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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9qvt2TEsV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV3iSaP8Ff
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBXiAyGgw2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts8c6RO0QB
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefOTgQ9sK9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5PWJn2n14
"What are you doing!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL1y6L8BoZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbLvO1EH0D
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWlmAV58xB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmHnr6H4wY
**BOOM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AkxLBYu6X
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0pUcWshal
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUCrbs5BNt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVJNlwLB8H
"Ngh, damn it!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdatyRJi6JC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFFUNOD4ZC
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIugXzOQl7x
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mW2NX012n
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreuos3k2ub
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ims5svDPu
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp3PUjm28a
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5mraaPTzS
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia9JZ6WTaG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfVAKa5rI9
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvDtdVUCUw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpw2ncnXMI
"--Damn it! Rover!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhu5v8IarB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxODrQd6v2
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiYWRqb0jX
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhylsSyQTKY
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsm04oAFaS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjbPOQu4kg
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ixCXAQak
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBScvUC1arJ
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRPdWYD4Xe
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3AZ2mUxvc
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YWwJC8hOY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWcWpngujw
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgJTMZFkcP
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5EOPPQNZl
"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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckmzW1BPVd
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloNH0yV1DB
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdcmVsdKcW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4SRBSlFza
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJjMF0sFHb
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDtYHjJKYp
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyPHpUZz3o
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMWmGlvKKZ
"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?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaD4ESkI9n
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLG2gKqJiT
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ8P497krK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQp9MxbT2d
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEBJb3B1dt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTOfBWmi9g
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ6PTPTFZG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY1aat9qMG
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qZ9GDslVT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnpp5CuSl6
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjwTQ8NM0V
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjib4nMVfM
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKUKXURZVQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eMoWCJ8Gp
"Hey, Kenny!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c1XMYPppy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWphgoBwcMv
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx4kDAeuLG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh4C7f4tGL
"I-Is she okay?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZOZslH0DA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn2YCWZ6SH
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MYaMX2KBZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphc1W1QwtV
"I don't know what that is!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKoKqTUen2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakdKNTQ0he
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcH4IYStHA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xxqN4ZsRI
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHkvf8Pwkc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilNScgEgWT
Though, that did raise the question–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxGiJ8Z8W7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAzg4mPSXK
"Do you know where you're going!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxSmImzwia
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHibNgTP3J
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8JyXfzlaz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QPOAWvUN5
"Ah– where is Dennis?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauk9HDBw8m
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaBdis3s81
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnSibj8Iq1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNvf3MeQmM
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–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSieWOH6R96
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvNSkRzzkF
"Shit."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs6afTYVpx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs5CxO8li7
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU87ke0rgh3
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3R9XhKGG2
"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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRvkS6Bs61
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFEJp6leNG
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuTQ4t5vFg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozhMOcFUfh
"...Alright."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQRSXtcxgq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkASYqMqLPK
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy1kpvd61p
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbShbWXwDow
"Alright, I'll take yer question."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2mjURRJII
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbHHcj8UK7
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAWXyojamV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHINDllicj
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErVPWEueRQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DcisYj0Wg
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrErhI2JcZp
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrU5IaCkqz
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChNMRArm79
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDbLOQeq44
The man stopped speaking.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N1EWvvEsm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiaRGncGX5
"Alright, carry on, then."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDU8pmoBEk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB2EZ5FAnR
"...Eh?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLat9NFRRK1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LdljjzVYy
I shared in his confusion.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaf0IGYTQk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdai6iFl9Ji
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIXgJIw7wr
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4FIXvljrF
"I-If ya say so!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cFnrcntsY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGepyGspjbJ
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–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8QLL8qbAE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZKLcSY53E
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfmqROf5w4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8apRqY5bQh
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72bVlnd6fQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdURmkqhJfz
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHia18yy61
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiGDzcHRX5
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gGrhXEtbX
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02w9JZ1ZHQ
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KxGXnmLwM
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUKnaOdhHl
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFcarlg4OZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlckxWXai0l
"Damn it, kid!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3r0mSrjUs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin9toMtb3s
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMiwv53f9T
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5amdfNr7i
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmAGqpNJTw
**SMASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdWbCVe2Gu
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f9AFhJUp5
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4OLpNWElv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNKRqbe4EB
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8lxUQLOKm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4D1as5s8k
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGIQaJfBAI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKw2KnqOv2
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DopgIJs3V
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcGq8jcbtu
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9BQzPWG1s
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX3rdB4w0c
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6bto6ODeV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz3fTfgBkm
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr682c7ZB0R
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrY561mkaW
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkXsLANwX5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULtGfbvoE2
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxSk4B5NV1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsmPmnNOFP
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSnTa1ujhF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy1ngJ3MHL
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrdkKgH17u
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmCL3y2Jp8
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRkmxn8nOc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtukoPBjMq
"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."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1IYbAJd7m
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aBocrvjRw
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKiuqQP0wp
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7egNw4scjg
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiFXjH7KFI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ijhvg4nwa
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5v8fe3BOW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUTWMvnDr8
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsUlnyFipj
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHh2s53rS5
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgldRvfwWU4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qrw3CcbEn
"Like I'll let ya do that!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdrXyCHm1n
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tjsVl3V2l
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisEMa59iTl
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbcu8P92nw
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELZ2FCYdT5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCUFU8gbvp
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoEOYjwsD0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXYmdJ1DRE
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyMMR1CFVf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWBt9zUuyR
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY7xmsp3KQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzf627Hk7B
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJUzGfBEfI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjSl8g1EJ6
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2FhEjXCVN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sSMfLGY29
"--Hrk!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhScRj6fMcA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANkeYP5C4n
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqC4XV5CWW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKqScNuTIs
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfEBRPU3BZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggvMJsP7tQ
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCTnMdoTKl
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajxOCZehhO
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3JkQcGZsn
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpbfCn5yvi
"Whatever!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCMRTk2OLz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG38sxt1HK
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa8ECqhPUW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M2FQdW0DD
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw21Gfw3aJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacHljHNWpJ
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSDrmBsX6T
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzNoyUUzAe
Dread, worry, guilt–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0KBUwPvCU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSvHnOxI9X
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEf6F1jghy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN67br5H33
"...R-Right!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGafqB33l0z
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEETKEhHSNI
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbFdFNSH6c
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM9qPIsOEV
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FWRvWqocY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9fMKukGmV
**SLAM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFE6qnHvGy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7E7GM3fHg
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5QiKbgAQY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VxdGBIGNI
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoup1ZGPWn
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp1nvyxwiI
"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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjK5ip7sHg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1U5hHXjAD
"--Ugh!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DnvEWG6mK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDL5caQt5c
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IS9OJ8daw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0tMxU6PRl
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiwfa501xH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSup1a08r6b
**SMASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS8kbhI6yM
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYr8cJQAAJ
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKgXefPnF2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw0ozwRJNx
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rAfgXeq9s
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFxOgoV70L
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmYNVYEgKs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xpc6AB1fY
"Ah! Sorry!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxpPeMLam9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsrjskOmZB
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOqUoSuSv0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaAVgtD7dt
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI4GXswvPx
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmVMWR20DI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNYCZzTYxW
"N-No, that's not it."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PkihMVIWP
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOqmUj31aq
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.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcY1Al0GMZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsOKn69vqA
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArik5tC4G3
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaIJQlA3oH
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
