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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZDPst4Djo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJC2c5Bsak
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW7ifo93L3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNG7my0rXh
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PFLWhUiCR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK1aNUdP56
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YYTZvVpBm
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsF9Ct9FDP
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5rQZX1jiC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9BC0eaKdw
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxvWWlh5fG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflkItJkbHh
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIATcPBpEe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImr1kwxCf2
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOuOVKWeul
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n3qEZe2ff
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbMIE2w9JH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD8TCb9c2Z
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHzQVsCWDS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg70QuftgD
**BOOM**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKaE2I3WYX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHobEsqmv5
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGL9ZQ0aCt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbYwakRfbw
"Ack!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF3WTgbJkt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99FGGFX5kC
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylVVAA4Z26
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf8EAgJWv1
The room was a catastrophe.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9S3rOodWo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zb1M6WfBj
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bAhEjLKD5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8rSLAdvwe
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8DJbbeKTt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrlVnXVDlT
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBoFQtqE2g
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLUNIFmQCT
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl88FY3vA6n
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTdy15E7da
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwwmLZfWph
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SAYDSRCKh
**STRIKE**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uCGrGvPbO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkWdzKVerP
–only to be immediately interrupted.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7N6coa9Jy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKmyemsSB5
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ853B8ZoNpE
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AVCvwD5r2
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBDB6Dt5NN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVZUsY4mZ2
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5Xkd7OcSz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPwsDNmFM8
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK1VhjKWtq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y6twO5i2x
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTD7tGoZi5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKdMH6F2ND
"C'mon!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqITnLITR3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58b2IkrT30
"--Ah!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljMzge67VW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEPPjYxUzl
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflk2yAxVxj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S6ub116N5
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyr9OdYxrq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg36zFmdhQL
–
–
–
What a moron.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECxoukLUjm
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr4WjoYguE
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yr9Xu2YCP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5d4qrqf4x
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5atCUgFH1h
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wh58bBoqN
**THUD**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVQTYWOJ9O
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8RSIjM6Dx
"Ngh!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiuNeUi5aR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt04JvyCniL
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoMOg9xnvc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5fFwPR1pM
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqxej9wmNz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zHDY2Pxbe
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpI1EuU66p
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWxnZjn4ut
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCIVtBBoHd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcUHJzVrut
"--I should've known!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gbOU4zyYp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ghFWBTYdy
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRmumcCOU3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI7JlGLFVt
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5hjgpkr4S
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2FqfX3ANY
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJa1u9G18e
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr2Xreh0VO
"DAVE!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzHwKV2ruG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem88Yrrd3n
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZJxnVZ5jc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW4mmHu4bp
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsM7ndTe84
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh4PfYBX9Y
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.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UJVKqpW3i
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyvkFxyJTh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3orU7Nn9KV
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2OpxTUczh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTR3KSbKK0
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGcdehhysh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNlabaMva0
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm0lzuFpdc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KDMYqdq4f
"...Those are our first casualties–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFFYxxTQi6
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbuL1x1fb3
**BOOM**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6VTdJwc5B
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUlPUITzWP
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1ciz01k2h
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRfBUl7tvj
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNt5nOV90F
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbhXh107Hp
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYfGbIgY8P
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhtmIyLxgk
"I'm here now."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgWkCnoYn3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4UquJp1xn
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgjYKAIoco
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtYVebRbjJ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8M3GKjlWS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBShkRDKdV3
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXJX84pIRr
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNasiXdNC6
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhzgi9v9n2
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJsE7dCdQa
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AnX5apEs8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuYgztlRnl
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiscZBqlcm5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIug8tuul6L
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciEUiKc6cw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq53xCarD8y
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV7Ub6p7Mh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVoOrpKBDU
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQttiyilKja
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayr22rEUZA
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QsjYTuMJz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86wQqLM2d0
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLRikHJjrk
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtpEiBhbFO
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI5WvefdBP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BACWCf4O4
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMplm66XTZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrhbnuX5Zw
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWfXerKoPq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNUgymCjnO
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgkeeL3ezW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpupy2cssiH
**BOOM**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P6A8mV5sR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpN4enFUQA
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYTwwmw9kF
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwMqSXEw3U
"Pars!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdP74TkMyG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnqSTfAAXN
"Huh?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QkDgBauRP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr2uiq208X
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsL7c5p4F4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhaB2eSaji
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2RazVgSmS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xN0IT6UOE
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUHKlfA4BY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lA17kRtnU
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbUGpCcJbi
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj11XK8rHw
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx3N9PsIAW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SXjUektcj
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZOeY5kWtt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1Jj7pNsdO
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3WKxdXdvx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxGlgEBzDu
**CLANG**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4ubnT64Td
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqUiQPB05V
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj3LWwjxRP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmNx8QMi3p
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRLpqFiMwP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLBOHKG0Mb
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WPd73zoe4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARAtU7jXHV
**SLAM**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNt48yVweL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIN39QaF3Y
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYG7zovVyO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3DPObmUm6
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzoVkT1bDi
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnaA4mmWJJ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL10AFGehu
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkcajMRJXj
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEWTkF9zTS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwoXO2SsTf
"Ngh! Shit–!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH8PTdmK8z
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzzGLBlCLw
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8geyQcUfI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafM8W73nsu
But then–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWLa4Teyf2
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pav4Xo00b
**BOOM**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuSUp32jV9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFaGPqzCnx
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtFAMRXAVH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAoQilkY9L
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoZ4Z7XOmn
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvO5TaoQ8c
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlJ5KYPRSx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHeUAlV1hg
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW6Y8cXrqd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKyOVQx25Y
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhUtmGs9j4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuAwcY8jl7
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJNKqV2qVj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDgCyATE99
"Gah–! You scared me!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ps7NEKft
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgn0ihByBR
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2c8Q0R7rG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsrDGnWIj4
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWflrrHKKcE
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW00sBTRNlo
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTHUjdSuJo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SP5W4usQ6
"No, this is terrible."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJaPIqm2Zx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPE7VG7Kpu
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbX5DYk5JI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs8JpYpuDs
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnvA3lRc1v
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSli8Eczg6
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabJ0zvkNqg
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRMu1BKc9E
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwphwKAcik
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa09tCxzog
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVg7t7dlLb
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE61TvO6bP
"No. No suggestions from you, please."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QANRA8LBy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CrnKngqIu
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82ZLeHey2p
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVF1gzAGK3
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdSdIA02XI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4D8YV6v8e
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0DxKzfrym
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ925ESkEpTt
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wkILVdAPZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZyORBAdrm
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNC0ij60Dy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVDYJzAK5C
Still, no response.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EGGxM4OmS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWOg5RHPVe
"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–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10yu1WBOmV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUxHuflN3m
"Because you're entirely incompetent."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BokUT7mUd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jHW5Qa28P
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rKCtrbwVv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRR1rIEXSG
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgvHc9hIEe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT9hDweMKY
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxs9gLJCGj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFEEGx3QWX
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMbq1fs41e
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcLhjLR2Q8
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSB6LIUwcG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U82Ahhs8U
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiAzGA14J3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3nMk01LIB
"What?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JhHZiVI2Z
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAUZWQ0jXn
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrk3RDNXGM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5FaSk1D5E
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4LnaOYGv4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV5aXScgoo
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIzkIJXU0k
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ592JcQnwos
"...I see."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKMVig5DHJ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8ja2GQUUP
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMch38QXlaf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK1KizvuuT
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2zQ5LTkPo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVVmr73ipc
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVRweHq7DQ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYADnxeiBZ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyhxdMwyXG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzrcVjEh8Z
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoqI5vt7eu
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckGynbPFHy
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKM0l6rgIf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8T6F8eo3M
"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–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMUewGG9Eh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqzwApPdkb
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VbQGpm8NA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBhnqCAjmX
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCxokiAoSA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3SyxXvMU3
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:148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBdZPUHJAL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN5vFgEHUl
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqpjVNuzPK
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn0iWyxHO2
"Alright!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIhBtNRcLh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoeqO6yc2r
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQagLedPm4J
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O6ky1rVLs
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKqvVlvGJr
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNXlsD7gY5
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0EgZgt4st
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjphevefDs2
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0fbUrJuC7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DI2VCKZxB
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvXsnvSyuu
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSJDIeBUM6
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uLME6sife
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudzOWxf2GL
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkRDsqq9Lk
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePELZH9443
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx7Zl3KO2M
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQPQm32mu6
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDsD3LziTJ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg3gbktaf2
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTRkbclOl5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzFLHxQ5na
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhdP2cKvGt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE9WSB4EIV
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs65AyTj5WP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM2d4zxUSg
"--No!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iofPWhn86
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUZw6dbF71
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XgQoqYX9P
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJjhyEFcne
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nrNSOy6rq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjoGxuJurp
"Hyua!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeeTOpQR8N
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ5jsELzGL
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG035ybDay
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnchJeUkole
However, he did have another sharp object.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAYKk5gUlc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVQfmjYRPs
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePWIi3LMHL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yi64ySVUi
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tObWLJiNT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcrkCDJvAQ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM7RfXc3Po
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCTXLAJcE7
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyTxt57kOl
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMVjj0vPQ1
And what came was–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0kL0hR4t3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mdVVuyxGK
**BOOM**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GwrvvdQiV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQQkS6aV5s
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCdvVhQhqC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTucUW3dn0o
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHyUJHaKoq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYt1wOUsna
"--oop!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqB746Hy45
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXll5OuUvz
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7jPsA1wrA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeNY5fOqHH
"You... you're a sick jokester."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNUfwkaBen
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3T87uYZ6j
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTdhjXh4IR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy7QqmDSVg
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzRBWYzAxS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9mRfStcUc
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJS4xw5Y8G
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYhNhvoX4T
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JEavYI9hY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy2e0oTeaM
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gITK5dIov
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo0Z3ufkJJ
"What the hell... what the hell!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMF4zrlEfz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8hrbit2Mk
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEBSmNKwpr
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWAHcfJduE
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrco2swAkjM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4UowgOSed
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7azgkcvCFR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2wavMWvRy
"...Heh."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpGIJ0xPN1
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvoBJt2muH
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYNNtlyEFj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iNHPW5MSD
–
–
–
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZWsMRmyAo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNCn0oFtlM
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d3g850fEn
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjEG50RdUe
**THUD**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazuUTkPXKz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWakXfWblm
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5W4SI9mpa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oWx6kxYA1
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkxDNx5D4H
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeguPfFl0Qb
"Though I have to wonder–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9VlxSwkwM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTYm788Y66
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzntnhUzrbL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBkzTeY4gV
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tlWumyV8Q
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhlJn0Kott
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y2BvcTuTR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8ubO29GK7
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQa4vs1LTa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokjbRToNbU
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHartKuElC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUEnhDHyNm
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.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM0mwPm6jj
"Irritating...!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbWzmjEnl5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52vg2GF17K
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIYRnBhPsM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u7nVORpwp
Dave didn't like to use spears.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCXSzJMuAw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyphuSwstkz
"...Haaaaa."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6vv4KIHgb
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxqvUJsF8Q
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxy2soAtQr
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvbLAs7efs
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkhZVgYgmx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCeYNYcd0A
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV7as6q7bJ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkaQgUEcin
That's what he always told himself, at least.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdxUJMFTKI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCueqAf2A3
**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**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTVkINBYHO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMZO2nhG1p
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjYMqTKtMa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25DWJzBogO
**CLASH**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd5g4aQ5gO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdMaMK8aeo
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**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO63gln3sbp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnNR0cAUNg
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?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A4ABj4eIg
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcZGHuPgj8
**CLASH**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3hcuY5J4T
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9uVJrw6wZ
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rE5P4BJny
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnHTuvzXgV
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51LGvahoH5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipxUszFapW
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc0UjnDoQ4
Confusion–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo2pe0qOvB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V4y68pnOc
**CLANG**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMuY2jLSgL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBe69mObe4
Delusion–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeNgwtFi4R
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj588AzZ1Jc
**CRASH**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCMLxuhF04
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51xe1huYmP
All lead to one conclusion:148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IptDtpzfC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbu6F5zsth
**SMASH**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hn5Y9ZKgY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayHPYTYrc7
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR3qDUx55n
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d9fqKEEru
"...No, of course it isn't."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLU3toR76P
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80gJOuTl5I
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuEhGSoxtH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUUVqaFxuw
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3LnsuIxEL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvTdKMYenz
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCSy3fmNJe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViiTsVoLZc
**THUD**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ja94XALt7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LpeISpofb
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDB1QFcgOX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvzsYfJqc6
"Pars!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL694LOQFn
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAL7BWqTmA
"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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTicmmHS9wU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslO04k4yJW
"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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5roqFiMJKh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56KB4t4h1J
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoONPeROe2L
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsGc8DyTX7
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtnfh6Zp6H
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFyzbK4W2T
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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD5GYkibzl
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM9YfNQtq1
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f8r7atHUX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmefmSDqjkv
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut763zoPuy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQZJuYNXNz
"What do you propose?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FTEfKy2vd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ2EOxPkSr
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKTYrj4z8s
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqSWXilJ45
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng2fuOEF9J
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS2ykx4paf
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBbJLCQOt5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrpncWEXD9
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWLD3XiYn6
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpOAUzQajz
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGBYrJEsdX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yS3F8IWqk
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0hQE0byBi
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Du4yT9Me
"--Huh?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKgzy4R691
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE4inmLzfZ
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEjUX9WMU3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aouKWY24M
"...Always backhanded, huh."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubc1PZrs3U
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qc9MHQC6n
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 laugh148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaEe5LtjNd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KDwazyDLr
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2Kx9P2eRI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinUR92caux
"We likely don't have one."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl8FY2zIZs
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrG3zL6z9C
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nXpdvaiY9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2HT2adDg2
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDvvlbGMch
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4lu3ytdsi
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl1V49aosm
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5xNtDMNLA
"Well, if you insist."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwuT8t5lWw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU55WS3R7hv
–
–
–
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.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg6BDNU1bP
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJipFZdmNSC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgtuF1Z4Zv
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxcBOqmoBh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6zwpDN6ss
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnSc7FrF9k
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5u1kKLyMz
**THUD**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzXjrWuKlH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU6h3eo8GW
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?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTTjOG1G1Q
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3osR27Ale4
"--!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMljRTLjS1
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKjNELes4h
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOk5qebvIp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC9BsyaF8u
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEGBfGi0sU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyjKXfnm9O
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wnPDvCDEl
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplSUtVbPYz
**SPLICE**148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pTz7Sj7RZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2lh5cY9sZ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3gbupOrzk
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE4IJkoDOZ
"I missed one."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGhueeEVgF
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODRwQzwH4f
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z2wKlOY9w
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDn1TDw1hh
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHZya3lvRB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47V0mF96fU
"Hey!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrG2a9PFid
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZAwyIULqp
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bHPyxdft8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0vxLXJhDk
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuVOTyjWV7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYpvbgSTG6
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1r9mXvscv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQmIMVrywX
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XZqzFMNBx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8F3gkfb7C
"I never said that."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ8S7y4sRt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz6gXfSDia
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWepG6UX54
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA16K9ZLIO
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zdRdORgQO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g1e39Awmf
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IFVafvmO6
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguTEvpSiLE
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOLt5FTXrd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeYXqqah0G
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlczHi5gsn
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPVttb5et7
"Haaaa. Damn you."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14tPRKNKmM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQw3EKFShb
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSayZmoyqya
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAzl5nRhaF
"They are dead, right?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2KlmudGLf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qypxWW0B3
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH7Zv1FQuR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SqoJQUaym
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3lpGs6lnC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CjmoClT5X
"I–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJt2DdOrXe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyJtS3ksK8
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5zI00aH3k
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloFgFECQ9A
"Huh?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbPtjjRNhw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3KMr9lb7T
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcTOo5TrJf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu9gqZN5wD
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WyY6obahT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kZlqJOxMO
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UXA5n9UXf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKbUta5mjb
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I73EijxoR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPS1mQXdrj
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VNHGtNKmq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp84oJecaLZ
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1bALpUARB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIt6qEEYWY
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv83ijSf7P
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OEhIT80pi
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hoKjREWia
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVbjPN1Btd
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcV1DE2Bit
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOPtoH29Hw
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfKHWphADL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYVamgpy70
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwO1zdjjj2
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9IyYmqbgD
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q2412XuD9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxePQWE8wq
"You raise a good point."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt3l0Ww2HG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8UJRrU31u
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSPzJVaZPj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wfQI1l21c
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwBwP3wGfj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYomfAwLaxW
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRc1lp6qDc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSMQG0YXpM
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ05boPTAEs
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFaYFtCquS
"Ha, abandon?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGhN8BvQyh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhb7bJolzw
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1l7QVvcE9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zvwvtwt41
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdnKvpiuBG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD70hdzz4QU
"If you were, it was backfiring."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ItusOL23G
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAZ4j0pt8d
"Harhar. Very funny."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1N31BGlSa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbkJLJ8jrC
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3zAW4ecKW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7pnIy2Qcl
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDh7o9fmkx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVXW64oPNw
"Aren't you conceited."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTFppzsV7B
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD08IAIPJVg
"You think it's arrogance?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3GHTusBoy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2r1vE9T4z
Pars began to stroke his chin.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHQcRF7dp8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcg3wQANB7
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeOtfNnGPh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKdf9E7rYL
"But what you want isn't just greatness."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKGkT4feye
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5wsVLOST4
"...Yeah, you're right."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Yv4nY7M0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBf5QTZ7VK
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHzDhKO6uP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSHsuDsT9w
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
