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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhIfXEdeeB
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBOmF5d39J
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBsTks3jJX
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLfrUYQzKO
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs746oFBNfr
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaZFOFQhrK
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oTfxi5Iyv
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL1LI93att
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzAkt6f6Gu
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbxmFqscmj
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ijd6SuFo5
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiFcN2yUEW
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rdNFdz6AO
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoe7hlOXye
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZlyX6jHrF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQrX2FA28Y
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx5VCW3Dbr
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc0fdGXZRF
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanKxpLZs80
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE00bkgjL2U
**BOOM**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrynYnBEAqw
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1laPrlwwr
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcDKmqzRgR
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg6DZTs4hT
"Ack!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz5rCrFMZA
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MUmG1lDTP
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbasHqqbZ6V
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs1DF6zQI5
The room was a catastrophe.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmTkrJNWLb
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1BxyLzuVd
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JqWsvNg84
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGYMsQlMa5
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOthT7AX7R
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcat452BYE
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2SnSmUr7s
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyHrUhjiQv
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU4fOh7VJX
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZl6Tcbjs4
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZaG3zqvZD
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5BR1rL0P9
**STRIKE**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFSzK97lIH
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz6CQI0ZsB
–only to be immediately interrupted.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9vDlMd548
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbL5giGMV3
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwFqE6YRNu
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFLjmRlU1l
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzhBSDBbkI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK5qXOjtwy
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2CZQYRfAC
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVX5mG9zC2
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdo9Mh7fIg
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8jEJ30DHE
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyQOxxjeSw
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WiGgxc3nT
"C'mon!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9idIdqtY0
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QGAfvOfW7
"--Ah!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23gZEY1dVb
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq934bhlc7
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiCGrd8Uz2
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YtHsyG5yy
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw7cSlq70H
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi2yOsNZwq
–
–
–
What a moron.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9nskWd9P0
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHtZCMPurs
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlLHM4kgAS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ITT86EVDl
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtoJTWsn2n
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtk1wqOyVt
**THUD**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepPlc8zhHI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTQzTFiApm
"Ngh!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLYw2mWmRs
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFndebiyfpf
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrCqn5W2cn
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrXd05W6Jj
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv9assJiiL
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47cdsZiY1P
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FSS2lNJw8
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw88llbAyX
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopCxnRpdFr
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6v9fvNKvH
"--I should've known!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPupOo5BUl
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9D2kGbdul
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZX5AfQ20u
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9neH87LUK
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5uDD1pH6v
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6JeWTCQz7
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLosFcuEm4
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aB4kHt2k3
"DAVE!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuvsE5ImUo
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBUxJFEWHk
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj0jIBh37E
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaseS4AMLH
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUWoDht0Lf
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1nY31LXNB
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.
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrN1TndjRT
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaNUH6VkzS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WZlYtH94o
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7abockILd
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmllMX8c4KR
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwafNZ22nv
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRwbtHR5Yi
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDTOrWNM3C
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXFIDxDHpN
"...Those are our first casualties–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn2Pm2PsjR
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqAauvObxs
**BOOM**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kQfggNAZ7
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UrIj5vb8x
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vy4Gyo44Z
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGykk6cB3YO
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE3E6lmEJN
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYomKFA2B2k
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15P5KXekKc
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWkr575DXF
"I'm here now."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLiHAuKJ6Z
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6oYgSuybt
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAhekaVDRF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtKRZGh4kL
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2j6bJDGzI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSnZJVx3J2
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMydhePqN1y
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnrgcAy4cI
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLWMnJTLlF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBffAaTe58
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieo95gdRim
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkGbsLAP2W
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9RsVdzvrf
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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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrh9AxIFOD
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuT3D5rnaN
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQbc6MzfGP
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ws4X5UKp
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHlXFckwMG
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkADEKzCGAo
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1DwHHOg81
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4lPwHEVZe
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TJMazJF9C
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYETQweSyc
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtK9OQM9Vb
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhmiJcfHab
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2ca7KJr0x
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScB6lW15VA
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DemnQWjhH
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GPdHIzb4d
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxEe2OBpND
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R9UkMzkL6
**BOOM**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93NSzfWcy6
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8UJxXZlkm
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUK3jlK1Ha
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT1YrFWceW
"Pars!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV7eKw84rK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2TQdgJ2Wt
"Huh?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm6NyVK9Ql
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JZKfoH5nb
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfNsLLO25B
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQyD42zAN8
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynMtnnZ7bE
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSLQOSJM3T
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E4GbDhTNh
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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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTGWEt2K3w
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAuxdiu7wA
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhdebCugO2
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVQr2DjSxR
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zxixlfv1P
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBU7LlYRhs
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjUleHcUJS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZbvzJwUIy
**CLANG**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX3oWl5Qr4
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT73FWuf8cP
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcLVOF6nQJ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJULYOGr01
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaQUBl2bUS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpllSWfA7L
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaOoGfTjLi
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdSBZ4JRrO
**SLAM**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWvfGF6KOi
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2DncMOfDR
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfJUAkvlqK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL90BADTaW
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwAhmowjVe
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkqRJHHjU1
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpbGl9f2bY
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjEY2L1JO1
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6FHFXbOLY
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqkr0uPHCE
"Ngh! Shit–!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlG9sLk9xv
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz0AFPfKfz
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROOmElH126
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHuBQem0cZ
But then–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD9KTgydtk
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwZuXuzoXt
**BOOM**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP1VpxpHg1
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYgdMSAdm5
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7qMCuFope
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGATtQS2nP
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr1s4eZKsu
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti1LgG8NDm
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlxKjLtSGr
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHsLJUZUPT
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrOwugqFA7
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj25Fq4JFEn
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77IWUSCUIQ
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkA6hGt0zV
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsGrWBT6LI
"Gah–! You scared me!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSbAd4Nq06
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXe1nGrnkA
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcHFMpiIMt
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGkCzydNIx
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ341jJyZ6l
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzJZMFe6hY
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdI8GcDN05
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4aI647zmj
"No, this is terrible."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgtoyRUzYg
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdouA1N0wlT
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx5TIIqPRp
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpwKbkCY54
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtpyKNXhCh
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPjCLeXIe7
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uLVWzCtzE
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUglYK8Exh
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR918draTx
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6iSYYKCop
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGneTJL6LFF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc27AxAQKl
"No. No suggestions from you, please."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodPWwnfY3d
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8ksVrFn7g
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN3GkA0lk3
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXwkNAn5Ez
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbIaEHfFeI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmV7bACvZd
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGIRIqPvYZ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygxt3AWXgO
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SZaTpxHOi
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2pVWv7icv
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19noC3uyUB
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqry1xcmaNt
Still, no response.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3wXRhelm8
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIFgBNc0yT
"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–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz27tgh8rO2
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibdxnGQaDD
"Because you're entirely incompetent."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwP3e09Tz1
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTagH5m0jL
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3aGwdYKZ2
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmqL5xTzi5
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8GJKDtOdN
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9WzIemhZ8
"..."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZoDejjUPF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz2AhKT6Ei
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5BsJf4yZy
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk30RyViZl
"..."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFLkOpHGKx
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrkohAGM6y
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaZEVd0fIW
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlT5aNQPmm
"What?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHyuLz5gLt
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9IxJHyL1H
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4CH8QDPWm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa5kumGPUu
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRFZz1MjKI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPPJNgrnjd
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBugzoGsBr
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUNmOD1y4N
"...I see."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1X1dyfTnO
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GBci4kfCo
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmsliuWsO9
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMeZb3023T
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dYdtxuvnW
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQJuroiRV
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6XDd1a6mP
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf23MQQ8Tv
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBW9pYvc2j
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRqYRBcvqK
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ0XRSHuze
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKjeXppodW
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9oH89zn6P
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUOB0ekqCX
"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–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN6MA1ljki
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVAPAQUsJN
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPANvpqEnY
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqKzE9naDA
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvtnPQNJzG
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHoP4cewzz
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:226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM6yrmyvxM
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANTfO2d4yv
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiWKGAaGJM
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUW19I1rd4
"Alright!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh2EikCFHd
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38WepJSMgN
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0o8YwtX7c
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG35moiCQv
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtiFA0uXKy
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjsxlmlBv6
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYRQHS1JlU
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKPpeYPLRk
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VvIXB57vF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafEBQr7Y4B
–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl82LwWvaX
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedDljahl6Y
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JKKHHDzRi
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj5t6hyGiI
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vq01VCOB5
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptnryItLcS
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY65BGHhnha
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t5XpYIKYL
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCFBcnHURo
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSPDqaWYTX
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOBfIGXWiK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiDHhniSeO
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D4sgyDY7T
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXVDC7bS6T
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoFzEWOGEg
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWcHgBhh7k
"--No!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWNXJ7kHIH
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL6HLiXWMi
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FIhNoorUm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8rDmA6LGf
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNs4h7N1Qh
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EroU1mxzL
"Hyua!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yv8XuZFhn
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFZU4MxX9A
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurUUnEdny3
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubHWm3kr3R
However, he did have another sharp object.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtqgroHpwt
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46I3kidFI0
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtj22FUtRb
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxk17J2ao0
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz34CG2wum
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6DoEsGKvX
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN3UTGpZDG
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYjqqWzZws
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD83vNLB1Bm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxygCZWfoV
And what came was–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUpzPLvxHf
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mVYBL2Mkw
**BOOM**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLUiaEbLp5
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW1RBJqdg5
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHaIshKpwe
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFEswQbtyA
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy7gm7VAvJ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWuIl3SxFu
"--oop!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokNhusEINI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3F47E9Pia
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oPrFAEzDo
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsm3zhL2gh
"You... you're a sick jokester."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT2W5ZAh4a
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LtozNXOHN
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpO9HSX0Fm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDp0Tjmlfy
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmFxSoP3yA
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tNmQQe57j
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQrexSUboi
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlapoBpE7m
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z7rYkfS90
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulY1eQG1gz
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSi9BZRS0l
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPdgiEz90d
"What the hell... what the hell!?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7riueOSnVJ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWNSd5IJ4w
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARerx6eGQ2
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoeh25NWxs
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y9a75zV9J
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQHVxR51Qp
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j6TaIDoLm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1kA3eslyj
"...Heh."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mgWjmvIeo
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zJcpmjWtT
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FRevDNbkP
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcWlVuH3K2
–
–
–
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkHqtONiHH
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3GQAPMYAA
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lZn6v8lWE
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg2ieVubRm
**THUD**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvVAfpQQbq
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x3bjin1ZP
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gaAGhwEAe
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlKNSPrJ2i
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4utVpNJqb
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvX0Vib17Z
"Though I have to wonder–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmQ2CarXMa
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PXvW5M7vb
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvbm65E9gH
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWksoxoMHyA
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jYWiGLpTQ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Luk0sTVCr
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OMblwhtC7
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiONc14Of7l
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJLkN1m7Ux
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IFlUcyDnk
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg46TiduhA4
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9MjSjeq6A
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.
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU8FsbrxKr
"Irritating...!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4sJJYIQNU
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ2xZC37gq
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyPKqyaKyv
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNGJRz1Wt8
Dave didn't like to use spears.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTxcyOms5R
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4s0JJePMB
"...Haaaaa."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmor5DiNXN
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlHvxRGVfE
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VYz1hhOUm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTumPepQkkO
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWp3Z4OPlK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WSXgdLxFa
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BbNF0YGrt
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwj5NOOLld
That's what he always told himself, at least.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPqKsL0qfT
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEBvDzdNNK
**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**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8DExtw57C
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dicNH7ekU
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0Ld0TNM8W
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOZgQSz3Xp
**CLASH**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9401wsPGzp
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHwZwXuQON
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**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWNDJdwTVm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKtHcIIFzs
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?226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQcCOhOAwp
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapbphI7vvW
**CLASH**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IjL3LZhh9
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92ejmJyLtL
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrOhSn3d3T
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nBStQiSrc
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD8nEDp0Hu
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qez7yGZ8D
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr1RkhQhYz
Confusion–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtXEmXl99j
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7oGJcIvTq
**CLANG**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOikT6YR1M
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ7cThYzkQ
Delusion–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V2arm3Szp
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAgfyv83Ez
**CRASH**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpKLUjeqPS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zaBPvPYXq
All lead to one conclusion:226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgT0Fh1YBN
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhXlYBhDoM
**SMASH**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuM9tAXhJT
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNuj9Mpp49
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIGSJEv8Mx
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDhjdqzduH
"...No, of course it isn't."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza4hhk5ZrR
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNLPBv6eEN
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa62eUOuttx
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiGZiSz61n
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RjHEP37BK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCzdprcTjE
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYlfYEUZrW
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ8ifMO3om
**THUD**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCjO4MIYMS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLTxRMMpOQ
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLqw75ycGp
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOe6CK4syy
"Pars!?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI0p4srMKn
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVtW4ZGOcy
"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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHQ36Tnfyv
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzhX077n5i
"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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiAczRCkqm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHOGHAKSH1
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkGNIOjgAT
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGykx0pV6y
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNkgNKgPtw
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxjWLMyZXg
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3IJLfJRSI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrheviuR38
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8DQwTYGSK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP8MLpUkI2
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHmnFOZVpE
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxzSa20ZaK
"What do you propose?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhJFGrp78G
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMhLmNp95w
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jIZy2opcx
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvF43ORTc1
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6RpRYshYV
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrfu5JFdUc
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDcojBOwoN
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqOJm5g58I
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeMt1n4Iyv
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfC0o6ATyA
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLQ3PtAXKR
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4PUCpK2GL
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJX2SXSnXg
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kZLBaartb
"--Huh?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVoTCrIplS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB6kEhSqpY
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5H52CIFxF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVFWnZmCCo
"...Always backhanded, huh."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDxBo9NPZ9
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNjnYjzAWT
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 laugh226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFyjmabpNX
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ARinZyr34
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy9sk4SRmt
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOS0olVBN3
"We likely don't have one."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0nYNG93NK
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZTRBoIqMN
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH4MHBGory
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl5ebxLrVr
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj3avkFROL
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qIkEzMhua
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1juauhzJmz
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa86iEzF67
"Well, if you insist."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5DPWkOng4
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9KzRS4zM7
–
–
–
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.
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIk4aXWVrQ
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgO0YJIVrk
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxC2Bsu2cJ
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtit5cxz5Rf
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NW4oQJnri
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgwDWMOrQi
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17P7tq24l3
**THUD**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFjQXFH8Qr
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uJP3qeTUq
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?226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFe5wcCG8p
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2FHQewQoZ
"--!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx21C2mhwX
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdLZyZNmfv
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcEztRPp94
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJD6O8VukG
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLQKutfXNq
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkAOKzD0Tj
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–226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEniikJi23L
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfFpux9nDq
**SPLICE**226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbYTSytg2k
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOotjdLQEv
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd63QPtTAE
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWJRKzVw0Q
"I missed one."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJBnMC0sUy
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBGN5ehiGH
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8GkFv5ObR
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDvbXbEF39
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5OVKLtC6t
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaNSVtGV0o
"Hey!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpha7FwxOq
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyDGQJpe5r
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr318xmcIx
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBfmmIdOU7
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmLWzRNTPU
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyypL2KJdPT
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNmW867N1l
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n63X2YbXl
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUDVu0vOXQ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ9tWuJY3D
"I never said that."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnX5QyecQM
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdF5qzqPp6
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kNViDhRkD
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0cyk0vC1V
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXnmMIsxmq
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwrQo68cDc
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BH664ZjQD
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoqDUKAd3T
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFsqzJ0zUe
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzfeP1faT1
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY0ospHsdF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OS9NDfSZk
"Haaaa. Damn you."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DL9vJdQ7C
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW3BD5U7L9
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXmSQTxeik
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmHEWKYvmY
"They are dead, right?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LtiNj09s9
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBK5Iu5yLi
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZTwXkgjgR
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Efm0YADBB
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbPHsP1XjB
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiH0wxN9AZ
"I–"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U2AyrHmzG
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpgysFJJTk
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7lJ4vsdVI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgPSuaRTzP
"Huh?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KHyvFGLIf
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKbp5GXA9y
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PuIoAKkIH
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCPN6Y32So
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcaZ0SIPPA
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLwOpw6IVm
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SCkA0h7Te
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUYgS5kWu2
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEvufWMizn
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZEapbTHBd
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgh3sE2dIl
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ889KFsNe2D
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrBcq2jkSe
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTrBRKadrp
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IbP3TYk2p
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dIE1n4Boy
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j34xDaFR9
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6j8bj8OTO
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmLz7YL3z9
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wKMfABxdN
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoXuhQIDSm
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwUdeG3I6v
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdCY10Ve8s
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h0FZ86aN5
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xwnVdzLmu
"You raise a good point."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuY31K0xAU
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY6KR7QCb1
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhViDOsWyfj
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FwBoEd8jf
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEz1Jj2KIz
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3fNw5Xd82
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T81xitYIo
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtK2mghxVt
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWIAXVKGTf
"Ha, abandon?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqrL9OBFn6
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUxP7tHNPQ
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dMHRzW6PF
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xs1ReM1ER
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyneEm0rKT
"If you were, it was backfiring."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHpUZ9EmRI
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9hYatoWb3
"Harhar. Very funny."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBQx2jKF9q
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjv7aOHgV2
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIe0rvAI2b
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"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvd4nUFPCE
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTrHzpNI1D
"Aren't you conceited."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4buzM4jxF
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxMCHHYPI4
"You think it's arrogance?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIdGaDau3Y
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Pars began to stroke his chin.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLJyUiixk1
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFdguGA7KW
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm3CxkhsqS
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYAiu4Nkgh
"But what you want isn't just greatness."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8nXG9QcFh
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmFbH67OdY
"...Yeah, you're right."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY6gFv5kN5
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikLpwMykyk
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWMmvhi378
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRHayc8N92
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
