Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.21Please respect copyright.PENANA4CLeuRjwsP
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAOCSiRmLW21
21Please respect copyright.PENANAo6BuqKnCJ2
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.21Please respect copyright.PENANAWlmWJpptgI
21Please respect copyright.PENANA6Pa66VP5Z3
"What are you doing!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAICkVQdKJrH
21Please respect copyright.PENANAasGvVavogH
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"21Please respect copyright.PENANAYO39JCMrqW
21Please respect copyright.PENANAG3BdoQt4rc
**BOOM**21Please respect copyright.PENANAYuscN9ZSFE
21Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ro55W5zQ6
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.21Please respect copyright.PENANAEDdYlKeNXQ
21Please respect copyright.PENANAqXmvRTint0
"Ngh, damn it!"21Please respect copyright.PENANA6n5ATLDnhw
21Please respect copyright.PENANAUSCHKlZgwo
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.21Please respect copyright.PENANAld77LEbGm2
21Please respect copyright.PENANAGrFPW9DdKV
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.21Please respect copyright.PENANAGPi4CEErcB
21Please respect copyright.PENANABkM9UCjU4S
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAQLFCerLqlg
21Please respect copyright.PENANAaO1K5Xf3Bs
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.21Please respect copyright.PENANA9bUnF0MG3A
21Please respect copyright.PENANANiOLBxVGSg
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.21Please respect copyright.PENANAVe6Bsgpjcs
21Please respect copyright.PENANA9ufLDLd1Ft
"--Damn it! Rover!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAscMHmRoLxz
21Please respect copyright.PENANAS7IyxNBfts
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.21Please respect copyright.PENANATzvIDlPd7N
21Please respect copyright.PENANASM3W8JsBeY
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANA3pkszvoN9p
21Please respect copyright.PENANAvGuFKawSqz
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.21Please respect copyright.PENANA3aATKJFUM3
21Please respect copyright.PENANAAJFtgTVbcE
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAD6mubpIOWm
21Please respect copyright.PENANAcGHtQjaccz
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAYqD7oquB38
21Please respect copyright.PENANA6SLzzPbzm2
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.21Please respect copyright.PENANAmUfmhBkZ4S
21Please respect copyright.PENANAtgtMkH4MmD
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.21Please respect copyright.PENANAnpGFNn5Cp0
21Please respect copyright.PENANAcfMOobhFbD
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"21Please respect copyright.PENANAO3X0yI3vXo
21Please respect copyright.PENANAgoi6kSgOPG
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"21Please respect copyright.PENANANzTWutUUC1
21Please respect copyright.PENANA38EvqDyphS
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.21Please respect copyright.PENANAUs5j1g0ETY
21Please respect copyright.PENANAiE6Hp6yuxm
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAMGiC6uWUWR
21Please respect copyright.PENANAC6V1iySAF8
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANASYbgQ4iJnJ
21Please respect copyright.PENANAhah0987vnQ
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.21Please respect copyright.PENANA0aweKlf2HS
21Please respect copyright.PENANAWuikNVunAX
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.21Please respect copyright.PENANAenkqtwgPCJ
21Please respect copyright.PENANAh88ZdbBf0q
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"21Please respect copyright.PENANA8g7VC4eqrP
21Please respect copyright.PENANAzMvqnwQjkL
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.21Please respect copyright.PENANA7eCcA0xfSJ
21Please respect copyright.PENANArZvTtcTj5A
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.21Please respect copyright.PENANAJDVfrhVIIZ
21Please respect copyright.PENANA2LKiqNY2mz
"Hey, Kenny!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAAHM3VxmLWp
21Please respect copyright.PENANApgV73YPstE
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.21Please respect copyright.PENANAA1RImToyFR
21Please respect copyright.PENANAFaAmKgdPhh
"I-Is she okay?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAcugrU4raN6
21Please respect copyright.PENANA2Ss9kCjBGE
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAAVTcEPuAwS
21Please respect copyright.PENANA6wLHy5b0NG
"I don't know what that is!"21Please respect copyright.PENANA6EcBbfIDGD
21Please respect copyright.PENANAZiR8V7OZpe
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAu1r26opVIp
21Please respect copyright.PENANAIrcSuTUlPm
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.21Please respect copyright.PENANAPDODSFF0b7
21Please respect copyright.PENANAfNrEZwXH8r
Though, that did raise the question–21Please respect copyright.PENANAsV5oFpc2qf
21Please respect copyright.PENANA02T1sw21ZZ
"Do you know where you're going!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANADT4i3tniaM
21Please respect copyright.PENANAsSeDllcdbE
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"21Please respect copyright.PENANA5ezWS5cU9s
21Please respect copyright.PENANAxPBwe29GpZ
"Ah– where is Dennis?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAkHzJ7Ok2O0
21Please respect copyright.PENANAIsGvIIz4fN
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAH3x9fA6ggt
21Please respect copyright.PENANA9Aee3GREKb
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–21Please respect copyright.PENANAiYdhDJSqkd
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"Shit."21Please respect copyright.PENANAjC4G6m9m7G
21Please respect copyright.PENANAgTXzKWhcJp
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.21Please respect copyright.PENANAdMmwWYESWI
21Please respect copyright.PENANAQCoqjXmcux
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.21Please respect copyright.PENANABbvi4tcJL6
21Please respect copyright.PENANAPqoLoXSZRT
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."21Please respect copyright.PENANAgHPTVJ95ef
21Please respect copyright.PENANAMxBx2t0dDw
"...Alright."21Please respect copyright.PENANAZm8rkVcnm1
21Please respect copyright.PENANAlKVVNbNGpc
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.21Please respect copyright.PENANAiwEcn9dxBv
21Please respect copyright.PENANAUmyaIsoFl4
"Alright, I'll take yer question."21Please respect copyright.PENANAT70Isv1OB4
21Please respect copyright.PENANAKi1cUrg61F
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAGXuntFJ0Xu
21Please respect copyright.PENANAKSVuyac5lU
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.21Please respect copyright.PENANA3tzmkt6AGD
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."21Please respect copyright.PENANAmKXySnIoRz
21Please respect copyright.PENANAFoKd4ZqM0H
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."21Please respect copyright.PENANAsdbgSVasr6
21Please respect copyright.PENANAMsSuBe9DI8
The man stopped speaking.21Please respect copyright.PENANAYYfdzg6Qtu
21Please respect copyright.PENANAspLq7L4uKC
"Alright, carry on, then."21Please respect copyright.PENANAJTQWTTeo2V
21Please respect copyright.PENANAKJGiu25Xan
"...Eh?"21Please respect copyright.PENANA3weHz67DDx
21Please respect copyright.PENANAi4lV65u6RP
I shared in his confusion.21Please respect copyright.PENANAWCkVDeQUBl
21Please respect copyright.PENANARljZ8J0H2O
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."21Please respect copyright.PENANAhuQFbPX6QJ
21Please respect copyright.PENANAB6aRWA6vPZ
"I-If ya say so!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAX2jyDy3DGv
21Please respect copyright.PENANAdmPiDVLZO2
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–21Please respect copyright.PENANAi9Du2NbiG5
21Please respect copyright.PENANAqUip4DqkHy
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."21Please respect copyright.PENANAW27SaKRLue
21Please respect copyright.PENANABOwDnhAZSt
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.21Please respect copyright.PENANA4dsSaWXoYK
21Please respect copyright.PENANAXtOyas3mof
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAnpM1IE130L
21Please respect copyright.PENANAKIFtne2mbu
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.21Please respect copyright.PENANAplEOFuupo1
21Please respect copyright.PENANAGUoULu8EiT
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.21Please respect copyright.PENANA0YVYVIbJO2
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.21Please respect copyright.PENANAcRawE3uLHd
21Please respect copyright.PENANAlJ008QQnjU
"Damn it, kid!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAfR40LaRjUK
21Please respect copyright.PENANAMhDa8mCPBN
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
21Please respect copyright.PENANA06IYrWXhlC
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.21Please respect copyright.PENANAH2T1mOATyf
21Please respect copyright.PENANADZRJb1MSN3
**SMASH**21Please respect copyright.PENANAMHZE5bnQLd
21Please respect copyright.PENANAMkSoisCOKs
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.21Please respect copyright.PENANARajYNIu4Ez
21Please respect copyright.PENANA3l0u4pLfRt
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAkAMjugV871
21Please respect copyright.PENANAlb1ge89GnI
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.21Please respect copyright.PENANArpG6CpRbtS
21Please respect copyright.PENANAoTdjNLGGEt
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.21Please respect copyright.PENANA2upWAYyA9f
21Please respect copyright.PENANAWReY9NISBe
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.21Please respect copyright.PENANAatrwxs4g1w
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAZDc93iF1ki
21Please respect copyright.PENANAVWvpesNtX8
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.21Please respect copyright.PENANAwzMmQYV3Kl
21Please respect copyright.PENANAqDiWAscr6d
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.21Please respect copyright.PENANAFx5Y0zOrsF
21Please respect copyright.PENANA2VcuLfDkHr
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"21Please respect copyright.PENANA8A0EL1ZFut
21Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZRrrQivT7
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.21Please respect copyright.PENANAPH1DHHd8Hn
21Please respect copyright.PENANACLNWcuq7rl
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAF5gfSkLlRg
21Please respect copyright.PENANAbI1S720pRT
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.21Please respect copyright.PENANAilXpfHK6WB
21Please respect copyright.PENANAYEUua3BUQe
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."21Please respect copyright.PENANAEbe5ksqRef
21Please respect copyright.PENANAsrJsNmwBEl
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.21Please respect copyright.PENANAOh9LGHjwx1
21Please respect copyright.PENANALwUMDS16Ej
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANABZUQLxbWvD
21Please respect copyright.PENANAN56kkn7uiS
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.21Please respect copyright.PENANA0hhe3axh3b
21Please respect copyright.PENANAFZbE4Qgx5m
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAywep291pOF
21Please respect copyright.PENANAkjgyqSBh87
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.21Please respect copyright.PENANAvxRCcqujtn
21Please respect copyright.PENANAYnMITxiFaF
"Like I'll let ya do that!"21Please respect copyright.PENANASmujawliV1
21Please respect copyright.PENANABO1QIAQcug
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.21Please respect copyright.PENANAQkaTBjlyCZ
21Please respect copyright.PENANAmvgRfL2upz
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAcu1bjQMT8Q
21Please respect copyright.PENANAucORMXE9Yt
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.21Please respect copyright.PENANAuAM9rEDlFR
21Please respect copyright.PENANAvf0iaXxwf0
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANA9V3pcrUaoZ
21Please respect copyright.PENANAjsiMs0tktu
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.21Please respect copyright.PENANAW1iqPrxFZj
21Please respect copyright.PENANAF7rOUdx2RE
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.21Please respect copyright.PENANA8I6YxML8j4
21Please respect copyright.PENANALRCLSPaKCR
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.21Please respect copyright.PENANAcMMa8YVjVE
21Please respect copyright.PENANAylYyb0u4tB
"--Hrk!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAcj7mISciBB
21Please respect copyright.PENANAct9VQlHI7O
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.21Please respect copyright.PENANAaa0FBYbTx9
21Please respect copyright.PENANAIpVF8MR1z0
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.21Please respect copyright.PENANAg8rm0pXZik
21Please respect copyright.PENANAKvMizdNh5f
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"21Please respect copyright.PENANAugvRS4TRdw
21Please respect copyright.PENANAs51EO9FKc7
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAFj449SjQph
21Please respect copyright.PENANAe3vc0j2nJk
"Whatever!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAvf3G9S3UXN
21Please respect copyright.PENANA7eN4bS7qTQ
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.21Please respect copyright.PENANA7ePW4cYRnr
21Please respect copyright.PENANA4yHpSbGfub
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.21Please respect copyright.PENANAoTNRGYcC4t
21Please respect copyright.PENANAeCDypFeDU8
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.21Please respect copyright.PENANAdMUcjBGPW0
21Please respect copyright.PENANAttwnGLeaVA
Dread, worry, guilt–21Please respect copyright.PENANAIAXIsHvpgF
21Please respect copyright.PENANAFW3wZaEjXB
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAiAWjBTY7ZG
21Please respect copyright.PENANAcAVYl3OK0E
"...R-Right!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAq5n6z5bnzy
21Please respect copyright.PENANAfsgBnedX3B
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.21Please respect copyright.PENANAJfDPgHYZ9X
21Please respect copyright.PENANAmsE4Xn10bY
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.21Please respect copyright.PENANAR42p7I5sT1
21Please respect copyright.PENANAVTCPAHDSDJ
**SLAM**21Please respect copyright.PENANAhheerGkgYx
21Please respect copyright.PENANA9OTbscJHU3
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.21Please respect copyright.PENANADOwHr1UFty
21Please respect copyright.PENANAuddKKdkVHQ
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.21Please respect copyright.PENANAGhjZ23f98H
21Please respect copyright.PENANAsfQnV5n9m1
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.21Please respect copyright.PENANAJkkjmqmF0U
21Please respect copyright.PENANARIcB6rJpUU
"--Ugh!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAWEkjfu0r2x
21Please respect copyright.PENANAnyANC5ErKf
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.21Please respect copyright.PENANAFEOtBguXNP
21Please respect copyright.PENANAWzzRFGpbRQ
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.21Please respect copyright.PENANA8bZQzQXQ7S
21Please respect copyright.PENANABNEsCo7SmM
**SMASH**21Please respect copyright.PENANAhudsuPf6vx
21Please respect copyright.PENANACCcIZ8DEy1
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.21Please respect copyright.PENANAMusq1CtAj4
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.21Please respect copyright.PENANA9nmxyXgsNj
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAOKjqsax8dR
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"Ah! Sorry!"21Please respect copyright.PENANAlqjQ3qyqL9
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Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.21Please respect copyright.PENANArzcIVrebnC
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
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"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."21Please respect copyright.PENANApODVu7CHcD
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"N-No, that's not it."21Please respect copyright.PENANAciQeAbt9wR
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Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.21Please respect copyright.PENANA8s2ROLCa5f
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"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."21Please respect copyright.PENANAy2jIjTZqU4
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Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.