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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiSW4JsgcY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw2Yw9Un1S
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIthwjKEfUw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LpCpIdwGJ
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgT41aqfxI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQREEkYjR7
"What are you doing!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoemx2pvY5W
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xF3KtvOlQ
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95eP6IawiK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo6jkqPHUB
**BOOM**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lChv28Njf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vbC2wla0j
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2fP01VXHt
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKmjj1oRro
"Ngh, damn it!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw0YWibv7u
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUKVcZhNWp
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxSr9dad9O
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWcRFqPtds
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHy9TAHHtR
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeFHt1w1N2
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFmkWhlmiK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ3avmuV0A
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBKpAHm861
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3Jzk2Cm3Y
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyB4ZZleWe
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl6sCzT5m3
"--Damn it! Rover!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb4okpERTr
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhzzf3o2rH
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI54yQbvoG1
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJUa3ALjaP
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FKf9nnCvM
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpZY5xgVJ6
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6CyTqQ5MF
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipnHhizkEx
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cyv9C2ry2
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg5yaFr0N4
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2QpyWlsXO
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqTBsWoc44
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoMyT8HAsw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJVD1b57dT
"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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKztBHApYSL
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUOPU3SQ8x
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXmxRw1DSu
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmwK0J02Le
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZxDEJBJcn
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwZelAVNXP
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVuwwn3otf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRP1s9dkJM
"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?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkCEex94wu
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZBZcNzoWn
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzXcNdQ2UZ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlltY0wium
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gO7yQQRmp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOXjdP8oWb
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GrGVxefZq
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZGw5wGOqR
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FJ273gI4O
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYDxBV4qii
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN04HHleuAE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpmyP7QtrE
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiTRwZovoi
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoIs34io2A
"Hey, Kenny!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUzUpAKCn0
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SvcGkVS0b
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymLCt4WSjv
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kL1L57EgW
"I-Is she okay?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pyK1HWTEI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhXMvnTDOH
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT40ZuykiK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdEhezbIWu
"I don't know what that is!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TGEV6Njne
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAsupvB8M3
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4zJAHCWxs
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ChqG78xA
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZbutdxbuQ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMbhh9c5G5
Though, that did raise the question–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOef8EBmqux
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP8xRhpxUL
"Do you know where you're going!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AER7TEWsT
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lH9ieaw2v
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVx225xoKG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyucO5p0Ts
"Ah– where is Dennis?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9EZbBKUT6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieXdBYIkPQ
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe219hikuD8
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4nbzxkQDY
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4045eyjsQ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c6d0jJjpv
"Shit."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxUBxRnvhj
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE0LbGG7C4
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbQ6JTbOEf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhPkIdulD9
"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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzgUIPL4HE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3W8LFlhzF
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvfLZMeFUY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h0FK7ZcWA
"...Alright."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs8e8JL1TC
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEIdEQg9kg
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9vBVSG6Ey
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU173t15huT
"Alright, I'll take yer question."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElBLJwVHXV
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9AwTSn0n9
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoPODokh1y
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqztix6Q54
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP8eH1M0wX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiA1fxpOQD
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlZEtxyqHN
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgtj4Zlus7
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrScIB85Qj9
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ684OM7Qjqp
The man stopped speaking.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsOqcBOBjS
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAxf9TwCsC
"Alright, carry on, then."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhyv4TvejN
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5taxRGFnf
"...Eh?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LrJSHDWxg
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC4zuKrl1I
I shared in his confusion.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPhyHqH5z2
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjELyKmn1kR
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05kuG0C4Pb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUrL9WNctj
"I-If ya say so!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrvXlPaQXO
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7PZEY0Abs
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z90Ft1hkG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDfZBOF7QT
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVa0m65px9
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoomcIQB6S
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7bMQtgLba
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh7mgWkWAe
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4oyX1o0UV
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWAkM45IAG
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrXSvr1ym5
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rW4vsDWha
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eFk7xiFnE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLIAmxHTPi
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37ayQfPz9c
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jCh3uxwhY
"Damn it, kid!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCTdx4iUTc
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJvpWEHVs1
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.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTDNO2cXST
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo02DVigzX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth1FFHCVi6
**SMASH**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOQ3O4LgQV
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclc4GEAIdV
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGhTGIlxv2
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTT0FYjNRJ
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq3nWJ6e1S
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOcPAccxDh
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QiTeyI56k
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDKCpPGap5
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmkzcoSUcX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sTT53g69v
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8ncQiXMUs
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUniUPFIWD
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhSj8OM2D2
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt1VIidh6V
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPAAMhC4gI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOB5ENZsXh
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyv8yeSMBP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNuXZ5yXrc
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXVzYDPylH
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHCZ5NBogm
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyWUKnldMH
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYqZrhOnHy
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw1oyPVYoG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPKKBUm1O2
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSk7qF3f1p
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03oRMap8Bf
"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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v6A1DxwDl
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nOEjwCRVL
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1C5Env0qw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqwNA2PSI5
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gC6NZsmP8
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMZ8uaBX2E
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXnACCQb6s
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTbYUfNS30
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPMDrpe89h
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAML4Eb4Bm
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6XBGHzdYl
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZrMmA86Zx
"Like I'll let ya do that!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUIurWpvpk
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxpEIYNKi5
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCqJzawj5U
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCitI1NnHF
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhLkOdwNfK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3GImM5uYc
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm2r9OzbbL
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzGAkOmkzn
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiFlx1i0la
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KEqnu8HxN
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLIdCIlDsf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNJqKctgPC
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDqRqLs0Fw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TZPYQavuN
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLYrKIeDN3
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNZEnMctmw
"--Hrk!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnwOp4ooXv
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGDZNAuPMm
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEyBrMXM9G
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu452wv3sb
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl7YyeftkF
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJG51QHxEn
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBznavQVIw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua6tKkQCwc
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1XKuhjtY7
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd38etr7Liq
"Whatever!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5wseBKz2n
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dn1zGoRBK
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprIL69GMoN
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8htoY73HTi
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mamz7gx3n
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyjobxsq8b
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoUNsQOVHQ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AQZCARFR5
Dread, worry, guilt–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYrn6ChfpF
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgJJRUIwun
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnjQ18SQUy
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C6PtZmo0A
"...R-Right!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92JzvFM1gE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH8H4Z168Z
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4aLllMDdK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ9ed0oiAC
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTVnar6rni
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VBfVK0c8x
**SLAM**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdwl63p6sd
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6fRKznfq1
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRrH1jWxX0
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUxQhjmIgM
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhDB4w6A37
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hRAcE7Ooc
"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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUZ58snfvz
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuaRywio5h
"--Ugh!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eBSLCF0Di
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1nkwHitoy
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcrQTVcvZR
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ5abvhnW5
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL31ypahJCB
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaknjyvzod
**SMASH**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0oZSbzgmR
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BBpCW27xW
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRG4K8gyUd
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX4vkQDfo2
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtdhBQw2Pb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1b0CL6sFl
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcakyYjLydG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq5mkQFed3
"Ah! Sorry!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B5E1XLrWw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrWmqXM4Pb
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4XDECkMPj
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHRYLeNGi6
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvQ5wBCLqF
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jm9NkSolb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp71AWX9D4
"N-No, that's not it."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6PyvWL15t
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJNz6CXZnb
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSM2dnZvMp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSJj5cSKHX
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKw2XdrtDx
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzoIUEDO8u
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
