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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhBEktwMGv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiUAHDxcI3
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5xfErAX39
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG9p9j7NWz
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhTSnWmMf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZEVQ1hTqH
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjqkgpAkJM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUjm80zpmr
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFz5gjQnnL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMQIa8TIf6
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG9XNdbTRg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnkii1WuWj
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RpRInjW1n
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgrXGQgtDZ
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrtk78fCfK
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH88of0TDb
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ViZlx5Hj3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BgYYwn7nc
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26gqu8kTMM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2Sbdegked
**BOOM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tQYPtF1Vc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7gobSOtTL
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k0pvVfCod
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7N03QCUvP
"Ack!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aChQa2IUq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkJrp9Jf64
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFoJdSnHRo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjCntb5kH1
The room was a catastrophe.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4hX0zBD6p
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwC3GOyyvt
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2HZP2kbmB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPfjhJaKTr
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdvwpSsAgE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFY3hZxAeZ
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHPcpz1Lme
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznLwo4rQXF
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcvHk24Vjz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi1tcjgonh
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SeZtUVdSB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYQ7SROPE5
**STRIKE**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHeZQvQ0EE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckMmmJLimM
–only to be immediately interrupted.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbz2iRCehz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMNBHyQbv0
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7K98etmZr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcENOOChKZ
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I13ASQMme
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhGhyZzRtK
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqNeKrWuCo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCHNyMHoPi
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaTNNthRd0
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgzCdCdcq0
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz0CCALrLq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHuOXrJnsf
"C'mon!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIN7ehnA30
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbDcA9Efmm
"--Ah!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38XkBuZPek
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vcsKg721O
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoevFTKm2r
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxzNfZ3DAL
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgPEfjSzas
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VfmF8ueeT
–
–
–
What a moron.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwxJ9Kzuzv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Zz63zCQm
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpqyRl5PA4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVO8PcUMzb
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGNpg8gOrB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSk6WvuMST
**THUD**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G3BnMWxzA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwlVxIweOd
"Ngh!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5BmRxJfQ9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadvqRRWBdk
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkUcp3PmL9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn9R3rIKTL
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5cjgpqQb9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94X1OVI7dx
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMAhZslOyU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3H1liPChg
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPBZiJRg37
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE0RyuCSlF
"--I should've known!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL2i5Ireht
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8d658vdJn
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWJB8EnEsT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1M05JyFdc
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg7NIZdh97
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO37MWYYCd
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RleYzdSGs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEiLt43gmn
"DAVE!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWd5VGAHj5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJdbCx6Zrj
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRhHQOWoK7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ZstMeEFE
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoAQELLkkT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBKgeEmq5j
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.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzLZabOlqu
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uB9bGtUW9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6rk4ZbWdO
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNA68berC3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzt5lBOgYm
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nLDLl1fd7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPK6Sy0xkL
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD7TSNK2BF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg86DKRL3yG
"...Those are our first casualties–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq4Wjerh0A
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoQYZH2lig
**BOOM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr9hDLKN9x
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aDSMHCKPv
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIhWs8APGj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC3CesRntm
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDYEq8G4nT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Muo1tIjBb
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztIUO5CaZD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIfBlWVZ5N
"I'm here now."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxZLCFY7Oo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCr2oalrwK
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpzVX6LpiR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQpbXBMgQf
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8gXN2mFZe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqtQ8bdiBS
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRte0uMMZSr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1LOY8MQLu
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YE3Qm3DVy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwqER3jFTV
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBor5BzncW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOvcocnYeb
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbEZaWlhZ8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4VO9SGw7N
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYDJwMYcEs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUkuV003JZ
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8JSjQ5yfV
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB8Xlb2jRj
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GZDXZnTqs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjRjiAk9e4
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHEDfyo9FR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfc5UsusFV
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC14nrZ3Ot6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThUDvNAPys
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVx4v4dHHr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQQuBuP1qs
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkViVXFjUVc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDycBtInTi
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gZcvS8Tfc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz66kELNdy
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdxsLt2SYH
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsf7NYnKGT
**BOOM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0s0rOaRPF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPGJF0whee
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSQW1SOWmn
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8p6nMAVky
"Pars!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FPcjzOcyU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayuG6ZechF
"Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicmpaXaD5X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnEZxC25nj
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uGXvr9BhD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhfj7SFJnJ
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPoTFYyCXg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif3q1kJDf3
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyYpUHn5t5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoSiGZlkOX
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcHIrVjdOC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe8VEm4BvZ
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbT0g4B14I
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb7NF2dIlG
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluaHJfcj2d
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnqZP1JTJy
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZXuqRYVV2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFkgFtnsS8
**CLANG**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzawZqM1UxA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfDJJY6mFx
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRhNilUR18
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEkkwsmfuG
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YD45kfRMf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYWCjh6yyD
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX7sfxPfCb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVK4gMjHAL
**SLAM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGAKpWzHIz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdv4ThZQxO
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRruye8O0Y
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNysXmD5N8K
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OMbrajBzb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVBgbMd75A
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3kv2x0pj9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oPG5C4a6b
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs2blMutoc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ONPsfKvcl
"Ngh! Shit–!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf9kYbkbmy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ZAi3k8N7
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl3Y1Tm5he
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouqS2ZeLa6
But then–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTz7j12jPP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHul9FsV5Mg
**BOOM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV5BgqmsH2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfx4EuYaru
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtma5NN1XCn
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqUbJfetlk
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5xNhYiPf3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOQoZgogyd
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkboJmPHerP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj6ZCWjLvp
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BS4QfZe1D
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvZ7Hu7h9K
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVtkIWrz4h
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyVhvXIbZ8
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRHuUPumX1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4t7bLNwN1
"Gah–! You scared me!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE56YqEzod
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7hOXoFsHr
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCMb2h5nXP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyT6oyFaUA
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTJaOmLQbK
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Bc0x79kW
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzFMlTnQPE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBPphURoKz
"No, this is terrible."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQThjWviexz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiex7ef7ukC
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiNmeGm5Ks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2axkyysEtc
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbawbBpP8s
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPZw3vyCcA
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrDXVqNn95
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HSTxgpXkz
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oAXWxhmKY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaZkhIdudI
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXibHESWefj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp07UjgjxFR
"No. No suggestions from you, please."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7swlLlpuVb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99J0MXo6Rx
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHEB22HNAE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bozj0ZEz9
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo01o6NMJIQ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIPBY0B9CQ
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceosGOnhZ7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rjEuMhojp
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz1GH3XKPA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3bL6rD8vv
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6frsI70Nj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZlfKN6gMW
Still, no response.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkoMeD4pYp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFpvtAnewh
"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–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifyHAXyDew
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpGlhnPWWo
"Because you're entirely incompetent."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Igzt3pBKP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLgs7gaYtE
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXuNFAPwSe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xQ8ZrdpGG
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSnwclAmJL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOPt5PCC7v
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxPLKVpFU6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUugWqNkTX
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYz4hRJZGw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaXi0oXh2u
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqIas2XNiW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB87mxW8od
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCWcVF3qny
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoGuop016E
"What?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6U3WaTbGZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyl0BaakFO
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrbTWKIJGp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbM6XcPSvG
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsqbnkQcCk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjucifN3PHM
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUZXF9hlmj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1RMOY3pPI
"...I see."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkVtddLSKN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnUn4ZCvSP
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpjuCeNN0V
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXWaqZjKgQ
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQIbHkybIX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bSMqAaJes
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcYjQK6pnq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjJxLy3n5C
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlyKGruWHZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuiVZEJhqW
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiKIsKKpt5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIGFcI96Zw
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8VC1gSkzj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fCCM9f4Ev
"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–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbP6LQYbA4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv6jQF1ZhJ
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IyEyk8Kkv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkehjHiePw
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0tuMLa2GA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVBkuuiNgN
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:145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdYnyIUgIg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEpynJV0qc
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdlKXUaNlI
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnktKz6J9n2
"Alright!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA9njj4rMF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MYoL9K28Z
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ5dlBb1j8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRnYNA2JRo
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rPT8eOfOd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL73yL4Mfw
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kRBvmiWHq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRroqXcG9KI
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lQSwU0n2x
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHDnw0BvBu
–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDkTksc2Zx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbxuGRmt1P
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFFrbLQgPa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM0vqxeef8
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsCGr5L5Ig
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5XNSgypa6
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45DaDNrsZP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP2nZuWRqo
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF5BnYOkOT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRDM6GPMrK
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKd4cG09rQ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b6Wjtk0Ep
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJacZwq2Q5d
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ruXcV7P1S
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiURm4TZtD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4haHCyEnD
"--No!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xRRvf7C3P
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSGdVgQgmS
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMT3arGxff
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJsMtDNnHJ
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRFdUrM44a
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDIEIfZ0am
"Hyua!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt8VtxILHj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyq3OvjHg7
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq4PV3D7Hk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuel14iVUSr
However, he did have another sharp object.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj0o9UqqyI
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9go7XdYlp
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg4LnPnHd9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMUD2sL8xE
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3Tk25ia8s
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOwLQMHaef
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz945UQhfm3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EhLGMpv2o
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpMTeX4W0O
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8LqgSxNzI
And what came was–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAWuUR6xCZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yovPUk8gX
**BOOM**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKoQSHRRu4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgUEcAJ9Yf
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxhDSZsgWy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lFW4o7Rrz
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos3IboZk57
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v7ZmdER8k
"--oop!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXWKumfs9q
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRLJzGoHDf
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAibY12voy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3T0Pndhq6
"You... you're a sick jokester."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraj2q52b9X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg16duwzb9r
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9LVn3adu6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsi4YIs13H
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r4l3Q3Fhd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbbnjTThxd
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYObYrmITEK
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZySlx7hdl
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtC71WWFjh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNZpX5Iqj9
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuGmNumnlM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeehx8QRrR
"What the hell... what the hell!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzD8pHZigU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1XNkAaRCB
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vwx79MC8e
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sx8oqSikJ
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizI3vTTRsp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfI64oZcMT
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa50ePD7DN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpFyiiG31S
"...Heh."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh0LQ1xuum
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ5RJKponU
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gWEvmKbWJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnTooXCJD6
–
–
–
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzO1zkIHWj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqcdlg3aDI
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKOlgduryp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwJ6K8b3ow
**THUD**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjViBGpDqa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30J6QSUnGP
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBi61uJuJE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45kznF6YWd
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvokV88bzId
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYZPkKiiFh
"Though I have to wonder–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLbji3pbjT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBFK7UI8v2
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc2efP4j52
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLg8ezpwIh
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pFNT8g0dP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66wjpAdcCP
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKBE3dTcPU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxEr7AgZ7o
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaYsVaBSRF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGxkzzQeKC
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYyLngdTNT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCQ5XURqev
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.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkQ3sV0ajI
"Irritating...!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYSXPFRrQL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XqCyH0P3o
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmyZgfJFo6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuTyrjieM0
Dave didn't like to use spears.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUCUVnlTFa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE9Efcf5qB
"...Haaaaa."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YTLtJ9oYx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRwDnA552Q
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWcSYnBktx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zc5xSR1jS
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BjzLcQHTR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe60WTRUd1w
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfQH7og7Lc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXccR1AWLNf
That's what he always told himself, at least.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOoZx1mqvh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u8HPrzXZU
**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**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT1DsVUZgC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUVvv1uYYY
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dVkCGeM2y
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ03OOItaiH
**CLASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkAPDLSgTB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bjaFM9C08
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**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKpSl8aKRj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVj0tQNYu5
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?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6DvoMW8iv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2CnciGHc8
**CLASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPzXiaRQRQ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKv04zWGje
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmDi8xcqyD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS6hdnSwrt
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegZGRu8wzb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82ARFxvYQP
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMULsgeg01Q
Confusion–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfBjmiDRlc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMT0LqP9u0
**CLANG**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ0tPr2cOC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC2hSZajFz
Delusion–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jzm3sIyXi
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvybg7kUtp
**CRASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee5fdrA1x1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulXcH9xDrI
All lead to one conclusion:145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j8R3YFe1O
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRfFf2jaUh
**SMASH**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQesQx74i0f
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK92GRf1fk
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkP6SF2U84
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm3Yrz2OaC
"...No, of course it isn't."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHttRtBAWPv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaelWEQsqmj
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vzyfUuHxM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuMPvNvjVh
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8u6bDMONk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCV3xNhHYc
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kKeBW2znJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGN4q7w24q
**THUD**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gCCiGg0rN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFAQHI3MtQ
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwn2s4ahIE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJtOtRoalZ
"Pars!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRVKNSKi4t
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMghR0UYAY5
"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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbnwYBSZ7o
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw05kfMuzS
"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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6ryXdQKJC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mOSKUTo6i
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbXGv6bzcL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDQYJVphYL
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDRvpmIzc4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW4xlZepig
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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWCrbI8vR3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeszYfpCFH2
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmINEpxTKLB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWJNHEuwTy
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmcUxsYC0h
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDizli0NwWI
"What do you propose?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYJEOpM3qT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmWYnhtXHm
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT06vfTgs76
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHkZZmWOTU
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCtpZQtxEU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0suFVDNiy
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIje1xOVkI
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVK7HCuFaK
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaOUyYAEXW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oO82cbHRX
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oy1IGaHho
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdspt0eiep
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae6u9KmBAU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq3Kf79nrn
"--Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNvYfx47ac
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtFFYX0emB
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkdSMoJoJ1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJZGWdPrUg
"...Always backhanded, huh."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehTzXcnPJz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo1bIaGRGg
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 laugh145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8DYfaM1YE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNQE2fEp6Y
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnazbkzGwm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpg3Nr0EIr
"We likely don't have one."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVVHPuvR4Z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU9ZevTzLS
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIuwYJnh3e
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsbIA1eA8h
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2V6xrQLuA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSJpCazD5q
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuEiY0ERD2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xc5xq1org
"Well, if you insist."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J0VLgrZDw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsuy2VUlXI
–
–
–
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.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhJygJMjSr
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYoTx4hZ7m
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e8YS0MRBl
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpX7eEemhj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZwUzzfkaM
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGDtO6dj16
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS36YHsHvW5
**THUD**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwhn2DJQhh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifF9xuPPz7
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?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvki9dYyWm9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR15hn5Jdtw
"--!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZmc2hIE4z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIAKZEuM3l
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVKEOnUDUC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NwyY1Zv8v
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypNgeCCnID
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGdtVtCyuL
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiGZZnLr0m
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c8aph9mLl
**SPLICE**145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1zY37G729
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3CcMWvKhs
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Dvtgvg4j
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr3eNeNfDp
"I missed one."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvrRpXYcF9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhz7q2kd4w
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9msFQva4M
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xaern4juy
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDLPLVMPiE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hjbw3DvRK
"Hey!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbwfLxUlsR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv80p62AfE2
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjzivQsF7b
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2TmDP2tOX
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTa7M2R2zO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBroeeH4yR
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ5AxdNETn
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XNAYkif7G
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhF8XuTsvF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVSkkBwC5A
"I never said that."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqqcUX8L9D
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplcrThSlFB
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQyjJ2IMV2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf7WsbUYSZ
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdREMeGWn3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7daEXXKoh
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWSazlOyVr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcV1ia3mBZ
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbLz28SDlx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja2UcNZ5Tc
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6skmV8I3Z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej5gnEQNyJ
"Haaaa. Damn you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7AM6apEVN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFWOPmWl1O
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsoVQKYbIA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ktskbCp9
"They are dead, right?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYiL7PBfWs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Nq7K0Wcg
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe3JCVfsQA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4KAwfoZre
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK32jNrVtqp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZskWAWXmDa
"I–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCNqolhMcm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgwPg22lSI
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs2zpcMxAb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc8qFp9RhS
"Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoRwsqWL3Z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZTF1shp3B
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcXOztzFKy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kLptynofi
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEh1v3MujW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet5bK9jE0S
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sERNGvAgO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRXiAhtOrQ
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcEQJhclq8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgebPBUSQU2
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYfXuFpC1t
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdHw0yqgwx
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH3C7HIoFp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBocPeySL7
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNMPJeZIqu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0b6eovpGy
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnirEyM4Ehd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyF9bYLFPA
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqjBKXroRu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpiBkulJX7
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTkfws1TaQ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgtuiIpyCJ
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpJghWxvc7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQRUqH0wqa
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J11UzNxU2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogagtb7Gr9
"You raise a good point."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLjfKKRC8d
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzVm8moNNN
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz1kiZ93ky
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0971XNLWG
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcuZB0XB7S
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVl5XYww4J
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dkCoXWKg7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KaS2K6z3f
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBTJACIY6u
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbrT1Hp7g4
"Ha, abandon?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfRmDx7trs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1grsDBPut
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVM7mszAKG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzr2vC7McU
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEVdnjQiOt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6APcbyXF0
"If you were, it was backfiring."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcxqDOpH17
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRus4PuCCL
"Harhar. Very funny."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujq1UHjmit
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj73Hre7VlQ
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29LC3ij81m
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU01Z1ViszZ
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyr11J48AH
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwHqcHP9qx
"Aren't you conceited."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZEhtrncyi
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1kgKQZEeg
"You think it's arrogance?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BwV6ROxXo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIdesFySOL
Pars began to stroke his chin.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk9hFihRkk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSINLsccSj
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY5UPYzXhJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvywEvAwK7
"But what you want isn't just greatness."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8HcFuDBP8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1n40E8XRQ
"...Yeah, you're right."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRUc4kMvbS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUMnjQ1jwN
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ki4jr5pLS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI6BwIW2ZW
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
