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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerP4ZglkRj
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoHVb7aYSX
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooklJ0ZaMi
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"What are you doing!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7T59N5QPF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcqgihFMM4
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL8yQdn9Dg
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MnKDPQVuO
**BOOM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzwCnWq7fU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kgg4BSCdj
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLVod9lNGO
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"Ngh, damn it!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuSA6ekR7M
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDLCp67tow
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBplQRrwW46
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhR9BHnCvx
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"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJJ0d5VTM2
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzL9uldijA
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVBILNxPXa
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqwX9NSHLO
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"--Damn it! Rover!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGahvVTBg4G
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaz6uuhGnt
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2XY3rBRq2
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukH7gS4wsP
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg4s9LZVI1
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aTcW90iEo
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxSXfnhvnA
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFoaDez50M
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujb2YHCdiX
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqtlFfolww
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZe4JT3Buf
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmSeUmsA7Y
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmW5zXmsDs
"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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnMpAHqiYT
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeBDAMhSYI
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkLAbxC7An
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZKEeHMr06
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAhLoow3hP
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSqAAoSjmf
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVKWRHKH4u
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"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?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs3bSCciUt
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLBES4lgqy
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vA6LgQYK0
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPoNmitDTJ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyYNHxQ2Pc
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NZHFNIcBT
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWHygSzMGN
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QPOIO8kZa
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzT5HA2RcO
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f5g24W7y7
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyj5kBP3A3
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"Hey, Kenny!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIwvu0idNX
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Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTAhslDxiL
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"I-Is she okay?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39t4kUkDCz
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"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoB35URWtn
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAEiZa3ByT
"I don't know what that is!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLan7BwrB7C
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcPSooPv6T
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTgfw2OtEr
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf1xacw13T
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Though, that did raise the question–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAjEMOJBzZ
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"Do you know where you're going!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0AS4UVyz6
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RnFFTdGOA
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"Ah– where is Dennis?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEVPaiMjes
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"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0km1FviGPe
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4B1ZdzWVW
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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKCLGMztec
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"Shit."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc3mZNdF17
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKJr4zofct
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhmgoIFlYf
"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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUpFWYVhz1
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaCfPG7tBr
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"...Alright."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeERlU9lgM
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUGyUqFL5Z
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJkmNt92c8
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NrKINX5sd
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyGNW40sIG
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyqCnQdxIM
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqgFEH2yLZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQU0EbbXCG
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdXKBCRcxL
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The man stopped speaking.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqxBfHIkxl
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"Alright, carry on, then."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcZgqe87ig
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"...Eh?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEKZZgv4mb
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I shared in his confusion.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6KM4dJDmq
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTql5es1it8
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"I-If ya say so!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G8xOC8G0j
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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–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcxTPL74rc
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGCTZZ0fJQ
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSTkkXATDV
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzmReB2yxR
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJAxnHV9J0
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNF13WW8gr
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkfVzhqHee
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcc7AfeMmH
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"Damn it, kid!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeTNpT2tjq
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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.
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWgu1gP2yS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rNiEp2qjZ
**SMASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZwLqsIq2G
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4NxOROnFa
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bw7yTvBtS
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFYI2KTvEm
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDvdNzl44P
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ4nSGBqQQ
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRqqPVKRAx
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGNiG3bw6K
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CKwyhY6TP
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVDgKMwbsb
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWBgW6arce
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqGzyxXPKX
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy4zgrc6dI
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WWcnl1Njl
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ98ZWARFf0
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSyiZ9eJSG
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"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."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKjLSUXOSu
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEF6lblOnq
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkzbYRMecS
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBgQxweeXb
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHrhkEHEy5
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNONVylTsE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kHVBThvEa
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneRozG3DUM
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuf5kYlekE
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"Like I'll let ya do that!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlDyh852qQ
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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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV2FinUv5L
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUuYgcR007
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpFndBal1q
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGoU1W17fi
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO6KDFjyrb
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpWhgR32kF
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8dF8P1QIA
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRlCEEcthN
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsoryLYcqF
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VFtIic5tW
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZkaV0ulTp
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPo7pYZHoj
"--Hrk!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUVjoYDNgY
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Co2YVkwf1
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7MHH4UJYX
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUCdnLyLDi
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqAlv23HHt
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD87aKAWwFs
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2Z2H9f6Ol
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu0pyIn5mm
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dh2LXITqN
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWwxXUAj3G
"Whatever!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQlEVKA4cs
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Xfe4qFd2
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv9rWXZ9Us
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufq3pwOCsQ
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS8NS1O0WV
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJK0ABtj5Z
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckYCvpbnVE
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fzWZpTUlo
Dread, worry, guilt–182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoGziwnqFQ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywnbc0RU3a
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc6Ztlwf7d
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx3MpP9Y4e
"...R-Right!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReRPZokLj8
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgLmQwzxVT
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNP7sUpdx9
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiemGYN1NN
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IeqpGke5c
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4fPasJgkV
**SLAM**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTVYRoCT3L
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9RykYsbb4
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5XFTr6Byi
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OE9b8D7L2
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJKAbqAQFM
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgooGvYilY
"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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3duTE6hmg5
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDHPNb8ron
"--Ugh!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM03KZsVpzP
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLI5LN5O6C
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKE2qJyb8k
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dZacHjmf1
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNGe2frTBS
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0cvNoD8Of
**SMASH**182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyLqvr4QrZ
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkwtSHqqF3
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQgQzSDhxK
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsG9F5R4Lv
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkGapROIfe
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhARYaE54y
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgzF87XrP8
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNcVEoDpW0
"Ah! Sorry!"182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtxE7kNAce
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc0AioFJVw
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7ZoBLgiXk
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT0D94eQai
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qiDhMXHju
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdltxHwfuZi
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9TP5niF1C
"N-No, that's not it."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3GTRAeBJl
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWW6FoSUOL
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.182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxNxtRQ3CU
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAigq32STea
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfMaawS4kt
182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizjs8fxEvS
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
