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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN1SgNtXLJ
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj9oztAgae
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfjkTaDtsh
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"What are you doing!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9lUfaIaov
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeQWA3Hc3u
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6TCoHtJYA
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygoxmQ8kQ4
**BOOM**203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpHy4S1v8w
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzkSSOF82k
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjUaw49jUz
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"Ngh, damn it!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGalviPBML
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEghixPmo22
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0LAEwQi6D
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnOhxM7DNm
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzWX9r2BiP
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyiHHNQqDw
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OSffwcbko
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"--Damn it! Rover!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BfcPNyfL8
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HtdNywXzt
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXJydd5oxT
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Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVfKhEip10
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc73SqTsw8j
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7lMSXXiI6
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGjjStCNgt
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaijrmzrsb
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIeKY9FVab
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAFQlCGQJU
"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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Iv9QYbIt
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy12ecrMBn
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j8y9n1xSN
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"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXklfoA2tQ
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CBYqVPEBK
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dboAgGxhx
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahv4TiFoOl
"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?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojs9cPrwHP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp1WEz60E0
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUxjRjBHBc
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5wcRTCjOi
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm1OxUHf7G
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75dRptkVCa
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9daqvXJWi
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTbVqMZ841
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOI4CLi3To
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGeCtJRLP1
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SczIRWJqv
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"Hey, Kenny!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41khWmvjeP
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Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0SAK7Yj2z
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjR30wt4nh
"I-Is she okay?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITWRkXB1Fc
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp7VkStHHX
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DlfXMZJTw
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGlPF4wdGu
"I don't know what that is!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXYlHYlEzx
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjmBSGzJsn
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK426bsSiqV
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPZzkeIljn
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGy8ojslcj
Though, that did raise the question–203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSXvqeqDIC
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"Do you know where you're going!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf2R0Wf7ag
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ050K2yImgo
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYQKzK2XA2
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9njlswsR68
"Ah– where is Dennis?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd9GKUvj48
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuuinEpsvY
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmLA34PPHo
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZORmnrCcF
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–203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLhN5lgxGR
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"Shit."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjQcTtSFuc
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiomLUUN69G
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl2wIvSKzl
"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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dp5O0dMZD
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxBHGl9QiT
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"...Alright."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrcEfOYzNd
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hwbeu2Z3B
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMDLPwlm0e
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4SNfzr3dS
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmWAokbcNQ
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56ttGr2Zr2
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj79eKE2p8D
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjtlPNjejW
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdZ7kyeLVI
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The man stopped speaking.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RJqW6G1OE
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"Alright, carry on, then."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVJ9W93g9v
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"...Eh?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqahJY6kFXE
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I shared in his confusion.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4nTHgGueH
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs9EGwJA5P
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"I-If ya say so!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7TvN2CpDc
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCa9Stg8xm
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–203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMT5V9mDkY
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFxx6wUoGH
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC5L9E8dL0
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngP6VBaMeb
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8t84H70j1
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe8TsGYCi1
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLQRnSpzhG
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEESnJNrnoU
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"Damn it, kid!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJUbzqq1Cv
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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.
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntNPClvv4X
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMClkYLjkZ
**SMASH**203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnGukLYGgG
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArODQIbqhX
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhayPbRS3l
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnPu5ewReG
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VZkuiJqvP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1FKqSulbf
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7UAt50OnO
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarOwLe3Lp6
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq2VqXjtZU
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8fbC7kPuK
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUAL97NzU0
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxe3loHRBF
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ocoSvmpIw
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQeBkENeW2
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgD0HXcpPk
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxzYC4tzhr
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"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."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxHEFHwp3i
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQEzNKMgwW
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX32wmIJ9OR
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC5crfhO1M
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDeD74koO3
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKaGzFAmVV
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG6H8KJ7og
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZRPyiLUPT
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct9mr1TF3N
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGUBdovjUd
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXF4o9Da1N
"Like I'll let ya do that!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IctE6e31P
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN4IQbDgPy
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dKHfKboP2
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOdPUUNj38
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxtAziXCpN
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQWEBhHxLK
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnP6iR5rXa
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJruYf4t9wM
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03FweJrSA3
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNCLeIgskO
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEYoqdOsvQ
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7wnV4DFax
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYONynUWrUJ
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETFdy4wLjx
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"--Hrk!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf04sSpBMBN
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz3oKuuLgf
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZEitJuyDn
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIpyusIqz6
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmrtbnhEN2
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25EpoNt1MG
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMKIBMV1o7
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoymTmB0mTX
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtLok7v0yc
"Whatever!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoPidFPmsa
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhLbOYjruE
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw3peEYMM6
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0WPRhvrP1
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GaVPGYh2s
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I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvaYbztNTi
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Dread, worry, guilt–203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtZMmjuJC9
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyvtPm1Mbc
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboavA0nRbM
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HhZrtMzD2
"...R-Right!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEvJsNuxWR
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp42bLtKkOA
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaC8X8PdUS
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpUnpYTGPA
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFFDZmWMTm
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndCIfEvNzk
**SLAM**203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxjl1PiQrZ
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHbCc7SAcH
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesA4cJfLF5
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4PSfFgMyp
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjGXnWBtYP
"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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmWOdqYWpm
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpUZoSZdQt
"--Ugh!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNydgOSif0
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDxJZbKvlL
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BLcaAHe79
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFEDqV9RrI
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnmNFpkYEa
**SMASH**203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt4ZnLB8XH
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCACPeaC3T
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk06CzQCBCU
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLYwGEj347
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FUI2vYTNq
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"Ah! Sorry!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWxx1rCAkS
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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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6M5Z6yonN
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrCkK6C5Zt
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVsfc8uEww
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLUcCwdaTI
"N-No, that's not it."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymJCCasJZT
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOjvaiboHz
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfIpW8HWpL
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwfJpBDeSQ
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszlx9m8sS6
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDZIKaNPDA
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
