Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjzxv58l56
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxJ6V6bHvj
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Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGCzgIwny2
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"What are you doing!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffUd4TOrhi
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAu2LONBM9
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRchImWrNO
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSvAiK8HBy
**BOOM**141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyswFL8xPP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbLGrhj0Gc
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UPewCUTkF
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"Ngh, damn it!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5cEOhUJSl
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAlvrxHhbb
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmmZRrmtpn
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAvxSgoD8J
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"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowjIegOjJ9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2aMbnc5Bc
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5PIC8Jljs
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp04zVhPpog
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"--Damn it! Rover!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuBPWcy3fR
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I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPkZCpEaac
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBvjoDngGq
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Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7Aqgej5NZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaCDRiBU7m
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMj0zQRnf9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ0HC1aQzi
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAaKV6vrEn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDCh5EOTU9
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01l5bjHmhr
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJtxh7r8tV
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUekF46KJIz
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY95nVyRsex
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"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVRngwRgJE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Arr2AXADv
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVawK6hbhv5
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"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM69EPBe7H
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxBwgNjgvV
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4yf64qtAN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGV0KL0hM8
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJEuEK3ofi
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8LGxvYskW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIplioRovDG
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApybFKCbJN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiZgS9X0EK
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04M6DH9qwe
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4sNXsUNak
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"Hey, Kenny!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTvh55jXjU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt8VjBRAd5
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhot38xpFU5
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"I-Is she okay?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3fXq3Ojh3
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS0WhQI9JT
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7nUh0cY8g
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyrRvKmajJ
"I don't know what that is!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsAEsivWSh
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"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ345zizYLa4
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Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsEgHY1PXu
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Though, that did raise the question–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAjfgagviy
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"Do you know where you're going!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7IyE5rosl
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E1upiFMnp
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZxbIcGBWN
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"Ah– where is Dennis?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8nd48W5wd
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXaju0CUd0
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfipr1B2eU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3L2PcVmSW
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSE66X9r8d
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"Shit."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZtUwchxd8
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Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaluNLSnSUS
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n4lpMOhv7
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybWmf97abO
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyJAmDz8xq
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"...Alright."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQObMx15Dp
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mZwaZu4Tb
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1bIT24P1C
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEAfiOdz87
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6VrgrqNdI
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn7a94TE6j
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtye4YgjD5r
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAvWeVjRXE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEN36AtGI2
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7aCl9D6WD
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The man stopped speaking.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpzbvNv1E2
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"Alright, carry on, then."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0kIS0jMBt
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"...Eh?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue3BpY5EfJ
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I shared in his confusion.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hx4ThpTai
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ8aCLYuR4
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"I-If ya say so!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscZlooQJJ3
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Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPCKyuyyMg
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIdUsMXOJI
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And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3iClzc7MU
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0opCU4stl
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In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zhiqHAX8C
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I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu2U4pPpVz
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lo4XiWk75
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"Damn it, kid!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgWTBv8GKP
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Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11HOtxJsd0
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**SMASH**141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6khedMmFFM
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I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0kxYjEEyT
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRueIRhn89
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Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvWtHLny4U
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqog51RUTMv
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMBNeBm8Xh
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At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3L48ry2as
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMVvJGuzZ3
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The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDzSXJLcmP
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzGfoftJyg
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4coQDscMU
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Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ejw843A2b
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PC9z7CEnY
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlJ2d98JI5
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"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v6hGcMo7i
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeOgc4ZhoS
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbOHZUfvGB
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD9ToDLBU5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6kGm1FUgt
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05TT3K2Etf
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE8RxCaFqR
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVHwti39El
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"Like I'll let ya do that!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYB9g8oPui
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But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOc8BS2PN3
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNXF9tcnse
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADOSvzhOQm
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRavQLZqxkS
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFoism6kRR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsntFN28Ju
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7OPBh1kdO
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDLsPCPXij
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3apuE1LdzK
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsgptjA6Oq
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfmNsVfTaU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3O8v3ZTjZ
"--Hrk!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q0p60kegW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY01Kh7RZIU
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE5CaioQ01
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYK6EHabiY
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsaVsTYumI
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v9CKTu738
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIlkZa8k7T
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtGNuDmdtv
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJmWSKfYpz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM0fkt3AbP
"Whatever!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT5xHbayY5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9dZpb9Vbo
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGd12WXRMV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6FsVH0JaE
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpKz9RtGTn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtnKUeIufR
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIVG5h1rzZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQmj4pjjCn
Dread, worry, guilt–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQNAOAgfs0
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8PHB2YYvD
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUEiJcmZBm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId8qudBMvW
"...R-Right!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcYUV23etK
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmarwooNuE
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW9PGHT940
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReg3cKeiYA
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i43osDvMv
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw3drf9nwU
**SLAM**141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa1NW8Opgi
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOwKUIiy8U
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVaUeSEc4o
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qsbnLooX6
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7spho5LL8
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj8KX4D4TY
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldSdooUmjM
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr8gtRgY5d
"--Ugh!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEriuVzBiZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaK1gIMAH8
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7OIprtOmV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmco6EEwji
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD4Kd0QfOy
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SpdPBEMDq
**SMASH**141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pD7nBRX8s
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknOeNVQS2b
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZIuozq2HE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVUrPkFPYa
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kTT7CwDKj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepYguGFZXe
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gMu9WyB9a
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDSVbZuIGs
"Ah! Sorry!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RVVBkwEh9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk74AdyMz1
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtcsnyV9NR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T7Ao3vDwk
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkv3svKKgF
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo1WsGjtKT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBbnzykFvM
"N-No, that's not it."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY6y5ULnvQ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IyvizhMp
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPvJufcWn3
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVWkzH3aTq
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBDq0ln4Mw
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvD6Qxl9EZ
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
