Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcj0vsWfoB
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uz1POpFXT
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Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIxKnulYjM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D4jYeGsVR
"What are you doing!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn6ufIU4XC
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxtdAWsRPR
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi8CB6JP8S
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdS0rigtSb
**BOOM**160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyRrOFVttd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx377fFegu6
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJoOH2vu6T
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"Ngh, damn it!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEi7bHgz3U
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z28X2fTAV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezVHvH6Nhp
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2UI9MP8MY
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64HBRuqPjD
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF2CdyQN08
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQQy0222h7
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgXOt271Ky
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTAFE0N7eL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiiUIu26Ef
"--Damn it! Rover!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlAtwlWQJ9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiqJNIErdp
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRtKs1MwZU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf7od0kgez
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvD612QVkF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQCUIvV4AD
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMleRDGIng
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyq1DkgGgb
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEJGXgpBUF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj2kruNEPq
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStTp9vWo7l
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbd6B7QQkV
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWeqUg3Q3N
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQCh1xwCNx
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCZTg04h1X
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZYmKv91KB
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORXhji4x0H
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmbVoPyOFv
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe89bNrY1r
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOsEMrdVqs
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6fOKNwP9D
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLivPRMMFn
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuml9v5rPU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqQFAbYXZ8
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOjFPVa8Cn
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfayyz2vAA
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurGYBb2XCB
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB4ZjAh1Hw
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrqJYpd3YZ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9FTWuQiJJ
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPX8g488sp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdifWQ3bE0
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ0rUHfhV0
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNIyseh6lF
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpzQwWzmZS
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"Hey, Kenny!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDJysVpr20
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxtLLc1NXB
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmx31FOUvN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBADS5RqedB
"I-Is she okay?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYFwYYxDSw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16XCzdBzSf
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jni4PXmtk
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhKALD0iTg
"I don't know what that is!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qj45kelUG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIXPMvsEhn
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyb8bg5jmn
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqENqY9RuuF
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw4TjftnHo
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Though, that did raise the question–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqTtw2uT8I
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"Do you know where you're going!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0jUrjPFLh
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHan5ixOMii
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KXDxxtP99
"Ah– where is Dennis?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR03pVT917
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsoSy5qXIR
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSXDvn27Ne
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMZNscdeO8
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t8SIFZR0I
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"Shit."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCys8g8kS9e
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Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItqiF9sywA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpI7gyOwoA
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflxq5OHhft
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfhmlfrRza
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKQogL3RmL
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"...Alright."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0QWYXQqlI
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdw0jpxqbP
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwaNMZCzmk
"Alright, I'll take yer question."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN4uK4qc4z
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDscsMuEf2
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvJjUvkKRR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh7Ofymw3m
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPESNR1BzaH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSJ0Uaz30f
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmR2P4UaBc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ow63gHBq
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlhppg94es
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz5Tr2JpnA
The man stopped speaking.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4AbbSph0Q
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"Alright, carry on, then."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaZJvMfJ7l
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"...Eh?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jMCB0kC4m
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I shared in his confusion.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSKlWTsXCO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwJLO42onq
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCboOdN6cRm
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XqEcp9HkY
"I-If ya say so!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp1elm28Bw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JKZ0WwV6h
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0NN3xslx3
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ECmHmE4SB
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8HpyDGHkz
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNauUkbRx9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj8S5HlAYc
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupou9IWVfV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uxsXc79rM
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKTgzzJYeM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBKBEepAPg
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK74E68Fmc7
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLhmhaF0da
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjnambFJeg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV6XGalXIz
"Damn it, kid!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PLUxILOcS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyyGyNJg8m
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLiurRDrtV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QTqGm5aTF
**SMASH**160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUfX9xa8fB
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1cFaJ591s
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUE42JKuKX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvtNyqwtay
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb4bQFFoBz
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuEfMqJqJW
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDetitrhUmt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGLuM0VQC0
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7njnmqhiso
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOsgDz7dcf
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ038M8wBLsb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jHxJnRaRm
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskaTrTSQDw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5lpGKk4Ms
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43rrQt7ygQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBnfnG5M6a
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2wVRqVkuw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczk0Mpt3kF
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Fq0UVyrQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Lw8Jx9aaL
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbiMRZm0J5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdn4YpgMaP
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEg8y4muxU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnwCEFoJQh
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFrHFWXXyW
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG0MEmkSyT
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lTmZcoDcv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1fOOYRQOA
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDGSVcgjTT
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgliIXG2ECz
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ti3gQHil
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSPlMnZVYp
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQR5gALmYV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ1nk7fG3Z
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTR7UNG090
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXxU28sCug
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeyPoPeWhj
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTilhaCFoZx
"Like I'll let ya do that!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIpG0wB9RS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5z8GyreqC
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gpQ7pCh8Y
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAUcRVlf3a
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kzmvIAChV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvOuHVSedX
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bjCPjeO1n
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM28tCXrG6H
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGInNe7frS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G4ravJUuH
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWYpA5qfDw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ760ENa274S
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfsbGmI98l
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyfiwIKB4W
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhW53Iocg2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2OCOXa1Z3
"--Hrk!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZUP4nfQPH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbkFv1WD8y
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC69ib7nVm6
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKsBod6vxZ
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hHAn62wgE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp94r7Zhpju
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXTRq6Oh18
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthUvACdgVX
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUESbVjJcR5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTYcwL5ttC
"Whatever!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn53w5ojLX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITnxBSz3Jc
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqVnLOyyzb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bwUSh52w3
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcLSQgGlgX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9ytGuRvdT
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamLhtuW567
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhIl2A4zuS
Dread, worry, guilt–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT9rwwQccc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLXzxI8qFd
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXlQZDerg3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcF4MQdHEF
"...R-Right!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmyvgPm92j
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOpoAOSTra
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybF7BhqxoF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMSNkLN8Jf
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamWocL7EYB
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdOiv3x2zo
**SLAM**160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6af005siJQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45EYhelczq
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxgio4xZRT
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbKezTR7Yt
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOoY32VB7n
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wf6AE44vn
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyHgC8qfVG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gi516uUyq
"--Ugh!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpoE4q5vGq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipJTboGofz
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93jw1c0KtW
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV7NFtHDFS
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EzALlUOEC
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h4QF32WY0
**SMASH**160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYJKtaKJn6
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RyWj9x8dG
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzxhtq8pWZ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzAbbdMEPn
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY1kamLLul
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwlPPwUOqY
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvYOpfhNFN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4udlg22OU
"Ah! Sorry!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxkmuLwqi5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSYnJ9XijU
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpoFE5wUhK
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV5FAzrSty
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dTb3JHonp
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjme6LF73L
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAinglhi5R3
"N-No, that's not it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd78NcQbED
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V7UjfesdH
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5volfB1LGG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxytMg1mEe
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxSsBxWjD3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM0QBptEeg
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
