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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj29bitUg3W
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuGW0pk5hx
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5zBbaBXjf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uVNPdrCva
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlhRkcenzn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Mr6yk4uL
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiX9ivo1FR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94tqhUWlng
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V2S8Jp3Np
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuC62F2Tny
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRcQ8y2yId
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46OaDoovx4
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddbaen10En
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuDtzRwJPn
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaV0PuKnEq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBlKfc9rKA
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhhqP2dYTE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPJIPiFzKn
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKClP7cPme7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj6uq95T7l
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR2mjDEtXJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgfs7cAXBM
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvlz6M95rK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6nSU5vtyu
"Ack!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Wcctt3jt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG8p3cnth7
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgZgAvJhYn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMDy0iAe2v
The room was a catastrophe.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFtFCCNtDZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VLVyueJhO
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPcOzOGeWR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduxTQcyJHL
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiloFoeOrea
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRFa8sKzTM
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHvDT5Ak0T
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5m4ZdjLsK
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iee7o0Ojj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda97Ib2pqi
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RjwXI06gU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztCXt10tpS
**STRIKE**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sA3SbmRJn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPdqxRCxSI
–only to be immediately interrupted.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrxuMQ3dZC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoskEboy7Ik
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIYKtefUtm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW0MCPqLOY
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZHLf8PGpM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY3n1k2DsN
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuMMKjsnlT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1zypcaqKU
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QS1mRW0wN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF8tXrfOF3
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ489TlFIkwS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1GuePe8Ux
"C'mon!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGrF8CkL8x
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtNaBNF6Gp
"--Ah!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbUnESioFP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj8RJ2YkcG
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WJPDD0fxa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOa0BEzqge
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKiFizizxO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1u3dot2aj
–
–
–
What a moron.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGISI3rmw4i
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm9UE0iVGM
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2jp63Ugzt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QM5y3nB4z
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BwDp3U57d
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlDyQZGnqK
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mGXpDKnm7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKJeV0Pl7C
"Ngh!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6q4sZuBfu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7YtI1qq5Z
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKaZWjvLJy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHT2lug7uN
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dN30xQSn4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SojHC86Hj
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeP5ftF0lo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieSWZpQLTG
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLF0RrsDqb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWXskxLU93
"--I should've known!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMW5BoDb9I
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHDV9am9Vq
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPqec5dhwM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeJkAaBMWh
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBgoIOQK8g
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsHG5DTMqw
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4QXalM8Kj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7Qlg3VHlG
"DAVE!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwhubFE6em
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjAVtatMLd
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgmSdRjRIx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DaLiAxyDQ
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuyXDYHS5n
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ifbZyRr7
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.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckY06AgNvb
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVEv7HPC5P
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUClnRLQEha
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcYK2P74DD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZEG7WUxMh
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzDojaU1Xz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85GThUaUor
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoojKK3PHIg
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7htrhUfq4
"...Those are our first casualties–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB7e0HCG4e
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKEoRJuXyY
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFZYt8JewC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs0RlAwa7C
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKaVVaJL2M
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKmc5aoZ3L
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVBMqe3pJu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnA11R5evF
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT6NMofz5p
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAs6QCLY67
"I'm here now."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5pyoz3UwQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRE7yaBz3V
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5tvUAAw0t
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDdrS0lNO2
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiuvQBk6yQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVasdBjfos
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9cZgG0Z2i
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUDfKX14WP
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3QcpopgWn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2ZN8sYAcH
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSIgyFP0nO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMDHkU6rRU
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡety9Sl0qjN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgudF9PKuI
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g8IGM4zWy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXthchUvMdS
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI91fHyIL77
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsiUpVD4u9
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLGYyZ1m6r
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z7tH2y7aV
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ThjoOxbFs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCnXTRLoRn
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpD3TUjtM8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX6RRHCJeT
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEbOpG36Nx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXivjkLZ6X
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLBENQagsG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtStVEFKbUF
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHCtNEcZrS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsTJwOAoKH
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KCHTiT9yM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhaKExYMZy
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg0ZY5qjWU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0jPbdFHiz
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOMDAeoHTA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa4Pz2raqh
"Pars!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iGL3BR5yL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKknDcltJdD
"Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1hsrPiYAo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGIdn8yoqe
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ3MUlDOIX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu9gtWPA4U
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4TlZmPItC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfntI0DPLI
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM1RNPVBnL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniJzx2kzVs
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkk6IHBnPm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8W6ciro6x
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKANGCIlR5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNd8otqbMN
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG2NNwzLUC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WyN3Ozg2L
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVredDBQ10
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ziZgwvQL
**CLANG**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHoFSvR1aI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9mxj8ZWFt
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk63fUrswc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDLlXzvqyP
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44L2sRqh6a
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJTUnpmfng
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc91fX80ul
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ojOITxHrw
**SLAM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedHcuPdcpr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV0T8Y4eBx
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYsy8dCMHZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDXMAwayhy
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlwGCRKlWJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwlSqFhxxs
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsfo5G5lDp
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegzyyQZbOS
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXn8N9VcEL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqrysNJfQU
"Ngh! Shit–!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIwxoT3jaF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeaBN7vrBj
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvub1AkpiH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjluvu8lYZ
But then–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQVIQgNMFa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImYnEM44fc
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPu01HmERA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvlFhZreHy
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujAN93d2Ga
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hj9Tfsiqu
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS9GQWGp0D
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazRtfJr8Sv
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYhkEOZ7ME
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPQ4CEU4sl
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHKyYJhA2F
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjrHwZL8RK
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHMpHotqVq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXoIsAvTdY
"Gah–! You scared me!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7T4xquivk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMiIwScEJ0
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1TrRzVVHj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jIEyMvbDO
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpYFcajJH3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUiDKDCHPs
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOmVzcSIUk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ITLhPIdKK
"No, this is terrible."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOIf8bzTgU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9YXuAKEYc
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSn1nX7MhS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7CTSGnLRF
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlUMg9jk6X
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Wwfp4sIy7
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqUtZPAtpK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOOJRnRjds
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmb4aIVcAU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh2m6qDUBX
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iO1uNrJ3Q
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DxITka44U
"No. No suggestions from you, please."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlecmuw4oC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogBlOIK2TF
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprQy04Jy9u
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTym8eO0nBl
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmYUXG40ip
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37v8PpFAQb
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGw7hsf08h
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd4m1Zxb1e
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUhHuQbLKt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHHARRk8nF
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjiJI1hBIW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrRwaLMryt
Still, no response.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGv99xQtjU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RUw90SPQj
"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–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfJfPpi0SN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcEOJ7HxYU
"Because you're entirely incompetent."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi4epRCxQq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAju8wqzrb
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpMFhyETcV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9atQz2rkgu
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7tEpsr7bd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yNzug17Lh
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuN5UGL1gm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6CghRTBcy
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmlJpNJRJ2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqVeQkSYpn
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PqLyeoquH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiKYklgtRA
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYns49Mtnx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FDZ9i2z1E
"What?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k3M0lVAPR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkbIonAFej
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zNZwp6VF7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6dCjh1mNz
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnZfpqCLGK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiCFl7ndXH
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucKHvWoN8D
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJfzGr08Ci
"...I see."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVPrJSk3VO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBkS0a2jF9
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfv4CvuIfW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRULNrJepz
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClH5QsBeK5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAvTKXLLaV
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTI0JTePEc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeud6dDj0W6
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4TmntVa5X
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RrPJwZBdR
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOxhR1Sp3Y
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMbTjdXsXx
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF08LavtjU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKatkLVXZb
"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–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k0NQD9Bdg
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnD6YPMCOw
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22xorROHaj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDoZ6UuhGZ
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvsEMvyWYZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KX62UxZH8
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:240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfuix0AqOY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OaEj1DhBY
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDkaKB7w3j
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGTkee4cx4
"Alright!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ1Sx5ISKP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlgHxIkaUQ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbzhw4vYRm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfUrsvgkvC
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHJY6WCdPS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhK2SgVkRp
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHPEoTjTDV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsM6oTpPfo
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImGjDQDnmq
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEteDEf1maz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWGiZ7NXRb
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgURZP1Ydy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYyFgTRUgo
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQSgzKCOM6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpoSWvt3QO
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0oC8xYv3i
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxpzFDjtgW
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRnRQC8OAX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iCOcSZ5tg
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztJiw6p8Z1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8teORPrhcp
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBurf0Ma9u
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9CRYo1VyP
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTrqSYdrNI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRseQX91Tt
"--No!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn8KKX97Tm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6zbvIGkUN
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2AmJeWWoS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwEGdCQGND
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq73oT7fF8W
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI4ooxkEAa
"Hyua!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN9YcDtEst
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqaVj1LJi0
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdYOFWJZIu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0JGjSKjEz
However, he did have another sharp object.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX8zEH7mfF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUGlgZPPsi
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbef26Qy61j
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C4CHVfXbR
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6vbiDAfXS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8mOy7eUW1
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawOvrpZudX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY4ux8vBis
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6afg1ITRfP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbC8xnvqSg
And what came was–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqvZrgwcKW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBzIm01b5Y
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuMzB00oCM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBGHENFqB2
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPgJ08vkve
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LgRw9X3v8
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFik3R8WCRV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVy9kYjr8B
"--oop!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVUKQzPg9n
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKCN9kN0su
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld63uRVy5L
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXOsHWD2ZC
"You... you're a sick jokester."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPYNompKZJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6VZ2Ts5xE
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cFFz9Papm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe0ePxQ1xG
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwamOdwg9P
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQf7Bjo7Nw
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGe8rNUod2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hX3gAKqa0
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohQin0qSXJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgUAS81bOW
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwNLGre0Wn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor8jq6wiUh
"What the hell... what the hell!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdzcnuaRE8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DmwSlpE1B
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU4PgqgyZJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHJqPApm3C
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYD19HULnA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy45No7eWGN
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvivMqPITT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCmxJcHZO1
"...Heh."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0spBf6fQP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXlhTppr2r
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD19z3XsDU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVne2A2BPxG
–
–
–
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqtqxrwDUU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIgyeql1lC
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRw8oBHJWi
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXiGwz1Puj
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp9bn04O6o
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnnOHo6ls1
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVQuklj4fB
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlBiPalvsi
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxucLYxk5p
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8Fnq0XzEg
"Though I have to wonder–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshmBlSxxwX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLEe3mCjYa
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgnpKJN5yN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgegOZn6kwY
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp4vZx7lYw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhzucNT1Gs
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyNqWVAtYF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAPbtyB6Gw
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaitO1njiX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJQzwWGVdv
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaT8h1EZPM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwukZsR0Ecq
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.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkS5qLsTE4
"Irritating...!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAopg7yv8U7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BoS4ZMpDt
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuIXuWsZda
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXtnAGBSKH
Dave didn't like to use spears.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW7fqngm7x
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8vdD4ng0H
"...Haaaaa."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgHcNmRMVh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgotA8xCijZ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsmclZ2Sgi
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZPVfHaSFr
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBoNX92Y1w
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWhVjZBM5V
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzwUvTz0Pt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykY60Zxpjv
That's what he always told himself, at least.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIro8MFiNC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLm6veYdy4
**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**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDo2zqimGV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOede4hUwh
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTqws3N8xc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaW98CsJg0
**CLASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45ECGrNWKx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2rzFtpCyN
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**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmCIDyMlXM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJoA1h4e4p
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?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RsYqokFOE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DSt2Z3ENy
**CLASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjzy9TJQ6N
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3yQsew57J
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez3m7FfXVb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ8qx5QnvT
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0KZwcYKFN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIkNPjQYoH
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWouI90k7Qi
Confusion–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd5RCjDRkb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7eiHIPkNq
**CLANG**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEa6prZehk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4nQEuU2Nl
Delusion–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYixiZuVfzv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hEmQTGc75
**CRASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehRhiu0A1n
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitcmXKXvYa
All lead to one conclusion:240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHatwgyf8K
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LEB7pIaWo
**SMASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblZNIYGiLC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNI4M0pyBh
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGDjD8bXaS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOyWOKg9Uo
"...No, of course it isn't."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL1F8Y2Uor
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmDIScRn2t
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtJ52b0x2e
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZdzmjf45D
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjHaNhQfKk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHqBRLI0zb
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14MUXYWuOY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcWNVa4ZVm
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGCjdRSwTY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgGXMLC9WN
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOqRnzkyCp
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltTFJ2y9Y8
"Pars!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yfujvDKrH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MOd4fTLWE
"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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBFKpjL95Y
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8jt1Sj6ld
"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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqIAywwai8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSZNR2NYF4
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwK6ZavkMa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfefv2TEg1
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvSeM8ojIK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFMZifdKTv
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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLIOF6ACJh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOr2CS3m2X
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOKASJEHJc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wXPdT9mkM
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2VwQdU3Dk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAZSMipWhA
"What do you propose?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QEAFjcgfn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIvBsgZgZb
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR4oxlp6PM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuWBcjw0Bm
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XA4dpjEvX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEEwyrMjiv
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKRUNnrGqJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJoeEPMmsj
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRShIm4wxen
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93FzEfdA2G
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4TLLUYoGD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGPz6H1ko7
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oC6mQIDae
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow1I7Xswdi
"--Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNPMaqezir
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMovb9i24BR
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdyhmtZkY7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hEH5gwCGy
"...Always backhanded, huh."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFdvz4eMMd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiUxZLZBaC
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 laugh240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtd93m5pOb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG2eQ6zG5c
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AyoV2e6WV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UFtPrOTUo
"We likely don't have one."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxg3F7sCfA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0yY2etXQU
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNyFl15kbj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTD8FcUHda
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiuwWT7po2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEicEuyiNOF
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEFV4sQQjH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EUNcwqFwY
"Well, if you insist."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLcrfLhTuX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPerh8fOK5
–
–
–
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.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaTRelassN
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EA7GpogS7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FVgXunDxX
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIFjJdCvQA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSKmq1cqgA
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfoSJ4SNgy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYof64uMS8L
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5hqyNApeT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs91o7LLirD
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?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTz6UZVf08
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxPgwrWfyj
"--!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZCDqvnS3O
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyeJR4CF0O
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5BqX5emwv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAnUXOeTgr
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOb6KS5A9g
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWrd9zyfOu
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvui7wmVyt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9AAYUijfO
**SPLICE**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzguh0WEei
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUbQ9zhFtI
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsRtlyYabm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFgVklGY73
"I missed one."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzNg7l0swz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh6XzkGRHl
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYhskNB3Vu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav8wwrowED
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6KVNcCTke
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfsGixDea3
"Hey!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe28FADnMMY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpgArmPuPs
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeShuOs8qC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sfDojxl7n
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjdggPydhc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBmGpUs5NA
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonKxi0Mnnp
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjjYlQH6XR
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTXXpDLSfI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSgbkct9Ge
"I never said that."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6rdJvhRFt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sD0IY9zLd
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa82N4wmmNF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv1oK3T410
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwvphAItlb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVjiiiCoMa
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a0T2CbHOZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gZMiO4uBE
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQlk2n6j0d
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIXaeP8K4d
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q9Wz2RaOt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dEP9AhxBX
"Haaaa. Damn you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsPgq0GawJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mEHEPOEXH
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKpXCBeRLc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfFzvLWIFC
"They are dead, right?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvrQ7MiofI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBQC3fX5YA
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREHAE8u9Zj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1YDAJkjmP
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZj6Q3la97
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CLRYhUmOD
"I–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q8uKk30vy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs23l7MfE3
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VKTrohELN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMJecsf2c2
"Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezXd2BWa9S
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN5irA9Fli
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWSXCvi87g
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSz3P5jtM6
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLivPeC9kc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDfOeFSxNN
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4gAEyY3DE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tZ35dWktu
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VMBtFOnlO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00YWZDfAR7
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQQcM5R0wq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tnlBa78Bs
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GSxT7d3JV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6CQUiQAqx
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRjmAJhgoa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU26heONjvt
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTHbBIljQ4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMc4wZ8PRt
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm23jCYXLA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYDLKSq23L
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37rLNd2oDj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkOIIYcsPy
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfX4Ckj2kc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6XHkJUNra
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIhh8Gv57T
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrrMNAjOCX
"You raise a good point."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilvXyabgKd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RJTpoCRU4
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKmjqJzGiA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeWZ3dOQAU
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gGLRudRUc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5XBmtaM0E
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzySrRlW99
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6SCdc7B6P
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDi2w937HH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPXzEUdSs8
"Ha, abandon?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehTxEyMXQo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaerTO1N7h
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLli42drvL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDJeQ1ISD4
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0j5phPLBs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB7iUI7anA
"If you were, it was backfiring."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVYPPY2gtw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof7mDIYKAy
"Harhar. Very funny."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aDQR51eq4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O1Egal1bD
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WDjCG67b5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60VypnDFe8
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7mWEBRrlX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dkuGgzZ9v
"Aren't you conceited."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvat3DT8wLs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtXJFDfHyK
"You think it's arrogance?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblCVNbxe86
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj8D7OIusB
Pars began to stroke his chin.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYGVytf6KT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLsCpugejf
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmsPBAMagf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGq7UkkqUI
"But what you want isn't just greatness."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyWMKtmf5I
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrIifskSUZ
"...Yeah, you're right."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xpyK4560c
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLCpid55D7
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETWs6Up69E
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt6n7LhpmI
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
