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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOMhImIeR6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DezTqkmBD
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHD6AFtvWP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hSsf4KYI5
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CQouJ3Po8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzogzp3Gwg
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERcQB1mgXI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78eei86kZR
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv86xCSvc2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRygrA1AUJ
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfQMZmXK2i
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuWnzCROvC
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdiqbW7J3Q
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkfRPb66Di
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcuTUPgy6E
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv165WAzFg
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd4Khw1nV1
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJeMZhltO9
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRflC4Yi39t
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2hmXHo5C0
**BOOM**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qzvvRD1ng
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k5v8F7moy
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3fytY8zny
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr3C3TKTAj
"Ack!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoW6lDKkis
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHyPae7789
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqBKOmLEPf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdgejEuiwP
The room was a catastrophe.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsX9UcMW0T
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyvMWtC9at
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4bzYR9F3p
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSykoOBhdV
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L2CmAOMdW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxbbVhGQKy
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCetyBJnJiM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2IPn0rLRH
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yf7GrKLNN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuojhLkbov
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwNHB5E4uO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa44AcGqNie
**STRIKE**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcMhvkpTA9
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy2mLOj7uz
–only to be immediately interrupted.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyMCWxhgT7
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbAol646WM
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvafebm8Xwu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQArkf9MEyP
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexjqWPcXYX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVALtlwPYk8
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmr6XI4ZZu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYwglQU0Lt
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSRPt8NDKP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaec8fHF46
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FN07Jvzee
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrnItofSYp
"C'mon!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUiRTbJHmb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkj321bIwV
"--Ah!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYa7wh8WjY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5yZXyJbBg
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RY0geVkkU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt8AssuSex
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuf6AcP1iB
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonX2SzbCL4
–
–
–
What a moron.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sX3ZifQ01
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozdW3WTW7l
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCcK9bCYbv
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM51TXq7Kx
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR9KXB8pne
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWh9WVGxTT
**THUD**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg86LHgjuFw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc9u4RwSPA
"Ngh!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eGcjzzsvW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykQVVp83cu
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvNYLHkQGe
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WoqVTySzp
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6etFbcvS6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYbBP23CNI
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uqom9VOWO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7gGS6BDRV
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HbfBSRFd9
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjiXTkCVHh
"--I should've known!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7QKBVC6ec
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO3gkOQZrP
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bqwhVkie8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmUTRGmqXk
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R5dtFEk1O
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrdI1ZYPM1
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhkDmhD38h
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZzt5Jm7P6
"DAVE!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Eu5dkG8mN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte74xFvY5m
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUxDDIWoVu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyCBwIDBF0
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAws3cPQHK
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX1WRNXzQu
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.
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMAIKs1yC6
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q0ovNcL5X
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpKIWinOnL
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7052u0lub
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOGFg7jl82
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJFaEnHdkb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t4DOIucfg
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRU5zozvLD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIdxoCAemU
"...Those are our first casualties–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySch1ZG4ir
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdlXME7ekY
**BOOM**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm2xnL4n4k
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAg4STv4L6
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfAyndFNR1
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRJ1rO66DK
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJjhSieV8t
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhomXe9ikdw
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkdwSw2toj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV5Cq9dmcj
"I'm here now."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhORZGIQnw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kz8FMkST9
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlC0fRMDJY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGCej7TKtK
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdDWNbVDdp
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM7TuNYWwc
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgswQrcOSaE
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrjEGCiSds
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlddM3dUSx
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDjbrO4S2D
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IUXkmNMVo
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF95qkKsTf
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBObGZSlmr
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp6adDsnA8
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub2XLegFz5
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXM7WicCML
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7zYpA1q3q
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlVULTVCs9
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNzzkMcEjX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyq5aS1Oua
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HatMIkRjS
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIJUNqMQgg
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDZzlnwyEv
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMyiOYMXC6
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8ZGDO2eOH
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRIJBKwJzS
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYDVHSEChz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7jmVwq65H
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y1QYvAsAk
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzHPPJfb9x
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaeWzpsyO1
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30Y7Qa3KRQ
**BOOM**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmA1aMy2kp
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoor2kzxtEn
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6CiG4PsgH
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBA8qyYcJF
"Pars!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHOl4AnkF6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkfFS2ZXYX
"Huh?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbMIqgV28f
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBqCM2ZYed
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6guKMHhia
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcEJ6jMgXB
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbNsPnAbxE
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSAPMNncwL
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht8IkUar4g
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhR3idYT7Y
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsXxPlbm4B
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrOFnoKyqe
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2uVHgtXsj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIvNScjOtY
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXViqk7p83
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQtx2QeuPx
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pb4WD9mQn
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7s37bMO6U
**CLANG**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm5dUz8zd0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVbX5HDWEw
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyesm4WZH6e
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UpxwwyAX9
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6yuQc1zUs
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeNS0KWvcP
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdiPbTAzPS
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7ItDJ3RV8
**SLAM**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDbne6PfbC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSdKEJ91HR
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4WX2s3LUu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11t0fxESKR
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjDWHOW3Sp
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKE8rbPESu
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSXRSRhWgO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bJxhCkIxo
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPPh8HiYTc
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnlJqupOn3
"Ngh! Shit–!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MTOBeQoGN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg3exYwFaT
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlfRuKPUge
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlj7B3SMWo
But then–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp6XmVz57R
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73zhDSzxvn
**BOOM**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xoiZnggYR
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi9NqIvIAd
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhFCpW75MT
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKjwyVR4XH
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ900dr4ZfHM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMkooaqdBt
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVzJusz3hG
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxPtXOzhaV
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01BdB5O23t
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TY7X9XGcy
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nlc3WhLnb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXERoFTcz2d
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10UI0w1DLC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFX2PVO3gd
"Gah–! You scared me!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjWsy5HH49
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetY9OlzuFz
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjLu3HQVC7
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SEjETsPaq
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9VtTyLxq8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZegNBXVc4N
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XU9XhjP8g
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMILsHw03JY
"No, this is terrible."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05lwojTrqW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx34RTx4Qm
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtUMuUgrz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ339XlKi56o
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDk8N3F99H
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDxxB5Q1A6
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47eWkfyBPm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGst5QRg0hF
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr28fquSdz3
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiIbJ8hk3F
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLIe2UpZY4
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnyTXm0qoa
"No. No suggestions from you, please."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5n6AxPuAZ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGdZ5PuWr9
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fGT8ljsDD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQha2xgnNBB
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBJdHl3i9N
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ375Xv1tqT
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpomVl4C27C
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3sTdshMAe
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKT9wCyvaq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRtahIQW7y
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuz8yONOhw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfL4i6k1oj
Still, no response.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3iGPgYWRj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOuvh6gkr4
"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–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ARxEHyTRF
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wbmU7TqMi
"Because you're entirely incompetent."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7IIuoEFzR
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLoXEM6dxL
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnWkDQzUdp
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZzfFVT9aA
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8eBc9PawU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oCGBk3wV5
"..."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN68fmfKYUf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t1T1zehCp
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNlLsVT8SD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QEzOSUkQB
"..."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt4BMr2ZX9
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVCyeSX6ck
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyfOp1H44m
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaMNR5Y86b
"What?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiOkOir6Vk
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbovGzex2OI
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8nFuEkVtB
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn8FZlsOcb
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4zJPhKpI8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMClD4nNk6
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATQoaDlAB0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmXhSQZK5c
"...I see."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5FFYKdBf5
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt4w0gTLmQ
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWyxg8Yapy
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTseG5Je4vn
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1oR8hOyJD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9y7fKvEXN
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeyc1o6qXd
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7LvOVYUh2
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHglMNka8ko
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunqDlCbDqt
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOyloip0qZ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbthcVnYPN
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vJSm4BNQG
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMhKLkpf4w
"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–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznBoLPChj4
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaob3OBuZmz
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K5Tsk6aB3
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4SwGvLjM9
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrVIYNEtBg
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4q9gZn91P
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:186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLZmVvDXeF
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolbk0007Jl
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTSXOwrgvV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeff5zOGVvu
"Alright!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGKowiIazc
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nyWl9s0JQ
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yQEIURqi3
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AooJauRZH
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2J3RvaQo3
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05vrqWM9Ax
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Df5jr4pEr
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN5WAi2D4C
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WbTIdQrzu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsAnFEfspA
–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MT2rPICOY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdhJoaEgx1
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM37hbN2gHq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCodSMtYF2k
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFDrPAJBwK
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszooetXUfY
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lF3aRbWoI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvmycKrtaP
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuziISuifHx
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjDKMkPHkq
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjtUMtM07i
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLUY9JVVdZ
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAg2vrrsQV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsHXgqKuVO
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4AgavUl7j
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokkKndEI8E
"--No!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwZREAMOYB
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNs3lAWdw5
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam7fsiQdIX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAeksLHG2l
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeBA9mxebB
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfuYoHmiw0
"Hyua!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡituthu1nse
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80cfa45jvs
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKG2NCMzJF
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa2BRvRZNP
However, he did have another sharp object.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycwpsGH6gO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyTxyqcGiG
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha1EA7yPqO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD2ixYI7ZU
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6U2AnI4Tf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaiZE5H2nV
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOOTsmOC3Q
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCkMyqEfSZ
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn11I5OLfJM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3vWMx2hJt
And what came was–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvIDieAbRx
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzLzbEYvsS
**BOOM**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTeD66QpDQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVdPyAjAbd
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0xaV1bGyi
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pwd76Sh5K
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcViT5UEo5n
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtRB0wAQfU
"--oop!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9vynEdIEr
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzAi00mQXi
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCYyzhtfJR
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGt7msFdpn
"You... you're a sick jokester."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLwsoBwzhk
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfdUWIHWgx
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO5gjV5PJi
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI73KAVgLaY
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ9s514aDb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIeDMFWEzU
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarZQJFZnxH
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYPzoNKUVA
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCVVJvul83
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNYOXCGE45
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXRoBxYoo8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR8ZFWxYiy
"What the hell... what the hell!?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtp3ZNSo0T
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kGXh3KQSn
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2UZgxiFaL
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNR9BdJJjv
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJKM8ujzwA
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMEcWBiTYP
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK13SEQPBJ4
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TIUMGHuah
"...Heh."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzjUiaEeQH
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6BlACMzlS
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYxoWPvwyV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhBItNRh9M
–
–
–
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK95Y8ARZL0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVNAPlneGw
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO2pph6ukj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiOH3tqCih
**THUD**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRj0A5hK7i
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZMFoS5a6q
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg2G7dJjKl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaWJZusIcc
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKxw14Q2MQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGNrdQmNUj
"Though I have to wonder–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBn6KKFxkM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8AWWLsehw
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RRL0ims26
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNJKoLwxV5
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8G69Xs5FU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk99Q1rjuoG
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMj0eYSC6r
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz6xjbaBea
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa6CHSb0aQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXOpoKtc40
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT4nfAWvY2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqTyt9IQiF
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.
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXbbVUwyrV
"Irritating...!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRzYO9qSdf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqXyTZyGXd
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXDwBKdFBq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hv6Ni4rJ6
Dave didn't like to use spears.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8Wsg2sCi4
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5uHxNarRg
"...Haaaaa."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRV19AdZRE
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwlpgE63J4
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xhIQqy9Iq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneH4EGBDiU
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJsdAqVcmV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbmjc0rcIS
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O3FgTmyfj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnw0sg38kl
That's what he always told himself, at least.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJOa1RwFgG
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoDShbNV1F
**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**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdSSS6o10Y
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKUKRQxR3c
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPzaA7GXnQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTARrhWN3L2
**CLASH**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatOvFyNmso
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVN5Glcd77
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**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqeZC4Emyg
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SXqUhIVEk
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?186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLCaQUoX86
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDBbCzfF2c
**CLASH**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyHtYTKeBY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqzF5XBSlb
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIhJzlhJcf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnhAsJl6b5
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBKHBM7BOu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadd2Gkuhsk
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42n5jmSRqW
Confusion–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdJMrzaTdb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVDwSamR99
**CLANG**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAodrbxVttQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTQu5Cufax
Delusion–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucpst8FPbf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JLzCQ8M6q
**CRASH**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5SItbT6Cd
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRlHqfRG5a
All lead to one conclusion:186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSipP5ZIb9K
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtzD9hlcZY
**SMASH**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S5WACf0mM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dd9UUTkWU
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrBImukJMW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtZf8riN53
"...No, of course it isn't."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsRfe7VfVV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0E9uy5Fz5
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGKCzVA1ze
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXvWwm9PjU
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTheAkmdzhP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b2wkTIeUB
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM38CfUHJRY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7WIBIHbqu
**THUD**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEQN709ih9
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jvFIzlPFV
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplo7jVofTc
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ42rAQXS1E
"Pars!?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9F4r5Blab
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjPZqoR2oR
"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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXBnMXvKDn
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAlhfcuzI9
"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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G56rXz14j
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs25TBFdkfy
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2tU8Fz06d
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ344q2el7Nv
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqoMz6oCTC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4DwRUlxLO
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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVvaxSPELC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbCR0wSXdX
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlYT5g2ix5
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIX2dpcbNz
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRFsq6U3gk
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CTiqH6vEW
"What do you propose?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYIv72sdyV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxGLZ5DrL0
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jfKR7OzPA
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eedINfJC9
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ZZYdiiBx
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHfrwLXGIZ
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgZQENfFwN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXd6ewg73g
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD8mDS95m0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3eBRARDll
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOtvRnHKKu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLckTqnzJ8
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLx7Tq3Pw5
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFAqw2bIe1
"--Huh?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoFfYT7l9p
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUaF2QTKUY
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDF8l6zsEj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOKCteLZ2H
"...Always backhanded, huh."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ3xCvcOPL
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRndYjTjZi
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 laugh186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftmc6SG3wC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVEwqcYmPn
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHqJAu6gIw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijI6fPFZAz
"We likely don't have one."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsd2I7SwxF
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpebsbcNms7
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Pyvdb2qz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODRdvG6jrR
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ326JsMP5x0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fy24ey0zS
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6soYhlyCS6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFmI2BNAll
"Well, if you insist."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5VmPHiLWy
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kE6Ypq3hE
–
–
–
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.
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VCvg5TTXx
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtk4XOs4LI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu5h49SxZx
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafyh83Pfk2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n6dZMzHJe
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlHFdDz36l
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjitsydU6O
**THUD**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxISPjfqVh6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFiDkOuEgr
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?186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLviXFLM1d
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQkgMdEleB
"--!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9FMWOv5Rv
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN94R6BCx4m
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK1U5ZoBFX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r4Qba2Ovt
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZd6lRwh9o
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZepZ4iaHO
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–186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvDCsRkzed
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCF5ke9jiX
**SPLICE**186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tdPZgiZtg
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafjDTpSP4u
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKUqMmFq9f
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1BseHW1uk
"I missed one."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AnIqfZ8iX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v4uNWpiyn
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgwoR27iUh
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFbuOtMSf3
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaI2Iarftz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyRM6427Yk
"Hey!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3g13zJ60F
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LLAjcNwNv
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuUqdq6csU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZwYoT8RgV
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hRZGDJ93c
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF6zSOOxJ3
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVurF8DVRI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LdC1Ir201
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAlfMxRTY2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKU6K2TQ2L
"I never said that."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk2IzSCvhm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqak4H6StVQ
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYdsiBTGmp
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIzL9CpkGB
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkosN4Y9iqS
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYf9g5xaNA
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u7QXvjgeE
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqk72EdgXS
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3jrWOE9p2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K9Sze3v5G
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg623yzfGM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxltHXvHhb
"Haaaa. Damn you."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TVQxGdh1e
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU3oBMy5D4
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkLVUb3Qlx
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0N8Q2mOuU
"They are dead, right?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWsGLWG4BB
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1pgHFWOAw
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfwYUdcARa
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7bCdU3Ntf
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB96qVCbIR
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcYDWsEMRC
"I–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsQBJ6h0GT
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKscJR53CoK
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6bPZ5lUvd
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHnCQ66xRr
"Huh?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIQv6UelUG
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd40ZkFPGIs
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTuKA9WU6k
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPcgKyO8FX
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lg6muke9B
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZMIHZJSq5
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbmXSxPmkb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXBXO65CP3
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAV0rV0Y53
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82FDK97zkp
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWniWJBY7D
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCADnMW39gc
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCCGrlq3Oq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctcC1u4lLn
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLxi2YVOp8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkN0PP4bDA
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyQeflfhom
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf2gdcDjvB
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU9C0Q9iPa
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIITtGTOm9l
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkvKjj4gZX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9cOmmRKL8
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7VxYFY62v
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3UYfMXmzC
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCvlXowqnO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUkWlYlcfj
"You raise a good point."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnQhWFwvpl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCHlxJDIa6
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fBVi3zBi9
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiabBR4IXO
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow1KDLvgJb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnclUKRtHE
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzr971es2i
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT4bCqKvzH
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAetbxOCPw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Omre9Tnuf
"Ha, abandon?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aDIFDcX3L
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObh5heGo8x
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkcnkhhYvy
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvtYwa1QI7
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuG24DYOMw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gL8EKtnZB
"If you were, it was backfiring."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlqQ0YsRvH
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNozJIAh3SK
"Harhar. Very funny."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZUAuCkUxm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4VPIYqttQ
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfXaDamlb0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLM9Giti41
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1EN0dvNoH
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdesVSPX9Q
"Aren't you conceited."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTwGVsUxRK
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0b8KT6Ydd
"You think it's arrogance?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM7XcwxBS4
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtYqmr9upa
Pars began to stroke his chin.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLkamoZcxr
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY77sCjtfl
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6RTkqHxAW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uz3fThdiW
"But what you want isn't just greatness."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjJNzRBOoh
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nQtNE2eKr
"...Yeah, you're right."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtegEU6vnw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8xlGlhVO6
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8YNyyopNP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuZRU4i96q
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
