Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EMp2vlO9C
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzbI7qRX90
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlXAo7l5u5
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RaW4h1P0U
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsWrcOC0Bh
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzORpOBgS3Z
"What are you doing!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKFwv4ar4r
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQTJotUKoI
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS4tJfQGNt
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZQIaLT8l7
**BOOM**191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDgCM5qdAr
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZSEXHnIgd
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV85bcjoFtd
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO9L2miE10
"Ngh, damn it!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwt7h2Vv0V
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMSK09Ajl1
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNXTBXANaR
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv76rHWtuMD
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyI2gTgGp0
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB4QzbAG3P
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuCWflw3LK
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zzfowVC1L
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQjZjtbGkC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYlPuh85sE
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTlftTa9wf
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6rs4D55Qb
"--Damn it! Rover!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTWawcEmH6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9HD9eMT7l
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMUYFrXSB8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9sDMQVUYK
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94D4G1hPG3
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfPCshbEb3
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma8NmXf8dx
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClmzuJCXbs
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV3MGc1Lx6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvVdjIeFC3
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCnFrqnhES
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO67BlyVDTu
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BrmRm4fEP
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsie5JgWrCw
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNr0yJ1rq8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdr6HknCOv
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wtSl3N3T4
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RM7QTjYQ3
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIdGLGsRzI
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8z2TyNRrU
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBCo62CqCg
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrxcle1E8l
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUUcL0a0aK
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2kLMAf2H7
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI14GIjo3D
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0lNdSXmHt
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wUdfQm0jY
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS4Eam0GvI
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtagz846QE
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxocfxEZKab
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uOVhCj84j
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOU3Wv320R
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLux1dFbf7x
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJZMYO7iti
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ztwuoYTxB
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gHyu5Xcye
"Hey, Kenny!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6dO4iovwN
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qIKtcVrhS
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFAQb1f6gg
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYJWksmsKx
"I-Is she okay?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DQEfoYKFN
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YTHA9VxYf
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yiDR9P2El
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ6ViRaIed
"I don't know what that is!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkMaOoLLDI
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSw7vQChb7
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3yLFf4CZi
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGFt0acncu
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WZn6C7PgJ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBO17CmoiG
Though, that did raise the question–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDNeKDQAAW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXhxeCs2vj
"Do you know where you're going!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExDT05nF1R
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z79QXY42v
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmClH7ana1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC4u0sK05f
"Ah– where is Dennis?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesARp3x4Jw
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSF2v3poNw
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthu6KUX9dK
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBBTju0lB7
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOAdZ7U25m
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN0E2d9CCN
"Shit."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJULLqtwne4
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkfKYLXQpo
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrxn38jb0C
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttYpEeEUdU
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgst6AQzj3Z
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCKcY5RlEE
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVjB35IYYV
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5X4FqPId0
"...Alright."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4MPpGz8WQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7knToitvi
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUEhxDqlvP
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDZ2cjl5bu
"Alright, I'll take yer question."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjtQaqvXmx
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNBjmylKxJ
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LM8AoMpXC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWdpHWytAi
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UvIS3wClY
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BhnGddwi4
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtf7lgQs3S
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMXSvy2pI0
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtHC3fAREm
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmqEj3YxWy
The man stopped speaking.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvhTYPRNkN
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIXhwhLKrr
"Alright, carry on, then."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgWkLN70IU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvYv0adcZ4
"...Eh?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkwlcxzRde
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwDRWqqhNT
I shared in his confusion.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApj7wFKVjF
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSJbHF27oQ
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WtCEahg9q
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjpCbWGVVb
"I-If ya say so!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQHG0FAPTU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8JlRACY9H
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl1I3wuTrg
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMgKjn7Win
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VaXw2cWpX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyu5gaHJBS
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6b3NRGTWm
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJa8AwBowJ
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTuggylzsV
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrfBvkFlBL
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxvsAQqn37
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6AcuyDBek
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMrsRM5wDS
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTqLHPTS35
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HL3chQg26
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFBxDUfDfJ
"Damn it, kid!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1Y8NNs1IM
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcADww5mhX
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l1SRApGtp
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyW4DvHEK5
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZF853EPEb
**SMASH**191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcvf58JRLb
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSi6p5BwFh
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo4dUuz3Br
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG8i1mO2XP
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ixJkAve0e
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweHns0OCNy
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SfSR2PU33
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojDJshOUHc
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvaWEZgf2I
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pI59c1J9w
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU1kjx8VTZ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHloL2RgGY
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhLeUu6u6P
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadsPHq8zJU
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5bAmhuA1U
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUz2djxY02
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQI3fQhGgu
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgjA75u3tu
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7tBIksoiX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePkWZx8CJD
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuoeQGi6zE
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxBozPpMWT
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JQW9Qphpi
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08DChzil9M
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcdBBHUnnX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnldItHKBI
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tudxXOYfd
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyE33zbTtb
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjJYBly7ky
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYatBKccDPD
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl442EwtwyO
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl36lvrWm1r
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0sK9DelAW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V7FZBz7oo
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviFU2HzFKV
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUHmT6Xvhr
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUP0Y02StD
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwSRdLV8gq
"Like I'll let ya do that!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKDSzbjrYT
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwhQJhHHNU
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUbvM4dE0W
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxzuHbB0Ln
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6BdvC4ui9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rCQEIcu4u
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDWiLzTB1Y
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKtXu5D25j
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSwZnvctIa
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hQ28MipBB
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrQNgtz5w7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeSkmDQH2k
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCaB5v66z0
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86TjstELoz
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgOKzLR1k6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeQduaEVAS
"--Hrk!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsVim6ThLF
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiyTeQt4rz
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH2f9yKCU6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw5bHZC698
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLERUl5zolM
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQNWc2d6AT
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtW7BNVW0z
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltbzsGcva1
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFApZG3KT5F
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ531q5srlK7
"Whatever!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9BNq4p3BW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2T7FRg0DO
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqMgxpzH2u
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBSafdvuHo
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGNgx4DE0y
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf64llptJGi
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ETAVSGTcK
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG5cdB7HkW
Dread, worry, guilt–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPZ30nPARp
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Rq8aN7bVQ
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEm4hxokUB
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISyLuFQRCs
"...R-Right!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhht0hfJYw
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpZwd1DiJl
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUWwZC5UBR
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNIPPPvcH2
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tlRkiLG8e
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFLlXFCsps
**SLAM**191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKdvuAVaVH
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih4TAIBRuK
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswh3XKUm5n
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcAnFiH2bu
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6rSLOvENv
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5spUeXD6Gd
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWXCreCeiU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmNd8vhHQX
"--Ugh!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3rPyr6IN7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LzSLAdQaS
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuf1aWenSB
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8p15Bocws
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPltUFS2Eo
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PbinsRig2
**SMASH**191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGfHIpJApL
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0zhTvo1eb
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWCtis3aDu
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi8lKtdaoY
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYoZ3KuZa7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23isB2H7yG
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULCqHKr10A
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTGCd8W2O4
"Ah! Sorry!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYSGdNrv87
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDQvllFPek
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8YB9RJ1r8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCahguh8Eu
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s6nFtsATf
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZkchdLgo0
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xCPpqY77r
"N-No, that's not it."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9BggYFu8B
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0qJYGCCzP
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSopwTdKEv
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0wnba9hKW
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL60X2BzrT
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHKsyXkvCb
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
