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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sB1ytpRxF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgEv5hULTi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L7Pr9Uy4K
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttkUEF3s7C
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What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0FRCcycpi
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrNnq113Ns
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOzIMgNbum
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKU1YqUEpI
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSePKaMQWr
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I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0UIsApc5j
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKj9fokH2o
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**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51FwtlH7BO
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyxjxpl7KD
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"Ack!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95mUiQrOQ1
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZkp82ipDf
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The room was a catastrophe.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDX39CjYCT
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BH8cNf0WU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSahcm3pHW
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkCqqCpFUA
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"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fXcxnIMf9
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzYjS6JHhu
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFZ4MhcwAm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MqGwgFPim
**STRIKE**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwo13qLZ3U
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–only to be immediately interrupted.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYYlpoDsyO
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1DcEgAAgR
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"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR31Joi1YM
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Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDKf9RazbD
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbedGQrYl34
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzJ0GbyxsL
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"C'mon!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWIiSVAZBL
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"--Ah!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvNOZ343Ls
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wOOYx2cl4
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I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNchtcBK0a
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–
–
–
What a moron.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOfvsA6NMb
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It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1wJqY6sUb
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A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQRB2ci0XK
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**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIF00N6BBe
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"Ngh!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKM66U34SX
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0F57eYp4j
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"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK1UEBpT9I
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp7CzSYe2X
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3popwPnma
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYWMeFevdt
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"--I should've known!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBdR5GOfdZ
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshRwevtY6x
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VxKj4x4yN
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoFFG6NLea
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Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQxBxJNPtd
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"DAVE!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTA5vxVsCJ
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP9HvmJlZz
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"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowzuGmtpCQ
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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.
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9yDc9Owyl
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"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WPoXk0mmM
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"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GneioEYgB
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFcqJVF1fX
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNSYTCUnYY
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"...Those are our first casualties–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1ViHWRBgs
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**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1a8fb9dM5
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGtCyi1nTG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfUmAEudyU
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiokWUZzh1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO70Ckot203
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c2RSXVBsL
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"I'm here now."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtgctuG0ZP
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtcqWHPK3w
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6ssEGOsZN
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And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLzrMlXwVo
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEYv2TVKqm
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmyx6CGS90
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdna2Tuq23
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa1yfuxTqB
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He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0aDrjK66S
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrBjICRSVB
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmZVYylm4G
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"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vfDnAn9hq
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID5naMRqod
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sp3aPvoOy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgyTEIQA1D
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeac8c01im
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdLPKoed07
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**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFg9caV13J
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLeOuKbDQ6
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"Pars!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSMfUxojIz
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"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF8yKYsfKB
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatErKV1iZ6
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYNRs2VvVI
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJunQhrObyb
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vcwvlVAYT
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4bhbiCUIp
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWBr2uwfK1
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcivMfA4Zug
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Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxppI4yT3ld
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**CLANG**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGpR9oIuZw
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7n1JxByyj
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtOYDoVHjP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SUFnmUuZf
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnAsevE3cf
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**SLAM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv1nicUwrN
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJqMnPKY3m
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Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WhKYKBBs1
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecvvF2loUB
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8dWwTLDy3
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"Ngh! Shit–!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tJMnRnH0U
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7JcPmshjc
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But then–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsndAuPShKD
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**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtMn6CJKOw
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3PUUsnz77
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iUyoEG6ws
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbQ0DXYLTH
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeUmznA8i3
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhroUPJZcA
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUNP8FEeXp
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"Gah–! You scared me!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRHdbPBe5c
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBzOYMmtsW
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"They're hiding," Dave muttered.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTxVncKCZN
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"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEzYiIKUIZ
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"No, this is terrible."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufMtnCwS3S
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Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyg1cn9Mkh
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHem3lWQOd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbORs6t4rxg
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgitBO0BrR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVZgShgWO0
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoopVsPIam
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"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL6uE6wJyZ
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"No. No suggestions from you, please."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmKkTC9GlC
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXrwaWryku
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkANLPqAMF
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ75mUEibNA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA8cZSEzj1
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXUYj2Jo9m
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rtB5h6Pc9
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiMvX3h2Yu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek9tDWSH8g
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMrrGzP6LB
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Still, no response.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fg3qySAm6
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyGbiVJE0U
"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–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22YLTkfQJP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwpFvvz38q
"Because you're entirely incompetent."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWysQ4KBxOT
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With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsKp62mSaN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2pVfTgOEp
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUfIiucGtu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoXNEED3cv
"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75EgiZNiiA
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl44bJ2yV2L
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHThoxFLphj
"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNIUbudObU
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vf88hGo5u
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"What?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2zmlCUxFI
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5eMU7cJnY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhds3sV7zl4
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHneg4Vy4IH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaABlw1ZW2
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm66aVJdO0J
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"...I see."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5xKapIvjc
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzKBTMu6nO
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf0bKt1vjS
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPTjUNPCa1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbz47E29nm
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4HPOTBWMT
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZBvUNuocm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iVOqDEgTH
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eXMur38Zl
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtLSizHNaY
"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–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vPV7krNbS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIvv6XUpwo
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgpI7y0T2j
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdZ2JNkgiQ
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoayrNu4JsX
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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:230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWH9I25riI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecEV6Jk6T0
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ914nFYA7op
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"Alright!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WP00Qg9O2
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U1e6edks4
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1lW67lwFb
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGQyuYu6cL
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJt3cdvfdO
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2DyAxfWDn
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0efMgA8Mdv
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rYRIALLlK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5X46xEYRr
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJKa1LxD87
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvk0krS81J
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVHKLSgejI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUihVFT2Le
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD4rkFuiHH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrPyfnEZXi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahGlzgWyEz
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAXwm9HB2l
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1my0EIzx0c
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbOsD4umX1
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sE699dqlr
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmh3qKez0e
"--No!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwwwtW35qM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERygzGjKpW
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd8u4fbAyc
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGNOr627oq
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSdFSPdWEM
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"Hyua!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus12zoa4NT
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxIo9Vdi6D
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However, he did have another sharp object.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrZtLW4PiD
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76bpyoDlMm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoWtA70246
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7huUn5cTT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPkLGaRYe3
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXoQAC0rl1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEVwrVsuG4
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8jMjp7oV8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbmVAgY8oq
And what came was–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmCnhooLtT
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**BOOM**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RvpWnHYJ4
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANr0Pofxe2
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDT2MYnmeS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZStFWX1RyW
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza7K1gToHz
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"--oop!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89JeQf8lo9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdwuHKKr2g
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf60tK2eKi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrk5habYOW
"You... you're a sick jokester."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeY5XJ4VjQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmJGWM4RIY
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau9CT4Wg5f
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmVtX3WZme
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6LEAwSW6i
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET39F1uNKF
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs05IpAxxo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbMMltjapZ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrogaz68Q5h
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHJYJ2qTBP
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN9eFZYqoq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ901xqdIsmm
"What the hell... what the hell!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54NGDdcR5J
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S6J3qVrLk
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT35ofSMZd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9wdWbg8Sy
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dki2LyfPq
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Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyGVDUE6tx
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rFsbMvY2N
"...Heh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4iKiVHQ6c
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3WJ9lH9zr
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zsB3wjETJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLdEcQ1ID0
–
–
–
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx8og0vFKu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZCONPSNWi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCvf4S0F5l
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbgdNbBD1e
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldD8bBUJrU
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsJKkD6Drx
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgXjCGHf3P
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS3UN6Ip1d
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAJsKxloeb
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"Though I have to wonder–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxa7f8DdIJ
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE21L4cYw0
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt5pT7qZBr
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfc1CQVNV2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuOtMdKZDH
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHzks0Ec7u
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBnJYqGv63
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TpX8UtwWo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnCnr0JDuY
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlixgN2NJf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jUJQzkXQW
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.
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBMRkSv1Vx
"Irritating...!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2xMJ2LrEP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymQIZid1xh
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSytGsR86pO
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Dave didn't like to use spears.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgg9iUKXOn
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"...Haaaaa."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZhinjmkX9
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixn620cxwi
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nlkw2akBz
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujKvdn5ehM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kl6gbpiXQ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR6PIcT8mp
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That's what he always told himself, at least.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAqpZHjle4
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**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**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0Guz5j1eX
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe09KYuJB9
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqY7YfcbNo
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDSMGoV4Ze
**CLASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKGZJ1k5Xu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZWnaaWOFg
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**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft6X8d8Ut5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DRgds7CVE
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?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrp485384n
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHrhKNQf3L
**CLASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDBlBGeT4G
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOusaTjIGNt
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqfMt4Wer5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASNSxjdV5t
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwTcIeLuuu
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS3XnTJNFl
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoXVBQEGUF
Confusion–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfx4Bl36ik
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfF6EsyMVk
**CLANG**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pP0DqpiFK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XSHJZUG9j
Delusion–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi3TIuytqW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9UzWCpgZD
**CRASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDaRlUJygh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnR9ziD3hL
All lead to one conclusion:230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuo6rxqBQI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uyQa4KzYH
**SMASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFED03fl7Q
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwQ1jMGLnE
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx3bXRsbcK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ppe7bhIEf
"...No, of course it isn't."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEgnS9z2cf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXJVrI6ygc
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjSIuMNbuA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ihhsTHyL0
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBIkn7Ht60
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkx11FWlah
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1smkbpTKT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwkwK64DOF
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6B5oXTv43
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk2DmNSe58
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BTXnrrDiE
"Pars!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwR3lpLPrd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp90zpCWI3d
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VYYlff3hw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ihK8Lxc1I
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o6rmTBUfd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMOQHHPp9k
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi7Ryk1Ue2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y18AsTjjH
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAlMrAdNn5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyao5xXBrM6
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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV1k27cKQD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RqJ2lozra
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkDIPmEyIU
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy5K6SHnlj
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ZxW13ui6
"What do you propose?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso3u88Zx3u
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4K7RKe4GY
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy25U6VDV3K
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyKhmmhsYM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpbtkeOvCm
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuwMm1eXC6
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCr0DkJAGe
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgAVtA6Ngt
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWJLx8JUFI
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW6hEO2FlX
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"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrcvxF2zLP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClgeUcIuw7
"--Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVDHKxk84W
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSfXEdPerQ
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkjmZEEj3i
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvPJNovMiE
"...Always backhanded, huh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMIzOpdCIh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPYeVRu6Uz
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 laugh230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTNR7UVjW9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcITpX8YY0g
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1KOFTcMq1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUYjpSMZ8l
"We likely don't have one."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhdSo317XN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsfWBGxMnm
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hLdkWGUF1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYb2eu0PBU
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C0PIJr8Eg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1wSKXLdvV
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFjKF66RRd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAKKUGrGYZ
"Well, if you insist."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXL6oO8C8R
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–
–
–
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.
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4pdJDNVrK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM0CW13x6g
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw1Eu8gpA9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0Vy02s3Sq
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKrxppMmGh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63liUepdA3
**THUD**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28f9ZGyaTO
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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?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZS6QzzkgW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM9kHgJodu
"--!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LkeF6AmNQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDTvqUv2rM
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLvEMSF2XI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xd0E5MzzF
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5qcYEK4Jr
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRiWd6CX56
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0mGPEbqob
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**SPLICE**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppIILxCCBW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDPzNm2ZQ9
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDHjX1MxTe
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4icsEYzjl1
"I missed one."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2saPPLnyGJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHJhQlqHus
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeE3gNdgRb
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPecJPIJTi
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY3JWtJCgn
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODYhFH1Idj
"Hey!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlMkDQ8dFm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAiDcpJ5u9
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpL8wu9sOy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0a0tf3U9t
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKE7gpnwCC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpfO7JzyqY
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqrIksSnfx
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV98CW9FiBe
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC0xknIO8V
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTCUbZaXiE
"I never said that."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaWPkTLpJd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA387flNe5b
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezlIcE297B
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cvfLX5baE
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkqZiEnHgK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX87ywxCdHU
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtSjrkkCor
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsISuX2Gt8
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakpiub53ox
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5EbKutiph
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsR9wxFm0J
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYWlqWrqbI
"Haaaa. Damn you."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdZxUty6Qy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasMReQ4HBq
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PTn9IDVZB
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"They are dead, right?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRGoGHmAG2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ewOfH0tdM
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80AsBKADCE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sCRFvnpdH
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ9bCi5KDI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBpa6PV5dJ
"I–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI7rYCdiEY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuXvJpkyki
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeky1a2rg65
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwinVPCkiRX
"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TF2O15wnj
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbKsfhrMY8
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtElr1XCC2p
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf5UKYheOD
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz09uo3mvN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SgLtH20QS
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZPLoYeBvy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz2sPAZIgM
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhiU0mtywX
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BozMeWOT4
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVIqin13qk
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8U0SHk2h0
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡochgxd5mDX
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQrtLIvsE7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbPDQdu9tL
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r0pNCX5vm
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4e5vBr5ba
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhRlURWEcK
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"You raise a good point."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WP6VzUBOy
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvK0A5YFij
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9hx7RiHqv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnSc6ditDj
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx76P7RyxxS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICOhnhIa8R
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6IVCt8037
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"Ha, abandon?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXXLDpq2Jf
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbo23p9P74
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZvY3ZOpWP
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"If you were, it was backfiring."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPJWfegcXh
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"Harhar. Very funny."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeBwsh5Cps
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYXZBG0QAt
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTmtn5pVRT
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"Aren't you conceited."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZk0VExh0t
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"You think it's arrogance?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TpmtYNYOd
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Pars began to stroke his chin.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmzEV7dcv8
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U87JgQSL5
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4rWg3tlx
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"...Yeah, you're right."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2eAqdycl2
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJDpvlH9Nh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjbWDYHdTZ
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
