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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeqxUF2InG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VCloiyHyt
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ86cVFIg8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTvvwWHOw1
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBxTLQTka2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19jcy3Fcgi
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyemsF69wHW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZOLy8Xsqk
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaTin3VuAJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqNlANQlBH
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIvLGYE8FQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAopPXBaSN
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwnFfNmklE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsEXkAg2bK
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDwyULHOwY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNA23QFzk1
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGq9MkRq6q
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o0E8XMIO3
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkm6lAIMV6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhva1fIiCWO
**BOOM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOVcEihaN4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBghCFzUia1
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvJMDI3dWr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEXo8sqLCV
"Ack!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVgfrkxn43
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p6i6plnZk
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LjMEx48dK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwzAXzkcie
The room was a catastrophe.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdFbgDOUG3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmQtt2DEqM
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4AlbUecTm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn6Wyz2YEc
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkfQ95A2NF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNOF9NKuhV
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8JD6D7qj4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLxgtc6fZB
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh69qcg0aK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdfYI6if2k
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tifx4LF4Y
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6iNpJHQhU
**STRIKE**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoZGOSSHUP
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–only to be immediately interrupted.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaFvgUniz7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVNnshj2AS
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUbBCuZVrV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhMl3KvtaR
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkuo0CYZra
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1pGcfckQM
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIbjhrp2NO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazzsTP1IBZ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdlW0pwIeP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcpHm91yXu
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChNMP3QnCq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsjxAViiak
"C'mon!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiZEiiuX6t
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKPC1cZCe1
"--Ah!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5nF9gzSOv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUSjZigXQm
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s8eZ3psEd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiHfelfIqu
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIilSrAnuqs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU0EewcMeY
–
–
–
What a moron.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh8bstDFyk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNKCPWRANO
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0POB9jq5v
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lzPA5DimR
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY8mXqCUz0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK7mf0bNYL
**THUD**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgHlVnH42j
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"Ngh!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvzqC3IsmV
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYgOfrXIR0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gk5mRBbsZ
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewEAHrHRW0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz9Qc8Mjod
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdAzOmZ6sJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBo2EqMGGG
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNORYzI2KRg
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"--I should've known!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUbuIKy6ba
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSo7AdBjgI
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3TpPoXCYA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9760v7GaqB
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJjfydqsih
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpQKPO8Lmt
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwCPkbeNh0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQDbbbZmhI
"DAVE!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGXwa39tdA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2IiAOE84r
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcpUV3KNL4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNeUJzVP6f
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAv10rvlyu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg4jE8E7Rp
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.
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU9d9oSQ3y
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjqdZ4RzeQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPF2hPHQ5Y
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr8oUt99ny
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecsPtgETP4
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1cNl4LVzk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFSTi2zjyW
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt7fiXM7yP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBC9uoWQ5X
"...Those are our first casualties–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk68VKspU76
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxXGuqFF3C
**BOOM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdDYhHU2Bv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVIXChMWdz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdLxlznEye
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoDuyanriw
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbOQOf1co6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwHWh3KNOM
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfWZG61sTH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WAERCqWr1
"I'm here now."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSXCVArnTW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXFgmiPJvn
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzUlGJPPxh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcBLqI3X5N
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRsRwm1as5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7theZhetQF
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfL3kqfuU5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqGVp2mkOz
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjKz7yR5Hg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B6zdnYVgv
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiZ5yremX1
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtG3ay8NhL
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6q2XQp3JL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK4A5gN2HF
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27HMibzcmb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTKdvcRhV8
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yR4hpSgSG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtx0c6ZzIQ
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAuqU1gTiM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eQdUrjD2X
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjXix23hfS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkoPwiQ3Pe
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxly3XM9rlk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYyUgSmxWt
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhxqfPvT5e
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfalLwNIBt
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4L5E04Tna
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu7mEy29us
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5kvxgsNhL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMwUST2lFP
**BOOM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkSDt8EVab
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86X6AEP5ND
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HkRV7ukcj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIowiduziQN
"Pars!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyxXmTbpAP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lWkqXnEtT
"Huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOtQDRtOfL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTSoT3oXpp
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFnn8N8nOD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jaURNYr38
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsGywlKp5w
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdhuKuWNM7
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe1XfQeLxZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLQTmGowKu
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI89kL6lKWL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWOKcmw8so
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY8mHkwO0P
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3lumyPxYa
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3ZdOnRcRX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y33SRRzhz
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81pJyl1gUV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XUDnFb5Mr
**CLANG**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMx3BKSgJT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqWNXYO3oL
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpHINsvIz8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAqPq9mwCe
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaBuS7mNI7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILmOcppbin
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14JI2AJsEN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aEZO0uV8I
**SLAM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcTIjCBWsO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycdCW5ASfw
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrEYRRsxgB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdwWhKewcK
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8Hu2A4PwA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfhFhSQjCH
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl27SHSS2gc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Q2C6QoLC
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3m7mFQ8RY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZO60p9nkW
"Ngh! Shit–!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI6YLbFETv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxf4zKyi8i
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZszx8X4VR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzjb2HNR9E
But then–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0TEWM1N1F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunfk97JTPx
**BOOM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YbLSOpVam
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr3f6VKEMk
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQOCG91zMl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjRSlZDqnk
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OVbjJ2Q56
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodTeznFoR9
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH44aa77aw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4o2vyNGNd
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjVXGyUK6P
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWMQscwprC
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR9LoYm76w
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d1nz15nrN
"Gah–! You scared me!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPHsObr6C5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAshjlKVddE
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaT9wfYwBa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabAbrYy5pg
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCsUMydnNX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDT9aFSHVL
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPWipibDTW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh0teguzX0
"No, this is terrible."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzbD5igz2E
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBxJCoiM8E
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj13SW1tg0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qj9uBVV2J
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrBVnOjvlS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjSaAXNa4k
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiDJ6jcCWP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkybHTGcJlX
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nfLSoQjEj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA82MA5LPq
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vpNo8ytWN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOt3QIfXB8
"No. No suggestions from you, please."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPEnYgIzku
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckR5lwZUnj
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8xFQ36V3n
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX1bX1xiIp
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANoYQjJJF2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMvygzlSDT
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGrfyeVwkh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOBu9TjGXY
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HL6O05uJ0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ765VIof4Y
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqSh90LLfR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfZYeDvneJ
Still, no response.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF05xy3AH1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1uqLiJrGl
"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–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dg6MlU0Ii
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fXDMkmcVe
"Because you're entirely incompetent."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmu5vIKaiZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuqIQxRYoT
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcBUwofD0l
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLggsWjS1zv
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxa16gkNWU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJumq6lNodv
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX0Oi9LlaJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZxqgk6PyD
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGBzG70rk4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kW5qx7dtv
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEQuMGYpJx
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3aSZx0aBt
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WcUdiG9tS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxHcOThLlE
"What?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iQmWbnRZA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K4RZi1zHN
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpPoJFDVrR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHKEfnpQJ3
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTJnTRhORj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSEI5hryOO
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA58FEYSvRr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyePagD0EO
"...I see."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK69faHJDv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEPNrwDYOU
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYvzsMGtgL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAZwN2MTMQ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Gw5Euqih
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY9OZs5ZHx
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rw8dykaGO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcws9eOLxIE
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mKpsHJju9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jjli9mLL4
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz94IhO1HVI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVdFN9R89j
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqzoly41za
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiTGYZgSyf
"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–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7iilqBUgx
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQosdjwp8C5
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqGAKhvxKl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gKiMbrn5B
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhobnHpPDJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6dacfBdmx
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:212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1g3lQYYWR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU2y1Myq2I
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVBtOlaLP7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi6Ymm8UO7
"Alright!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dqrp9fBHN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89AnxeNwfg
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqOTEJBKbo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlC8x9nrh3
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbdPrUHAdb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7Q6SQx6SW
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTRiFVpm65
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1QBbdK3i7
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9JT6cMmbe
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdJfEUSHCU
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTZ1qnF7ia
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nkmIbWx6t
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGAbHuTtIJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSfgD4X8zU
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypxLv8GvFY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPrH7Hjy5Q
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6luUvMrO1b
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY6VcsCG9B
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2MhsUIVD6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhrAdFIjaV
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GHpkrgxwz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHDRM5xiIw
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuc9RTHFMz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eutwwQl2H
"--No!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xdr6FLw2V
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtzM6t2Slz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlviuEYeRS2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMB7OShQkx
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEovMtjszZZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5eZcNdaJt
"Hyua!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavpl7csdHj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzWyqopRYB
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2l9aSnCVp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMKnh7REL2
However, he did have another sharp object.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE5NPBJBJ4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM05ApHaoqO
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrBYc8dedn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi0dNwJ9AG
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5by9XbVGFk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUc2BXxs4q
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Rl2g6zlX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTqYiEusyj
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdji8ttFWF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU3PqSp4FF
And what came was–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbkIiyCEXu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RlEZX8gbD
**BOOM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSppsMDWJu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ227wZpYKhM
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dAqJXCAq3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRaHs5kgHQ
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR7UuDScns
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRQlAK0CIK
"--oop!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6yFwiYsQr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiO5UssdRu
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1xVP90b7E
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM9vcvbr2P
"You... you're a sick jokester."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLNEJma6eT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a2mWaAhWB
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rZyqfMNSt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE8zX9II2s
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcwZu2uG1T
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzIxp8pbLT
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9WDar7yDt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ezgg1U0LC
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aA4zfIYDa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAerH82Ye7
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGWkRSgXGJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoveLO8ufT
"What the hell... what the hell!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDzlonsRfY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7X0btCSBG
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRW8SU7vhr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLnHYTrGxF
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa8VbAdMez
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OG06022hU
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y372X67u3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbSbknKQBK
"...Heh."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiw1VPneNB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcnzHyiKb6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ7ieXt0aW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn4VemHboA
–
–
–
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnbxhBnnR2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HDGsehiqQ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskICTvTBCh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebo98ZNZBz
**THUD**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPTVEgJIVm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbevsnCYRRe
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazEQA9GHoe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsUAIwuPXE
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCULmDe52SA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzWWjEiK6T
"Though I have to wonder–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jS0cAf6nj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cnTW1xm0M
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG1qQ84zfe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XIrgZrkK6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGK6JMGiRn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFXS5yCgfB
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQCC65CuDT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp0AUHylYa
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU4HzF9AcZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtC6Pm2hDw
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zxVguJn47
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpQL3muku3
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.
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO2sHhbGou
"Irritating...!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJjMWl44N
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXRBAcMUTv
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXCsvdJ0Pj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2pR5pMoTt
Dave didn't like to use spears.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc8q3qepVl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvLTsT28Y2
"...Haaaaa."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeque2xCGCw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7t9W9K5R3
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5b96R0dfe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHvppC5Rg7
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHWLaLgZJ2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDNMAeqfKr
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFi9YXvi2Y
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsOD6PTYcK
That's what he always told himself, at least.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSpiM17MVi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMr6Jul5gb
**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**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ446nfhxh8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF3TT16zik
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgsO4ZIJBe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW9ixIP5v8
**CLASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKU40hkqxp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28th7wFRiB
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**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM9hunPeFJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNzNw1psv6
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?212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLxCF4TPfm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCTdrHNjfy
**CLASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhXsPAjaN5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkkoRuOvOS
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcKbvXXJXR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRaOhhJTcn
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QyqwJfia0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7iTVVTtvV
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ4Pg92mNI
Confusion–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBohLtVWy8d
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo2wqPwpjL
**CLANG**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQFsQQ3uK4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxSNpgs0XP
Delusion–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SrvgzLx2w
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoa7ta5kL4
**CRASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEhuNK6bVk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQQCLKQWru
All lead to one conclusion:212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YAHVloMNM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXlUNaCEUV
**SMASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvhsywLxpW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH4YlPlf5V
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63yU9fh9Rb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFc6OqF1WF
"...No, of course it isn't."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXd6lrlQ2O
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThsRJEIzrp
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTgWsQF1Bq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFY4SPaQ1j
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAUpTSeUOa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkv6gyzI3h
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbPJlJEZLD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6IpMnV3SQ
**THUD**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFrjt8OitO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4eMRhbCcF
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3QmAUh9uy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QK4KWpamB
"Pars!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEbX3ercl5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq9NHavlq6
"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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0dUvKYA83
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmlkUJ6KIx
"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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteRhEEMnOb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLu2hq3qgu
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49G3BSpcnW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bhBpFAGhx
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZocxvwP7hY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyorpWLtIq
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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVGvICBXCO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnekeMXjIsS
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxe7E5jtXu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnRCT16rvU
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukuri3wyX4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh4FxIDAui
"What do you propose?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7XtRHt5IY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqnG52LGT1
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfpqMnBE2X
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIakbYAtTs
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTLCuuUsjh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrbxqYcOAV
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSHKjjwPBB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8djhNVKIL
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt8MWkz9ji
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqechQ05J6b
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMEvFqEUJg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfjbjOH9vX
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBWWadgmra
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuuOCQQr8r
"--Huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL9gv6N3EN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiEjhzOiCl
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpS4OdbjVg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ5i9a848D
"...Always backhanded, huh."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsgmOyEL48
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzfyrSFVtO
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 laugh212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKStnsPAHV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeOnqxDojs
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJYxwS7ILq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFyDwZqCFF
"We likely don't have one."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpnuM2Uh3W
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuLFd3zu2n
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrziiZR4PN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk2GhMIrM8
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3dWnsccCj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtA7oRxhB5
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV8KPSXYVn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1qYXZbMuJ
"Well, if you insist."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarz1cSGCo3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9Tv5dxlNn
–
–
–
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.
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN32pUxhtY
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzavq3gvSbB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpzZiyQdSw
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqifNcco0M
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dWAegOnUg
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwRTq23NrF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbEGYKyVpR
**THUD**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt83jDCAlig
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaFIMNuZDu
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?212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIy4pZgNHm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HcQJtqNih
"--!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrdR55ugIB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpYEeSPVeD
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDxEh23v2F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBOHyuvB2z
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirXAJQMiI2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YTZtN0NpX
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJGWkV7M7d
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dz8r3KZMb
**SPLICE**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggRD2wfT7K
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyynNmWmxiS
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTRAx4a9iL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5Wi3yxv4n
"I missed one."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbiwARNVqe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwhPGjGRXI
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsceki1caB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx8ZqO0FHh
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutYFAXYFaJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0GjWc2ipE
"Hey!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IFC2Cll7p
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpWCRiYAKy
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA7LmwRpRn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT5guzfTE6
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6DAbZkGxJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRBjow1y2x
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhswA95w5C
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7LUPnQArg
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPkP3CPqec
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcZ5NU0Ik3
"I never said that."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38NorIot9F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARDJZFfJbo
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoulBAqcqqw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWpRTc09tf
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh0Az7CdWZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqK8StILG4
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLacHYS6OOL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBfIKbhgK
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGsvaxqonK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3IiCwl8iz
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MA44TXkev
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4zcJ6Xcqb
"Haaaa. Damn you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30kjBdnnDb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY24icbniP7
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xjJooYrVQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J9AthxfDQ
"They are dead, right?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkclFYmCiE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuW0gRcE6r
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmLqdNhna0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWeGNPG3QB
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Uniysbih
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBLmMciBxp
"I–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMJSUH1Xst
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoPhineBCz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxgnKEciat
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVHsbvRq5Y
"Huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9OjdkWxTV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjoba0Id0z
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tZCoN3YNk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lA0h7PUuo
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8LT7MLhfY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTptHqCW487
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFdKWo4BIU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJNMVfTVw6
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1eR8rRryK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaKGEmoatA
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhPoG3Ob51
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uuScqI9NJ
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRCIuyQAqZ
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhs2g3l0Ue
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRkTbGWyaD
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVIB9DPz3Z
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzmoHmEX5I
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN03KIdHPrU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2E4XEu0cv
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRlL8Yna45
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUVnznm5vv
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkbAx8yosm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xziZAlJ6w
"You raise a good point."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHBklTzkaq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCQg9TrSyJ
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6PzNTwyDk
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SDvBBnTEr
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKYXKDpcCb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyed6NI4b81
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP8l8ceii8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsopC63fK5F
"Ha, abandon?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsxf5IOYUQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUi9byRQR8
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomUo0wm9Hs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oWeTsLXeX
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKIKEsUzvK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBZF0rcm6k
"If you were, it was backfiring."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBi44vyQ3p
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYduA56op8
"Harhar. Very funny."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqCAfTG48p
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvgQRjfvZ3
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"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yQmZtsx3W
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"Aren't you conceited."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWgKbvAvr7
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"You think it's arrogance?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dqUU2ojpH
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Pars began to stroke his chin.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eSiP5ak83
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yb1M9gxQV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxPVAcUwBX
"But what you want isn't just greatness."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI884smLgz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUKBqLtV3f
"...Yeah, you're right."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz39OBDi4QE
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu3NVtrCsr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB12g01ybmi
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
