Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJuf6qPttB
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uaS4jCrJH
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Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBQvFqnVN1
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"What are you doing!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYvi7v5Nxa
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqrMzUHDYR
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn7lCdazzE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRyE2QdPKF
**BOOM**173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pje6eb5o6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ584vaQjRIi
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RQMAr72om
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"Ngh, damn it!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPpIfXjZfg
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAotQFBvvQ4
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7H4ksDQ9F
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1agm7XnGP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocBRVr7ttp
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl4P1kM1dJ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK10iPq8y24
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1XVwa2PYg
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyVShPjFbl
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eyfTKNKfp
"--Damn it! Rover!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIfOFcEJBq
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I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4NMbNzT4D
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1Ihbq3G2R
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur9VJlH6zn
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT30LJzMlc4
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"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov5ingr4ic
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtmPbrZhVl
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL7oMLQJlD
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKK8ZmQh3L
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3tGzJCobC
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVuTV0O0wr
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjSmzUqaer
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83CwZjU2UI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkHuvaFFce
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX867ZGfKR
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf5bnE49cV
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvzXmshGYK
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"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHpB42DWez
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUnrpPmbJx
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfGmJh0zts
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwZguvtOC7
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeMfQfoWPH
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsShbTKEae0
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH5zxDtraF
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpGv3wfqa7
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHCy7SbwgE
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ACE6NeHMm
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlOVpKV8my
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"Hey, Kenny!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EJZKE061J
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Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv12JLjHgOz
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"I-Is she okay?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsJlVu4QWE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwNsWzbH7v
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLhcMGS2jA
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFytRDX82CJ
"I don't know what that is!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84haok7D5g
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGl7iITjZr
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXorIMLBwol
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Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMfCJfb7fe
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Though, that did raise the question–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAgH8Cnj9B
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"Do you know where you're going!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoAYuyRtet
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYulo8YLjel
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoLXl0hrsX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFrodQVeCG
"Ah– where is Dennis?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC9AWuvKjj
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP0cnZ869D
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU3fODJ4L2
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHoby4fkO4
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGxGNfZil
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"Shit."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCug2X5vTS
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Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRYMcaTHDr
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqEs8kNPdr
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iX41uRErL
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDZeBPuuzH
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"...Alright."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnZcCOQgBu
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvPlzMrEeZ
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e8XExWYWY
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArHpfo0IJ9
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeytY3TQSh
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZmWDv7ON2
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gZ2WuEvfz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNKlfMdY0B
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqhNB3BZG8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakvlNEKsZ0
The man stopped speaking.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDvl7h4M2L
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"Alright, carry on, then."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYsb0DpFEU
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"...Eh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJgNlfSuk
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I shared in his confusion.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMmoKFT81i
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIfqJzDbis
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"I-If ya say so!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcBTijopAp
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Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghgOSsJKM5
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcrkd725Mc
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And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DWNpa91e3
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6s2Vae1Ur
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In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTnHOBS3qs
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I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2EqFGfzHm
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zhuCi6m8l
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"Damn it, kid!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ801Cla9Xh0
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Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCgPiwqXRo
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**SMASH**173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8telNO49F
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I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazZBDuff6t
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuszFjuWLM
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Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WhiWsWNgh
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjJtgWGvg4
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYxTnYYCRG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznCiVE7CAP
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo4NpQsuf0
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW57OJCmGA
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The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9faYosYIxH
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVxmaPkbFy
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosYP6u2meh
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Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqLLL9ADrU
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ5TUllWYj
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBbkGZZkit
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR2njZVvbu
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"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2yYPDkSJU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnY4qYFbpt
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqFtQ9a0k5
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FXvkBIn3X
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTN0RhtHMa
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1YKcrXSJQ
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTISokfng5B
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfdxG6kXcV
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"Like I'll let ya do that!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbMIYpunjQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU4xi6nxQB
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRASQRscZ9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfwn4wea0Q
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9Vu9FGmtF
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMXVzZS3q1
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdIg8A8V8W
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRhe4Py6Vk
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJLrGnledw
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyFadCXfub
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpRu95kfMn
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBvG4LBpW0
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxicNvwA8GW
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpFoE6ZHWC
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV165iwPgDs
"--Hrk!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlvhmSAJEM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosFhcWsFCR
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefTUv43uIv
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp5vIjr1sw
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnADi88Dcca
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiReR4hZpzS
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HTMPVZgjE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWegTqTUcJe
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ45UDSp2nm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9hogyhIS3
"Whatever!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqi29SZT6C
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgolpNToxAp
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35AiLYP6Lu
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSLSbvYWIC
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19g094mpBR
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw33jb4wtk2
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFsXGmpd77
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejh5E16Jgl
Dread, worry, guilt–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZGc6lHoPk
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV1D3VW3Mv
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdaBwb2oxs
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB72fBBNRVn
"...R-Right!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4QwNc8iD3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzW4dfyYRr
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNBLlEiWd3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgohThSWB77
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN0jdHbltp
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bj3kJlyzF
**SLAM**173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6bM5ZEOfz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz5CA5O156
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZSDJOc5mq
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BuRi5FDFL
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXZJC5MNk1
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tXBwrfty7
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYyD5ZzfXT
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"--Ugh!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvUksw1jFO
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nKVZrPsR5
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThgPwbvD22
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrbCvjFUhB
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdODMaVbbQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwfXVRPwp4
**SMASH**173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZC44RsTWv
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx2DxBu7ol
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbBqfFvhRO
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrib7jpfqs
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo9U558xB5
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08VSEeHxjP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XFyjZeBJw
"Ah! Sorry!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2uRD3gpHg
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YjGNiCge6
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUzWScRJaW
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ1GYHmBbz
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGpuGVlDn5
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C17MErdpd
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWSS0njT8P
"N-No, that's not it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvpLKObL5U
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5rH3yBtHu
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVldTSHTETs
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOmm0UyUuY
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6yecLO1ZE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J1lVWtcF7
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
