Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23M7B6AYLB
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2UZHd6vaN
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ8ideu1u8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti5mQLHNlu
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1GhtndqJq
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm7dkR2e17
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXaF7ZcXFZ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHja1RuQaO
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QkA5wKiic
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoJQG8iwi5
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA77e89kI5j
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst0hGzi84n
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQUAtrUQu3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLOxozsvVm
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VzrHDhKY2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uunTDwwJx
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmGRLohmdj
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ORPNbdNm6
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqgXnkrH2Y
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowipyn22Ij
**BOOM**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRKcZ7wQVz
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TWTPiXZsE
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPPa4StOm6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBmypUT3Pk
"Ack!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL1BWNsa1f
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgx1zMtwYE
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxCnjfmefq
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW31Y6lAkV
The room was a catastrophe.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsyUR120Hd
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCURga20qN
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jAFHLh6Ct
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAUX92qbeh
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE6HP1CDIA
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldLmIbEpF2
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcOVArFSz2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIiI89lasL
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKmzDvUKGc
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv1hTTfO94
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkQrvstVxN
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5veMBiw28
**STRIKE**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wc843fzp1
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtOf9x0x2M
–only to be immediately interrupted.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWnv73JWuP
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCwv6yWucm
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm67LYZ2mA
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8Bd233UOk
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkfeIn1fO2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVJ9cVO6p2
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb6gomDY46
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvDO5RsNxC
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ979aSPiPMv
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSwFiPcbpQ
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu0thVgNGh
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTizHqS38EA
"C'mon!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NNTFoLYX5
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LpO4fHySN
"--Ah!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m65Vxk7qW
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgln4nNiVw
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF9o4vDCrG
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAy46Wdcq8
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqWQ6nfRxJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPThkbsfbcQ
–
–
–
What a moron.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruOpthA9i9
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOmD9UZCK7
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzDykCdAlY
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEtS3NVaKh
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8HwYL2kUJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxII4qNEkvr
**THUD**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QM7exAPan
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP3yawmjeK
"Ngh!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N8c9YY3wc
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTMDNtyxxL
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0gipZwR9A
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTfkpvhE2A
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHiOwXjTXU
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpLfQI9mkg
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx42Tx4dBX6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOydD41YfAL
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp6joP278u
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMvMa75KJd
"--I should've known!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09K0POv0cd
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3agVn931w
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJPvv0rLzT
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxp4vgqsex
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUwP2cox3i
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfqPkoQpr2
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6Ks8ETw7c
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf0xfgjrP2
"DAVE!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUl06CvMaB
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aE6wga30H
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2SX9lmOu2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd371tj8E0V
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBgspFT0sE
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoMKItfQYl
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVGScqOv51
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi36gvgRe3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoYnI30mmd
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27GrNq6hyf
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jtRijIEwB
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sGiK6ye8M
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk67v7eIflJ
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcVVMUcoKS
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YFdIU7jNf
"...Those are our first casualties–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJuorAOJWk
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBiGmSDUlF
**BOOM**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBluEwoF95
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCdusjVPzE
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxnrrYqUdw
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIA80I0haG
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3LkHeHB18
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwwRELcI9H
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8drkRizMmh
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNRWEgVyJ2
"I'm here now."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlIn5Rq38f
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDunD5L3pRn
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCuvnBBHeP
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY49KBzkfv
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UfTYc36Vs
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1An7trSEVm
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TYvaPZZdg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpySumsHWP
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFeM3m3gvA
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TtIz2Ybu1
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAIVRpk16B
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiodML8DRv
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm5xBkQh7W
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXQgpz407j
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsUPXGxPmr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsyv1YOlxK
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3jGlaYNpH
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdPvO8qZhd
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OC7KQd54U
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mkJBAI6FC
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l05hANZOy
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFWtgo5FrN
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjTqPXtIRY
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN41HZyD07K
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYgzZdBir3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnKxTqHdL8
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dRvUrVeVi
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjCMPUUnrj
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerYsQiixBu
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSWh5Z3GK6
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GoC63iOhx
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5akHVacgJ
**BOOM**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw3sEwhnMQ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqmrnImild
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjv3Yenly3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5kVCF3QG1
"Pars!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsFvXn3qCd
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OOA1JlmXd
"Huh?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9eGZvZpQf
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBSMc8hfDP
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlneyJ2oyDQ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkt4htJqWT
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfjE3Y6fIU
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UkWw5d6xO
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFTU6aiN8q
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1oDYGZJwe
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNet0ez3taJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVhHZ1gzjO
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fTte4ZVT8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwIixNLKqq
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2L7110rsH
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgtRsolg6P
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwnoGNvwYJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9S3wresGZ
**CLANG**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVmScZoHk9
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLde07qwDaC
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNyaWmcf07
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfJJ2H1VTy
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRJJaVV45c
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaYCylEIwn
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsngTdNau3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi89qV4pRNB
**SLAM**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpoTioaKT1
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz6Aj889dM
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfYT7kzpm3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacdxLxJM1o
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97quGwvHdS
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMw8Qxev5L
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFEFhOGvqo
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CatCaxHgs
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYzyzN38LW
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ijy5xtDCp
"Ngh! Shit–!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5GLRIh38H
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5Tmm9MHVK
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNeG38dCIB
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32z35hbUbJ
But then–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ8DS2Dt1A
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Dbed14pR
**BOOM**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6y1Wa3zQT
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XjlaFRxsU
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7seBl90FO
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–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6xGXRMqh3
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–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPmVdiLz4b
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–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQb1jjycJW
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Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNnpuIKVa8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBwhdh6HP4
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEHeu2OQsb
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGubus62wV
"Gah–! You scared me!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g3s113ppA
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImw62Eujuz
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlSVpL7RXR
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqVF3GcPiR
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cLKJwAsSf
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA4nrlPTVb
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwmzElu2LH
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHEBNSu8rq
"No, this is terrible."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm48pz72A2l
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3la1JATliM
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZlTLn0UrM
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk0mRsbumB
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ735dc8uW5w
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9BkuDnivK
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHiM92mOlD
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vHYDVR3S4
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbJjhI1EZm
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby6SLw0gm9
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMUB5ehJfY
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1idt3H40mV
"No. No suggestions from you, please."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd38jPPfru
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAVuFBzQuN
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkfyTx09hB
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCRMPNNNaA
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1RM0Z0s6m
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2arkiA6ro
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp36GO2r9T
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVO5MLhOZy
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SOMYq9EBL
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt52GoMHopE
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigth2imRUA
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn0lehTAuO
Still, no response.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20wGlLfm76
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlnwKd9FIg
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwIZC2fSe2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVidq4V8jta
"Because you're entirely incompetent."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AOjuI7Kfx
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMvXzZHp9X
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFobo1RrbBv
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbXkSyk0zr
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hPnyceVh4
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoCaBP76Sh
"..."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EoiRUi1NA
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFexrTw1Ril
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hUKKSGV7g
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0TPsPJwT0
"..."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpPWtpVRPS
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrfnVX3HSp
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEkydSWDFN
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbWP2JRxpZ
"What?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u69mr5y4W
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tj5v5OSwA
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2MPbEpBcy
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAwEuZ2e65
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jvF3ZJ2Hb
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzZDFHy0Pq
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwSmv0hEp5
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8UMgmJPMy
"...I see."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHPUcBf2bp
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDffF5mVPL
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcamBmqJ8Fr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyyH8O8h4Z
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWPMq2kfrK
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCv1XTyQAq
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO1Zv3VvH6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NtYA8u40l
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPKoL5LYWr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPZ4SwHMYg
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAWxHjRMK2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7RuBaqLle
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiqv6CCQjr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgiUdzOFsb
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuJB4ry2mF
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgTbu8icyT
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjhwVIhaj9
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6mmfeimbi
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX4NN4g8cH
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCREatqAWcH
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6HOHymjz2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fU4mujeUX
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLBLVo0pCn
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAmDAuca7f
"Alright!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL26um4MTga
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ9TQKx4SR
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdyYWz6Vse
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6thRy4ghR
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bXLdSnZj8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrCz18WOp7
–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hpQ1AKzSn
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–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMackIFwSFJ
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–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFa8YDKUDI
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He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUTkatLf7K
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInMVmGP2zk
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7usvzw0uq
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfStVoSbdE3
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76XnAwW1Lr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERwRHtVogM
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyTrQC8EmQ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCoiKX8w7o
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNtVGW9kQK
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qaIpkZika
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUjVl5V8Vb
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbS0OsJh3D
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWrmd2VA3D
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVEd3KZ3ma
"--No!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip37gLIe8C
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSdBW7ztcj
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCfu78P1Sf
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1utoD7eeHE
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gkIqgKuzN
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xbBr0G7Sb
"Hyua!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDMCs8Rc4f
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXgUqbWBZN
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWGr17igEB
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfamOzyU6YN
However, he did have another sharp object.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kBy2jvBU6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k44EEpryn
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm3dg5Hc47
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtBIzDMUUW
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmUcuv6e6R
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CDXVz5NIE
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNarE4qjZS
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANO8J7layu
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJLplfYMWu
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr6CKWrF5A
And what came was–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrPlyxUtRN
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJR4dyM4bM
**BOOM**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1KljODn1I
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUmtEV0OkD
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80y9KU7ReF
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5NC3oZ3Wx
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sHxMP5pMD
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo2PU8gg3U
"--oop!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURoGHEnZet
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5nBxKUDE1
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJVIFmqKRG
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO5w0TffPH
"You... you're a sick jokester."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOnUYba4Gr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNIGKKWxGJ
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwXBF65j9q
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgJRC2tDwq
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwgtJBC3jJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcqqmI8nOp
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D4w04GYEi
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDJhNsgM1A
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVybUSWR0tp
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1D7ai2wKu
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcARcfTHMGt
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMln18w8evN
"What the hell... what the hell!?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12aBwSI2tg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKAnDL3PVu
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuigL9bXLT
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKxyUIyVc6
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfIxvrOKNP
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqJF7SdoCR
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroJpblNA2J
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYbiAaJP10
"...Heh."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4UgCwbEmu
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj4SDEbrHf
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWwscWIMyv
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov3fcpYSe3
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWghs5cr7d
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHxQGl3lsa
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CvPBc80nG
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNLhUJwn4Q
**THUD**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStpMD0Mb3j
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVRf4y92Wz
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvxHJuTkf8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVOLowkfVb
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzcjlhSeoa
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPxoYvM9gT
"Though I have to wonder–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxJOpLkiyq
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWJqZ20pU8
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrLINdv6Dr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk8OJipyWH
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfljHg2ETU
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM0OXM8Xe0
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrK2lQsqWD
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gGaXVlRv3
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU47EF21r6y
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhserpjtLj
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr5bK2JyL0
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SBOuTw91y
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD7W8fWur9
"Irritating...!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhAKISd1gI
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG603yDhIo
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zkh9guerM
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43kENjhtgo
Dave didn't like to use spears.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSUCNOlYUv
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE23xrBeRb
"...Haaaaa."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdbjC7YXCE
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU3l5NaDuC
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnUJ5bOMLy
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9B1xorS30
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGbHHDy378
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2DphdXsGb
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX1RvDhQV0
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNYTtyb6Ff
That's what he always told himself, at least.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvxreFicJY
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqshJfdWltR
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzdH5uOsUF
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco7rJKa0PP
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Z0NEKz7C
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTka8Ct1lrK
**CLASH**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLCQKfPzdC
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVSMKLhDjT
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRh7DlTzNg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkRWffXF6P
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FNJqXLlgJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWnpLInzXv
**CLASH**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8B55FZJgR
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RFpd2Xhdh
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9ipPNqDZG
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy1G6zZAqF
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6shG1uqCkS
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHdePcgoIo
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGbz7JeHif
Confusion–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPk1Fav1uV
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVc1Vsgbwx
**CLANG**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuz7i5dpOM
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZvdT6BMIr
Delusion–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Yuce6pFkt
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXpGB8KAbP
**CRASH**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X2934XldT
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ddVwfQ02N
All lead to one conclusion:265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zi38PLgv5
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrxburU2R4
**SMASH**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf3XrN33gO
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDk75iaKpY
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnMn054oKt
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTrQdRA9n4
"...No, of course it isn't."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRGzOdgg1r
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8WnSC3JQc
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GCfORX2kj
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB9aQ09zB3
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pVoDEpMY2
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXcP3emC3e
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5KqRuTiXi
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0kDDxJvXh
**THUD**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsovF1PncC
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWTAwsE2OI
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rOCwPuETs
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhlXTU27dI
"Pars!?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMKeICa32D
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9ZfJzb6PR
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopqpAvBSFJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYaPJCfPZa
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyx0QLEnv5
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5JPoqjTZD
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVlf1yAAi8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ262ByLSX3O
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso5hgznKYG
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV3HjencMT
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pUAHMpcJb
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UuhCbHQdF
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIGkroNIha
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwzM0XpkpH
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTMfCf3QEE
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfpEvqnRzr
"What do you propose?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTFl74vHTF
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBAumORnJD
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EeAO3YlMk
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9MekHixpn
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwFLc4ppgN
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQEBXwXujq
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayUJXXUKtd
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8pTR8SVqd
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L8YLMQ4zV
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd3xAgcjKg
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6mNIxmWmR
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgJqPthktT
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDLodE5LFe
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpewKGuTevU
"--Huh?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6456rT2L3k
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnO5BzoJkm
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS5ZnUf2el
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvteCS0devL
"...Always backhanded, huh."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTUBvqbZ8u
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo53TRLyjZZ
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMdaCpwucW
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EBEdHFBvs
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqkZumVecS
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPNry192RO
"We likely don't have one."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxSLlOvMLg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjJ1bOkt8J
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVV3y6X2x7
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh9MEtryJC
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlTRnoZ2BG
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTBDvUEHpB
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFtuG0Gg42
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrE3kIXse8
"Well, if you insist."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHB6WLnqvl
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWpFztDUEI
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF0t3ldkkC
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuMWhXgijt
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI3j0KtB82
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfz0Y8fWlo
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyUmFiDlzD
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs0DGx9uhC
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBprkgdDkk
**THUD**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IE0Rc7DFT
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DshuERDqQ
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnvAGmI2hf
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjhmf8EOyB
"--!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IF0TQ48H1
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORjkCHMNUs
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStt9vUY5Vr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3YVXDKNHk
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J8BFj3W4C
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqHGvcfo1f
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg9eF9XrX6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIanEBUHWy
**SPLICE**265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4evzbotPT
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ9HU7s6VQ
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHACpf41xz
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TTQ0Q0ftS
"I missed one."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCl7Vb2sGI
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywSFAW0mJd
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKOirfrdsX
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheQr1rx8nV
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NpL1gfLzJ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9saczX9sx
"Hey!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXic9Ikoo6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmkQ88gUPw
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroRtiafEY7
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtgKndTkVs
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGGZ9gVQiL
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuC1PcY4hA
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ39t1Z8Cxd
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR21gUE2beM
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgSBFlrAHr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLoHS45fp2
"I never said that."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm1gJy2ogL
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R9VE0Kz4K
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeN6TlCRx6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmhOK36wGo
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsG2FnkWRg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE77HoNlcNl
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp72PP9eb3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UjZh5TONA
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbqV7pm0XC
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaW0mjTuuk
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctz28Bilrr
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzOnUqhpqS
"Haaaa. Damn you."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kFtxbF15h
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2MYV6PdpO
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvaOJlSuFX
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSKsLidjr2
"They are dead, right?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSJmvkgYMs
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHY2YZ1V79
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2p4Lr9l07
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyKqcMM8SS
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg6ASCnH1Z
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30Y4F54ejk
"I–"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LnDA8md0z
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp9g7aFzHK
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNGemA1NZ9
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW6pdf080w
"Huh?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb38OXZeKQ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjxFPDIt9s
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3rjQDjbDD
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVQSMHfXbz
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu8pPbFpU6
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqIEohqei6
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4rvN12X9B
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXttaTzzmd
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmPQhKvAOb
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlORf9AjY68
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUUkwCjBz8
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxq3bVwhq8
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bAhaxvxTF
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjH89sxIXG
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnKwuD51Rl
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzfu0kDEYy
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISjZs65rtg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGInIpCMxjQ
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp9SdSqbtU
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IbtELgEk
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLN5N8tzwI
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6Ho0uDeVU
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaGMnG0UmH
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGRKqIaFeC
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVFHLt47dg
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMBPICnjxf
"You raise a good point."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cxIkvKkk9
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z6xggY53L
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMsc45XW5E
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiwIndHJXf
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWbLFvAXba
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDSTuZOOVn
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkjRVtu20X
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45IN3U2ffK
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTAvsOstwZ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu2cN2CSoN
"Ha, abandon?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfOuwJmvY3
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrLvK9KquY
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazOdqiNGHC
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT1UOyVyqE
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvoNu82Xmc
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV0scOFYli
"If you were, it was backfiring."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpSMbmtfmc
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Nes8QM18Y
"Harhar. Very funny."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lB8KhDZ4q
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDXl9dneJN
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypZHQ7kAOi
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffJ24IhBBC
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r0qW1USTO
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbZ3hJB0FT
"Aren't you conceited."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4vb6lEtoQ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalTeNqjFF1
"You think it's arrogance?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREkqcy2vds
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMJeh2hxbv
Pars began to stroke his chin.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pcYPC8V7i
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSATamy2Yej
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjlFkZxnJZ
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixhp063WNc
"But what you want isn't just greatness."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48X6JjKqQi
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ojkb6tCeH
"...Yeah, you're right."265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPG6xWKlNe
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5B9yeMBSp
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0hr3aNJ77
265Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBID9xtM05b
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
