8RFa
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91TcMdH8Sk
"Huh?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeArPtOrvHE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDMMIkALJ6
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI1VunKbVz
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD24uHWXw5G
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P50kNSTkp
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DxR9cvze9
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiifM05XIe7
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOlopvJ5Gz
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcnqQTIrvG
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Eo6vvrAdk
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3aLfus1DF
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ840leT25
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFogKd52os
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno3CnNMvA3
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKBiW7umv4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLueAVBJ1H
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgSeAycOt5
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitLmlg9dwE
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhGBsjEJTR
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOJVQZy5Qf
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Ab74ERgC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87QQ4v9xD9
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBy5fmtHi4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7jU08PlEc
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinhje3xhYo
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeYhqdFmHZ
"You raise a good point."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGiXMWlB3p
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEokZvmCVdY
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3UIec7Abz
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVSlhIVLEd
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVmTBYln1M
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7GbLVOosF
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp5lPTxAgC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjxqok9Sy5
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWyiWX0L3M
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUQsQXrVpC
"Ha, abandon?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTxQ1KbMhw
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeu4iv6qxh
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHJW52DNNz
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2SCJLVhHO
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8uCaTyCNf
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNKXrdOdqF
"If you were, it was backfiring."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWApguW6Xg2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexXjtpAgEV
"Harhar. Very funny."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15p4dPFZKJ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJAfZKSOCw
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SrGiQqAc3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptnalC3HYH
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqfOtUpamD
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"Aren't you conceited."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdr9ao4Pe0
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtGFGCk8nL
"You think it's arrogance?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJpjkxZajX
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Pars began to stroke his chin.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ICZuIfcT
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNny7M9WHpz
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rknl2XA80
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6hjj6nSMA
"But what you want isn't just greatness."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS2UuoCpvn
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4idh0Xx8d
"...Yeah, you're right."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBYXQmNQIu
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdLSZUAQb5
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIDq18DVUI
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUpw88nVA0
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
然後按「加至主畫面」