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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvC3r7tf2L
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTT28I8KON
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSQCTiBnaB
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"What are you doing!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX9qUlWXIx
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUKg7zNUbO
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTlm4P7Jeb
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByXnQNgLJ8
**BOOM**124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNzNqikfFF
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUdq2gblay
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"Ngh, damn it!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYN1iauhwW
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChJ7DbOtrF
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZWfsErT68
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiY7lOBYq4
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"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ADit9T88
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlAwzOLi1v
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCc5IbDn2G
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"--Damn it! Rover!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPspEFlOZl7
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nx1GmuNiy
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK80M7HhEaq
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Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ3XVwGs0O
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"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowPb9fBLZW
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljtDcyU7ed
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeo7hLXvS7
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLAKCT1gkz
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC68ftHaYd
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIA8beCFCf
"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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC7TnyjSWR
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxeKJnHZ1V
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"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgeu7jCbzX
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gHqiyurTr
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdXXZZME5k
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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?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PZS17S8IT
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mw0WNgeUf
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqDAnt4e1M
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxtN6JPHAX
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNCoMsBCC0
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"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QETTRgFLW
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsAfttkjML
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiFBFphiY9
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2mrhy53Ya
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"Hey, Kenny!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxAJOWXvyj
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhsrCJEHSU
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB5V6WCdjn
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"I-Is she okay?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjePM1EuoLE
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe61dzNe08A
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi8uoVJthk
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"I don't know what that is!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0KLzbxfwX
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMlZMDodQW
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwdpuRllXh
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fihM2Vt7O
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Though, that did raise the question–124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoWv0DIJsu
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"Do you know where you're going!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0OuPJLD64
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwhYoB3JXX
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"Ah– where is Dennis?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnAOq67ycL
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"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHLmQdLvF5
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANhKOMJq9N
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–124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5lI8H7Gd0
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"Shit."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM9i7RpxJF
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvj4t5xgkm
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b27dYnAzu
"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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCs9jta13I
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ802z8UOkU
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"...Alright."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD0526TgqE
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgu5IMMphq
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgQXbw8iSc
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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?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGVtvkM3uC
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXD5Y8mARb
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ey1cMsfbC
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdhxeQg9lc
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJacUgsQkih
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The man stopped speaking.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGLMSAEXYE
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"Alright, carry on, then."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9xoL5PJfF
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"...Eh?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzUZqmfvMC
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I shared in his confusion.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwOAkmv2GS
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMH2MdaMip
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"I-If ya say so!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxtt3TlKqm
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrTriIK57H
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–124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6RJRcHjAQ
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oBvmh4J2x
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U6ARU1wSj
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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?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypeBPEAHiK
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGioBxwnaK
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtGXMkYMtv
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWmBppmzEa
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"Damn it, kid!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS3huSGIkP
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSBU4luNff
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**SMASH**124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1IkWGxQHC
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz98oi5tkZy
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMrIfeegkq
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX8b6z57MH
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfqUmjdH3K
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS5IcJQQVj
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYA8qADTPC
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsdLkPJdI6
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBC07gqV7X
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQfn2RUs0J
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNTCwf8Bpb
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ849859aASK
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TWkTUR4Ps
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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."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2Np5PmRrx
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"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVClRI0C6NH
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMq0TgptDm
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FHPo8DIGA
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90rxrUN3IF
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvHqpvbhqW
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9ceXftdM3
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"Like I'll let ya do that!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ966pqZxX25
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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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2hsYWdFqb
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe2DlFTuxH
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx5hSekHGF
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iFlQelFKh
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFoGAEuwdY
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N3rnwkKaR
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNwotrcDC6
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwd08EDJvV
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlvIaroXtu
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNXFgU3WHF
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl3gLXCQDF
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3u1lIf2yb
"--Hrk!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJVUqePcRQ
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBOnFZQl96
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P5KbUcp2u
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIPnL4sYXI
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJdKBPH4FK
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEmpA6xF5l
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IbGkrPnj1
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzkbce8x1V
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jLHs31QWQ
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxMqNf086H
"Whatever!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynFuz0DJM5
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlZgGZo4EM
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3LSPnttHL
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h5sybqk0E
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDcuERqHBS
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgBc1yInJO
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIrLpPpnYB
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH3mKUOmRj
Dread, worry, guilt–124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoPUcMyiog
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3MQwvNjCV
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UQUetxXo7
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedO3c46wdh
"...R-Right!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0pBI0iy8b
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuv8LiWqpT
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1bGcAmtDf
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwglYv9mkI
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFJMu1aAtA
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kQAsj1J2F
**SLAM**124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1aje8udED
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiumu1hmn7
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOikFpRzMe
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFP7VzdSYH
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFkx5hpT0R
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZa6OwyfIr
"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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqIsMykGPH
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNuqL4dKLT
"--Ugh!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJH5F2422u
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ925haXAopd
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCTMWnB0KO
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ULVSC1Nge
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdAeYIwf8o
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLdraG6Ts3
**SMASH**124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDPtWaPQF7
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI440wskrPk
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAAWMNk5JM
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNyWjYXz1W
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB4RObxo2D
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC8wmtTnAR
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhCvkhEIyT
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdosXxZLHVY
"Ah! Sorry!"124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBfIuOsNBq
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK1uxqXaKk
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5rkG63vWp
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXt4taEJNN
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QS2uRIVQ2
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojW6Bc4QFH
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i4o5S22GU
"N-No, that's not it."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSDyxjc7o6
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfSIeTDkK9
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.124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vJhABKp4a
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnNTdCvU6q
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAZyZstbWx
124Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUkJYAMAFk
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
