Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsizw1PJcNX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDjla6YyTe
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQakfz2wleU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tSYwmv1GW
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ9r4r7MiP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyCSlxDvXe
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycMPS16xRf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLlisQb9L8
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV2WBhWJcI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgH3ZFX04i
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUZ6JUZ2Y8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoj6EV6Jiw
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl28TaGxmQH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH16G85zZG
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rlnd1DGDs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQasPyj94P
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOk2SbExDH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmzW4Fiw3R
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY68dhPDSD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SIIKoRgc3
**BOOM**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJaxrOeoaL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZtfeZJprk
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjjrD0bnH9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRC56PtT2Y
"Ack!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAJws82bfU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cD1QIv0Ct
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjA8ii163P
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlOD5Es5J8
The room was a catastrophe.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3L0OvvNN2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjyrg8lFer
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAUGyJwnlj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1OsQngUrX
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeF2H19JLo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhFjCTYKgz
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPyHuIbfLP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKK6b04YUI
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wTImAhy8N
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCAsSqklnK
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjbt17UnQB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWFh0hlLd1
**STRIKE**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnpFT82I5E
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpKtBIp7gO
–only to be immediately interrupted.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZYYkGetlr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMnggKy2nW
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgisPSRgE8L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6xLdNlqdT
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qVRxTw65k
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBmQx8114u
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n5lYXSfLN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyCPVio4c3
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe5QzerRxC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdrX0y4fXy
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yZR82uLza
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe95UbK81f
"C'mon!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMdoxsijDQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnvrv9dBHm
"--Ah!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6lwuqOln4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAFSPoc6zV
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUievbVOwN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xOKA0FZTf
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFW0lXS170
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHrAIef92Y
–
–
–
What a moron.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMJI5mz8u0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxuLk1yowq
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuHGgrjlNE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QpxS0tC95
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxgbIadjrv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLBw2s1kxp
**THUD**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6y30XP7Q5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KTyC3Qd1T
"Ngh!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzzJMu3usW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY95VZFLLjd
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DDpBdIqpw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjPytVdGDd
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7SdCnGidn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tYuI6YQJI
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJa1m67pEK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwliHaLV4Hy
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA87s9B8ca
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadysU8BdIA
"--I should've known!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL1zZkoE71
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpg5nf6DOB
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmDgNrwNNq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhu1K2BgCH
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrNm7cWjK5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZtt2eBB8d
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydkmyxxTmJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzhX9fhHKl
"DAVE!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8IdLKvkeH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjkGjVEbKW
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpBzLgeXU9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3EhwyEaqK
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7KWY6iwDc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKFDSEkUOk
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnytxytCynU
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaEIv39sVs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kNlfzN6X2
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEwCq7t8hP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IvhfcdBmE
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV3Ujp5uCw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzeIvSN6gY
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKSftMX7aF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcLvMSWPLy
"...Those are our first casualties–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjKAj39Nte
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySCClhoZTc
**BOOM**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhimrMxiwue
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNhRP6OeKP
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjap09mCR14
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjrEB3D33M
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLI6CgxQv8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7uEOQ9nSO
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxDKPQONZk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSof4T4ieQa
"I'm here now."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sd4VycySh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK0mdAzGnl
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwXE562UcR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oBsiJjpzc
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCghzH8RrRF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUJJ0h8uWg
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFuNjcKFwe
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAI8Htrpv8
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PSczQntSB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg4gc88gVU
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TqZBsTaNO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio8z7CZXoE
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLZgoW9xyS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDcuthtUvk
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIrvRcVeg1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2U8b3gMj0
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWMqIsg9IQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfYGzpKFnC
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPKOJbdg22
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdayMGmnRlB
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqo6Ugppzl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN1iplbMCu
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cbcX6OlEC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFieN6H7x8v
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oN7J63KCb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYm0RjA8K5
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiwWSAfJpV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LamWyUibj
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVk46ZKQio
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nVf5wqkhh
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKWrY9mfKE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXUGcxm5yT
**BOOM**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfiDpu24VV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYYXxpfq4Z
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoO3XjVfwr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglMgRuQiTT
"Pars!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGgymFFAcx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ668ezBtvn
"Huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46Ikjdpjjo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xvs6y3EGO
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PllmmO8VV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aJyB7zTJZ
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1wEr5vhf8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3XcFkcFKw
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwu3eH0cft
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlplWM3ukB
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmYHZen9Zr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcHbLPxEdf
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk9uzrHQ4w
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLnYwesQFl
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU67xrJFAi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jzi1W0LTp
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZcaBvUnK9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ep2xGnhYs
**CLANG**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGBEgbtyJ2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH3dVMoV9Y
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPugg0CuPZ6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39DLoj589b
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI27TW5x0E
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF2I9IgKB7
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYqmS2xI2v
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8en8CetG1j
**SLAM**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJbipmWrk2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlVxxuCWnf
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKkoi3AIaB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vnK5XCsi3
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcLTaXyGjV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3scB23dQBL
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIB2NyBUfa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVGn9yhsBS
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhRQah95rV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q5FejPwFZ
"Ngh! Shit–!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PB2ovJ3Da
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NEEV7agus
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nQrBLDCEg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpYkY6NIax
But then–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIrFiUPAnv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRClFWgu2y
**BOOM**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzo1cayhff
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKTiLRIODa
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5oHcbQSeB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiTHJF2rmM
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGEKOKBrMm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO49GzyaTaQ
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z1bnWHw3P
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nFyzn5RVR
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdvKDgYwKO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIXDu1evVO
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0URHISTDF1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNSWdvi5Zb
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52yF1PALep
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBcdxhPBZs
"Gah–! You scared me!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIp0U0rpSY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLz0hu0xBQ
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkc6aqluFJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8rXf70r2J
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZK2T86XRT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVSCi7EKRm
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aiWFpOjMz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA5qEVYKmv
"No, this is terrible."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19IaHoZtQA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuVFI0sZ5l
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugMjivZES0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxAAzjjboJ
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZn9JKW3Hy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYhCOdzcC0
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzp0n60Y1F
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfxaWgCEiT
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSCNVyvqPq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbtaNfV4wW
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ATMlqknaH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRj2FCOG4x
"No. No suggestions from you, please."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdFPxRNnKl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wxq08kOux
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb5ZfdmoS9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfumIkOiHdl
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz0hxnNfrq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE296T91xi
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O47beFZKZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ODnWDtc3R
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSZoCiRCFk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJAfydbXnB
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTrvxy9wFR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6jA8dZAMX
Still, no response.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ySTODxzFR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WtutclOGN
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡism5LAkTMY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7im808nlt
"Because you're entirely incompetent."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI0MQxLpbV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KIJbFzjuD
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro45QM7G2b
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdBqXR0uDg
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34X1FiqA0D
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5BvuTyFiR
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOk19ynRKz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuBEEBiM5P
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHznnMXMDU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaAZrHzaCS
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxP7bmUVf6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhyuCXz4xw
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE1kI62jfB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9zRU68NMW
"What?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86EemaKWRp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHixThnWgA
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOyawH0lHz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfa9mk4BsS
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJyhz0mxKX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPVtYl5WW9
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZXbYeVCMJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuJa5T8ymM
"...I see."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TwK20vibI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnnwoRYO35
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkXQKyinF6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T8X2V2XwA
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6onVzPTj5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0kaWHiqPU
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5HSA95lso
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLCCeqxNtY
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbohS92BEg1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqRRcqFtK1
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvPFyUkn41
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoyiysMqM0
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGe555cUzN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYhqOo0BJm
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyg77f18gz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEQDKaTysd
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOBf2o1Jpb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUANAQDYUfE
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZTf7is21F
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkieKS55Lv
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrrvzBIWRD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1INfCasZI
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAazW0kTWj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksbTvmn6Ci
"Alright!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4LSrtR765
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueoAg06olt
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCJuNVE3uv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2b5RlsNZo
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nmmF5bqES
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvIRJJ8rdW
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZvyz2zM8Z
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNtfMZVfuO
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2ZA6KlM9b
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Oa0R6F9Eu
–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBcEgJjEQ8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpg5pkGaxC
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbSTJGg1mP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WTgX7PWtE
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnKesjtRcE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OsdpgNLxV
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6S36qZSle
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlOHrqWvxA
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI5DKeNRZL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCoG9l19mJ
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FypwEAcQ3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJARQSScAn
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkef8wgtdp3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvatrMRiQdc
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7SNLvrjD2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy7tsWzRDa
"--No!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZC0rYDX5t
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqyOmaWJ5Z
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwgsZYNY7G
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVvdAbLiBu
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwprVTFXHHY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmQIRi8eFI
"Hyua!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE3wkyqGiC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GBRYVaqpV
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6grGn0nhcE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkwZHKQvjs
However, he did have another sharp object.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjmPK4micu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgyvszSAf7
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DQXODeMRc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnPiwdOw1y
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vlmBvuhXS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfDuIBXGG9
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsjDINQEvw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa4jJdwmiF
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvoHgz6B6E
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ140JoWtH3F
And what came was–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgDultc43Y
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMC9xkHmwv
**BOOM**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKzn2UbKJt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXYRjywNO1
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOJANLlpRY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbyrs0l4fy
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgu8jCsK2O
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijK6wiA0GD
"--oop!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxDin00yuc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayYgeSkGt8
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJd3ILj7oV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7mW3VTGld
"You... you're a sick jokester."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21uZaUDqUa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXXcrpKRcX
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyF8RT1oiP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEgxv6HgkL
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumMtQQbh9J
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNJBLrw1qx
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7MSQoCWn0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD6BTWN1WM
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lob3Eec9a
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2vhQntRtq
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAYc5CjgDC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhGwkdO6B4
"What the hell... what the hell!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKeP3PU1ia
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3KecXjyvs
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVVSmHtNhp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmf7mYh3b5
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6usfR51P2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHkk7ldKIZ
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgL2q0UBsN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXqJeIkYI7
"...Heh."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27X9QjijPl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5MbdWeLT0
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmYPktAdTN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5yTgh913y
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqSfYAtIvB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRom3QEbqt
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvviTiwJxEU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlHdSiOmyW
**THUD**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOc9ItMTib
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BRAAwMPwu
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd4eFn8qDr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IBKDuEg2m
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56l3LWbPG4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V95lVTDBE
"Though I have to wonder–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RTluJsZCD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6En4A4Wu6
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPK2PfMsCy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YqJNmgWlR
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H6SP6xIAc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimZR5iW5S1
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKocv7ZtPq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡortNF5CBik
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdbQcmvqok
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSarGhoIS4
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdkV7KrP2P
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuANQQpfxhg
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Pl1WhyD8
"Irritating...!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJo0q8JJwn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOOWEinr4i
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsFLzbbbMs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ynucKHNzA
Dave didn't like to use spears.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFNZGsFWm1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLFWwFSoU9
"...Haaaaa."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YWXdxifOg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZorea5veHa
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiunRV26PM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLPjeOOC8O
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuguDUVgDx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl2SA0shLC
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6BNyp1W9S
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fjRklcRi3
That's what he always told himself, at least.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD5NNGs6bW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0PokYBq50
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ351Jjl1jx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpAOu00A0P
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vMMxtswaW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGRt88MTi4
**CLASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy4qofB2M4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4KR9MvNgv
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ECHLVC2uZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gpXH1WvGM
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuqqUETxxu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguFqL3vh3X
**CLASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLr6BSn4As
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdN9HNyrxO
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqVKIHZcVR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtYNTDMfwN
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKO2tkiQGV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLJgolnHI5
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUfnGbjWon
Confusion–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghGJXeMFgW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXtP8c2YAC
**CLANG**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tgXceaY8l
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR7Q6mIRhR
Delusion–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh1RFMzqm1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH50pEftHoQ
**CRASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9OpIEhINV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqV4R1g5YT
All lead to one conclusion:180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPrcKMi2JL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Ww4hT0tZ
**SMASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNQXlQl8fi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F1dElEgFI
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqzDSG9sJM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE3c6n8G4S
"...No, of course it isn't."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsBZOg0N3L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX2yJxyU5k
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFZFRylVh5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ8X3UavLi
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnFR1rqW9R
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZnApAkfAZ
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVA20JLrfw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFkycWY4Vt
**THUD**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFvYl9rE31
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ODAjw8ZYF
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5vaPqbkPY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95rWfAOF58
"Pars!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaSoGpmcCz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eFX1Fl7jr
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMA0b4jafP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgHzTIBzZI
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS0MTWCKRf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15LEHIc1dW
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOkjtV63mJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eiwL8C03q
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DBj9Mdn1z
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkbUH7f8yD
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVHcW6Sxh4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHwDtOxmTF
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEZzKzaTny
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHUV5E1txI
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7AADdr6Ph
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRNcijAli4
"What do you propose?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLdt5NhAD7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkbkScQN0f
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQVlDNWVFe
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf4XPDYxDj
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulELA77aHc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb1Otp4uo7
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCzmWgeKbT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR4PeWTjez
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadNbNwblex
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCK6QUMY3L
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz4io8Jlk5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5cbMsiaOu
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcMuGPQWLL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v8wzrBL9W
"--Huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJauNSbCz5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOfuAtkNu6
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9vqR039HL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLJxokI0Ei
"...Always backhanded, huh."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhDu2Hr54g
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVkQaqoh7l
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoQU1eFdYP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2NjQ8Ln8y
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5qEP1m6bB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWN7LmpYD1
"We likely don't have one."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGPBmrP6ub
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUL9uWxdxC
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS6ryYDlyX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO02Qt76bV5
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aJ3ECK3LR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi49QCYaVp
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaxVh1tK8P
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfFwa3nm9Q
"Well, if you insist."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5MBisQEpf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaWkiCXcvM
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCR2p02WE8
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn7ooFiNur
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UqsbBHGfq
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxj8qXQqzn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT1JwrIjcb
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhkvEnWCI2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nL70w3858
**THUD**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO3pmyxls0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFeVx7Lywl
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgxpaCLmNc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UMKMjIad0
"--!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTzD1wp4gz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkdICB3jMf
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7XTEpUhU8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjvWErQflp
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM61icIds9L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEib4dpmIJy
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32yc62Ox66
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo05JEQXbQh
**SPLICE**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ197u9ge65F
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeByX9Aoct
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM8n1OqvBV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qJ4rRlMFp
"I missed one."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezg0ZB4hR0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVStkYL7e6P
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaQHQXQHWd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWTChqDNpW
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7MwhAHQGW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JEhauhSgI
"Hey!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiyMJvyINC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqzg4yyq69
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa88pqlu9GI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfTdwKz2UI
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsWNpNW53t
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIEr3XaxRo
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkum2ZtiIZz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNMHrwEeLT
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliHp5FJUYP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW0VmfH6ka
"I never said that."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZaTQtVMB1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzjXDHJH88
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJYqzU8YD4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07wOe5xjXS
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfUdzXRITO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVp2DikccG
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiLqakNg3Q
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz62TH3I0fz
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfDfFQESIz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpXEITBMAf
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc5dupBE3F
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgYSNziKW6
"Haaaa. Damn you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tXJd3ZnPA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH88Im9tw4
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlgU9l8FcK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6KKANGRWG
"They are dead, right?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZKG4qQWtA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmN5J52A8t
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhF2Cfcrfx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkDgFMpBg7
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oBeDYW33j
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxCvaBbcQK
"I–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyY1TYLpUS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngHEh4wN27
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ056gkqULQ6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswtpT6qFuk
"Huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IYRzkRPJW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQBNs00h0b
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSQKa0nQ70
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtCY1smIeb
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uUH8x2QZq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T6ABHN2K7
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT63N1quXAU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPHpSS6KYG
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfxg0QI0R0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5rWwymihp
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfh6KgDpQs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiNUaVMO8G
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFCM5xTT9Y
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrpryYYgBb
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsD2834Zwn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTvb4R8QRp
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rGUcoETTj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMNqU7SzAb
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD8VAWXUxm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd3RnPsLaZ
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoytbc5aFFq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlpY7f2hcw
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfQoC7qVTY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJPpZjrm9h
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalENrlz50u
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQDvLKN2lp
"You raise a good point."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynIGrrSHT1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTzivsHAGM
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcciwaD295D
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d0rUNffoB
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBAic1duoD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28tmYUC80a
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWvX6o1JsE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dnQ3DaQw7
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajrUBz8FTy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVPquT51aW
"Ha, abandon?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMg4W7EwOs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqEx8IK9jB
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6wpQkqAeC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKJQCnQc75
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEiQv4wa4Q
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yPO4ZWIpM
"If you were, it was backfiring."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CXwMyXK2p
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJR1pAZ5OA
"Harhar. Very funny."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBaQQe7tn9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCimqw4V72y
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmheTwIEiGE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsPD6baoCX
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0z9mTOvqf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMZ92PuUa6
"Aren't you conceited."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpZfW7Io16
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11qUDt4Z2j
"You think it's arrogance?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu0vD2R3t1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3uMHBSG9P
Pars began to stroke his chin.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj4WA5CQQh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJHSsRzakO
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tpI6hImXN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsJXa3yBq4
"But what you want isn't just greatness."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghXzvxXmuT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMojVLaDU1M
"...Yeah, you're right."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ8q3chlTx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Tqnlj4y7
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJbTpZNoYz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOmwwq3lt6
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
