Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiPNPHAg6e
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatRCXVy74z
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyaOmbtjhD
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwc2N2daUv
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfrur9F1dL
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoMwkTQJql
"What are you doing!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49oy2zzlDx
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhNWwxQiIq
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT3VTgShE5
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKf6iNnRSA
**BOOM**116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAS1TOARgf
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vS0bM1r5o
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA79eVk64oo
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"Ngh, damn it!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IVOpCCxFh
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeLQUm8SU2
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKEvfbvqfi
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXkC14TQOJ
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVwaWRQHbc
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKNAMcGsE0
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHGOYdYz4R
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLfUEZTzTv
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVATAT3ufg
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCnLzCmWrL
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9RzpyICMb
"--Damn it! Rover!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RdxfGIr9D
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbwQzoZ72h
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdFd8lbIev
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk6qg0F5IW
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu19b5kj5pe
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4hRkYQ9gM
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvm0t7VdAU
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtfxhafdhc
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpeu6EawSr
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sJEMQ6cTV
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XQSdlGT2w
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliTUKpj13A
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEDMJD2f0O
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RnTf0ij3G
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMF9L6KUYu
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYO1h2whkO
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WTZhAMXt4
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlddImrzltp
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCWHLE7DLB
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIcomw6YB2
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXf66LZQYO
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhuOiNaRKL
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0nHodWA2m
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpVSomjVPf
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzlI2HuvgD
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDy1JgH4oN
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5MH0iSmGH
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfz4fKQrSf
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0YROplsVn
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL1Tqh3xxm
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhZwwjA6gN
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLLGxd862V
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX0K52cqSs
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHlwKhNhF0
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Jp0tqcq2
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"Hey, Kenny!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI0P5v1syE
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1WVMwiZ7G
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpLuuq8Ii1
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkS46EREtk
"I-Is she okay?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9JFQt6Qx1
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmoutoTmIl
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJXTxVNCKp
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVU7fVEZgx
"I don't know what that is!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9crjPGAiMH
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWWh5kBUBm
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4rMlQDR66
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZMOPIE0SE
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQKMP16Wj6
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzV4WO8t5h
Though, that did raise the question–116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZdoOjIdmF
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"Do you know where you're going!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw4I69I4V2
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7Crt00wqJ
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl5xSuIuRt
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1MYTq0P6z
"Ah– where is Dennis?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWDsiZS1rL
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdocWBmcFf
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OGyGvDcAq
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dgJx26KjV
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UB1ac8wYb
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPG2FPT0rh
"Shit."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLS2Buhy7K
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOunqXtnYzP
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JamC8vucn
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwEPZ4EKxS
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBKMnC50O0
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl46qktywH3
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2210wK9c2B
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRVcUIOlvo
"...Alright."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXmmLUcaWu
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFRSSUnVIV
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ms6skmyRB
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwU9AcyVX5
"Alright, I'll take yer question."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2GwdtVYoT
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO72MHccPJG
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBseScLXGoj
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFElkierJ0z
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3Ed626XoX
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrwfQE0eQX
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhEsE0Pj0G
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVfS2kUKuQ
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tVTF2diOG
The man stopped speaking.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76BYKMvyKh
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"Alright, carry on, then."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfChS37itI
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGwkovtVVV
"...Eh?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ644RiRmD6W
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I shared in his confusion.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oNTF1V3I4
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAbYpZoQUk
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xtKns2gbo
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJhAP3mOXK
"I-If ya say so!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi8hgBDu3h
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhEgFRZ19O
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDWgcpJdVq
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gAiYMCkuo
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbiUyvP481
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And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80rSWGwBXd
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8LzeyLpYH
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySQi9x8JbA
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eg1keEcZk
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTveTHnX8JS
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhsj0vUY5g
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU0ccHTCgr
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48szZwey9W
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"Damn it, kid!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEsC96rJxZ
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIN1QF2goi
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnQltdHdCD
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpWi3NAZFE
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SGvdd9aNb
**SMASH**116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkExC0Mx7Vw
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraqMHylYiI
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF3RhTuT4b
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPONMtrVs2Z
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AnGl0xnOk
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRVbtTxaMx
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qxudaKjyG
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SOS6mrI5K
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGWGgJ3FsE
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoz9u71IYT
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u3DtAhLDG
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9SRZCGvGA
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhupdzloT4
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9qTS3QquA
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsYWltoPCy
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNjjPnIYTm
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMwWe4QeVy
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBgLBTUjki
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGf0HXMUCg
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F1Tp8XSPl
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlauVN0EUo9
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Nf6tkOMZ
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gAHfK2Pv7
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUigeZIbDsr
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wbb4IFUUh
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5O9M67zVv
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFjodB35dC
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmLpRqdiN2
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynVj86Xujf
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK7s0B6SLQ
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtBzZmWwif
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrjUoGT2WD
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zFJw7K6wk
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6v0as07Os
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcVhisq6CM
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaZnFyrvwS
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0hfT40mJX
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA2gWHwlxI
"Like I'll let ya do that!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMDIxzyURz
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFj2vQNvS1
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyDfDb26kx
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt9pl9RQPM
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLmFESayLE
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem23E2v0CV
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVHrUmpzYH
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw4IMTmYT8
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl2OnHSrIU
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6Cq1udvHz
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE1pmyVSwy
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ArYCtiyX
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBExw8gGZ6B
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QWS4NBtRC
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r076oyDtw
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqmf7NzSHw
"--Hrk!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjeuvfxQCW
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn0AF3rW8r
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCMHerjXCs
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bEHMIHcnp
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1qkMuJghN
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdsZWLVOlQ
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HYnOMFSF1
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlOqreSohQ
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQlTu3O3am
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhZIRuQNDz
"Whatever!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBglI0ZoMvs
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xqUGiX88p
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFmUxyFFym
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEgxiGSrTU
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegyHWUJdqD
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3SEdNH8hC
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI32GhMxC7
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlMFVF6Nd6
Dread, worry, guilt–116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXb0goWIZY
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsHpORrTBg
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWQfMqzfnN
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuTVUSPTol
"...R-Right!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYeyEjPk3C
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQP1SrEEx3
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UgRH3sK75
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptIHUVkFeA
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rwtbTY1GZ
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqrjP3w9aN
**SLAM**116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGqrJFcTaM
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlyXHiD2Ka
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI493XkvXp
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT00XxeKZm
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP7zU1xTXT
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZyUkwGbwa
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy57uVrTrV
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHu2P1urHV
"--Ugh!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi7QhFIMPD
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9O9ko3Hsk
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tEU5m4xNT
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vqpcv2bx3
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIo6ISOItq
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoVdOV90xj
**SMASH**116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEkfAecYmR
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWW6cF9DbA
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSm8YqXJS8
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhB8jr3xuI
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeatqYv5IWY
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdJJfW9LOO
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBmfzbhDjC
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Bt9S7vsH
"Ah! Sorry!"116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR3SOHzi4t
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8C8bdQKyF
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLZOovibrO
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6P5sOHV35
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpre1OWHSxG
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8V1cohkTy
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9ha5nYhVs
"N-No, that's not it."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFdVEYJjtq
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7oOavgOpx
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0BfkUBg5S
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPnuVOIa5G
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVfVhrsd2v
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDwcWfyqLy
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
