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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNag3WNiBT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5OkUELhzU
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM0LdN3Jsj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMtOjRm0jV
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD7pswCVhT
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What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazt5jmFmtC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcJ01C2iJT
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxEHpq718V
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCBLIy8rr1
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AYBP3aSv5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UjpzbroDn
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXpbcx0OgO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsbHb1CQmc
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjrpQwYBpA
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIt4ag12nn
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFuUPX7YP0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMYogCLKn8
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4zw9DKSDp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlRPlwvVhD
**BOOM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCQMH4tdlX
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPqU0hXfdK
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjfLUZ08Ti
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt2JPZqUnq
"Ack!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCNERH7Z62
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanEvnfL6ZN
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2UjStqhxs
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVYbdBq558
The room was a catastrophe.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrGASMbIri
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumsELnqtGX
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Qqo246Pn
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgogbUKYm8
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICFjMh6Vrc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zz4W7qMLT
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2MQc5YEap
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dA3jaIzuj
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3pmcjHOkr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFh8TCnDJe
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBCxz2YjsS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO7idQ2U0H
**STRIKE**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0wkBSgY0l
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYKrwNLpHg
–only to be immediately interrupted.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RiYq7doKf
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8R05xYCwA
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspNs7Vfgdj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6ov308q1i
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeW3R0V1c2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbCJ8snoVz
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX0mETzq4P
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVrsKpjk7p
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tk7HXQS53
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5occUh5QTH
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYeHbgB51e
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrIBEXFKd5
"C'mon!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOpKrqnHg3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpWNEunSwL
"--Ah!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFJyjEQHle
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIiTDEE6EZ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWNmAVjbss
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOsZ32jwOW
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Do97k2MID
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–
–
–
What a moron.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB3Muj1uAR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKdj8dAb86
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXnjbYLxjr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhZNFgltuR
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSPOKMhD7P
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWlGAkBwdy
**THUD**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsgrl2LkC1
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"Ngh!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0VKiZZ7R2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncgPIrOOpr
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO6qdRUZR9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK4tCJtznQ
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMQdV7wse5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ikJavhqo6
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewiRD9k6uk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCzPCJcOaI
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbiA6qkvQL
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYJ9uWU4Xv
"--I should've known!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9PMYzTKaY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIdfLHcapB
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo4l9vHWzr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUk6WOyQMm
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBqjlOohcq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4fW2djpkq
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIutYhGCBNS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlplOz5NoU6
"DAVE!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CdvEBEJ5F
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0C7Df0LR9
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM1L3Fq7rs
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP7osDawg2
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIhmiLtW0c
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv1GCqqgZE
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.
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RUxwzJRcw
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0zRNkbzSL
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX2Qe6yZ8a
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnrh3ETl8H
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEodBXJOIXl
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1tyC8uscl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfgskMKvhw
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5CcBlYYDD
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnUFHawnMr
"...Those are our first casualties–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlf4qDIkXc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8ZawiE5cd
**BOOM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXhbHBw4vD
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzKLKwRTCo
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99cNdAmpLk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUw17p5z9w
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8z4ATeryu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXob7xkFIsg
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDh775ICUd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtjO0OBPdN
"I'm here now."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWspGmSFbQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL9BEyOFNP
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSz3VX2svv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ivBbhRp1K
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYM0ARcyLH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TOlUV5IZm
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54ZIrB5rvo
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsa7QRupqA
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpde7dznRK
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHJ5HLOgo2
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K7tYU3u5w
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1dhM46aZ4
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk0R8MrBs8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHFFNfOJPh
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfnftEbnUb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOPYqcR3JI
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77G1Jd5WVC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8eXTqRnbn
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOJiumQF19
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxRSb1qzQf
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLsTvmdDv7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd15mTwTSEK
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKXXDxRinq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hwYcEBRDM
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiO6qdIcCY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDssxPuhhd9
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0fS0FZwFM
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYQIhMjiFo
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe5mBy3o1I
**BOOM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjrpWKW6RT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLGP6yejWQ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm3IDEjI4U
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiT7nYXJsz
"Pars!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nLdkSdbX7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLM0g7ByBY
"Huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtFPztFiow
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXZWPEwtno
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj01cjk0ZIo
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWMfuCvS5p
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQfDlauFGW
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXUVoTHYJE
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmYC036uc6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O9GF9mr9h
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWZ0vYTU8g
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH44N2sBi9i
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQhiUuzKbk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB7Waiw7Rf
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPct0qUDqTF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQBXKiynOs
**CLANG**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezMvTyShV5
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1NJMiZtvK
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeePyKQ4lQy
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2HgEzJZGR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bs7VsE5oz
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oqb0iNiY6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTGcaQyn5F
**SLAM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAPRNQA8wT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzgAz8JzNT
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4N7GCxYDy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjJsHHfE8U
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvXV6VpovC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag7fVeZQP3
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V2U8lhfAe
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZXay9b7IQ
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6FUwnO8Td
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzAjQGoAp0
"Ngh! Shit–!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0r4x6nUZh
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoG1Q8EVmX
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aiElMKv2S
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ffRajBnY
But then–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYHRk8XSV7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMGGjoTtIi
**BOOM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT60IkUaBmw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ZyESe7VD
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUpD3OnWVQ
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRVOUDLmZP
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93UemaDABv
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnW2cpDiTN
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2EqHjKQgt
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡketjS3onlw
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2HEhgXAcq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdftwlBOwj
"Gah–! You scared me!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rcCHhkzZJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEzpGBXi8t
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kh99ncCy3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufWLwjHVKu
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGKIohoHyg
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"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tMdG01dWQ
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"No, this is terrible."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP8j9ZokZr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb2vmDVGWH
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nsN6olcMx
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vIXgyO9YB
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvV8mUiVVM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EGXGvLsuE
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBTTkwwrjj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnbltIEmwB
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVjkW4sndQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrU6lSimqr
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8kUTxU77y
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"No. No suggestions from you, please."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrScKNnNJP
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkO0ie8Zfh
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSiY4ZLW82
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSyXBeTUCF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrMt9rvQHo
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO9cy5r4RG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdMlHuVwyw
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q9ot0SrIJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoNXEBYJNv
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fX6hY25Kh
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Still, no response.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14qRI4bqnN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd9LCZBAc8
"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–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LVAwHXFbJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7GGZ59XI7
"Because you're entirely incompetent."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGHayD39OT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcpkPohfce
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNQRGuJJDS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIGD69GnTY
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmcJ1IjAFI
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ozf8Sse2Y
"..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnQ3Dt3rbY
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"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuOpCAQdK5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AP2Y0t7zS
"..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHupqdZsQZ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlHQVNxUE3
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7SuDQKbv0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ638wIcWvGY
"What?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp98L9HRoFP
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIJifwANZv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENWrs29JKz
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lPjwtpLi2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qVLGGUgGd
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoruIWW3ah
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"...I see."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWToQ3Q0WY
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziRl9IRz3Q
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeXDFOYBeM
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNSAvsn5y2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCYkcuinRs
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ558yUdbsE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbIa0FvswT
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEVfVslzxz
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZASlQHbCwt
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB676HLgxg0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDyzh2YApG
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdO1Wl7D8V
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ7k7lBPAE
"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–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4wUzvZW1M
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ919FYUlxrE
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboFT6f7Ld5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerYC43W1AH
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PUl6GrSq4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZldHIhAUi
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:229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1fZi9qhzk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOzhR46Bma
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQLhNxqpRv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmaqcLRM97
"Alright!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIHCgSm9HQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRkMJ0ktjQ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2hNOp8ELZ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFn4sKEWSp
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QAP5jUCoW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODL0Yvwc6V
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQf55fqI1u
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbPgmWbUFz
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLdugQBKhh
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCEv2w2N5M
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVulc6n6FA
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3dqw3cgYT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwiFCUJRbk
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1wHeFCHu4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqx5563i8t
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddBQDyXFmB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zsilSguGV
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7rTjncEVj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4RLxj5Yfa
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4VVCy6Lvr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p3TE6CADg
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L3bpEk055
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirUTefplTV
"--No!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZgtKGjle8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkDdgjmLvx
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zboJv7JXt
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5EE7DgbXK
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFcdXGkUm5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmrK4S2PhN
"Hyua!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseEWdfDfVM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKufIfXLBE
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5wxDGQKmA
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However, he did have another sharp object.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLsEfBSixi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWczuzQpySz
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbVvSBonpU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VzbIDm4cD
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6cOaKV4Ec
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0hJrR5HqT
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3ictyvLmo
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSvz6hAtIm
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn5I7Ro4E0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAHM62SvYu
And what came was–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW2yda7W9b
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ6syGsfXP
**BOOM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7EPFugL58
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq3YdjYGQC
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJwpJsHl8J
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkSf7iuiJD
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1juaCPaFz
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtZJJuhXlt
"--oop!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzgjE705Yd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82Opq72qMC
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVIFCiE581
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0CHPC2siW
"You... you're a sick jokester."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDLIykI3az
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxpbMuHm4m
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG1H0ZcevZ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJaefQG8FX
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrP4AgV674
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic7HQS9oDA
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM21wt2TjtM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzsVkMmfLc
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkTIBrdRqq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGMJIpJEoF
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmd3bMoxB5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd36xp7ccj
"What the hell... what the hell!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk3M7JGjOS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLBPDOB8mm
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTWcDxUgFW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkMNVhiIXi
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G10MM2wky
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VvULIGItf
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOq7KmS7ER
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU287cTbFT
"...Heh."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguXfkvsQ9q
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGcyHb56PZ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxuHGkvB9x
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTcRe9keHV
–
–
–
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQXyAa6NHI
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO00o6c3WDc
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Pe4dOsLB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHcRMPeSjr
**THUD**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD742kS8oww
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp2rksERe0
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJE8vmsqo7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnWeIBvPFd
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXbVbYVW3U
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEn5N1memc
"Though I have to wonder–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1D19Uy5ZK
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKUTCWDxHq
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq0Dqt2xr4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmSPgjy731
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CPCLIj5GF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBpbaDVget
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1SKx94OoO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93cb76QZGz
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3WNjob1Wc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmROqduLLS
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUSMspRs3O
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYQ6CcNIeF
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.
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQtcJz7bOq
"Irritating...!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lwGtZ6vFx
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldBHqV16Ho
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1g1zLkc6x
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCTWdAgCmv
Dave didn't like to use spears.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHEISQnI53
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVCxgnf5PB
"...Haaaaa."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sfjwr4A9f
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZrtfNGjw9
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL7hCzsPIx
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7fg66nq8j
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE1k5pokyn
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP9hVrLW2B
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV8sIlsRTg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AjByI8KGI
That's what he always told himself, at least.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrvgZNOQ7p
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHKrstemMJ
**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**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi9FYlnYzf
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB3EVJ6jJA
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVdvXSrWgy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvopialEEe
**CLASH**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9MQnyYfzg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3WfZF7TQS
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**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYtD8gV4jl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy9HqEQTpn
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?229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95tZvMnplX
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVp2MdaGqQ
**CLASH**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqtsUgBR2m
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6xSXlFCZR
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30p7Gu73PV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPtvZmeO6n
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63lEABnMta
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWneRt9WJT
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40wJfrMkIi
Confusion–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZv5zkHKPw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1PDcQpa2A
**CLANG**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtFeuFcvK6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVohBDk87fv
Delusion–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK18IiCnQlm
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZepMdQa0j
**CRASH**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOGRTfZtr6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNj6biUGHP
All lead to one conclusion:229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOlDm8Byv0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUy4BMh6ym
**SMASH**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZB7AtsciM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WGR5rQYgo
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesPsECIWse
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE7CakYyBb
"...No, of course it isn't."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOHz0Lc2fy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC0SJe5Pgh
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGFh3CrVXM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgoLEutHpv
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeP9F2JyI8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLZMXljHdz
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJEUhDcA7M
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgElSVF8rHB
**THUD**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGzdTa7jRM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLajqgBrqF
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUbvDzmwgC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uE1n7pXQb
"Pars!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5AQ1u1MA0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7urOafJHKO
"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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3oBgHmXNM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOjQTyiWmu
"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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLubqtPGq7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWCrm6Meml
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaiRFgjb59
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cZDrPa4eu
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoy6XkMDq9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXBaIqvrsE
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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr3WPUnehU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE35DD28QS
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGepMogDlqy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPozN9zIPCh
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSW70sEqMx
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru4jdaG4u3
"What do you propose?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6aevLEMyv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3Jbi4LSSK
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoIWbZ2FfR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZuuBLk8xy
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIKLjQN4i4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngCFf73NKL
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOysVVbAfQ2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAmIbHRtbY
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yZCcFAkaj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJutbtFiv72
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3GOO0uyUx
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bibxv4LGB
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xoh5zs02z
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQfb0FMcXK
"--Huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj73g968Shi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDJuXofC1H
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdHeN0bG5k
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskUpGzn5KQ
"...Always backhanded, huh."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UwdsI5j2M
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXIkzrZClN
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 laugh229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl558jbI6QE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNY0FBCwtY
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHz35uDCFP
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSl74sq2Z1
"We likely don't have one."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt8GcxOb9T
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJenm0eih4t
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryEMzsAXFr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kL1NaXeEQ
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EAnXMen7O
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcFS2AujiT
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuKVmZvXCC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hBTh4WeZc
"Well, if you insist."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWixO9STgp2
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINjvNrVZ8G
–
–
–
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.
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGGVH38dd4
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MSVob4lOh
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK02EMxDhOO
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqNZuLxg4k
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMB2VdurO9
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iwmd5OTDG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwwcHpp3Ob
**THUD**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjYbCrKLCu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy5DrPeh88
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?229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dlhCPUhBY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDzRyOoaKq
"--!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzb7XVreIN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzBEIpCNa6
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy7jjdFQz3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8Yze9LPWZ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTX0jxTB54
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi3wbYtSfg
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGMOle5kLQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfARQ3MVMyg
**SPLICE**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSfxUB0m1U
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg90K4IgVTK
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZRCNBEpg4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pCnckldLo
"I missed one."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDZByX6rzi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS4ZYfJb0r
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3nEE1rgcc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ6dO9RrnD
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEVS8JygDD
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjtcw539sP
"Hey!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9cZ3Quj7i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ1IT7Yl0a
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XTF7nfpGp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZqypClYCx
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE64wqjsue6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHq6HOIGkX
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3q7laVDV7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOanmnYO4jP
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdpbC2uf4V
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXAE4SCtss
"I never said that."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFkMKPGm7p
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy5JoA4216
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjyAAavDVs
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ307J0qyQ
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0WxzLCBN9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYaos4tpxR
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUbuB3aJd9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvo64BRvz9
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwewdH03gN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWLjhwb0GD
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTp0XYBvGS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UIY32PM4d
"Haaaa. Damn you."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAySj3A1dOJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamun2vdowv
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7AL7ePfyY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G3jjdjUzo
"They are dead, right?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej1EvHikMP
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaUwfoYsfx
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K2D7xJtje
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV9AbQldVs
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvDsIDhMG0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLpoIw83BC
"I–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJWIksB1la
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h1cQoydTP
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO5ALg0eWJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ751IMJqo35
"Huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKi5Vtff2N
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4WwParOC2
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITqshcSwNZ
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi1LsRQSII
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8hkBIUK7s
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkUMANLCdb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0S5fib049
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejhK9cE4XO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiM2qY8Yax
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZDNuDtnGe
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5KsOlgiEP
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vt4OWr04j
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0FOxauwDo
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdFif8g58i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI69NZjpwwV
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUEY5D7otd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71iFLjXKTs
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFJruMboTi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAOVl0M7d4
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflP8JZzrqG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4jiULhOui
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtPgARfi5k
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhNMyg4K2H
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk06CmdLw7n
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8yeEPuy8m
"You raise a good point."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X3lkqT8cl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswp8YLlDuv
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyvBFxaZaq
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaAzs0LnL2
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTauswpNZSB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDphxyMku2Z
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVpEQuinCl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiNTsfi0LK
"Ha, abandon?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJEdrd9Z2j
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBApd6VoYww
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUFdQpoCua
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7p7NtccTE
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxGYVXdOnH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm3HQ7ZRbw
"If you were, it was backfiring."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVlsA6MwlI
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"Harhar. Very funny."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7aqDCPQo3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xoaNybdFM
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5mToDmt0X
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa23l8m9ge
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8XaL8kN3s
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"Aren't you conceited."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHshhREfeXG
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"You think it's arrogance?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU98T0Gv9A
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Pars began to stroke his chin.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdQwN5fO9E
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXAaqI0iwE
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MV135GhhC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqMwvs9DfK
"But what you want isn't just greatness."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczLomE5a8z
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6e291BjYI
"...Yeah, you're right."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT4KVzlsFg
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4XDBncrID
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lLMkVYVEa
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
