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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wmWe7Xyn1
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifMrf4lkGf
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLri7WKd85A
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjQj5E6xwr
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMLKNQsuKm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVWBsQ1PKl
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya8AXMw92H
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1rdPunXIU
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURTgyVJumr
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp60cnVARuB
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lbG75MrcU
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRETjKcmqv7
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQobCUYoptO
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmYgIZpVHW
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDdKyHGKN0
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN3J0mv02H
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoLdTppmiT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXtYadGDmF
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiNtT6kJLs
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwU7hDclW0
**BOOM**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU3IaLDvBX
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA8rE9sdPw
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zv7RABtXG
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZX5TTMfYV
"Ack!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSavu08da5k
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIke949uEP2
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKjwrBFrKM
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLSzQZ35Po
The room was a catastrophe.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LtWpLg0ps
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDk3r13Nbb
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzJuxzRiHO
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ty6Z9Mwq5
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnVwxB1Igk
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU9I66dJk0
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hAgBDPBQL
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9XB2g1ezb
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFssaTALNPB
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPmPqPIpju
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MIkFyGYvN
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb4K8N28T6
**STRIKE**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVpzCzu5v4
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–only to be immediately interrupted.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMhK1xVrRT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tzrPRaNRp
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5dyptLeLf
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcueqKVEHnx
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc4soyXR8w
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dlFl67qlI
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOho3QlQkK
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3TlJm5TX5
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvIOeAfoSJ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1Tkpm0ZTP
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf2gus5nNA
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNienk4gCuk
"C'mon!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyGwJwUmvR
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtteAPMyBJh
"--Ah!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr1xgl5Llq
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MSNIzuDE7
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVIyDp0A0L
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkoojsXkdf
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGeEDu14Dj
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKIB3ydvsf
–
–
–
What a moron.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw9GinZ4Z0
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPEyjNvm0Y
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOqsY1OzUE
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmcbErcoFZ
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lzQHlZG44
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7XUGUizF2
**THUD**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXNorcgFvp
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68xfryZwTM
"Ngh!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeDWz2X0NA
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGocmW4o3zv
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQewFcQ1zne
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bEaiRaGHl
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl24NS2edw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTK5aVzcAE
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DumyzhAKq
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSatA89qSz
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa9yTgFF18
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i7sPfzBtO
"--I should've known!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnIk3FuR39
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHITF7NVYTp
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJyMa0FfPN
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7eHUGRFKq
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm9XNDdcGq
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ27kbjyFNo
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfNpvBU58d
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9ey80WqLU
"DAVE!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHAJb9AvQ2
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgd1VtQpFW
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0OmAufHFD
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIrRwALEmA
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGGD9QpJZs
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIZtuOxoTI
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.
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yCgouZDZX
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNy626LKZt
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMdbdEQaQE
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpYrF9GJ7Q
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahicdWMaHu
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy3BK6cVbg
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBVQ1FMxfE
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPUt2YHsU4
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ212EtlAPFN
"...Those are our first casualties–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm68VGRH0m
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3F5qddWx2
**BOOM**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSAIBJKAwr
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6UnXoJPNl
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtCwynQXOy
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwJES7TiqV
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfuDABShOY
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmAQ05cbsB
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg5jkrZzDc
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7dvTcbUW3
"I'm here now."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSptSCw9prU
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwzmCZJXbv
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrYhS0aNlt
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6ICLKv6zH
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIfL9iWzCX
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTGqxOlrcZ
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYVbDwL4hm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wFDNyO3fy
–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOLdVCZzAW
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWsKwcsr36
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTipnKYIam
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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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSLWQOVaMY
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWbd7aR0Q0
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2edHKa3mve
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrR4neYyLIt
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQA695zY0k
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ200MprmNBW
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzDMK2Me67
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnt4X1YP3C
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbpXIlKjqe
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GkEED6ErX
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9SnKDifPq
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z2ewLMpzN
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dZacTgvU0
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnJ2b4Vwc6
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEKz40Nt9O
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZtHokSvTn
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JhcFKayyH
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ApadoEjcs
**BOOM**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LWEXbJdgR
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz0pfrfZSx
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNteqf1l8iZ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrk6NukU4U
"Pars!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlQVcc1Gue
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37DVLO052r
"Huh?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXpTKsYu0U
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUDdEjFtRR
–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadsAumD36Y
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI3cBN9fGK
–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxNIh0cPPk
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMNG6K9Koz
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It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgxiWHSxrI
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacTcPXwwKG
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z74VEubfw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4krzUy9k8n
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EwKxukt2u
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl0wL4NTv5
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGScWio8u8
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQmIaf42ol
**CLANG**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5qGfvCOE2
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b7VJg5boH
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmv9Bz6ZxK
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM5DQyR4Jw
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepvu0cvJgU
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqAxoBGrAN
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5IFyBCh38
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8x4zHZkvo
**SLAM**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB17qTwaQdV
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIgPBzaapf
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yd77zvAVV
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xo2izwSN0
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TOm7bVf3t
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAeEUvu7Mf
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajRgqvCvPh
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mCkLCHzyN
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo44J9RGNk1
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPdrDjuc05
"Ngh! Shit–!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrNAzJNjuk
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y8kZBynv5
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFNVqtborS
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pZgkzGtk8
But then–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrDI9luGwK
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gCKQEuPdy
**BOOM**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0VYV0Gfc3
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8POlUcl4JG
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e8H1ZxuYw
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W8AuMGaj6
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g2BagV5kH
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vxj0nQuWl
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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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkhaytrebe
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8utO8RXaV
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVVxAtqKUo
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxFF5rfdzh
"Gah–! You scared me!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yfFVQbbdi
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjYD5SQD4J
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sUubeNOBm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbPOBP9ZNn
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t0UrC5Ra9
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU7eJirS8V
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cDVjdpVxW
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYuD1goSFH
"No, this is terrible."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvxSZGaF2Z
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy56whiFEvy
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrkCNP83b3
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0isyObl6i
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuQLaH1x4o
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1sjraUyAs
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3f5oHA2H4
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0UVZQVD9u
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEdlYSySfO
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K3HjzAGZg
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0oLPAnBR
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJCKt5RLz1
"No. No suggestions from you, please."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqhHBJB7kw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrvcCYn6rw
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KjduTHigP
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4T3ZhCVnG
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sT9nOUOvi
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyy2Jh7ycq
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ2Iy2H659
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ202A0Ft9xp
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUHK4gdbjb
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeLJoCQ38F
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJNf8JIb8T
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rXmGgZ6qx
Still, no response.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDaU3JRw0h
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaEtC1bsHG
"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–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWUKflSJLQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQnd2KFL0E
"Because you're entirely incompetent."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk5lXIc3ui
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScxnRgbkkA
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpCOe39BCQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqc6uAAmL6
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uj8ksEw9w
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUfEZ7dVOj
"..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxpYg7PrJS
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkL1LgYTsA
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSypTy4Jy5
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxjwjJNuBP
"..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8QNCS3z1a
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh6vEaU4Qb
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJfDFL5QnD
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOHyS2GDve
"What?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJw2u4v893
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUZlSzrVEd
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVM4WukrH6
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNsGF95dFq
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenvQWG6Bug
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMtZcctQwh
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rWIG19L1w
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZknQzzGd8p
"...I see."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPSkMp1sfj
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTL3kxOfTO
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JWFZ5F3z2
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG97fy2QMzk
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswK9J6VAy1
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0Gjd6KYmZ
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ0WyNXk2G
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4TqZMd69y
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0dSFw0WPT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kZuibYSOm
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aGqNspZ74
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ6WvVGpzt
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oXQqyNcvn
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq8FIfAT55
"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–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9VQ3XxByA
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ572uM1JwlL
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rGhoqCaRG
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRUcCZWp8n
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcjBNR7dbQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfyqIw2dMk
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:146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi6fFUAUFI
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ymKkr4wb
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QQIhFl43L
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BEVQ57Xox
"Alright!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZldjbbAcTX
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc0iyUeWst
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhAiUu6udr
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL4BrRBGVX
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjF13AjgBY
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHQzBxiXGU
–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKqMWALngG
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1MbHh3diT
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPnylupmzh
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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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUpAhPrS8L
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXQrNr1bFl
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnuravyZeq
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUle95RAw9
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSavaHDrb1
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJr24dCobT
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FNC6QX5fm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEmByCCffD
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GlUpU2ZQE
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpLVIr2uYl
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC5jpiiVuu
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYakmpCnzdd
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5NwV5ZPWv
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf59RIXSHa
"--No!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJIiuuagPI
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb8Z3aam1r
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffyE1JLPFE
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaXYCREGec
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRaG1vNxy6
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTdmrHcS0q
"Hyua!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oqJDqdN1O
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUF4yo5j7
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVopX9Jdb9
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaE3iOQGBy
However, he did have another sharp object.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqJvMqYsVr
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYjnjEydbR
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ccD6lK4qt
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzN0YzKgr8
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVad8Nb8LNM
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoslvF6YsD
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskb54DuD7W
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb4zmQaKPB
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSa79FuzzM
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof905lElQ3
And what came was–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsGGlNG96t
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe2k5DDJ8c
**BOOM**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0O8l1orzE
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMueGIjmlS
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnxXkIitWa
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq48lnDN4n
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgevOINiAL
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF6AOCvr5Y
"--oop!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYJxsee2FQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF39Jts3mS
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivmmNcUPtC
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXcMz87A7f
"You... you're a sick jokester."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bEjSlGEeS
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGoIMA2GZi
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd3ikwuNux
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zK97a8Vdl
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xM078ENKK
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiydubgz1J
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j5b2USTTi
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0bVgNHvAr
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV475SpKul
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUiLDXQJwL
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjftznNEjal
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZPjEt2xFS
"What the hell... what the hell!?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AjycKTVWd
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4JWoM8I1Q
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnCYRSyMdJ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NcuoVIegR
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt17s7JCUz9
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtELYRxiJNS
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC5o4aRq5T
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcYraI7o9I
"...Heh."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdICy3CBaw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MJipxlwoA
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGJQfmoWQm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuCllLW1Ef
–
–
–
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M7C7Xx201
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ2k7lIFsr
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiB2mZFRrm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P6yNIC4hW
**THUD**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE0pfbu8I5
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc1ISkPZlc
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGFSXHUp1G
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3YJMFAluC
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡootn9lrCMG
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNVckrDXNg
"Though I have to wonder–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeSS8Wgv9c
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ognAGNQNc
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgluXGx7aP
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4eBSQZi6m
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHxfj4QRou
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDfPAmhIDK
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDbmxOWhIn
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MurwHUy58
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBu3TSKzCC
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OD4JLlsEq
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgTxs3S38L
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUnNsZWSRm
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.
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE8XDoSmUH
"Irritating...!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjjeMvxmmD
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLVUkDOIQN
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD68jmWs4f
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDUEsx1rsU
Dave didn't like to use spears.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeztPRlqz2r
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxsGxJYpxW
"...Haaaaa."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUd7ovU9d7
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqEC6hpm2o
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZD1ZlsVYT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMQ0jhP86W
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN413htuWgu
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDhzar3yRX
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaLQzvCoHr
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo8VaTO7WM
That's what he always told himself, at least.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGgUtJdSij
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTYWoKsY28
**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**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx8E34Uh9B
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2pM7GqpRG
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGz3MBtCT4
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw4hlXhQ1G
**CLASH**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6iu70M0pQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8fUHIpPqw
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**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvfJm2R22C
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmInE9MDqBZ
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?146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii0tNJfM7Z
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHTaLiBm3s
**CLASH**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XLU087qhP
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcynhnqJ2L
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVTFU8ANty
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSDzor5sfX
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk2MJ2WHnx
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGQsemeGUX
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp5LNH32WO
Confusion–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcC453B865
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6vWbmxOPl
**CLANG**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFaayG655D
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR26t2vNRG
Delusion–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4ZDxUnpgT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTw4uh2iNp
**CRASH**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9ry5mK0MI
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc94TFfBSeR
All lead to one conclusion:146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmZLOglfyd
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEMtiSwNaz
**SMASH**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SCULzVD6W
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcP7Wu9ec7
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlGEHMcXEB
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBsMs6ig94
"...No, of course it isn't."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYHNOiW2uv
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoIImXrqEf
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxqKCLanak
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxguuyfSUNA
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwXkoUoJY1
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlNftpGsxM
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyFaqBnnZT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAtbApiEZU
**THUD**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYZRLgEd1L
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7nUVJaSbN
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpTmabGitu
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxAtbFqK7t
"Pars!?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlrMUct6A2
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXOTKQg7TA
"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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPg6VK17ZI
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvDyiDHsBs
"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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnmxPQg7pU
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRnEJ9lpy8
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi637nxwPG
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw2vgco7l5
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec9TeSTccw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvU6GSiRks
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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6hmrh87pm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdS4o38si6
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkNmSbZQuF
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBzJRWGfMY
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDly8J9cfL0
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRJ8e8Qt0Y
"What do you propose?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tIKD4woEH
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOJSabl54R
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FQaQM8afE
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP4l4LWJeW
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws8ulOfsnb
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYFSitbbLw
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznUEuOLB56
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiXcJEFoui
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbahQEpid8
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjDQqFoNQN
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEaRGBAF2l
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlBpAQRfcU
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH4FlccU3O
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygJcpzNZk5
"--Huh?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy3IdC92Rf
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnw4qlhbpH
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF7En7RsU4
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTTGfLkHdx
"...Always backhanded, huh."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLCd8rPNZe
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9ejI2iGpR
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 laugh146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHbsh0gpYl
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiA2cuCllD
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcWEeiAmj5
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT0VwfeMOs
"We likely don't have one."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U8TEp1RHL
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GH9yI2aU5
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5qZVY1q4Y
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLzEQOcLWt
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDjO7p5mA5
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCLv78U8qd
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8rq3WW9rN
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUQN51gGM6
"Well, if you insist."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeZmVfzfzk
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspusNTqbua
–
–
–
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.
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fQKU2pVsr
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWmvoePOeZ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeJ4zI5xxs
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1Mwq7weiP
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTILMVwjMvj
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgfRrQb2kw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2A2ZMTCX8
**THUD**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngATy7ANTM
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqYDnHcD1Q
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?146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDAMnCd25h
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fJ0dqGlWQ
"--!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHpV7rkDcp
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5QnWRTsDl
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IH21eA0yh
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVccAUy3f1F
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsEZWKWdn5
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mWvp5pn2f
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–146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Qo2CWF8F
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCc0epw6Cd
**SPLICE**146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oU1Sqmrs5
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi9LEeVaCj
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1TdPvKIBa
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUhQdx6lLd
"I missed one."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnfU5qFP8p
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLxcDxlA1N
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3ZzIIxiAv
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuxSVOMyo1
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbHgI3DcrG
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL3PlV7u7l
"Hey!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tczuuDTmG
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1KBP0nrIr
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozfrrav9wL
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjiYLa4XDk
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOHa6SaFv8
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVDZyLDt9j
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXimjRxuebo
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPWyOGu4Pd
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06hq0K4Cgk
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrj7lVjTxq
"I never said that."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSwNKPeLgm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvoeg9KrXf
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iU6wI47hk
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VyGKCZ1QY
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0lhe3fee9
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl24gnEkBe
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKGftVJnHs
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv6BsiI2OP
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02RGNeuBbd
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhQ56lZXmU
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSM7xXD5LT
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6jTKlGO84
"Haaaa. Damn you."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgVrqItOd8
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl0CgDskzZ
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe9VtcR63g
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1wZhQwi1Q
"They are dead, right?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuIHg5ccOC
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdZqagLQS5
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBHncPInjo
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDa2lzZaxc
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6UEeVd4qH
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn7px0U6NJ
"I–"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rgSarPleC
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEto2eARES5
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfQLeHEBw1
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob8GQKNQHk
"Huh?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULyNneGyAw
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWinDP3gPD
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKDRxgusxO
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMO5TkkrYT
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp21XfZzvz
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkDDfYjHO1
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs0KIFzOEQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYsQqApiGL
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNV3fnyowQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQiKigHFKm
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAUfbs05fO
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedVvm811W8
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI4SQ6bIeV
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Ke46OjGt
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAInbdwsXA
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwpM9HKUJB
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQSVopd7EV
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeTont7hfZ
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eKvHI8ZKR
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK5gwgsvcL
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl9iYW3PdB
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ9geoY7sz
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7DLHIDNR8
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4LgGDzcv2
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jv3kyM332
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwNQLAd1BN
"You raise a good point."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvskiiLh1Ua
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2MIKkIyAD
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC9jM9UTtm
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iwbRFBhob
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtDIdJYHKA
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCIgvziX2w
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcMaL1eHhq
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFZ2i8gknL
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8G4CkChik
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLZdGB6uVk
"Ha, abandon?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5eVDThPs8
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzQPvioNtK
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD4l3ITkeR
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxIfr6HNyB
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMuP1Q32mz
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApuLjFK7i0
"If you were, it was backfiring."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsG8jiWqHd
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp34Rj67KD
"Harhar. Very funny."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElqwmtzhYd
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJfD80fvW6
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFl0srm8NQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73seEt2ZU0
"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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NCUyll5pQ
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjaNrgp3gz
"Aren't you conceited."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyeWTQ5shn
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7K0CJGjDY
"You think it's arrogance?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VhjKx3WCx
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrzW9IdYfz
Pars began to stroke his chin.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxHDS1py5F
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZWMfFjurs
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHe9w4R6HN
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ChkQwmXee
"But what you want isn't just greatness."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6vu59ohlt
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkO5InOk2g
"...Yeah, you're right."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUmSbKKIfg
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBrxXC7MVh
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDDO64bY9V
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2OtE2YE7Z
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
