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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAxDIQARGM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHxQVwUO0l
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84W5zHji7b
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwWLKnt5va
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmOW1nDNvK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrlK92tcT8
"What are you doing!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGdqlxvS3A
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXUh6M3SK4
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dFuEPBuae
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iKSoJu2HM
**BOOM**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LnUNrb0PK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2n8Zygnz2
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6uCNCrWaL
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"Ngh, damn it!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eeQ6FpTey
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2IreDxnYf
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SsBm1UiGA
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUzTkivInt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVV0g0IvrQ
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkawI5DVdZ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHiZmxgyZo
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxJUS6snj2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmJG2VzYGF
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIKLtmv3xM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w66i1lsDc
"--Damn it! Rover!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWnexGcrC3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbx4Mv7YPX
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BY6k9DlCJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvKkcvb8YN
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgDNKg79hL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9dLzmNa4t
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMBO9bSWUh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfzbaR8vXA
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHPpHO5Fwr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lUVR0LMlK
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjPhGfSu1y
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfpdtlb3qf
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E1CfnAbB0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza19tl1l6O
"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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf7uyDg0q6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmL7bI02s3
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvpDWp29Qk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOdsqND5YM
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIaCbAZebA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV2OE652vl
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vV6sXgEyY
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"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpOKFMc2eQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQe0VKPMtu
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZJALiDrkA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguvMUuv47j
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Jo8J4QVm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tsW1QRDbE
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdqQzbqiRE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMFiDbXTmW
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKHBJ6iN2C
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VeACud5gp
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos432QSt4j
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkey2yENw3
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF0TItO7If
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"Hey, Kenny!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZODIVQ0seK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBenmJeWHnv
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa05zN86dWd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w60BUYQEr
"I-Is she okay?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSyzqduNgj
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfTMDqcEl4
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oITqVCeOI
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrGqN0qFdJ
"I don't know what that is!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGQpJAnnYd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD4kWpHcNL
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQZ3x1zvDe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k6NpE80Np
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHCxBGzhB4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI6V0NSA22
Though, that did raise the question–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmdcJNhPTA
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"Do you know where you're going!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthszkeyFuK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWOso26AzQ
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVSswZfkUa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo76gtVXKCP
"Ah– where is Dennis?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmHjWihyNe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5X7OkaNu9
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER3He3MYji
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ku5mXipgR
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHCK6slzJg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT76SWDMBG
"Shit."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dMKabFbqQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLlHfcSSgY
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza6WFOkjgi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ736dnORB1E
"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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4g2beyCaL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKANpKFKzZB
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhexiLjLAEJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbMBYpiVDo
"...Alright."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba6f3TXSqe
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00nDnlsdiJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSDNrszhRG
"Alright, I'll take yer question."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjJSgqUHmX
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrgRVCAba9
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7KkCswdM8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xf7e4D2p2
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FxTwXE4nk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiiiSzcprW
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfE5cXKrpj
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71iO2koYFh
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KlZeVkjoC
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The man stopped speaking.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf7SVgueDq
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"Alright, carry on, then."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRrh7hpT8b
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsSJQXc8kj
"...Eh?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhGQ1nItk4
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I shared in his confusion.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR6QKHE6X4
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QoeW8lJNi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNVvD09pXR
"I-If ya say so!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUMKgWjBYE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSQMsGAWll
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6aJQLFnwM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZri3M16Yrf
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y8ESVPEhn
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And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEzC7pyZC9
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlorHipV3qJ
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaFPIFixd0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiRKkFnls9
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5NWxGiYZP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpRUsbApwu
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RxaPFSL6p
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODXxB9tj7S
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"Damn it, kid!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt19yYWNRs
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEDaMf5tTK
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzATsfhohQj
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6MMhR3rkE
**SMASH**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTeFZFUJxV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bvONbLOG6
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDhufkuTQp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJxoOuxell
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqazX4wSh4F
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU321V1Tx74
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWPI2VPJzb
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKQclTGSvH
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKVhJ1f4nB
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThyzLem4sL
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG8WXc2R0j
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7p1ZCyLzu
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kocZFSMuu
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLMMgGaGuI
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwm9rivFp1
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpFDkQAzV2
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj9uMOpLpo
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAYPvnkkqK
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9zLOfZ1us
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85yvU7Xquk
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XTePdhdWH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2F8G9Gm4t
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZODqr79WA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8nDv7ivgy
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1HGkpcr6y
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhAolqYraU
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHXkad7EpP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD5r9VSyIg
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G9eu6dje1
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rosHowNwg
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNACPsjIy
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf3HzvYD17
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1ICHKVLR8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQZgt3JNS9
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71rjMEreaj
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRPYPwf4go
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F5liArIxb
"Like I'll let ya do that!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobqx77GAKA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer3mMrrBtt
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxIHm4pa4S
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV29yxLvXYV
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAXk3yRJPJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEswNuN9g9
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i38Bo2Tdl
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLpvZqs3rt
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb1Q7ZzJWQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseHF82AbYX
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIJ1wgZAzp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooL6GH4ltA
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALTazlNdiO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vvLV87Ero
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcoCLzrkR4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgTritXKKA
"--Hrk!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO0vb62Qec
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl8f4N77l9
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcd2KWNUTU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5piNb2j9x
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0qraY1BS2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAgaI5nTJm
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo2WidQI8W
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tjVy8Csd0
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP5k8Rv2HR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5YGgwXlsS
"Whatever!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfkB74T3Sl
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ185Kk6fJLb
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRtU3oA1zQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIpUPYyopD
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxxxhv0izc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSvWPApZ0o
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkmhEokwbi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2dVrGY27w
Dread, worry, guilt–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviyAoQaNFS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvWDdMQ6fi
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UXTx5TuvG
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK78CQJQEKP
"...R-Right!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhxwMYiRU5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbPfOVc0e3
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUqycAoty8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ABvORWXCj
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0ALicVohp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpbinEEXfn
**SLAM**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z7t7zmutz
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHbW8tnsOM
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZhD1KNeo4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXUiQcorFQ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXORDRCSSmA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSOl3VjW2C
"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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYfvGWBf5F
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV00M9kQBL
"--Ugh!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV8w3wAr2m
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpwlFXZLaZ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBJw1w6KoP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y7laAdkhm
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46v6ovJ63D
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSjlkcP0li
**SMASH**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbnSa9WqNN
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEkaIyB8JL
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xtib8rAE3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmNuA92EEM
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClhXHOu2Aq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajoEeqm213
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUszrynhg6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOCK2mF9Jz
"Ah! Sorry!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauIXaFGthU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqzYifoMK4
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWucvSRHf5P
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwa2BmeZha
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlhIxKy1Mp
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITltyuefH0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpnhXfYhX7
"N-No, that's not it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oTGQs7jkt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJslZOGyJF
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4iZS8UGWr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMAlf8ibbC
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAWrv9MwJ5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLkQCaWM4B
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
