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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAbwdZELXJ
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToiRiZEWkM
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8pt5m0XCY
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"What are you doing!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQWbIIe6F1
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvNaCJj6D1
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGYMMIO93f
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34PWsbvinu
**BOOM**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5oEPCdq51
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU1joVhRkg
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"Ngh, damn it!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjesrDOXlK
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIxs1wcD6E
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFhlcAQxDW
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhLKG4lxRc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oOvXcn464
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eYF7iIjau
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqWWdPhpad
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHppQglu5pB
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljJSlRGg8T
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDYUlKE67V
"--Damn it! Rover!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo08qg7GXfp
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTvkgYu2op
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NTFQmrvco
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Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddUjgdZKqy
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV469lZOmX
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGpDGh7yE9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtwRBwzM98
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAjh5PprGU
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJIR5cG5HG
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iUQxKbNDZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJLIhfc68u
"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlostMJCNz
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNXiZon0hc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz1q6rNAA7
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy7SLeHwEK
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v3g4r4Bfh
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"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?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsIoqmrx09
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSaPnBAOEV
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRC2lQ0WUn
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4JlQlrwHp
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFuF7y0jmJ
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"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNMveVrBuZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVuc2DMlXm
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKTHwTbP3E
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8IVpXoedQ
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"Hey, Kenny!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjoRMPgTjM
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfrMEte8aM
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzmngd5NID
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"I-Is she okay?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLz9eiuUVm
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3sb3NF9vA
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXSZchBS9S
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlYkaYYNS5
"I don't know what that is!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFlaALw5sA
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"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxZ3PUWEwy
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFPRIna5Yj
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Though, that did raise the question–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgjcCFSo2t
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"Do you know where you're going!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuGXxuKTLl
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOokBg3jQTO
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"Ah– where is Dennis?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmuLTYO5Y9
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"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vba9yKhiG
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAyeQTYlrX
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–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR28VjSV2Kl
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"Shit."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdBYXJzLMt
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfCnUr7MF2
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsBAHvawwM
"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL9SbwgMtt
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabcpEjKFD8
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"...Alright."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8gTcZ8QiW
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM9nJabJ2P
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7yPck6P5N
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxiQVqbpla
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3px8SREBj
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOmbB4Octt
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbH8RWoVDf
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee77bqTAVZ
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The man stopped speaking.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Fo5uDiSf
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"Alright, carry on, then."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumPekaDWNJ
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"...Eh?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVCVxLgiqo
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I shared in his confusion.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEQK3jcRit
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iMhOGNE69
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"I-If ya say so!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVzg34FfNz
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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–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjahQPtKdpZ
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdc1uLqg6x
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Jnf3CKZQ
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD8OilyC4j
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoYJ162tdf
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp5VvetcYB
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1mDRUiZdY
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm3UJ2vFf0
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"Damn it, kid!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIbAp508UN
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnfQseROSJ
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**SMASH**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL28hSgnXM
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzPmTNkktX
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXVv41666z
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSZ7g3od7z
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUj3KnuFTd
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSGSDvUtQJ
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabs52IPikF
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWht8UbQvS7
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjGZxUsnv3
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflEvrvjNju
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2RJoP0ZhW
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehxaJiLUFv
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ6H8wlAbu
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyuNLtNutQ
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"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKJhg3GICm
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"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGaipxqJec
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZLE1VRAb9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HzaowVZhs
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ5OEhK3ZL
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pOoKE3MFU
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYeUYZNapf
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u7XDFieLE
"Like I'll let ya do that!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuFX56Ar4P
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lblNcfB8i
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFXQrFVhYy
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjTIrWl5IS
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4rYbiYgww
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1zLPPUaap
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ108unAFH5C
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRRNzynySE
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYCYM2lTV4
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Y1o5vyaU
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4FwMm1ePn
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"--Hrk!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxThV2n1EYx
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJRWABL9m0
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhmv393JM6
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sl6jmI4df
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUZ951PA0e
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aeuIlPU5o
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK2Axu3RPG
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBPUQw3zMT
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG98fwV680X
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG1uc0hnzk
"Whatever!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3GiMAzZJ3
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtcp3DldYr
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMZYZ927i0
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24JGjRmMZm
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81jP3dujiK
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b6bDbZ994
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pdNTzLej0
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Dread, worry, guilt–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNmLaknqzh
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWLHwta8Tb
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYHxxhRq5F
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYoPkdTO67
"...R-Right!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSjim4MEyB
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQTtf3tf0u
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpSUj9ABZL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaKL1oW34e
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdDjzGH07W
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy9GjNsuwe
**SLAM**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaY51SnrYJ
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91X2MeQhVz
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqAraoe7JF
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslUJwfMgts
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMykojpw31Z
"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGcthTQqvW
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfdResyjBU
"--Ugh!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6naRUMWAHj
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tGInyAlm0
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ938kZidjt5
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrl8NJ3sCO
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCf8LD3n8R
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSzGlMaDFc
**SMASH**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9bqgziVP6
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeKKuevNaE
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSAB0oGdU9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjcmVBfeXe
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEDFEYMDhV
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"Ah! Sorry!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mwAYWwtxc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCbQiNmTDQ
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnM7ay5glC
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jCNMnUaL5
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGKRdkkzxn
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAKAgLH3ha
"N-No, that's not it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdqhRzTE7O
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3BfDwVvtx
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiW7M4Ve49
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGUKJO2xWV
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacGNdVF8Ue
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B2pO3Z2je
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
