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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjao6sSrXHj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN9cCT24JJ
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo9etXo6tb
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ufbw21m6k
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcC6NiV8KA
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1acx08JGkj
"What are you doing!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33UqsjUK3V
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezK2fySJjB
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOatrIP7Pp
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPjb7LfYMI
**BOOM**194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEZuDyHqey
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpNcbmlfko
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlapZM0QPrU
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbGGBmVsTG
"Ngh, damn it!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKaN5gWBP9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGvIhqj5DY
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvFZK2s8xn
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIge0PAg2Yo
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRup6c2X32a
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpvUGdLyk8
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N4yqvnwqz
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaLbABTczu
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sgYzjeYFM
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfZc2NXZSX
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs19TbBO53
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj8lPFdN0F
"--Damn it! Rover!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVgSfeeTth
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbbaM7Rofy
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72fEY3GKDm
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsE2YJHFFY
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwELgyrwsMN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwi0UhL0zO
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTobH3MyaQU
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMuAwycoHa
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK5bIzzrHm
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmkY0CoyDI
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzwl3zcrWt
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcmsicSodK
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFqSRyszSV
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuVzzuTZHU
"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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIrBL5XFDA
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Wh2ReZvC
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ekdLCE9LE
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg93pF4Cgx
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr60jrRMVBG
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy3P15TIsI
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSw9YHF949
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPFcbsU9aH
"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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhi7lviMnl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8nomUSeED
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu0NfJKbZF
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqjVMAYrEV
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95rvRzBwwX
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OmaKLBjA3
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcnlAszI8T
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrGWRC5RWW
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3mObdx6kN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbWFdxbWtc
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtoP3xdbPC
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrHjYWopzL
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbA9VeMEz9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JrTdbhrb4
"Hey, Kenny!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEDCv88WHq
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtEdXIu5rM
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD8bnlSuxz
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQWdgiw2a5
"I-Is she okay?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksJKKR49kW
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGTj1yBg8Z
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF6xUUUwy0
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ee6CqwOp
"I don't know what that is!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKL4eD7R9u
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog4H9cIrdf
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKnF4m34j7
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWFY298fL2
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU6s30iuKe
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLUhIlZEun
Though, that did raise the question–194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAhpRIVyb2
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXd4p3zat4
"Do you know where you're going!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHQhjabE0n
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWeQVI1epc
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBooYAqDzK6
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsViCVbHhJs
"Ah– where is Dennis?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fjyaBSy7l
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkpzP2jQhC
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8V5FSCRV3
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7acSZd0huT
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–194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzynHIg27pX
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlNZrMnTtT
"Shit."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHmoym0tzs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kAslmt8Cz
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME2R7AtqKt
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIa4GLW3if
"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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGacgzWgVtm
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNp1FXECHI
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMgVVD9TMD
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPxGVJ4nvh
"...Alright."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMKJ3Di7Ka
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NQkhNI89Y
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTmMc5OD7p
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo23yFVvqT
"Alright, I'll take yer question."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIzcXS5MuT
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u2jHpmzZT
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb4KX9oSxG
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBuYrDMAcU
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIl8rTfXyy
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfQah8lAKf
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1kvZnvLp4
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS60BQPHFD
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPDvqkRaNa
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW016NW1scj
The man stopped speaking.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iRuglKHGB
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtIiJsAzvW
"Alright, carry on, then."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmQR5ApvAb
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpVojBnVq5
"...Eh?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSheWCcWC6
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aN7rH7tVA
I shared in his confusion.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlBuzTHv4H
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC38QnPExud
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6G4Wq2DCf
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuLcWQake1
"I-If ya say so!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXkQEx4FYZ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjlm8oj3UU
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–194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU768VlKKkM
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfLID7fLCn
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjBSnKR4xr
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp72Tz8f6me
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3859xAAkN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjOBhW2kY5
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8t8DKSrX7
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52zObTvYb0
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeelSB2tcM
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs5Wuc7aMa
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w1bWWbv5i
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWHufmrG3R
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XFDVG4F60
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2FJL4dyd9
"Damn it, kid!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeScUZSQw6
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJNwlL85Dl
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.
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXdjm7tkmb
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGHb8wlwwV
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l5gGCcvA0
**SMASH**194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLCxGcJk9q
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzWs4hnO3h
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobGJsEGjGj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnnelWoCJB
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHasdgyk4j
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jTq4DoBxR
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeZOmkCDzB
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWy8gesGJw
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rf1RUQCFT
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI5pzaVRpL
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnXjt3u32B
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hb9qczejD
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkxTzBNr0E
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3eoomZGUV
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSf8yS1v5S
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF6vzvPM3p
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiqhTvumz0
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRN7SrjrVq
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMvgvmvmsw
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IZuju1cxi
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbca8cA2RMl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee7UD0mH2k
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslSRyHoYtQ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiXswDikIZ
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF15yZk7DU
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrCSt5hyBM
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEbFXRtldx
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsrNlvfzcd
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn3gL0RtCv
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu8yhSrSnA
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8ZPKUwLgP
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSaXjkTvtU
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNATVDYTqrX
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeCIejh3kb
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkik6kkPMyM
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Ybwk05zD
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEH0YVbGDO
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMiDm1mDir
"Like I'll let ya do that!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiulCp1dZUS
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1faQw7Zzc
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfuHZCdAdi
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdHsfx3v3y
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWVZIA98Fl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYZIcw8eiN
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhpf2poK5z
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F3GmNKiIJ
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9kabZCw23
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkYYFnxAul
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I5Mbym5As
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX947kZ5yG
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT2BEsOcBY
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXyoUYVhIP
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqj4oOwu9l
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRoyVizgqD
"--Hrk!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zrVegbfKJ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnFLUvFbEU
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34T3lSvbXo
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GrcgfGvlA
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhmbvWFl2C
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowYgBSW8gi
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYMrNFjs5Z
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTp4j4flOD
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicmpGcKgyv
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t270ZsWv6
"Whatever!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqtEJ0JMBG
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlLaOptc94
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6OPH15nJ5
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNAWu5Rl84
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GVhglqTkN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3GWxKBHYI
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iPH8kyVV9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRsxSUxwze
Dread, worry, guilt–194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcSK7847lM
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpxGIbuA5P
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rXCEN6nDd
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREWPydYY7y
"...R-Right!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dwXo8U4Jg
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteo3lbgpK0
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQYd41lOF9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8BU00uC1n
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NM6uO9R55
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0fEzx7sTM
**SLAM**194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj9U2dSeZO
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWrhwqnLEZ
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFuKD8B1ti
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmhzMVAh7j
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbsEOBlsp7
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlAGjgpGu8
"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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOXXbAtrJ6
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WaNezInbt
"--Ugh!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoxVunIpCa
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZNnygs7nE
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf7v2kgq5o
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSwmCGuKnX
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRSif38t7t
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsQqeiSUa2
**SMASH**194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOS98QXpBH
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR9QPdNQMS
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexJ7QCohM5
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0SygNVmga
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J0mUgANtR
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOC0rRJuu5
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLQwbsoIMD
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs6xh06mdA
"Ah! Sorry!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pM7bBNrJs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4iVOyF6Lg
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn6PfUa446
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROj5CRFWrQ
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2rWSsb4mw
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN6blrH24u
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoQZgGCW0P
"N-No, that's not it."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3IKoqC2Qs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu3HfdLO7x
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT4tIOk6HS
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA5syEkhiM
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhRuyWQWWN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQcYzDKpu0
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
