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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMq482fVoT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXSzz08793
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQX3RtYULO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr0B3ibhI2
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6rLl6aV9P
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsfAoV1ciQ
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0iOcZJAdm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwrakIaHP0
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jD6zpmQFA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJdwcTZIGk
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tn6LgFnka
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zy8KaCvbR
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvzOTlXSj3
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNN7GACx0x
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IxjRAnVyC
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhChiANzwbv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kJnVhiSP8
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rcoUOm11P
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MhF6LABer
**BOOM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3E9EgIMr2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqvUo2CpQh
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXeoWSEJQy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh6FWqmPXF
"Ack!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewk6uWJefe
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK6o8AMyor
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0MwPvOzRh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RZQU0Eabw
The room was a catastrophe.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflQSshho1q
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBxtzKu6XN
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf6r9ZLDDX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC6SvwlEYE
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDC2YUw0lU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2bYz04rg7
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJps9CGSqLH
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqIA8ig22F
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvJGHqY2JD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5BNrE4FEJ
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cezgIevAL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUKCywpQRa
**STRIKE**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqDl8lK9sm
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–only to be immediately interrupted.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUZaERVT3M
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3XYz2jPdK
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqKQ2oez0g
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28jTB7aIxg
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5rkflHmu0
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2ELZ6H74Z
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrCbe4NOCm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlZ2aA3i7n
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI6OaZV43q
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Pun0h1GA
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03eYjfxktQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdWeJ4V9Ib
"C'mon!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KMpOuOzZQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhDg6hOdyc
"--Ah!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLED8t0no5n
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5gwNkpGve
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhqw92WVp1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdFHG6cpAy
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqVFct84wH
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–
–
–
What a moron.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0BOMIuH3a
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPF6rmIrSz
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8HWCEXQpn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY4bbQncJz
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI0NXq3bm5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyYN1Qd5ve
**THUD**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H0bm8lVAu
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"Ngh!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UtPG1NHZY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyfLoEVzay
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN77cROBoi
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB39MTSS0V
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCQoLTTgv4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSun4CRXGMA
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGSkicJOVZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUz8aV6RKf
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh8GtthsIL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkL5MECKfp
"--I should've known!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujRsZSxYiC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyROpWzZk9
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyKDr5AnyX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVhMqIoXjZ
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEMzcJAgt8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue92AEqG3G
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XM3vjGYl9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUB0I5kzcn
"DAVE!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogaISkLOF2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DCzqg6z0L
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv7rWNZikB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKDhRjXaIS
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaFAfAyZUr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4WiFXXOc3
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.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIpzp4FCmE
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8lO2Xzw7W
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXVwFaJW68
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEXDpF7rz3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNkbCHTKpO
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojqpyvcJpB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6OQP9qIxk
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5u6hpGeGA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP9SwLkVrq
"...Those are our first casualties–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj0LC4xTF4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLswCAhYFHk
**BOOM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS0iCZwznC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPH15CP0Vu
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGsGiCkbTd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgsRG40vrj
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN55p8hJMJp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF1XjPa06t
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdjn81IGCB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zoMQfCSsn
"I'm here now."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG2kzkhho6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HAUR6DRY6
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIUrYb1Eg5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdSc1kfX0X
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BHKu2WpgM
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And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUzrxwuwmC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXMghMfsRd
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbuPlotkM6
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToAzsiFbUG
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tGPNBh28U
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QSuUCkUMj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyWLTHH64G
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbwAUh8Qjk
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnECugAGyX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagtqjSq611
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7yHEGdshN
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYljkzXnuPA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90CANsTBDf
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj9QQpjxzS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKhjV9Q3v3
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ3WGRzyC6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHnU8QWJv5
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zC6g8crGE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOROT3pX6x
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7GflG2Tu6
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR70IhRCZv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagv9Z7mPVJ
**BOOM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv19PoOqZK
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5h7zii7jI
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfdVm2TOJR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiAqJOQtyH
"Pars!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ADl1Olh0x
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwupKIOhqiB
"Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx9LokQSJX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg5AQbqTIa
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthqumQx6hc
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa3z6H2prd
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98swfbPOKc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTcOs6OfKp
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuEkrXO6TA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sJZw4TW8Z
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSYHVd6EIv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLu6W2f2ec
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiBFvtQ6E9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fQMhpS5Na
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTGogexXHI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLRMY44cUH
**CLANG**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQla9jqBrOz
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx0zzNzYEu
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gK6dsCsAt
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSrbQVKddY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd51Vl5Isp0
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhjOwkXUKI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRVmB0AABi
**SLAM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP53Dha6mFr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhImTGcEs9
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI50kJPeqT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ07xIqhgfz
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhezUu6Wo7y
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcYaEu01hl
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECVbwS7lP9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyQD5fWgWK
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8IT9Lq1Dn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf3nahXbU7
"Ngh! Shit–!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yHIc11J5I
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o8FImWwNw
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhLFVjh5S2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xkfvrh527
But then–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnnsR5mm36
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiuw3AmRU2
**BOOM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyVtXiEx3S
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwJINXDbhz
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4SxIRCUvn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHSP1XWc5Y
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7JhjTjRw4
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5T9TsiiN5
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N52M5yRgP
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BGhFaDVEQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe5LgnjKz3
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUGC72l42L
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvsNbDDlB7
"Gah–! You scared me!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2ZPfHZ282
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWaUtAWuvZ
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ7vzpx0tG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBUngaKCkH
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKX7zt7yKe
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDKvS8Vd3l
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneuYnaAtRi
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"No, this is terrible."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD69J5c6uD3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbeGtWsw4b
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4BEGjYQCW
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzN0Pqhk1S
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQS6DitClG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF0p8cNO9k
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIv3oX7ZMB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cCF8h5aSb
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EZjJRzpPi
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrlx1NWDeH
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqcc80Iikz
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"No. No suggestions from you, please."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPIQGlFR9W
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVtmnuYxcB
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3qV3ZPN01
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtojIAhUst
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrPsD7jk0K
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E4xtBoI92
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dAf7xBKyx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5atet6M3x
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBDLQHfh5e
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKKeELfWka
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5H3GyD9Li
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Still, no response.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ1izRUHf0
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmneLMWFHN
"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–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUVSs9p9CZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHobisdPHT
"Because you're entirely incompetent."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkVRc6V8va
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItvqa4Mly3
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnUB4IeVyZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmz2LCIB0k
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfAeCGD1zn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1ugauel4k
"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeYPbONpvS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5JbX3TGb7
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpVFWbGc3u
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkjv98gP5A
"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYLe0ZdsvQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv7MEH0OJs
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5RAjqSjNX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil5d08o92k
"What?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBDbBvEq8U
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcIO20wnQs
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjN6AYGeHF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFxDwpPTQV
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfRX69KFIR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAIxBcLw8N
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qAa2ikcbi
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"...I see."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIJXa5Z7i4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p7OSxHstI
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUimwVGFmHy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5eZaTfKwY
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbfvW3RRi3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaQ9NkCMFh
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs94Ijj01c3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6XkkmMkqq
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijPpq8p1Kw
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTjqvxzlkp
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9vqFHCYz3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6DFnnXKDN
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoIcGFNxP3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh7dCRrz3o
"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–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXu5n3x8Gd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0ivQzU2oj
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MSa72OpS4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4juhbTITkH
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuLLpZYyHY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFAoO2QDSH
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:231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoqmvqMLJD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn3niy9vQW
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O9zjZFqG9
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"Alright!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uu6LKcoA9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDtrD2IiKj
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhav6wirmr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf9XMMcNBL
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWAJ8ZOYid
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou5fH2M7oa
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgDYgwEcU7
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TBHjTbyNx
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLT4ILHlEx
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWrS0W5sls
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZKuF9W0tY
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MADoYHotx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe2Uj6UaeU
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5eryjArch
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHJhKkPZRR
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0orrU4F7k0
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4jr1LIxrE
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDswOY2xB8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuxtKD5MoO
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAZvtRNOjL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gXPMIwJrp
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhnb729WXl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXi1TWY3C2
"--No!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIXzL0OuMq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPdOI648QV
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08HV6i9ktp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNe9DAaLZD
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JtsiMtj1l
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX04H5rWop
"Hyua!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z7nvb2DxR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPErt3cuWq7
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHsvsNCLxG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo1zSjyXol
However, he did have another sharp object.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis81Akm5yU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk4k4PBZIO
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEMZI0Cj6W
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X7dRhxrfW
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmAkTYOUPQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuPHQIrppI
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5lLRG57Ox
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkEcdaw7wj
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfWGsgAi1X
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLRKdMmVHI
And what came was–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UBCKfa5pA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHfPxNpEd0
**BOOM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkORNhe4XoY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubGidPGjAD
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8i6Z1Ukqs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAJyx2KxGC
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJLxxj65np
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel5UOflUxc
"--oop!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDvZskW242
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BDhrcW7Uu
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4QyOPMQzD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO1YOkU1Wl
"You... you're a sick jokester."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIhovqlse7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjciUCBh4D
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunNwZt9R4a
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqssSDnMat
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxAHRr8bLj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT62Mu83hKY
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqvQnUD2Bd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJzRdTepyM
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPr0TRvxGV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphIgSEkWUH
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrks0dhDJ8m
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22umtSZj7T
"What the hell... what the hell!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV4nH2nckl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7QIy9bjkl
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBN9uYEZMv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivu56jyzJp
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhglwFGgQA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjsahTLzHP
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi8RuWT0PP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9QxcxhtTk
"...Heh."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTVBxyhzta
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0KY9Mkt6o
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPmCcvkBA7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAX6yRePm2
–
–
–
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bQ22h9hBL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqHBo43hOI
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6lkH8W62y
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH72wr0anJO
**THUD**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysGh7CSYod
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O4NmlPpvO
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9gQ4ytBY4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88xdHK01l2
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRBYkByDNh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVbkI1IJNx
"Though I have to wonder–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3FStqEOLv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDka20mvjR
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45pMBaQPbQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkQvXaxITS
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrxZHbOl8P
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeLwdzjPqo
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz05DZKg64
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5MpgvDQDg
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaE0jNdaZ1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmxMwSrthv
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8cv71nw7X
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAYhoa8MTS
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.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n46VVfd0g
"Irritating...!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft9ENSoc2y
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdszSpm2nq
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08sSNMSm69
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UHEIB5kgb
Dave didn't like to use spears.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38LtrpEOs1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvUmiCh8R9
"...Haaaaa."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8HR1PgvLy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3znlWu7RT
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiGVUgUnDk
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiA5w636Gw
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QMTNlF5uE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwgR9MasHc
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ppF75wSsf
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU3ZwSDvzt
That's what he always told himself, at least.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFhtB3Gb6x
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UtQWs3s0p
**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**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkSY1ueDHl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bw5MJGBnE
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1b07QdpJ8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwP4ju5PYl
**CLASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE07zYhdJr9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK8k72uDiA
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**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMBlMVFHKA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9EpgLDrXU
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?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLkakcdjI3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW3c1weaxJ
**CLASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQiZbA1ieo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGyzWVF0no
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPlX6blfSJ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvLpegHALz
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxuOqjcXPo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oWTj7GBAI
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDPxnXjp12
Confusion–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVN6Mn2cg4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1jtpaKolK
**CLANG**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tKjvYrLvb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu0p1U5tyw
Delusion–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahYfcR7Gli
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BRZJHagvG
**CRASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rGWZNqKh3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX0OrLl8Yk
All lead to one conclusion:231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmIoRjp4AT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSrm7A9DCt
**SMASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4FeCWoIEM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYwGKrDjOD
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PRIznUBqi
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAI9P6bapy
"...No, of course it isn't."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR6vcrHB4u
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBA9b9C2Rd
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LoeGwuOeV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPYQ56bp2e
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7yDkHR0N8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwCjtyPBUl
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pFhaoAFhi
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR3BfZ4hWg
**THUD**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V3In90qgU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qZ413jOfM
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgg4vnqBpd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoid2zsZIeG
"Pars!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQHooNN6A1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkiq6D1Mu0
"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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcLz1wDLzN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJQnV7RTX0
"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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCQnnpHiGy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx1ziaQ0E9
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBTSqA7l1t
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7em2gZrNJZ
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5VYVUfmxs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoM5V15weW
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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN0SfvRcCj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNxQE24tat
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLYESbmPDp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTpOLfPTku
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1JbJYySe5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z8dQzP98e
"What do you propose?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtDbXgXLA8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo53RWFwBl
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CaH8iFEFF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qe0DF6jVw
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcgA0IAKsf
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVw1BI60Xi
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEf9noFHWE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFQDqoiyM7
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqoZoYJE4g
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKgfxTzgeV
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFftyfIeqc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49msgaKLDx
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqs7ql11tw
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDok081U5V
"--Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50M2fBl3BZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE5W6hxruL
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKLcTg2muE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSPhISq4I5
"...Always backhanded, huh."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNIeBhYhQC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArYHakqGvo
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 laugh231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFuYhCdIQz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCDiVx4rOo
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtzIkEnqOg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSehN5BT92
"We likely don't have one."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaAvmvewAj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO1jBRPz9y
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcLkEUFqsu
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvZgva3igH
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc6pprtJY8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr9UyDfrvY
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni4wAqB09k
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1x5pOKhye
"Well, if you insist."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ51SNrtmQC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZhBTLNhxm
–
–
–
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.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMepRbVKaa
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs41wdro0vp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsTHXHgnWE
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cZEclhF2R
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPMmIrxGy0
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkGlLVpZNS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HXfv9Z032
**THUD**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfIfpbqAbs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0XoZDLIXF
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?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvNZFNy8bz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OLNCy1rX6
"--!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvp1x8yg1d
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDtH3gLsq6
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwiPeNChan
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYgfBUVwCx
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZgiqZFLA5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DasbXVeHP
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf0FrYKn5h
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjwRntFbih
**SPLICE**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnM2Y3UMGG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrEandoNKL
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IedIfYzf8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnGkPVNjCv
"I missed one."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FIczZUmDy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddonoKSp1k
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFkU1ZtcEH
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDhffEVBiP
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRu1pjX4c7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXwEzuhVu7
"Hey!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaMZITlxgf
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFdlJ1ibR3
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1KnrrQI32
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy7ACgrgh6
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MdWtV9NQm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXcHbmAU3B
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwewRwJvtz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZzctaMEkT
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZbTEUldG2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e4rejz2O1
"I never said that."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZEyXQgwpg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQENiXafSf
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa9ysXm9sV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZeg9TE1mB
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GSABhTohI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0mSaUKdRk
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eZrUYfRcT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWYqoq3vT4
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWiyyosEh1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGFFvRHI4A
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfIBXHMQkI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXBqHVkigy
"Haaaa. Damn you."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiJG843LxE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyUqtK7mjp
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M0v6Ha7NY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQzvrPpxo6
"They are dead, right?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxneH3X6NL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuNcK1kIcu
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPypYOHww1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuLjewbI5L
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA3DQOHW2M
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN8i6fs9Vc
"I–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrhOcNNJVp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAPD2jm0zs
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuhNeNY77u
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBu3rhMxBb
"Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGMKy87ljq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocSKpHiHbz
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONMFXLCzue
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjmXVrPDK9
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT7AmN89dH
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs61dvzPpyk
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFdPdnm6Hv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGdksyMaSw
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZcCXQlrGp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2NIQrCU3l
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR6Q7u0TX4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3HrvYUVON
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrhQvm4fxR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHdsc5MHaj
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdDPHwbTzJ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqXgcjMfkC
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGJ6Ei10Gd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUbKEHB35T
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeCMMBBjTP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuCXG08Xk0
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcthFKzsFO7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuucNIztL0W
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wegWPPB6i
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEcFtvgu3F
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTSXJ0M8zu
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xlcN3dVKh
"You raise a good point."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTScxHicCG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0MYM6rkJ1
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglUDsXClLV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsmrTCSqs0
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQKqkG1395
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosyD847Bfe
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iGdC7y2K7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2X3hkSbh9
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZK0KoUBz9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNZVC0lGHu
"Ha, abandon?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDuqcJ7bic
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbeoc3IL25
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkW1LlflkS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk4VNh271t
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0POL2iwDX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x4XouIP5F
"If you were, it was backfiring."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrV4oUZZ9O
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKWN6Jc7PV
"Harhar. Very funny."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHoV7SJyA9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPERpx991v
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNnWt5gb4A
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueOzExWYNj
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjJUcFDRBS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeScUTOEQlD
"Aren't you conceited."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxxTOLbEfQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnRjRNQagY
"You think it's arrogance?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeRmRNIO67
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpqiGcN8ND
Pars began to stroke his chin.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbcSmwXAlK
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZzIusYiEN
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXsnKV9F1h
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjbF6RmC62
"But what you want isn't just greatness."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxC2h31jJc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUxE73ly5s
"...Yeah, you're right."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISMUmTlfqh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD08JUAVUY
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZvjcHAQMU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSirjTsqWt
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
