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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0cz96ACeN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40FK9lO8yd
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W2iLTarWM
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUCei9WFdM
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbehynxpgr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76m1R6oPwM
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlinvjghCx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczAMNKIWa3
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKizRzXSExH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36qrmfzet6
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmeF3Iukjb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP5t02OzB2
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj7zLLvJtc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzsWLdrczo
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmaPdLf2Pk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiqeuEnJ9A
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETivwGWHkr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf69umrDiud
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cQ87DH9or
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEYJpzsiER
**BOOM**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3IY6wATZ0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc88PS6iR33
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj18rhIw0J4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDLxV2XW0O
"Ack!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp95UphlLlR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoPTBfaTNr
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ1fzXZD7f
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYrO8vAkz9
The room was a catastrophe.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILT5WZdlOn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZxHxyig9d
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyaE172MYI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXIMEzJCoB
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UPxl8jkDG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiizyqgMoe
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YnfuBLMmF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYflkE3nUY
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs7bSpEsrf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQk3enDx1C
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoRLopiAbR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsE8cnfQbm
**STRIKE**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk06UbFOilj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfggmdtZNq
–only to be immediately interrupted.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N47tuOEQh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmc2byzfMQ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF1U4YXHL2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe83bzs6UJy
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR4z5SMmY0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIF40eJhPB
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLfryJlUYk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtJiB6K2UB
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9xgwnlzGt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy1wGt3CvV
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG9jBZWYY3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCxT3OVPKP
"C'mon!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7juSx2XAq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpka6UrKg6
"--Ah!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9RnGEmCHm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIbeKyDTrL
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Aierck4es
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVspVNl9vir
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPfBZ5iaDK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqLOoqbDAp
–
–
–
What a moron.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYsATtAUHr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYUPUwnJc4
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8CHycCa7y
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVM3svKn2e
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWhV8Oy2ja
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrdxhNLbgy
**THUD**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8N0vXoZEW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYfKWNkBJ3
"Ngh!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Cbk5PDT0b
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1QUf88ePM
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV13iymjnR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6I1boLSkr
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUz77e1Zey
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSv70VdNrg
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeCBekaSk5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwNXiQ51Zo
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtpiGtDV7z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmIfDJwn3e
"--I should've known!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MnjFuZGQ7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LrMdyxHI1
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVD2DWjlwK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy24nuXQQR
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCqXXi4PbW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92fWRd7kr2
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCchXsp9uB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb5KvjpW5A
"DAVE!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gU4DxBfBp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJRlNMe9Qd
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OjnO8hlG4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhyTZXxALu
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETK8ZV9vtT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOytwJAQcm
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.
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn5gJnp25v
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkG5bRNlru
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyT8265xR9
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSaxbopXxU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwG6LPYYuN
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI4UFwdIBV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSFNoMoZjj
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLTBEGVhNH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9IhcVjXOH
"...Those are our first casualties–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LjmyDIJ5p
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhotF9D4PW2
**BOOM**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvNH2S4gEs
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRqZaAdAiL
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF57VjVpjB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU6sXcwzxA
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl9TxCQFa1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG185QjmLMS
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tzpWxgwsD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5AAHW6bfr
"I'm here now."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEtXsVQTv9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiYNcChLdS
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfJeBx222k
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2r4h44Apg
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmppWgAykd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe99I63y9zL
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNRk8Mn7I4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFCUA0Cu3U
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErnwo7hzBM
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y6cniZSa7
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRSS2fJmUT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9qNTRr3Es
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHJO97GjiP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBJTMeXksU
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Szn2uTrcK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEV6q5luXg
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsmQxjLExv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINkvsnEYPm
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tRln67VAk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgDoTDbD4J
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThIdWcQ0cu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53jr9mNg8m
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmrEI0SSs0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydJBmZVorh
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVjlVO67ke
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn2g0aTqeS
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0uX8tfw8K
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFSR0QmOqf
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvdV7xRFfN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauUaX5HRhz
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwors46CXl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgLAq4CV0Z
**BOOM**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdjDiZ3sec
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFosX3kuip
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEwoLqCkSn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zLn2TMIKF
"Pars!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOxk2rxUjV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyBVFTIFvz
"Huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFpaOdxzoa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26qCvySQdc
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0NBNxyB3m
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3oGh5Trfx
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk8CcF6Fue
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsRCQPNwhR
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L5rebidOe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE67lb2T5Ur
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA5m7BTAjU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK7tUVkdPV
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzxDekKknr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfSS9pDK6M
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFiua4ISiL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMzRKwZGj6
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5igtI1j5ZP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18zmrrOpnq
**CLANG**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ou6DDD4x5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SYpANhZVi
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQdSPNazeP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7nBlCgK68
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxdF1bQRfi
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF7MXgI4tE
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHNhBlrSNN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F5K0T2Wou
**SLAM**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGapkksaEpF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXCJxmh5Hk
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ3FoHoHqh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoIdoAxScI
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDCRSbyrbB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN085uKE7EY
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkLsfvjcbC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9tMmluZ3h
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbl0QWcPMm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW0qvUhsBk
"Ngh! Shit–!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNz80GDtI3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT0Nv4KbcV
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKJjNjvcT4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATCSlXASwM
But then–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHWVoHrluu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWPpqSwtKn
**BOOM**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1terA5W7L
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNB9SThutG
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK5cYImZfQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXAGMEqiP8
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcea4unEbi
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYpWyJKhMd
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZTtsxUL9K
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlofQt9mfQN
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJIaekGC7v
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7LILkZtbm
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrAZ97X0Cw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfSDfEV5Dx
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbnZlHxFWd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodbwIgTetI
"Gah–! You scared me!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCezDd1gCnh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVjPMCNxuK
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUOklvbtzd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SWzbxaK4N
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WE2dKfxKf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacORFuLcJz
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU9dAFfm3d
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuU5O1WjPJ
"No, this is terrible."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nqlV1w6XO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuth7ElvKl
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZOxgPcYnC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrGPt14ffh
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqpvFuLBiw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u2FLiiPU8
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz1s3K77AX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6SvuWjz8S
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtiJ5Qzdzt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasmHsKTzrV
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHtz5dVNfs
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rQ2vGZ90M
"No. No suggestions from you, please."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ90HBGgjWc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVag1m0YYW8
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjSEDC47OJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7kbP5DZGc
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOhGZbLAyU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOEKkoXJ6u
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq30fJEbna
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfFK1TaacH
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nDecARjz7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JVSnYFPnt
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVE82Phf6v
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1s1rFd2r2
Still, no response.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneJXp318Xp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjFHge8hbr
"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–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZHRKcE1Yb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6kGEL7IqR
"Because you're entirely incompetent."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn1foFbLcB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q3wzlkjD4
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV1WxmD2wf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtVnCsiBbk
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlZvWv2tX5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9CshZhwmt
"..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVJzixx5n6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTviTc2psxi
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlewSox5oj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Tm3LbZ8Od
"..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcJ9KcBD2w
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vdzxUtvzF
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKxlkKhZIq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRDjRUQVK5
"What?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kAwrdZkXu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUJRWYcsXP
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6iwaKXmng
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq9cjtuiDy
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDF3XqbkYw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhAuc6KZe1
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF0VM0r6jq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL32NJxDvO
"...I see."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOvre1ZG3F
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMQb10Pshs
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgl6kgUgIE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7DcpgIzxf
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM9ljg1YA3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvocBiH7xH
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMDW54pBvH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxASTA3Mdk
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKGVzmuiA3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduKX7HyTEH
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYjKB7qMTp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh07IpIw2zr
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWjoNi61P4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVnSUqwgZi
"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–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3MXrUAUzJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1puM48MFgz
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27VHf7mDl1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLLlmYysWn
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXLqa9tR43
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiP97ZMJjD
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:189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFr0MgCe6q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWiqQb8xUw
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89TElYr64Y
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4k0q2wv4S
"Alright!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTcRlqeGZx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsXxemxkjj
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw16y23CiG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBMwfz73LJ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlSEVQsGmu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ9K6y8kqv
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreR89bHgG6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElDZpFAlgu
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgGgDXQIDJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFQTlWBBYl
–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhXYTyKc0W
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt5k09fu57
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdAu9lS9bh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIqNIyOUOO
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdngUMCCZK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDi3Ryh9ZX
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBH0QlyeYS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5ollLBjEC
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1GtEcY01A
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtppmCkWWc7
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pLIpPuoJz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb47kDb2dt
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkwPaA5X1Y
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4qo2YwleD
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxul4KHUjdi
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCv8fKoxzT
"--No!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLZoKQUfHN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBrMYHN9O6
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuKyT96iMb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiwc3QGVls
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZyMsVfNx3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVDGdjYbUI
"Hyua!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNaK4V93zx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6khYIkWGQP
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreUdtHKola
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxbu4PvbuD
However, he did have another sharp object.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cRd8kJHbd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LnWWrimMX
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexHzFgI54o
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8ImJbEiOD
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7I9MDu41A
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRm0iiOxqW
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTxxiePwbu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pbInDJfnw
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnZVr4mBLC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqzGV4Mldc
And what came was–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACLWw0Ktt4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLSEF0CjgH
**BOOM**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3KvSA3SAg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyVbUpP204
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUt4sXsBXp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAdx5PhOCD
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8uYCQjZzQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZwXSpg6rS
"--oop!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY82vhKHi1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4RUZTBjgG
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jBYq8BRjZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM8XSsar2d
"You... you're a sick jokester."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPHsbi6Y6W
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbeGEfz8B2
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Cey0CoVOQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpokXABm6V7
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6gkfMacYT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUQxAQ9dkP
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7PMGN5QrE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVPi0G7Pa6
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmLTDnP5sQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2vVGlp4l2
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxR34bgiY2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh7ri71vfQ
"What the hell... what the hell!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH17JYYoCn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLq4xCinyS
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ398Cfj7ONu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRV1vREZKM
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgURhE3jR8
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtfOktgo1j
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKoccHOpEm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQXsXZNwVs
"...Heh."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpLL3JlZNQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwaJx16Eb7
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTwdpRz6PT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26q8Uo2ViH
–
–
–
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dGY0BQ3gq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCuYL4h2IB
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj6XdoRzyK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa4Gqsfi5C
**THUD**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp8iTJ4KVc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQupqyrGYI6
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbTGmy6aNh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqesfbHIpzs
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZnR9LDL4U
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkNxVbh7KY
"Though I have to wonder–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOUjr1k8de
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j37q5UR9d
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLJVEie6bM
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL5lNgwyIo
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZvnkVKafA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8PL4sCR7x
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLyIiHiSc7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkHb0yj9jy
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinjdWdgE2N
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQV7XFdELl
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f9MfWVXfD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7S6gcBiyc
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.
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXm5doGIQ2
"Irritating...!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tyMRUs4g6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv2b8H3L5z
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwpITWpWKS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoAgG3tuq2
Dave didn't like to use spears.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1Q6tqoCwv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIL32sfqH4
"...Haaaaa."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjLbCPBi91
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy227FN9Iv
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzc9XpMYDE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2NKvCXpRX
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5zaAebBsp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWMNK3GUNW
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1nOLt9hFE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U5zzUBoZz
That's what he always told himself, at least.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHD2sOHHi2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR2zcpPOzz
**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**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQWHBvbDBG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFHKhlfr1a
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrYVWr9E5Z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixFgxHQpkJ
**CLASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxq9MnQJ2a
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MRjR2FdRf
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**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqaS0B0HV4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHYEqe0j7L
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?189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV70M6Y9Fp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl5wP3mgVr
**CLASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHk8XmbDnn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6abzSEeHg
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtvTLODDj7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe29srapjCL
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26c0k4yBQ0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe48uIlBtb1
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lmBQo9JR8
Confusion–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFk1VsR8Cz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawXQNnNkRz
**CLANG**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnTCPPhMX4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kIXLCPxxj
Delusion–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiJZ9xx0VY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb4QyC8RRX
**CRASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbcDuivt5W
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkitCrSYLp
All lead to one conclusion:189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0Gdd5Px2Q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoaum3iLD2
**SMASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDEs9FUZAN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIR7dRH8qp
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7Aj0zAChT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbukGId7vR
"...No, of course it isn't."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NKPoEWg3a
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtukSC00xD
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Yl40w3vvS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkHGZdzJiX
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2eSGeFJWz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBQ7HGnCOp
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs05CxtMRBI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88fE5GE117
**THUD**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfYvED5Tjm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLxHy77bqp
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jZDyo1h0F
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9soohp549
"Pars!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalJSkPEs6g
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc43enI0oG
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLOO3cv1kx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISPXRInbEe
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreQBy9C9eC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCTFaOqBXp
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRy1Z8ns1h
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAALB1X2dVZ
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2y4Sp38qx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTFx2upWXi
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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qVZB1QfEu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1SLphw6a8
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqDGQfJhr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFqsAUfLCJ
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv5y1y3bdk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h1Bg44tgE
"What do you propose?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVredNlmBVB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz2CZh7P7z
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ012Rw1w4z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mxK8NexvX
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSpwvuvbGF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFQVRHkINm
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU0scSnCjB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5QE5um6AQ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5giCWDdyS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcO2hfHtY5
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqHOOOpSzz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0rWDBeXx3
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgImGUFQay
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssjn6oAHAl
"--Huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV9n2eoVr1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeEOpPmxxR
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrp9OdZjdR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jZ1T9BswX
"...Always backhanded, huh."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfe1t75Qhp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR0ptn1sGg
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 laugh189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oHJ1FuaHC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwm20dvz5p
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBOH6OP63h
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1lRnqdJo2
"We likely don't have one."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n6TFrDtER
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIEcZR8zCx
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQGXVBFZdl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcMEPYqxmy
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsEcNJiYtf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQwEPZuQec
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbTWyQn4Tg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9HAkl0xCn
"Well, if you insist."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuARwNSUgk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0qTWLSidu
–
–
–
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.
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8udhJvgSB
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtDGeQNfwQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi3HnoWTJy
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8ALpfHlFq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOjpY9YlWJ
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLeIq8du10
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfWnSVOxQg
**THUD**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDuLdb9H7P
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrS3NxsKNG
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?189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYG8SlmJJT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5I0DH8i3v
"--!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTE112QlfR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6s9Jx38SM
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXFJgeDO4N
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6xXcej0Nz
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NgMvOF8Hu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXgNVMkgKG
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYEfKlxdzO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUzA61aIdV
**SPLICE**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3pkhCdkb6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgRsM3uVWY
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbf0i9zKZ4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATG4IZrLOs
"I missed one."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeKRuT9eXP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooud4flppR
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OPr0ueZLU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm8nl7eyiv
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTSCZUjTaL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t8sO5OesJ
"Hey!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PAQJVLaXA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWboQsm2mC
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0HJsVwlnC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpYgAWCI2g
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl7ZjJXN2q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WEu6QSNuX
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhsW1KYPfw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEmOdlxumP
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTcqFXt84P
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1miK417Ch
"I never said that."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHwgGe7Nt7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJehrO2vDZL
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQy7ddXc9z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vXmiHSIyv
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHol2FdDrl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmrc4GKNzd
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fZ1Mb6XYD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOQOF2aJjg
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezhV4PPDnI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie20QkvLeP
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4jndz3p93
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvblsgNdZwe
"Haaaa. Damn you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMSXqnJ1wF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPHZxjYCUv
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9M4x1MgLK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D55V35u6g
"They are dead, right?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZOH1UmHCF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vZ0Qp4WNv
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxrUjGXLr7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMJxqxpcfl
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h4x2BgRIv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZPk9wkVSs
"I–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurCQP6Taly
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNclLZ2Yr7W
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MbbhcgUoL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwZm7cW6Kp
"Huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw93LJxjk5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKY8BanWGZ
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEpjCE98ef
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTtxqUXQBr
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS5ObHnazG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnEAsF1vbi
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDsGv15nVc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4OTALQiC8
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfFiSCsswj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAxyoJVyYk
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8iGhNmTkX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2vCKuGNss
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvW5Mw1JUS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII3TpqIdZe
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh87dyM08v6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mF6eI4neg
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqmaq956yq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukD1105pzd
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5wRqnEkmV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThOIBW5Pbf
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw1kMSDErC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5sCSt7nn8
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR9iWA2jRA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUfyj1I3Xq
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHsYzvOOOa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIWXJ2TpyI
"You raise a good point."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO8k4vKaw9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo39fmjAezs
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpK4c2kAOA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvIoEIN2ve
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JZRSu7HXe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasvO7GJq6m
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9byyAldYr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfHs7nbSgj
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKbqYilwxF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQUiIJwpN7
"Ha, abandon?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm4bxeN5Iu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMskn3nYC6z
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50bE6HzGdF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldwf0RtOj3
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHQ8YvCfea
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ECZ9maZpx
"If you were, it was backfiring."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXegD3lfuGA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfETrPeORbs
"Harhar. Very funny."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjdR4rEoJt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf4LsRFB2S
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVU8hMaq1c
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68T2Zv07EM
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckEOjiYnXt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcOirXgqjz
"Aren't you conceited."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡall5mUROz0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTznYIfST3
"You think it's arrogance?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DE9WOA9RS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ7phrFcyE
Pars began to stroke his chin.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFNP9fPhmL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiuxr1uLDT
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6N86zP3u9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW66Suj6lhb
"But what you want isn't just greatness."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABG0vv3dok
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAkSa7FJZr
"...Yeah, you're right."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw28yH6NH8l
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgmOgDBIcn
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJUb2gsBg9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIkAZjWWyD
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
