“...”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdICtKTglmy
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANad6gwZfM
“...”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LDdEbnXs3
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLHib9EPcf
I couldn’t explain how it wound up this way. Maybe it was how I always lagged behind, or that other members were simply more courageous than Juke and I. Maybe it was bad fortune becoming of me, an ugly trait that reared its head in inconvenient times. Pondering an explanation was a useless endeavor anyhow. At this point, I realized it just wasn’t always needed.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4HkAbHtbY
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMed06LcG4p
But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI2KuQx6Nj
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tOsLvceWK
I didn’t have any evidence, but my gut screamed at me that the final floor would be the most challenging to combat. I readily acknowledged that the Harbinger was on a lower floor, but all the suspense that had been accumulating in my body informed me that wasn’t the worst of it. Perhaps it was a superstition– no, it absolutely was –but I was still compelled to tell Juke of my hypothesis.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0105bHZTvP
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggoDtbXDtv
“I have a feeling–”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hsGbPwQZD
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KwrRTByMd
“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPY8AU7kLx
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRQCQcWJ2Q
I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaQJxeH4Nv
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLly692Rrs
“Do you also have that feeling?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoEf1ZY4eQ
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJqEki6gow
“Nothin’ like it. I could just tell by the look on yer face. Either way, I don’t think we’re gonna deal with somethin’ so meddlesome.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWHQiXv4fr
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJZUC6B3Mk
“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HSq3diNUY
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqIlLUwkUk
His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYBCS49bRF
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAx1X53D2W
But, ultimately, I reminded myself yet again that that hardly mattered. Now that we’d arrived on a flat surface, there was nothing to do but to walk through that door and eliminate whoever was behind it. So we made sure to make a loud entrance. As I was able to match his pace, the both of us busted the door down. We ran into the master’s room, a spacious office stacked with papers. It was different, and far, far messier than the Foreign Pillar’s.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmWIGrPQ2J
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM8Rsivpfn
“Y-You!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHAPklNkYN
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEjKNQ1xFa
I was shocked by a sudden voice from my left. I turned my head and saw a skinny gentleman, one I could only assume was the Pillar’s Dean.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe43ls31ynP
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKmNzvwtcH
“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2CJs3p9ia
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2WLVTaBRS
“A-Alright!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVuCgpJUHY
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTO1ooXlgJ
Whether his words or his pathetic visage swayed me, I ran to untie him all the same. But I was stopped in my tracks by a hand grabbing my shoulder.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePUYjhK915
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbL2qqGDe7
“Hey! Juke, what are–”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFQi5ltZ7x
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjYXBL6U4N
My question was cut short the moment I looked at where he was point. Now, I was looking at the reason behind the different papers, the reason why the dean was tied in rope.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QqMDsW521
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYpzixneRl
A man stood on the desk. A man with a robe I knew all too well, but more importantly, with a style of hair that I recognized. He turned his head towards us as he put a paper down, and frowned.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjoVVKcVus
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Sz22xeMW
“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fn7VdkhBV
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPAt1bi2hf
With almond-shaped eyes and a jagged, unusual hairstyle that screamed “punk,” the Bringer in the streets of this city right as this mess began glared at us with the sheen of his blade.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYEbbH8qMp
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCXrprTZVZ
“He’s alive!?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLETumFkBlZ
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThNLEWm1xD
The shock of it all was one thing, as the last time I saw him, I was sure he was pulverized and left to bleed out. But what truly made me yell in such volume was that he still had both of his arms.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnp9IU84OR
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHciQiieH8
“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOslCTnICcg
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5DnR4gTXo
“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkb349NQrB
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrxWiY5bB8
He said it matter-of-factly, as if none of it should be a surprise. Missing limbs weren’t impossible to restore with highly potent, albeit rare and extremely expensive potions, but processes like that took months, often years to complete. And they would only proceed smoothly with frequent tending and doctoral observation.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvkgBv5icB
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny56OiDe98
And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNYsIuDgVh
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRD635idpS
“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGuvEMNzFq
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdLWmN9Mye
“...Well, not exactly.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvvzycbbuP
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRWA1qnY5i
I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuzzX3oUwH
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuJPsfmdsU
“Restoring limbs isn’t impossible; I tried and failed to make a few like that myself. But to be able to do it that fast, there’s only one explanation.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgltGjTMuT4
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOgkLR0OED
“Tell me, won’t ya?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxHEDV8fiB
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZzvOpSwYu
“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w2ezUUfVq
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkysBS3W6G5
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dpjbwMjbc
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLbTwIEswQ
“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPajIoTsG27
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFRPyEO9sY
“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmnkMOZ7G7
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06mVWcPLJw
I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDtRjgvqi3
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyFzMJjZR4
“There’s someone among our ranks who’s a world-class healer. It’s phenomenal to see her work, really. I was out like a light, but by the time I woke up, I was better than new!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoUb0i9iZo
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVvHmnw8XQ
He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPrnRWEawD
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z64UZbYOy
“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwyX2rQQHE
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIJDsAvIA1
The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJlERPCpG5
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcMCSlNVxK
“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPcsK1jViA
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoRUriZrJS
The Bringer hopped off the desk and reached for the other scabbard on his belt. Wielding two curved blades yet again, he stared at us with crazed, narrowed eyes.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni8nEyLkvp
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtduUeo9jqn
“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcbbu5pA0U
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfVKgIy0cy
He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRsU6Rqrfx
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMK6XS2ftk
“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5DPjwpIOx
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VMVebLMml
And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6pul0OcAS
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5yqt0igwe
–
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48ieBY0sen
–
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYTJ2z6bVf
–362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA6QFc3e8H
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCXyAgcCrf
The Bringer’s immediate dash complicated this whole mess. It might’ve been my fault for not taking Juke aside and speaking of a plan, but there was nothing I could do now. I didn’t have time to speak with him about our battle strategy. It helped not that the Bringer’s gesture was so sudden. It stunned me for a moment and forced me to think of a counterattack. But Juke thankfully had a quick, simple proposal:: he just drew his sword and matched the Bringer.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGxBeyrzd6
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2L6q93uZi
The first collision of the battle followed right after. Juke blocked a double swipe with his single sword, and immediately I noted that Juke had more physical strength than the Bringer, as he was able to keep him in a lock. The Bringer dashed away shortly after, glaring at us while humming curiously. I was oddly disturbed by that gesture, but I had no time to contemplate. I drew my tendril and sprouted the perfect plant for the occasion: the Thistle-Bloom. One of the first plants I ever copied from Prince’s garden, Its spikey bulb protruded from the tip of the tendril. I squelched its root as if I was choking it.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQDXeRHlzL
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mLhQx4uGj
Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDMLukpmsN
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wPzGoQTnj
“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksHjl4IQ3B
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eHiJQhxpm
He nodded right after, boldly charging at the still-humming Bringer. I put one knee down and bent the Thistle-Bloom, aiming it directly at the two fighters.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUQGRaRFiu
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiAyIAVoSU
It was impossible to safely shoot while the two were in close combat, but that bothered me barely. Juke’s endowment gave him a defensive edge, and with the constant threat of his sword and wind magic, the Bringer would be forced to back away eventually. I just had to wait for that moment, and as I did, I keenly watched the battle unfold.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1iH2IzR8b
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE82anRwGd
Juke played the offensive role spectacularly. I wasn't sure if the Bringer was hesitating from past experience or gauging him in some fashion, but the end result was that swings were being thrown his way. None of Juke's swings connected, however, and the Bringer kept too small a distance for me to shoot.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJlXHJay3U
Eventually, the Bringer retaliated. He swung his swords across and Juke blocked them at the center. From that position though, Juke was forced to back away. Almost losing his sword, he awkwardly stepped a few paces back while swinging his arms to keep from falling. In that moment, the Bringer dashed and thrust his weapons.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7IoEjHOAa
**CLANG**
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKMebYuQw8
"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHqk4FxQRW
The tip of his blades practically bounced off Juke's skin, and from the looks of it, made only a scratch on his helmet. Juke looked relieved, and the Bringer looked annoyed, and though I was distracted by relief of not seeing my friend be penetrated, I surged mana through the tendril.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MMxxCjnSE
"It's a weird ability you have there. Fortunately–"
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTU7VAdkpK
All of a sudden, right before the thorns of the bulb spew like the water of a dam, the Bringer flung one of his blades my way.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtVT1AzUNN
"I can just chip away."
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu0RQKbjoB
I tripped over myself trying to dodge it, and though all but a clip of my hair avoided it, it managed to glide through elsewhere.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPgytqeCdw
My body reacted immediately.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynEZlr1C9Y
"Urg--Glurrgh!"
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj2jf1xHdx
The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rQIrV4A9Z
"Kid! Ah, shit!"
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA7aMNym8H
I collapsed to the ground, limp and lethargic in my lazy legs. I mustered the strength to tilt my head up and look at the fight. Juke kept the Bringer occupied, but everything about the sight was wrong. That Bringer was missing a sword, so why was Juke forced to block every attack? Why did his posture falter while the Bringer's only strengthened?
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w6ooRUsRZ
Familiar shivers ran through my spine. My limbs denied my commands, and even my eyes forced themselves blind to the scene. Then the word "run" entered my head. And then I–
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmpF2WMSz3
"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cy5N2gf1o
"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO2y7BI7KC
A rush of adrenaline helped me endure the pain of forming the Dragon-Maw, but with my other hand, I quickly created a ball of fire and lobbed it at the two fighters. I didn't hit anyone, but the blaze separated them, giving Juke crucial time to breathe. He shot me a thumbs up while brandishing his weapon, threatening the Bringer just enough for him to back off.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLNfR6SGPz
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TbUHeaqfy
The Dragon-Maw snapped at the Bringer, knowing by instinct who the opponent was. But to my surprise, it didn’t uncontrollably charge.. Rather, it retracted, hissing at the adversary as if he encroached on its territory.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY9ozAKMKk
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIvQ8VSt3y
“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBuTo28s7N
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKICZKWAyA
After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4YY35ZUcB
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ716BhWhTe0
Though carrying such a dislodged, extended mass was difficult on my tiny body, I put no energy into making attacks. Dragon-Maw complimented Juke’s fighting patterns superbly, striking at times when Juke reeled from swinging his sword. The Bringer was put on the backfoot almost instantly, and the pressure was obvious from his drenched face. Despite our suffocating offense, we never managed to break the guard of his blistering blade.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xitf4RLGS
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N9YvbvNqm
He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgjS8TfaN7
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwMpOznA6i
Though my arm strained and heaved, I kept the tendril out. The Bringer carried Juke and Dragon-Maw around the room, lining its edges and narrowly missing the paper piles. At some point, though, I noticed that the Bringer had to block less and less. I thought for a moment that exhaustion from Juke or I was to blame, but as I narrowed my eyes, I noticed his feet moving further and further back.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dCnLtqKyG
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVlLlFT1if
And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivUREOYdcy
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjAkd75uxl
“Crap!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbfNE8Ad55
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFBrf7oND8
I stopped supporting my right arm with my left and quickly began mana expulsion. I didn’t have the time to make anything dangerous, so I conjured a messy ball of water and flung it at the Bringer. But I didn’t put enough for or mana for it to be meaningfully threatening. It merely splashed his face, not enough to stop him from picking up his other sword. But that brief moment of blindness afforded me a–362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vw1WSSRsY
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDHxTpMhZo
**CRUNCH**362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhhMk76RnE
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyFtDjZjFd
The Dragon-Maw managed to clamp the Bringer at his side. It didn’t bite anything off, but from the grunts of the Bringer and the new hues of red, it was clear that the wound was deep.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCnFddQqNr
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbTg0zTcUC
Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIViV793sL1
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLdC7zju98
Like it was a basic reflex, the Bringer swung his sword and cut the head of Dragon-Maw off. I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the ensuing, and brutally-arriving pain. My preparation suppressed it adequately. I was still on my legs, after all. But it was offset by my dwindling willingness to use the tendril, and by the way its brown roots shed its sheen, I figured it felt the same. I had to ask it for one more favor, though.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZvtgTDgxB
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvhH7EN9r4
I realized it was reckless, especially with how small the room was, but I didn’t want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. Thus, I procured a–362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmszO6S76P
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex3pfpJyG4
“Child! Child, please!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpphXGkigS4
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGVDx1Q42Z
“W-What!?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6b7YkX50y
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWmviM5AFH
My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswKxwqD5Bh
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha9DBiSR5M
“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVudrZxn1Vc
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwOpP91x08
“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIZ2phtwyR
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop2zfKwE0p
“...”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT2ZBhXvPi
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3jv9Ixqcm
I had this sick feeling that the Dean was far sleazier than I initially thought, but under this kind of situation, I could hardly blame him. I didn’t turn to save him, however. As a Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip of my tendril, I stared with sweaty palms at the dueling two. Juke matched the Bringer far more comfortably now, even with him having two swords, as that injury was unignorable.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeBpkOu1S5
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW1cv3u4aX
With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjguI5BjKW
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDEfR29zXB
“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC2oikDM68
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoXYWnL4p4
“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPynp9dbzni
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZeOvEt2g3
Even though it would just take making a small dagger out of earth, sinking that time to free him felt like a terrible idea. I knew it was possible, I knew Juke could last long enough for me to do so, and yet– and yet–362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfNyPFuKEA
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWAjBmxPW0
And yet, the option caused my arms to shiver. To be responsible for his freedom, would just mean I was responsible for everything that followed.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqQxz5Dkgf
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuUn4S4AKH
How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFmlCWxc3b
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zRX6Wx8DS
“Kid! Watch out!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QFkWD5zVW
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT6aqNhyIj
“--Huh?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs9lOZOOOT
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbTWnkRmfA
I was swept from my trance by Juke’s loud, worried call. My vision registered with me then, and I realized that the Bringer was charging directly at me.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjPGAW3KNs
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF7S8NEcmY
“S-S-Shit!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP88BG8ZKF0
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWkvaXwv9B
I did the first thing that came to mind: I conjured a hasty spell, shot it, and jumped to the side, causing me to land on my hip. Only, it didn’t go so smoothly. The spell I created wasn’t one of earth or fire, as trying to rush those would erase nearly half of my mana supply. So I created a large wave of water before moving. It blinded the bringer sufficiently, just enough for his thrust to miss me.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5waMYTMx29
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lMrwMBxOM
**SQUELCH**362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8K2TMMIuP
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ujloqDQu
But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoF6qMCDZi
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelHdCWTjzE
“--H-Hrk!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRikalxhmln
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKP5SrQ6iS
“Oh?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8dm26RhXy
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEAV6uPe1M
The Bringer rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked at where his sword had been lodged. He wasn’t happy or upset, nor did he look amused or angered. He had the look of someone who made a simple slip-up, like a man putting a box in the wrong place and merely shrugging his shoulders at the sight.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51HxBp1H5M
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GOi9Isd38
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit9Ex3hc5l
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrfUqo1fMz
“Ark… W-Why?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtEG03FOzi
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrvPelX63d
“I don’t have a reason. It was an accident, relax. Goodness, just relax! It’s not as if I hit your lungs, did I?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRq5jh9Qhe
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVlGNDhKSq
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp5vF67mvm
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcSi7R5CIQ
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK3WwMSI6g
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuNcTH6IKy
“A– y-you monster!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEYwLm99s8
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsjnfUej8k
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGUnp2MrzV
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuj1JtJoV6
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwgwsEGfjw
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA6WxNzr1L
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJMFt8QhmU
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFCIt4K9RO
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdTqHBvG3T
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZPHsGlJur
“A-Afraid?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct0D2lbf4M
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncGLOo5F9y
I was stunned, undeniably, but it wasn’t paralysis. That wasn’t the case, because I saw the Dean right there, writhing but breathing, trying what he could to cover his wound. But to call myself afraid wasn’t incorrect. I could hardly keep myself from melting.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhTaYjrmTZ
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgjtuCAMFP
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANZEnid3sx
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYmJWjV2sh
But then Juke’s words resounded from my side, and the sight of the Dean became enough for me to move. Though, I didn’t do so before giving myself a necessary rebuke.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr83Pjo7EfT
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDocCceepTU
“Damn it. Damn it!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zTN3jU85F
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKY53le9ZQ
I aimed the Freezey-Dry at the bringer and let it work. The Bringer stepped to the side, avoiding the wall of ice that formed until the end of the room. I didn’t have to face any counterattack either, as Juke kept the Bringer occupied while I ran to the Dean, forming an earthly knife.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSiyydRn5F
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhRy61AMP6
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQZwk9qfpY
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U8Jr9AbeH
I hurriedly cut the ropes, slicing one of my own fingers in the process, but still managing to free the Dean. He grasped his shoulder and got on his legs.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1wrhPSgoE
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj6CQkOH8T
“T-Thank you.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVGk7pSUaF
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfSEYmrZpc
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJDHrfxpUx
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXb6ZSuLgm
The Dean meekly nodded, which made me greatly relieved. I conjured up a quick earth spell and shot it through the ice wall, creating an opening.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6gTDJ3WQF
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNofg4ctldF
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdPlgoIPGh
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx4QSW7pns
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKycM2eSIbr
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAqSGOnDdd
Though his run was gaunt, he managed to leave the parameter without being stopped. I walked around the ice wall to make sure of it, seeing him go through the entrance, and then I returned my attention to the Bringer.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTwNTZrW2E
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq7z9KbAog
He and Juke were still fighting. The Bringer landed stray hits far too often for comfort, but I saw a window when the two clashed their swords and stared.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaqtLtJ0Q4
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKBAOavoHT
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURkEgTDKUz
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm10s5haduS
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUKx36Aheq
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM9wEyKb85
“Juke!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjYj1xwtbL
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiigEJ6dlk
I interjected as quickly as I could. I formed a ball of earth and shot it at the Bringer. He moved to dodge it, but his toilsome wound forced him to hiss and I managed to nip his shoulder. Juke took advantage of the generated momentum, swinging his sword barbarically but only scratching the Bringer’s cloth as he dodged. The Bringer clicked his tongue and massaged his shoulder. Though it was a reach of a call to make, I felt confident that his shoulder was dislocated.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDuBtoH0kh
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a4XSyhzAJ
“That kid is such a nuisance!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYo88Lii2g
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzJqPQuLqj
He yelled an enraged sentence, jerking his head to me and glaring with dagger-like eyes. I brought my tendril out in front of me as a kind of shield, though with the ferocity of which he sprinted, it clearly wouldn’t do anything.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09vHmD71V0
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWiTgDWv4E
Fortunately, it didn’t have to.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5JWPGhQ2m
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtl7uszZ04
“Ahck!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluIFG5D1m2
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCXiUO8iyY
A gust of wind came from my right, slamming the Bringer hard enough for him to tumble to the floor. Juke followed his spell by charging with his sword raised. He swung down and collided with a shielding scimitar, unable to break its barricade. But as they struggled, I made my move.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb87ibXbv0V
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOCW2BoQrz
A spell wouldn’t do me good, and this wilting Freeze-Dry wouldn’t fare any better. My other offensive flower had been pierced and shredded, so I only had one thing at my disposal.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9NKlqcwP4
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qksYnKW5s
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTId97Ah2xK
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJTPz4fca9
Juke moved his sword in the nick of time. The tendril caught the flat side of his scimitar– to my great relief –and crashed directly into his stomach. The air escaped from his lungs, and remnants of his meals flew out of his orifice. The blow stunned him well, and I retracted my tendril so Juke could quickly finish the job.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5INtd4th6
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL5K6ScDDR
But, that did not happen.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNFXmof8ou
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVfVe0xyYZ
With gritted teeth the bringer kicked himself from the floor to his feet, keeping Juke and I at a distance while pointing his swords. In the midst of it, I prepared a spell with my left hand: the embryonic stage of a geyser that would hose him to the wall. Preparing it took a while, however, and it was within that window of time that the Bringer362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31VAmhH6BC
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiWSrdy4VD
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuse0qxhNQL
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ214bZjPwun
He twirled his core along with his blades, swindling himself like a leadenknob. His arm covered every feature of his face but his eyes, and he glared at us with the eyes of a feline.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mKIj31Fes
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmUb6EXCEx
From his body language, posture, and exasperated voice, it was clear to me what was coming: that bizarre technique that troubled Juke and I when we first fought.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEQQAltCNq
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0ovRzo4i
And he let it rip just a moment later.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0FVNrFf2k
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuhyu0dXYU
His speed was unprecedented, his rotation made him blurry, and his rapid blades howled in the wind it sliced. Though he spun in a rocky direction, it was just accurate enough to gain ground on Juke and I. And I knew that helmet of his wouldn’t last under such a flurry.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi335t5vsP4
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOnydCR5hv
But true as that might’ve been, it wasn’t his helmet that would be put to the test. The Bringer veered from Juke right into me, approaching at a speed I could hardly react to. React I did, however. I produced a flower from my tendril and injected mana into it as fast as I could, and before his flurry of blades came, I had something to guard myself.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfQHfWm7dT
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ND67tHuOv
The beige and jagged texture of the Valencia-Bloom’s shield defended me. Small enough for me to carry, but large enough to stop speedy metal from sneaking past. It kept up with the flurry miraculously, as every cut it received closed immediately. Dozens and dozens of cuts, and none strong enough to pierce through.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXx5s09P5b
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtKpXCOtND
“...!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1d62lsaCP
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgX6Vyn9Le
None so fierce to kill my plant.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxahCLicCNg
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMb4Ogd1zN
“M-My arm!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4V0SYmPlz
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0aEshEbxw
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO9M9xlVJ1
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXda7CtanW
“Juke!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR0Y9zEaev
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjDhlwy82w
“Gotcha, kid!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNSGBY2M1h
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wViZlL6or
The barrage had no effect on the shield, but my puny arm couldn’t stand against such pressure. It was impossible to keep it up. I could already feel the fear seep into me; flashing images of what would become of me should those spinning blades connect.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrB8BZXNLH
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG20TLYpu18
But something unusual happened in light of that. An action I didn’t know I had the capacity for, but was driven by nothing but my own will.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMtCJJ5PaU
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzVQb7CSH4
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDvC3hwA95
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg0EHmwAZ2
It wasn’t a clean hit– the complete opposite. I couldn’t aim my palm in any useful direction, but the force of the spell was so great it still adjacently struck the Bringer. As I didn’t have time to plant myself firmly, I was sent flying as well, colliding into the wall to my right and across the room.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8NkPlH9f9
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7NKIrHhSZ
“Hrk!”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNBuXLXevm
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINW4rQXsHI
The slam was ugly, and I slid to the floor like mushy food. I didn’t let myself rest then, however, because that Bringer was still alive. I stood up and peered over the Dean’s desk, at the Bringer.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9qhBkTy0w
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf191GFA8VR
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG37ZjpfaHS
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVw2Vccz71
“...”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqONdg8Er27
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IHniDIl1o
“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjHeIhHmE3
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSrrvcD6Dv
I didn’t respond to Juke’s praise. All my attention tunneled to the Bringer. His gaping mouth, his constricting eyes, the fading strength as his staunchblades slipped from his grip. He finally turned his eyes to me, then to the man who left him in such a state.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgsrxymKTc
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYlNx6nT2U
“Curse…”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiLQmLX5Ex
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotVOZW9nvu
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY3PlGPapq
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Ym1NmalW
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKXKuC7kJv
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aRiBr8DbN
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfMwqrM0AY
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hEtnqgcJY
“May they, be few.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjiAingL9Q
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfyWuITRLr
Another fit of coughing followed. It was intense and abrasive, ripping at his throat with each installment. Their strength eventually dwindled. His noisy coughs turned to raspy whispers, ejecting all the piling blood that clogged itself in his throat, lower and lower volumes as it progressed.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMHZgNFDuE
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlLPQ1jlf9
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F2WXLLPhe
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXGN645L1Q
“That was… sad.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyRxbGm3X0
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXVsGaFSwb
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvtuTXAUsl
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2UMG9jPCX
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGBPxn5fyr
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgNOiR2ofm
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgDkA6loHq
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAxFJw1D6n
I chuckled at his assessment. He had a point. I should’ve just been glad to be alive, shouldn’t I? I showed my gratitude by taking a few steps over to Juke, raising my palm with as sweet a smile I could make. He matched my gesture, and we high-fived.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zUzjEaZsX
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZstep5vC2g
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitsuF43p74
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAviRQj3Tui
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdokux4RlKv
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAmH7Zhevc
“Don’t continue.”362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqDxW55fS3
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzvukp6UaP
I looked at the Bringer’s corpse. In a twisted way, it was a trophy. A tangible token that indicated our success, our reclaiming of the Central Pillar. If the lower floors have succeeded, that is. I didn’t want to think like that now, however.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVkaLKSEuj
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqvvIKN2en
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9nYgsmV2Z
