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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtVYqhTmmN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIlcwPi7z7
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq64DRH4cU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KshHywW28
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQcYbwmWUN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSRVlY42Sq
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0sMj8If4X
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhllRTOvyOA
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡistlRnTUmX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtysApEP2A
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjzuhhVLhW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSl9ZYutwb
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0jcbNM9KN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vCfgwJ1Kg
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPKjnfipHz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bmgSrbeD5
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXyUjTtLEF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvEunW6a1m
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq5srA8C6N
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf0kZXYtww
**BOOM**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOparg5oWoR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU4v9GgDOr
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCs76MoKYc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG0Ac3oXwC
"Ack!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJg9yYxJve
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd1B2FvAg8
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgR9UkIfWQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmsViVLuOE
The room was a catastrophe.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7tZYe189G
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEZYvlzsa7
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8gA4Cv1Ao
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl49I3dZ5qL
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAOHglcZDS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0ieQOZ3Ot
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKBUcNEoAH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBb3UGrDrq
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCFsLNeveT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOzM8w4aqf
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BrtQv5SXF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf56aq7XMR
**STRIKE**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7j3zKIFlD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxxo5cWaEC
–only to be immediately interrupted.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1usJzLnNpj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjXqGqkoAy
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuQUJDxLGR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPojBtBiVs
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvo08IT9Ec
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieEQaPhClk
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTlaQ10zUt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAg3Y0e4Zz
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpWVD1VNsR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERMA4TrBde
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhUp4ehuYv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuMsRVIG1t
"C'mon!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmx51QietQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGItLh6APu
"--Ah!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs03fzOIgvG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpTGiLoflP
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovRg9UgMDx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmvjugW3G3
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJzk4t9eG6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoOdLcQIX9
–
–
–
What a moron.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnboUhw3i6B
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZC4nJYxIc
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG3dU8Niad
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmXMzhxlbI
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZFa3npUGQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SO9qySJ9q
**THUD**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSaJhVl3wG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtbM1MFP6b
"Ngh!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7OLYvrG8V
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIrUrkbQ5a
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5JeAbPzPL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKynOIwLED
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtScnQjOFB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CUl2aoPWa
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBUqehcVtu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a9PuDcYNC
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgRDFjLE52
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsv947prcX
"--I should've known!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZorGlnR3f
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLvS3zS6ZY
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm5vt7tMLn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaNv4f9e8H
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4ZoYy82dd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI3WVQ9uij
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bbOf1MIts
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYDRODlrUP
"DAVE!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpwGnWbcXi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F7mseqjfz
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97QStofzAD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuAjg0VeSr
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVqgk0O3dj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OrYGF7pgc
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.
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbasmNoLLsH
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMmoH8yuwe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz1irOt4A7
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiHK5lzCdZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV1uU4iQ8V
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9oy52tLiU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa3UnwfcId
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DaEju4j4q
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rs7tdL2wo
"...Those are our first casualties–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyn0YBQTLH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW7vOatfSW
**BOOM**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9X8R6T9gi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWD27LEDIy
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVLJfj4Q8c
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEttVv5NOz
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3wZEiTn2Z
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy3NG7HPhL
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rdaddaQ4z
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr10cOgUOi
"I'm here now."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf8Vwyae4T
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuR8XOMwGC
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyqFzYNROk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Blx8WUELP
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMa7lmNkQN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfro4SMU0U
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOKnilv9Ka
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDcg5EnW7K
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZWE0cn7GW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcZK0HbcLv
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLefGdAijPs
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwur8CM6Lc
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuxIiNXPMF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcL5uUckGd
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXZ8X1qqzS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ946CzgqpKr
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHfu9IXCuE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNGyXzZU9P
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANejOjXvKE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm2kD9z3LO
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMxbphkkFa
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwp3Stm5Gr
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOTOblekGF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFyGfnWavd
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTQzA1g0L5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqklz05lU00
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbfZeMhVtW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IZvfXmO1D
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKR8X2jFTE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw0Z21ROIe
**BOOM**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBa738dE7z
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoIgAF57Eu
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHZrakqzNF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBqAuITzLe
"Pars!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx27zQu79M
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VcSsvwrnF
"Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA2fmd8ZGD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE41q3Z6It
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmthqYpj4qb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvh37N2aPh
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fS0vd7Uou
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ERIj4oqsm
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFhO6YLeVZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXKqC1oILD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNh9Q03GAS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAtE0J7SNS
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbMwi9KbiB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeOjskAhfN
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOCcIYMLoJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFWkeEkv6H
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07OyZJGDyS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0AX2TfiLA
**CLANG**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjSZWjBcUJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXu3Xpk13a
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhje5sbdBoE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkGXrKYlSs
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9jiNO0R3k
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehI6I7Bzx0
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAyALLfXeC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6Nhfje8C7
**SLAM**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqqI93ZK0S
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2gg3PclCc
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ix4oSlHyl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h3HzI51Vt
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPF0utKM8e
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy4Q797jZm
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV42vtJV4hC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TnYFVz3zt
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAIuJoAP7m
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AMfHouslf
"Ngh! Shit–!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0COu3ujiZE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht51EfaVZ6
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFC96I1lyY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19C5YMRojz
But then–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5h1mWuqVg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEi1jhSOv0
**BOOM**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FW8AvyXtU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGff0G2HsCp
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLQsRTKVvj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhleiKrso31
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtpbb3gn1d
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyiKOm3xcA
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxElNpRoQx
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XnazIgeAP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGyFzRwVE8
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4Yw3KrMOA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDdrGSNMF9
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQEK1g51NU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHAex4lh5u
"Gah–! You scared me!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCWBXqhxoR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB9op3ktvu
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa08MDvKADa
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADab1BnLxk
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN1NEoIhAK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GMLVx3gOs
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QZdEfQisH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE0H8JrjlM
"No, this is terrible."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITrxliw0P3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ktluQQJpN
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqifNzZcFhH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjWwRzjNf1
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rari8v87
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdoc21w7eB
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57PO8z2blV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwUTwdMokC
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIysWGLLDGS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nllyAMDSl
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaIhxReild
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24MVu4ySOw
"No. No suggestions from you, please."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOc84tFoV5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVwDFXFM4M
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsVXFg1y2I
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4ALAjCwBD
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNaWH7Oa3W
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz5gntXx0r
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqjZaZm4dy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkZCwjeMLO
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoMLTOFags
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW7vNxD047
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUXfiSR7Xq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9WlAwhvDV
Still, no response.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JU2qgtXET
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhplvx7GqRs
"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–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5n6ayFH5u
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p0x2AolAL
"Because you're entirely incompetent."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtajF707NIF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ1O0NKzjp
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4ujVjfSbG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZSJSFWt9F
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXkdL7a6SZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZW3C5C80k
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJGp1Myqs4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvtkpDz9BH
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSUXThr0JP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgB3YTwN7p
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwS9xOH714
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jnyc60HAn
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnKOnaPlss
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwmccKg58B
"What?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP3kmgynC5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuitozlmPD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHmJU6usIP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ558U1i2RXj
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ThOWn7nyy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrg4Q1NaQ2
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyJR5Ebida
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF4SUcIDcd
"...I see."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAAACzQJ3C
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhAyhJlUW3
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6rybphVGy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLwmdzfuw7
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFQZjVTOzz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvdzzQHqoh
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3i9dABkdK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RqYtJ6VPJ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt8bGoGeWB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZMX8zfjBB
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNSZJdvyLB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8vXOuluJb
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXyHkpH75N
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYLDfpEzBk
"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–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcHHfPkZae
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvdHVT8fxz
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnUhGk27nu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDrwaIHsi8
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluWaXvhfgx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYY4AZkYBn
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:184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS414ZxPtT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYD7hzz3i9
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKsN4Zgkmn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS1gFCcmiN
"Alright!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQUVEjM5Xx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw0q0NFZcf
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPk7geU6E9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqKpv6kY40
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD7zAVBPJj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJPnAyTPJ3
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtMyxSM4n4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZMM5aUmB4
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGJOZee58D
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sY5x0OGOP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkWhmqq7gf
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOkgKrY4IV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQgApw5Lz9
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMZfNZnpGV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQKn4vV4VX
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIsg7UHSko
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3BUcbgUqI
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHN2B6ayuT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbFLCOzyYu
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjijfwDg4Wq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzZTsMR7lS
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDiMPWpjM8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4mR3SKfAd
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgykvmsvyG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gUNdAOcdB
"--No!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthiIdmeI2D
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvUt6meF8t
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSZleA2eus
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrrIWEtac1
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kHHfv75XD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnalADJNEIw
"Hyua!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOgizMKDgG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPISyw4K9x5
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqNl8HMRYv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6K3ioYXuq
However, he did have another sharp object.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUNc45e3wN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO83vNDudJ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhW3wPP98H
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyrIgKDV2E
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdemnjBIxLq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtSLwBduTZ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCOZGMcV7x
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITI2OyMuq2
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6D92Kd4yc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPDstlwOtt
And what came was–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcr19i6IhJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7OArdEGBc
**BOOM**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x53wswu3U
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwatNuH9FB4
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV3GnhXeDe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrFAy3h3cq
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv81rCYSw77
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPhyTHur79
"--oop!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubYifobbW4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGng7IhQzcm
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt9Pg16wHi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvFX9AbFUt
"You... you're a sick jokester."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIn0FEuD7L
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3IjFyLjDB
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkNeddIq9o
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw3SvwxCq3
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QQf1q4mvb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl0Z8qQFg6
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1FvjRDUE3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5lGAuELYY
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KbhjTgEtJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6nGIvhFEM
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnUFtFAU8u
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUWviqKhqV
"What the hell... what the hell!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjeN8LGLsG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSrLgOqzpX
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWniMuHaIW6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HRDhYmPcf
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD8n8aftD5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2MvYURyTa
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvl2FVJCvv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ627WWF6EX3
"...Heh."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK4K5NVuLA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNnSP4GJRZ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv75lU6vJ2B
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoEIOycKKM
–
–
–
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYm01Fbtqg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXZstErtBV
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XoQ019gm5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCHiwXO8bP
**THUD**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygnD6Aj100
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjrs7VZ929
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAkPyrfYME
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjecsgkbTfG
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbyA4apWTD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqHO7OkrBK
"Though I have to wonder–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sSRoVgFNE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkdrrh0HyO
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rDbPVmasn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8lAjrkjNW
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmWldZHzi5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgSSYfO5bR
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGfsZO2UYV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rrP92KH9J
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrTDO1YgkP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpyfTI4QEH
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNezkRJvzX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOtnG2acF3
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.
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJJRozcd7L
"Irritating...!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI96NWrGds
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS3fGecmiQ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSZ4dpIsrS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43YOGVRsnz
Dave didn't like to use spears.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPl8rOzNqy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQHcemj42s
"...Haaaaa."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3GTdquIwP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyCKY38uzV
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGgeuH5kwj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaeN4eoMIF
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pTiudQUqE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuoQOv4JOy
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYJ53LdhHI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PuZG7HQFT
That's what he always told himself, at least.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQEsuEERRS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe4bYRAE4H
**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**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinj24ycOXy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMdFPYylX3
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIghFb9svSp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEcCU6Ak5S
**CLASH**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbaJO9ANEf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHCVzT2Rl8
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**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTZzrFiZDD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAFpVcuo5V
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?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjWHKeTxzt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUBToOBTN0
**CLASH**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAGGGhdQ92
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvzRSihfCT
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gDh8ck3L0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqZQ2sJKww
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGJl1TozXT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr7iUMVZEd
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIwXVdVRTO
Confusion–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmftr8MaO60
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuo6Cfv004
**CLANG**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V05fPsM1A
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzEhZ7c5Ul
Delusion–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6LLfcYzvC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nBgJdUfZ6
**CRASH**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWdjGhx084
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJhSwrwpQA
All lead to one conclusion:184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBftV7mcqK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISRSPXa5eN
**SMASH**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8ftEMEljp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhxmIW3BtK
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiuHN1VWaI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTszZLpYKk
"...No, of course it isn't."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX9Nzhjncl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4NM9pbmw0
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOePC26tKkx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0A4KpZh4O
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhJ94htYrd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXvBsWOo2r
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY2WwakS0T
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh5CaHWoOW
**THUD**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJnXa9QTgu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVuzpjxVhR
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OTMU8JdMQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MvEII8bus
"Pars!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbPdIR6lat
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEfONTu4jy
"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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDnZvAKbeo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItVU5FZgfL
"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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqU8WFgDbv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59QovscOqq
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcHxGh8bFh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XrIVfsleR
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUWzWW3FyN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa53qH17KK
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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTw8EKC5uB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUrR8vl2R5
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUEze4mkzI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI8XTcfaUb
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMtrUoprWG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJUqpybU7d
"What do you propose?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZUac7CtV3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1ZX7nH5zq
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrzTKQSVq3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW8lJxBQVD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsx5mekE5j
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArZcuMhM7x
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DIP7WPzsW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSTaxvKZhI
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG13kvqHtL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBuNo3nJnV
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjQdz0kbU5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJtMjoJFgj
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSknIfz1WhI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1RJgdnZyt
"--Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHhZrrUjau
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12EuPWEOte
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj3tmeAYJu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqncR0lLDb
"...Always backhanded, huh."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyIbze7SOk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdjTeUHlSy
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 laugh184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiF8vS6lki
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7TlBtj75V
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigsSUYmssv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaDnG8w5Vn
"We likely don't have one."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwa48UQLP2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAta96nZcLK
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TjJkVjhE6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSiylu4i4Y
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCxwDVuSBd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EUtkPi4Gi
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BMml1vFIs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOfxBNcZxd
"Well, if you insist."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tPYXxrQoo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RWCE2WURm
–
–
–
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.
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZbSjiofti
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhFETxqsQW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NCZketPJF
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS2v8EsNQE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u3HLJWM4K
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTSa0evT0m
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXeEgxH366
**THUD**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KHDoZsw9p
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXxCCGTPDC
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?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwAaa4dF3w
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ270IT3fpQJ
"--!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWpzi0xf6r
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2lczzj2Vz
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHwrsKMb7O
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo4atF9b0C
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7rbLIrnWO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLNQNcdH51
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyuBAiLb7N
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOKs7LJoJx
**SPLICE**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1Q2G3gRwt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z1Xf7rXAq
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUeF1jAoCb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmEIEgNpTs
"I missed one."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2BkjeCPOR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmyW61QP9d
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5pLfVciww
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbUXp2Nzsb
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSwN1jr5vr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij7yUuJOiQ
"Hey!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGouUEw5kCY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFG7Su52nG
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1j6HHigcX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz6hNUfg41
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C5zpX7O95
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi17fuIWkLS
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQbWAy94YI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk5jry5wr1
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYmVAS4UeR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTskPjSKjlj
"I never said that."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iAMj7ajQG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZTnySAnhv
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUFOizshXe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98fkqt4Eap
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4H7FYRLLQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D26FswptH
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhdkeWeuMQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv00JQ4tNo
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JyHvPxWIy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dC5jwgGcL
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pDaeqdNjo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefPq6hjgq1
"Haaaa. Damn you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziL8tjMo1A
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqzjxSB5Jk
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MUVPdbztH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto2MWn9YqZ
"They are dead, right?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDPvcDs5Vr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxMgF9YKst
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5RAw4mdGo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1RAArUbkq
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiPVBLnwWk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gvH5V1bDE
"I–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ZnzvM5Kp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwGwj44q0O
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkdK8yz6A7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhUdoBaHqw
"Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eMd82y2xr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRowVjpX34
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM9WVNAyHT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk9nC8AzkN
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcYMXRnCB5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N5QfL7NKU
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hn8IKlWx5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZelVZcZT2
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ409WAHPvLA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs20iY6UfE
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp2Uo2mu2q
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwgGuLl7m6
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtx9GDpufw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdnzXrEkfN
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdt9Y4C038
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6Pk2hYmOs
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcatHz3V8W
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo1vRXrdWh
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlDARAiazj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvQG8uUXgj
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V5QHAt6Fh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHChq3DN5iN
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PF3aJx8Mm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbpycRRhDo
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq60ifrdEi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MxMOvXA2A
"You raise a good point."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfAqiliaI6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhycZSwAgXm
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrmY1oBBi2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwI6JvJWln
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCxerH9ZJR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIErMItVD8n
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNITrd1PnJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAoKbTsvO0
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHWJ8IGeMx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC01IegmnfN
"Ha, abandon?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttEUwyQxOn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UWYz31imF
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ523uNzVDNP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVhPJOaViR
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BgSO4NsF1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ox20QfgAJ
"If you were, it was backfiring."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVVKE51pDM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4P4QBFoug
"Harhar. Very funny."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnefG1IyLZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnkVAUN5so
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB12kct84o
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrHrAmdHuM
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqru5Gt1w6P
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFflgFipS9
"Aren't you conceited."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCrFYA68cM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkX3Wey2Q1
"You think it's arrogance?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb1iRpXOIH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfUXB4CbuE
Pars began to stroke his chin.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtk40mOjtN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG3b832qrB
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt6XdT76pA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTL4KEHSic
"But what you want isn't just greatness."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfZBTtxKom
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea2FtkbUEi
"...Yeah, you're right."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWqANBOwNN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QlDuMP0ri
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxyCXIuE3T
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGBHirjq4a
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
