“...”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALxRxrf77c
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe94tSbK67s
“...”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ykVwkVreo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygiGLvaDed
I couldn’t explain how it wound up this way. Maybe it was how I always lagged behind, or that other members were simply more courageous than Juke and I. Maybe it was bad fortune becoming of me, an ugly trait that reared its head in inconvenient times. Pondering an explanation was a useless endeavor anyhow. At this point, I realized it just wasn’t always needed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOU1EBgJlg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RaTGF7tUV
But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9NLZtioUj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhlWahJR9v
I didn’t have any evidence, but my gut screamed at me that the final floor would be the most challenging to combat. I readily acknowledged that the Harbinger was on a lower floor, but all the suspense that had been accumulating in my body informed me that wasn’t the worst of it. Perhaps it was a superstition– no, it absolutely was –but I was still compelled to tell Juke of my hypothesis.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfQGJIk7hA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquzD36lvC5
“I have a feeling–”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmlpnfZncP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdnlodywpW
“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NgxEcelb9
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPEwO4Q5Mb
I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTylzSjW3Iu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SZznLww30
“Do you also have that feeling?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv2fw1XM9v
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDoPjkYMCF
“Nothin’ like it. I could just tell by the look on yer face. Either way, I don’t think we’re gonna deal with somethin’ so meddlesome.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsX1dqiVov
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK3yaVrSUS
“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTEOWupgnr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfjh3wACgk
His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8pgITN9tG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zH7cptT3h
But, ultimately, I reminded myself yet again that that hardly mattered. Now that we’d arrived on a flat surface, there was nothing to do but to walk through that door and eliminate whoever was behind it. So we made sure to make a loud entrance. As I was able to match his pace, the both of us busted the door down. We ran into the master’s room, a spacious office stacked with papers. It was different, and far, far messier than the Foreign Pillar’s.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZh2DC9CNp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXc7D5tliI
“Y-You!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCQ5DRD8Qb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9uhAakPSv
I was shocked by a sudden voice from my left. I turned my head and saw a skinny gentleman, one I could only assume was the Pillar’s Dean.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8sRTOUkBw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lXEfvH3rg
“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUqnJ2S4vH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsOgOXxemy
“A-Alright!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1ixfnVQHz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU06k9Apq6
Whether his words or his pathetic visage swayed me, I ran to untie him all the same. But I was stopped in my tracks by a hand grabbing my shoulder.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2U6Q84USM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BuoSiuYIO
“Hey! Juke, what are–”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHQ2HvK5GZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQzfaAK5Of
My question was cut short the moment I looked at where he was point. Now, I was looking at the reason behind the different papers, the reason why the dean was tied in rope.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWTCTX42ST
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeoIGJLADu
A man stood on the desk. A man with a robe I knew all too well, but more importantly, with a style of hair that I recognized. He turned his head towards us as he put a paper down, and frowned.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRllcp1oOa6
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40bbXs4ViL
“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxzDWsvRvW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz6CQymf5z
With almond-shaped eyes and a jagged, unusual hairstyle that screamed “punk,” the Bringer in the streets of this city right as this mess began glared at us with the sheen of his blade.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2F5StPGMC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8e0B4GIDy
“He’s alive!?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J7fxw5ZQD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq4c7hFbGq
The shock of it all was one thing, as the last time I saw him, I was sure he was pulverized and left to bleed out. But what truly made me yell in such volume was that he still had both of his arms.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkPr3RZyML
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFMyFdsuL6
“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6abDp6ENOr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWdNLGPSxA
“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtKGJ7DnxC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgot11gBGR
He said it matter-of-factly, as if none of it should be a surprise. Missing limbs weren’t impossible to restore with highly potent, albeit rare and extremely expensive potions, but processes like that took months, often years to complete. And they would only proceed smoothly with frequent tending and doctoral observation.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCv8MkTt1J
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HmuExN1Lj
And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZjrzd2t5I
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJiCp8Qght
“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEVo8qiH8F
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb81slQ7mc
“...Well, not exactly.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEjTB2lC0D
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVPsI1qPWJ
I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofvGrL5UhK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyqyQ2RQUR
“Restoring limbs isn’t impossible; I tried and failed to make a few like that myself. But to be able to do it that fast, there’s only one explanation.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9mERVFoWl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFLUkB3P3N
“Tell me, won’t ya?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLajJGwz16v
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwElZtFx4fS
“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56MwEBFrbe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjKcIPatWs
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mQ44KTXDA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WKxlA5F8B
“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5DsiXAb1d
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwwE3Zz9l6
“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZsuGroIrH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ZYKPB32D
I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRflU4rTOK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppniwJBqQI
“There’s someone among our ranks who’s a world-class healer. It’s phenomenal to see her work, really. I was out like a light, but by the time I woke up, I was better than new!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWq9lXANqf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfelXecE4pJ
He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAokGFA8O7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYD3hmvCnz
“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVOCk1kqzN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18QQL0Cz6I
The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHE9pMISDb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvin9zx1Ct
“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3Vv3DdlUC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoC83gK6uY
The Bringer hopped off the desk and reached for the other scabbard on his belt. Wielding two curved blades yet again, he stared at us with crazed, narrowed eyes.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3hhe6l6vT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm2zp7cIns
“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYZbLVwt3Y
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn8aFUEugV
He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6Q3HE0ZeU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfphdVu5bK0
“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a2yrYPFDu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpudI7KCG3b
And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqIm1TKnyz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoJ7NkfNWO
–
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–
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHn67YIdJe
–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k89UV66Xi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm2DaNTniS
The Bringer’s immediate dash complicated this whole mess. It might’ve been my fault for not taking Juke aside and speaking of a plan, but there was nothing I could do now. I didn’t have time to speak with him about our battle strategy. It helped not that the Bringer’s gesture was so sudden. It stunned me for a moment and forced me to think of a counterattack. But Juke thankfully had a quick, simple proposal:: he just drew his sword and matched the Bringer.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2I1YSOnI4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPndzMWJNg
The first collision of the battle followed right after. Juke blocked a double swipe with his single sword, and immediately I noted that Juke had more physical strength than the Bringer, as he was able to keep him in a lock. The Bringer dashed away shortly after, glaring at us while humming curiously. I was oddly disturbed by that gesture, but I had no time to contemplate. I drew my tendril and sprouted the perfect plant for the occasion: the Thistle-Bloom. One of the first plants I ever copied from Prince’s garden, Its spikey bulb protruded from the tip of the tendril. I squelched its root as if I was choking it.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MQroSDq8E
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUeigCOA68
Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFKFE7h2ZK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZfQPrV1UN
“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcMTI0JSqY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmmRXgCJFV
He nodded right after, boldly charging at the still-humming Bringer. I put one knee down and bent the Thistle-Bloom, aiming it directly at the two fighters.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQul1NFn4Pc
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduldXQnxG3
It was impossible to safely shoot while the two were in close combat, but that bothered me barely. Juke’s endowment gave him a defensive edge, and with the constant threat of his sword and wind magic, the Bringer would be forced to back away eventually. I just had to wait for that moment, and as I did, I keenly watched the battle unfold.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVofdaaV1q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPop9vTlVk
Juke played the offensive role spectacularly. I wasn't sure if the Bringer was hesitating from past experience or gauging him in some fashion, but the end result was that swings were being thrown his way. None of Juke's swings connected, however, and the Bringer kept too small a distance for me to shoot.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKGy50t0Kd
Eventually, the Bringer retaliated. He swung his swords across and Juke blocked them at the center. From that position though, Juke was forced to back away. Almost losing his sword, he awkwardly stepped a few paces back while swinging his arms to keep from falling. In that moment, the Bringer dashed and thrust his weapons.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BHm175R6K
**CLANG**
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXzx8h26w4
"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0hNaXXVSK
The tip of his blades practically bounced off Juke's skin, and from the looks of it, made only a scratch on his helmet. Juke looked relieved, and the Bringer looked annoyed, and though I was distracted by relief of not seeing my friend be penetrated, I surged mana through the tendril.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2S1Pt4ISi
"It's a weird ability you have there. Fortunately–"
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrywGAoesKf
All of a sudden, right before the thorns of the bulb spew like the water of a dam, the Bringer flung one of his blades my way.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr2Q73jJbH
"I can just chip away."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDYCx6AdJM
I tripped over myself trying to dodge it, and though all but a clip of my hair avoided it, it managed to glide through elsewhere.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcihyTAnvS
My body reacted immediately.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LsiRIRuE5
"Urg--Glurrgh!"
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eJ4zFgLBI
The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs7kCQqo2m
"Kid! Ah, shit!"
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRS7z1vLJK
I collapsed to the ground, limp and lethargic in my lazy legs. I mustered the strength to tilt my head up and look at the fight. Juke kept the Bringer occupied, but everything about the sight was wrong. That Bringer was missing a sword, so why was Juke forced to block every attack? Why did his posture falter while the Bringer's only strengthened?
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsmW6KC8vP
Familiar shivers ran through my spine. My limbs denied my commands, and even my eyes forced themselves blind to the scene. Then the word "run" entered my head. And then I–
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7C1ukqtno
"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9sNKkE5tI
"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkUoLxqnDU
A rush of adrenaline helped me endure the pain of forming the Dragon-Maw, but with my other hand, I quickly created a ball of fire and lobbed it at the two fighters. I didn't hit anyone, but the blaze separated them, giving Juke crucial time to breathe. He shot me a thumbs up while brandishing his weapon, threatening the Bringer just enough for him to back off.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjEavonzKN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvUvAwEyJF
The Dragon-Maw snapped at the Bringer, knowing by instinct who the opponent was. But to my surprise, it didn’t uncontrollably charge.. Rather, it retracted, hissing at the adversary as if he encroached on its territory.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqc6vvoYFG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L7wezzwQK
“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWWerub6TG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QbZzW4H4d
After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kj011KPUT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Dfp8xz5c
Though carrying such a dislodged, extended mass was difficult on my tiny body, I put no energy into making attacks. Dragon-Maw complimented Juke’s fighting patterns superbly, striking at times when Juke reeled from swinging his sword. The Bringer was put on the backfoot almost instantly, and the pressure was obvious from his drenched face. Despite our suffocating offense, we never managed to break the guard of his blistering blade.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicc3qorI8e
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknr6l5uL0V
He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihMZzR4sK2
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhe7qhEWU8
Though my arm strained and heaved, I kept the tendril out. The Bringer carried Juke and Dragon-Maw around the room, lining its edges and narrowly missing the paper piles. At some point, though, I noticed that the Bringer had to block less and less. I thought for a moment that exhaustion from Juke or I was to blame, but as I narrowed my eyes, I noticed his feet moving further and further back.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g2cf6yvnR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ugwAVwOS
And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJqF8mLMGQ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgsoi1xfE7
“Crap!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1v3c4OkXe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6uyt5EPIz
I stopped supporting my right arm with my left and quickly began mana expulsion. I didn’t have the time to make anything dangerous, so I conjured a messy ball of water and flung it at the Bringer. But I didn’t put enough for or mana for it to be meaningfully threatening. It merely splashed his face, not enough to stop him from picking up his other sword. But that brief moment of blindness afforded me a–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCQudz6cfA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5CJUxeSLX
**CRUNCH**242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JeRi1kRWs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUICUXCdvhm
The Dragon-Maw managed to clamp the Bringer at his side. It didn’t bite anything off, but from the grunts of the Bringer and the new hues of red, it was clear that the wound was deep.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRMTFdEQxV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxejfudwVa
Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2IR0qbvuY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifM7zSDIq3
Like it was a basic reflex, the Bringer swung his sword and cut the head of Dragon-Maw off. I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the ensuing, and brutally-arriving pain. My preparation suppressed it adequately. I was still on my legs, after all. But it was offset by my dwindling willingness to use the tendril, and by the way its brown roots shed its sheen, I figured it felt the same. I had to ask it for one more favor, though.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVUkJ6wb79
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNSUJ4uPTC
I realized it was reckless, especially with how small the room was, but I didn’t want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. Thus, I procured a–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK3rctuxBe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyD46TvuM8
“Child! Child, please!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9kISTxcjy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7Y2JvG8uN
“W-What!?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvC1oiaFC7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYtVv8xESK
My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQiR51F3Gr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IwPMCigTT
“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghvQexOGUZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB4hDpiPAQ
“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYIcBBXl4M
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsswy8dU4l
“...”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqn51YmP6t
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelX5GuNefw
I had this sick feeling that the Dean was far sleazier than I initially thought, but under this kind of situation, I could hardly blame him. I didn’t turn to save him, however. As a Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip of my tendril, I stared with sweaty palms at the dueling two. Juke matched the Bringer far more comfortably now, even with him having two swords, as that injury was unignorable.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiJhLpNnbs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyfcImPE7u
With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegE03Hh58O
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mpFK0EKZy
“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw4xzlZ4x6
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrWiSuaWIx
“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXQVgqPRLm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx3vKXeDsO
Even though it would just take making a small dagger out of earth, sinking that time to free him felt like a terrible idea. I knew it was possible, I knew Juke could last long enough for me to do so, and yet– and yet–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQME2jacaD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBIroz0Plh
And yet, the option caused my arms to shiver. To be responsible for his freedom, would just mean I was responsible for everything that followed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP1saTOIeG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj3PpijaUV
How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlaDIMrCio
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vZymseNqc
“Kid! Watch out!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YtOPVTjEk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfeL5XpyW9
“--Huh?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLaZkndo3t
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmf1RtKnII
I was swept from my trance by Juke’s loud, worried call. My vision registered with me then, and I realized that the Bringer was charging directly at me.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT8mFUUtF8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1h69sBwjb
“S-S-Shit!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJGOTUXTfg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnBLNSa74Y
I did the first thing that came to mind: I conjured a hasty spell, shot it, and jumped to the side, causing me to land on my hip. Only, it didn’t go so smoothly. The spell I created wasn’t one of earth or fire, as trying to rush those would erase nearly half of my mana supply. So I created a large wave of water before moving. It blinded the bringer sufficiently, just enough for his thrust to miss me.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGF35voD5Q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Yus0PWPlW
**SQUELCH**242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgR6MTKOMA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqgNqQHQuS
But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vFZHhGbgC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKPryWghgK
“--H-Hrk!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K78H50Tne
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CfMvLoA0r
“Oh?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQf7WDeFjZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f0gjiugm3
The Bringer rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked at where his sword had been lodged. He wasn’t happy or upset, nor did he look amused or angered. He had the look of someone who made a simple slip-up, like a man putting a box in the wrong place and merely shrugging his shoulders at the sight.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BaxtAsYwR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQydYE6p8V
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWU90QswRL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJU7Hbz471
“Ark… W-Why?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Rlv1JHLEs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V1guKrX6M
“I don’t have a reason. It was an accident, relax. Goodness, just relax! It’s not as if I hit your lungs, did I?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMpN8cGz2Q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpAKFNLlq0
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfZhMRDyFg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvrqJRkmb3
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorrVcsHT5c
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGTqYgeJTR
“A– y-you monster!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKbQOyaspG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD0h2yp24B
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt7Cdd1Kst
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTyWynwW8p
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvt66oclVQ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTc52kFdiX
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw43tpJoiR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAynf57xDn
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ393GAZAvsh
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu2zQl1vWE
“A-Afraid?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzbhg90Fsk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1fj2uymbR
I was stunned, undeniably, but it wasn’t paralysis. That wasn’t the case, because I saw the Dean right there, writhing but breathing, trying what he could to cover his wound. But to call myself afraid wasn’t incorrect. I could hardly keep myself from melting.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqNR0i0ViA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT0pkFwaHh
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorckF3USJZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPdjuufVjD
But then Juke’s words resounded from my side, and the sight of the Dean became enough for me to move. Though, I didn’t do so before giving myself a necessary rebuke.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4loqTRBk3D
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPv30sDSxs
“Damn it. Damn it!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhMLqvTFah
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq1wd95gxm
I aimed the Freezey-Dry at the bringer and let it work. The Bringer stepped to the side, avoiding the wall of ice that formed until the end of the room. I didn’t have to face any counterattack either, as Juke kept the Bringer occupied while I ran to the Dean, forming an earthly knife.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMVPX2QnqS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gGGXcwY4C
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzhGvaaPJI
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfaR2GLy0Q
I hurriedly cut the ropes, slicing one of my own fingers in the process, but still managing to free the Dean. He grasped his shoulder and got on his legs.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXW7gnm1Rd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FEMCf3ANP
“T-Thank you.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtLD89iyPb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshJR5iTc7D
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb51gMzgeIV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyaarvT2lD
The Dean meekly nodded, which made me greatly relieved. I conjured up a quick earth spell and shot it through the ice wall, creating an opening.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3Ggl7vqpS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqAYZq2gKg
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGdArQjeLi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTHxYokm1t
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoHU6yXxI1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN67PbUByU9
Though his run was gaunt, he managed to leave the parameter without being stopped. I walked around the ice wall to make sure of it, seeing him go through the entrance, and then I returned my attention to the Bringer.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3oyV46oKN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7Y7vDZ4ji
He and Juke were still fighting. The Bringer landed stray hits far too often for comfort, but I saw a window when the two clashed their swords and stared.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaSn9oKgrB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnIhAWhzo2
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz69Y2YDgj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWJ8NL8kkr
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW29hx2gOM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn89ivOSjF
“Juke!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClRtA039UH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrivWQyHTSZ
I interjected as quickly as I could. I formed a ball of earth and shot it at the Bringer. He moved to dodge it, but his toilsome wound forced him to hiss and I managed to nip his shoulder. Juke took advantage of the generated momentum, swinging his sword barbarically but only scratching the Bringer’s cloth as he dodged. The Bringer clicked his tongue and massaged his shoulder. Though it was a reach of a call to make, I felt confident that his shoulder was dislocated.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZZpE9w91A
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhK06a7vYn
“That kid is such a nuisance!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6bHYWpQ7o
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRkPTId5sa
He yelled an enraged sentence, jerking his head to me and glaring with dagger-like eyes. I brought my tendril out in front of me as a kind of shield, though with the ferocity of which he sprinted, it clearly wouldn’t do anything.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoPxoXKbMK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BHUyGniJc
Fortunately, it didn’t have to.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwrGvc6q3r
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoonr3dyTsc
“Ahck!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx3UeSkCML
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTl0mWjj83
A gust of wind came from my right, slamming the Bringer hard enough for him to tumble to the floor. Juke followed his spell by charging with his sword raised. He swung down and collided with a shielding scimitar, unable to break its barricade. But as they struggled, I made my move.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UCVSRvbKv
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGgxaN4a9h
A spell wouldn’t do me good, and this wilting Freeze-Dry wouldn’t fare any better. My other offensive flower had been pierced and shredded, so I only had one thing at my disposal.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI0sxcgji6
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwF6bqUT5s
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOlqJ1xJKa
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv36GXWbsat
Juke moved his sword in the nick of time. The tendril caught the flat side of his scimitar– to my great relief –and crashed directly into his stomach. The air escaped from his lungs, and remnants of his meals flew out of his orifice. The blow stunned him well, and I retracted my tendril so Juke could quickly finish the job.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh9GgaJrEH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9PZkUaLAW
But, that did not happen.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrodNwXc67o
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNZVquBuWm
With gritted teeth the bringer kicked himself from the floor to his feet, keeping Juke and I at a distance while pointing his swords. In the midst of it, I prepared a spell with my left hand: the embryonic stage of a geyser that would hose him to the wall. Preparing it took a while, however, and it was within that window of time that the Bringer242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0ddWqMv8s
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovFebsimIA
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAVV5CEucL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlK9s9zB8u
He twirled his core along with his blades, swindling himself like a leadenknob. His arm covered every feature of his face but his eyes, and he glared at us with the eyes of a feline.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8RJnSPbWA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lERWxdkEt
From his body language, posture, and exasperated voice, it was clear to me what was coming: that bizarre technique that troubled Juke and I when we first fought.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLwaZQsOcM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQLFxtq9MJ
And he let it rip just a moment later.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZaVuABlaX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgTVizl7jk
His speed was unprecedented, his rotation made him blurry, and his rapid blades howled in the wind it sliced. Though he spun in a rocky direction, it was just accurate enough to gain ground on Juke and I. And I knew that helmet of his wouldn’t last under such a flurry.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVvsMkNbYY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJbI854V4N
But true as that might’ve been, it wasn’t his helmet that would be put to the test. The Bringer veered from Juke right into me, approaching at a speed I could hardly react to. React I did, however. I produced a flower from my tendril and injected mana into it as fast as I could, and before his flurry of blades came, I had something to guard myself.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZxgobVn7a
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpiz2W3F7j
The beige and jagged texture of the Valencia-Bloom’s shield defended me. Small enough for me to carry, but large enough to stop speedy metal from sneaking past. It kept up with the flurry miraculously, as every cut it received closed immediately. Dozens and dozens of cuts, and none strong enough to pierce through.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HAoDbrvGs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY6Xa3hNRa
“...!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt85xP8lFKm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9csubc4rY
None so fierce to kill my plant.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPtRiNrbly
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAI0v2SsJm
“M-My arm!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBcNduzMPn
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdQS23pqod
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTk8oJFbbU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0zkxi0gF4
“Juke!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRtTivXqr6
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uej0nyZ96
“Gotcha, kid!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOP23583u0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxDsLC4AyN
The barrage had no effect on the shield, but my puny arm couldn’t stand against such pressure. It was impossible to keep it up. I could already feel the fear seep into me; flashing images of what would become of me should those spinning blades connect.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZukuucD5WG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp95PTw5z5R
But something unusual happened in light of that. An action I didn’t know I had the capacity for, but was driven by nothing but my own will.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieBXIHPILK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8kK8XQrI8
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwGYvkt8Vh
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizwun4GYB5
It wasn’t a clean hit– the complete opposite. I couldn’t aim my palm in any useful direction, but the force of the spell was so great it still adjacently struck the Bringer. As I didn’t have time to plant myself firmly, I was sent flying as well, colliding into the wall to my right and across the room.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXOkXYi8p0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XqJ0446nc
“Hrk!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTrOuwN7em
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqluikWliuJ
The slam was ugly, and I slid to the floor like mushy food. I didn’t let myself rest then, however, because that Bringer was still alive. I stood up and peered over the Dean’s desk, at the Bringer.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6DO3qgHS7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaiI79oBWR
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRc0tTyave
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8wqrNLvgt
“...”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm9ZX3KxEg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fX1VXklIq
“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrq4jyxMyV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7sHoJEr41
I didn’t respond to Juke’s praise. All my attention tunneled to the Bringer. His gaping mouth, his constricting eyes, the fading strength as his staunchblades slipped from his grip. He finally turned his eyes to me, then to the man who left him in such a state.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQYYPXrkw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW6Zvv0stt
“Curse…”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKTK4AKfsU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwptR0gXE9
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhK1TCYwfA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ792Z8lYj5C
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFS6cxKE3W
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTksArzxdn
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvwoqLIigK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lgyDR4FDW
“May they, be few.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA034PCE0d
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypcYQoOLCA
Another fit of coughing followed. It was intense and abrasive, ripping at his throat with each installment. Their strength eventually dwindled. His noisy coughs turned to raspy whispers, ejecting all the piling blood that clogged itself in his throat, lower and lower volumes as it progressed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuXu0PNyRI
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknkeaZ3DhV
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3zw4kNMtn
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsmz9oRxmH
“That was… sad.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEUucHvK2y
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsboqTT8zp
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeLsOalPgf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyCtpJVSPH
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF9X6WeqpV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRYyhUfkf9
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdi0Rwv1fU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR65BwME1pc
I chuckled at his assessment. He had a point. I should’ve just been glad to be alive, shouldn’t I? I showed my gratitude by taking a few steps over to Juke, raising my palm with as sweet a smile I could make. He matched my gesture, and we high-fived.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgvhgikooe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAIcaQAadZ
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJdkVXqE5k
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhVTAkhuDg
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAggiQVLlpb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaYfOSny2G
“Don’t continue.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3wX8UKg7r
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp2LlYUXvI
I looked at the Bringer’s corpse. In a twisted way, it was a trophy. A tangible token that indicated our success, our reclaiming of the Central Pillar. If the lower floors have succeeded, that is. I didn’t want to think like that now, however.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx9pGsvfiP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpqU4bKCra
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0BhZgxjHE
