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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz8rOQ8KQW
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfMs5MjA8s
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTQYUsTbRk
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hM7J1dmqP
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO8qsgrmme
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2stF2ZRZv
"What are you doing!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOQjVO4R7O
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFUwJweWPc
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFASsvRPCr1
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxtdGmbcSn
**BOOM**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYSdyFmtLR
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUykDLehBGm
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrD9Ucubok
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtVUTf1RR9
"Ngh, damn it!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah7WvjG9JS
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6qmBXL9mB
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDpqA5jERa
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB01RF09OT
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNXpsU2M0l
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y5m1EhT8v
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WnlETGRyU
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64I2ceqh3f
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiAcTPXYpe
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyiSGvGAy9
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNk3O6WCTZ
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4k8aTI8or
"--Damn it! Rover!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxtLYYL5jg
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx4c7PgMBV
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VYn37HDNE
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aa2Uo7ppi
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHagfcWZrwA
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo0nW0MtC5
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBTU1769Pp
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaV3ViDsmc
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBn55OkIAU
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2c4RI41xM
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVp0L6JKUV
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH97iThKHUg
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagGOBUJL5Z
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXRNzJQQlv
"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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmqzC2Zf2r
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGfV8sqBIM
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDieyAXLvlc
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gsrI9OF00
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxqeq0Zkrn
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSn0sxHlDO
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5TiEAUPQN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ5952BqxS
"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?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pmb0mlNoW
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx6lYVc9XP
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1sM2TJS1z
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEJx5ehFA8
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsspOflywTS
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvXXJbG5Sy
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdGlU7Djac
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7X32zZo8F
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm72TRFp6ez
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7xYlgXyyj
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyE7ZDyXKu
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nBSvj20Bz
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprTR2UOOZM
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe5ZChm6Gb
"Hey, Kenny!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS2i9zUbfB
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHpGfzUlkf
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WqzUdYXNa
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG24S7UfoJs
"I-Is she okay?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVtQIozT8b
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqbfLL0O5e
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q9b5eH1vB
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMZHY279WJ
"I don't know what that is!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34Gfyfncwv
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJhxZlWF9Y
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RBKMw6ggN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDoedtqroZ
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcwXfzylHs
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPLRQEnKTZ
Though, that did raise the question–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp19nwdP5m
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNOCWUnuBe
"Do you know where you're going!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjEvZrAmpK
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQDLLl6SJL
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EAHCPt0X2
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpMwwwzd1g
"Ah– where is Dennis?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGyIZbn3JS
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruaBro5swT
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa0bjndqVo
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhhL07epzl
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–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfnv528Q9v
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAH7a4yffE
"Shit."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOrUXczEvI
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsSj570HiR
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJVslSa4u0
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYrwHYiGQe
"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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlFGucLLre
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E2FcxYYq2
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd1ILOyPmd
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8FHnhG7G2
"...Alright."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sVU39uwxl
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHI60F2DzO
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHXDXW70qA
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi95LCwY6Iu
"Alright, I'll take yer question."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSZWvVWZIj
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge7blF2imR
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnPSRT8nen
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNSEQDdWKI
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUaoV4rdO2
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHvYXMeG8E
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK9RiVXcFj
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEEiedxkrc
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzPSZswxPK
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZpibbP2gN
The man stopped speaking.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc4YM2MSoo
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTybsMBZkL
"Alright, carry on, then."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnzS0l8XgH
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEJH3aGVNG
"...Eh?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoQwRRPNIb
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBs1m5tfgM
I shared in his confusion.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Yx09u19oe
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWMd0638wy
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90tZYR0Qqf
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR6SIuWtiV
"I-If ya say so!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtufMNEStPx
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bR0sL7sCq
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–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zbc3fhkDJ
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMxtZp6Fnn
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW4V6JaykR
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYj5oTLlKK
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4BrUlgpH3
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm1rsx1Ov5
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5kx93kEC9
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSuEgLqeMk
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyCcldiPv0
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmQNNRhwjV
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHR70heWLE
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9w1vy3L5o
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQuCduqoKb
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lMbutG9NV
"Damn it, kid!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8ouJvKLhj
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dRySFkOg9
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.
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmRh60yucC
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ianJfCaK
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCKE3uZIaT
**SMASH**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw68c0QY6nT
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVj5NV9QwM
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaXNOHUaoD
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLdcvNUcyq
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNisGsD0Wq
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4bL9fV1jM
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pIJxcO0JJ
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLqU8JhsIw
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CzBauYYd0
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQMlgYcQir
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ8S2HaZmN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDPeHWog7E
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYitJIJd8zp
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlR9RlZyqJ
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaUeZWK7um
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9Twz3S5A9
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOz2xocZS6
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5glzp8NzN
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChHq58Ba4C
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA24HfaiEn
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eMmB51p09
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZxtCUQITW
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MV8AMqqi8
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvFBhjoduY
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui6FRz7PXC
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdKAsyWfpd
"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."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlblUohdfHD
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyb23Y4oht
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA3mbZ2Ul1
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ2d7raXBX
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Iuu0IZsP
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXIkntIm0z
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVOi59dPLv
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNAPEskD48
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o8lz2ZKjN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSLmCQRw4g
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9MmNxs2bX
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs26TbJ91N0
"Like I'll let ya do that!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Dv11ElkU
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8qlU38jht
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrpB2UNOC7
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivMtAF1hnX
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nWFT5dx4L
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9QvmWzwLU
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkzlPQMkKU
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xHdiTd0nI
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD07ELSpvnJ
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzZQlHB6tE
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrrrUS4L15
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGMh8xM8Cf
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVl733NRog
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4oLlQPAXF
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09yEUfGzqq
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4CpxXQCdw
"--Hrk!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4nI10GdG0
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BnxLKStRq
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYFRBF33B4
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR24rFbusV
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3fcJutTli
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qvGF3lWfo
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGlzeBZ846
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XFF3ohWYt
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbw4vO1EWT
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TCutosYPM
"Whatever!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwGewBTmze
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXWmEFmf2A
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6d8Jvj5x7
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM361c8lv6t
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BvHMLJ2Dq
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2E4DNVxD5
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk4S9k9MoA
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp96nrJyZV
Dread, worry, guilt–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7zSGTrhuN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRRommI1mi
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhMOshJZLo
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpCSxhzMCt
"...R-Right!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qILk8uSJu
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApqwHNIilO
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivdQwMdcZu
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAEECQOltQ
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqov4TfUygd
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6HLLgzzxd
**SLAM**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkasW5esqLm
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgYLM94BmW
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQocSvALTL
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V6AapAB77
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhjCLFEBuT
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHM1lpXToj
"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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYiAttxKKs
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtyJYo5pxb
"--Ugh!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGc6jDginl
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEvgxKy2La
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mW8JITqsN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr1qycXe2b
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7aMBm5Zzl
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjIDzyWWGb
**SMASH**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgWXh9g0IT
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJp7fYvVfj
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF0mjVlqvN
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTal0qxhw5
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJhc3HmpKY
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7M7y4ie7I
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF02f6CiFh0
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozr5wtqmnL
"Ah! Sorry!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB2sKPiJWv
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxfMT5Gir2
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pF8j1fDiG
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rNkucn692
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMElngXCrSQ
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqJSDCDgJ3
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ712jhoOtKi
"N-No, that's not it."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfItHAwTvWC
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzszuTeHsc
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.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpx80usokj
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVrCy6bEFK
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOq09BmAU1
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfb9zuJS6B
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
