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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPjjyWNWGW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1rvH625Zo
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcmZ5IpGnK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Nj4RJvdH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNNOjoVHEb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI8dAWnlp1
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KJav95X8G
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkACi5WhFaH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccomTiDauW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqsClwp91f
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L4xz8QsA7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl6oH1AAGj
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI8UZytphv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHFud15Q5p
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz2BVGUNz2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5Q9VDLibq
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6u1WBGvq7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx1WJVrhpl
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZXAnSVdx2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfPm8zGGFh
**BOOM**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kLu5hAaUZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAJ5Ej2cQF
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YfwZh8p0A
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPKmaGbuCt
"Ack!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3u3kJtQgD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOw6GXqYzH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfZNW9K9uj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy62SIeEPbe
The room was a catastrophe.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFbs0dp4G6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCOdMznQ1B
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGX2oxlkkv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWqBREZKWg
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TDhXCroVR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPhhpAFdaA
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg6bIUeiNg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomRWRkR8NJ
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmptcFRIKHg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL0cTpQt7M
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTYL7moJ02
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31ilahwo9g
**STRIKE**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevOdRALXJh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux5EbN089f
–only to be immediately interrupted.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtLIaPPSGQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGshN1guaK
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU3AOeGQf8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9wG07t0Dw
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkWNacMivx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg4zzwergb
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFGIDBk8kE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDVWf5SbXZ
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvejXewPBjp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq2njirbep
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDApVqayLV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj4W5YYeDf
"C'mon!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQUHPjEfSK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B9GEQvjgG
"--Ah!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXrMXAgIsn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekzuy4Sn5K
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPwSk073RT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BtLN7bKrs
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPDLBkf2Bv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFXc6iKvfq
–
–
–
What a moron.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrDE1QeMPg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnCQk3Ik3n
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA4D6lD6Xk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjNkN8hfAf
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zhs98YLyX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ap8keVToj
**THUD**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXHdo8VtdL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5fgznAYFC
"Ngh!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH1yvd6zuL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBhmn3ycsu
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvzJ6LAaY2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayRlN5PaLA
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Blx5wrxTM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJNY4RQ4Hh
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZkkeoLHuQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvVSTluKbc
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpMoUq9Yjv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1Ud8y11c8
"--I should've known!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhJxk7GzK8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3wif0FItU
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jFjFedDm2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMDp7VDMbH
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhyiGudSSu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacV8YMNoLh
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuyXJhjgTw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFAISSVnod
"DAVE!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygCQpPFAiP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6BvEanvWB
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLT79uSYAi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HQ2qOTVcx
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3kNilk20X
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLc38VtfZn
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.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xxk0tcwxi
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBn550CASI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5aJhC4Wpe
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4CZVzfAIM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW8pW87SqO
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeeQr131vC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxkbIUmha5
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00DnzcOBWL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKGDp2n9yF
"...Those are our first casualties–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0awQjADEf7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmbxzQ4NxX
**BOOM**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4WuFlBB0o
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OtU608XCG
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCpr7A1rhL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQbvEF8PTw
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsSmiiFNbG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jg9jAKuf2
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwo0DSQ9Ae
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJClRZ3z5RV
"I'm here now."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7lN2wFyyQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyQmLkDy0g
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSmQPrr2an
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtfrSW2nZp
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r7STnWxIU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv36MdwQqh
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zhp9IQnhi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinuDSVYXnQ
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdmOsLq5ob
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVdrqHPtbw
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UG5OGpc0n
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUihOapPrLb
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSg6nMrtPr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHhIBh2wb9
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwaXHrRl41
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubgOEdIJLw
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡindTvD9tL0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NgsJysYyX
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB1Od1bG3B
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfB8q00iWd
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPsCKUy3re
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmjTBQoQsT
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPfTll8H3J
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDHGhcVEZU
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TYUOkX0fp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rC34a0IQg
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyeuEWtJrZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIrKE4acdv
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAmqK8khN3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ8rDbOzcR
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVE2YS4bEY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVJ5MBVFeK
**BOOM**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhdO1icmrq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8W26AwuKK
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4X69v1aRu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkpxJIOT1y
"Pars!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqLgdxRUdt
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrolMjgbky
"Huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iQuP4nMfJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPiQA4jSgo
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqKWRMgnro
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OQ4GDywNH
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m6LWF6wr8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y85nHcBCm
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8CL94vHX3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf41AbEof6
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr8CIUngbi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K8wa7LfV6
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yih1cT23k
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzi7qjrafp
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucciIrg8LF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENTdnSHoQe
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mHf9Qj1Wy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqMDcVxJ60
**CLANG**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7R0kYQKlk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ttqmGfkLs
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZVJzgmMn1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yk7WpBObL
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eBAQ8oXsi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiar7razFv
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHQtWjHwGz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXDgDNKNDV
**SLAM**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVM5h2NfMu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyiyohzmd5
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4lWFzl8BQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOkglLl1pL
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfCIuFmotY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrlti7QjvI
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGnZ07Bt4N
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4KLrmuHyB
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKUPRhxp3e
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85egVF3DHD
"Ngh! Shit–!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoepYQS7zhi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOioEIRWhvB
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLFE6GHbjD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONPrfjpOa1
But then–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHxZtqc070
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHclqxg06P8
**BOOM**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSYGWDJ2b7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtztz9A3jod
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73HCBQCTDD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr1nOm99gw
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABnC2WFFNU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu73FSq5lpB
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5YrFVWF54
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZYb11h1fF
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMKzeGiqt1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdCXO3EgL7
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1HoIARdxy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iZXAhq4Pt
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvNhT52ndZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15fKKSxj95
"Gah–! You scared me!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ly0Ljtdb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0MIczpD2S
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ5uuzLV7J
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5BjhwB8BI
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaheSX0BZgc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCaF7WPNVV
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW25zW6WNgo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIhQf12T8m
"No, this is terrible."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ865FOJ08L5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzaxyolCBG
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qOkpbx2Zu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs5dpe9hcO
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgYmMMRBkH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBl2GoGScl
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L4QYdyMuM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr1yiXDec0
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWvqMH5XDm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4zETOjzVi
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbgwUKS469
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGJ92EdVi1
"No. No suggestions from you, please."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQB3APiO2c
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JfRJelL8Q
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAyI0X7K72
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hO5h1eAX0
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtILbOwUsxn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqijkc3N0fT
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAkdxUHIWM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SqR2enwkH
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkbeEXJDoh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXccbnGlguR
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZUlNGwPlC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJvdnKhXSg
Still, no response.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBueMnpRc52
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUdoij0Ssr
"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–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxVbckWSm6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq74V4OWn7
"Because you're entirely incompetent."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEjWT1JXZF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k15OlO8FC
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT2Wt2K8ss
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPlxfoj2ub
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFchhOOHGKb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw82Vomn7tI
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm3Tf4gdFJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji34p6zuPp
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnvWyrhyGd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfnsQo3utl
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Ed2j7VFi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcZPxfoahj
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyTpwhZNHt
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t4JJPWHJF
"What?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kcuprWQEx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDRl9liiB1
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR6PTKtEFG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJIEVaoBBS
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSwHk3r0P4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPaU1LBMwV
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC3aoAxdB0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPVIX3QOGE
"...I see."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1mlO1hXNc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6zXlhIyBz
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDorIqMc5Xz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykiYOiGLSv
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmsSC6Lax2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpQreG1JwR
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPWZhVqlVy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKSPmSrZPD
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsUXXPP3o8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsNTFH9eFY
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtxUsvLitf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAjy4yRFbZ
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIL4IOIC15
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpYbbHu4Ww
"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–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzzFyxRlzA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbGzfPhZpn
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszWvV3RQhA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZFogoE9Vh
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcQ9U1LrSH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75pwuTpnQY
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:206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCZtmfqTRs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL2RlD7nnz
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNRv8NEtK0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf73zk9QbcU
"Alright!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3OyyeW8M9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVo6LqCIum
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiSZFqkFVp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd4SaU7wXl
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxFEvw1wN0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghxugDTmqg
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcbsITl4Fs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneGEQSLVwW
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5G4ICqRmR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqwHWjmbWE
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVAcQq0B88
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ364HHBZuOs
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnevtQvhyi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYRR4vFIvl
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnMO4kD0xa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU369cEOfFy
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadxKpWnATd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHBmRpD1XB
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusMWdhOgBJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsfYD0ahIx
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBFrt7wJAb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbupWeC6cEz
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KBdYnxIw9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQIpbD2MVw
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2w3uX1iI8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr6QQYac2S
"--No!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pM8eYLzCE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKZChS5o5Z
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy259iUyvM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX9OTQOl1C
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMYlNtcE6J
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr1SArTlE0
"Hyua!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ1HGjiafF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY6C1EKRlt
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kwqsu9CgC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQbg0vO4S3
However, he did have another sharp object.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kGZmJ04hp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVI1Bwgj11
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t5XRR6HZl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV02BVnOgG
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6EgTa68BS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeDS7QsHbL
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dcrwpUBge
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NU2mu27FU
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp1TEnHkkg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKcO90gxA4
And what came was–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh67eMl4hB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxg9aUUStf
**BOOM**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVmSaHqBTr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQT2uAAjRH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpoZypUlQT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzExSXK6pY
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bMxFzgeIg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKDckMvrA7
"--oop!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN7IQvI7AJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPWAbfngIv
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoppR2tqcH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgF83VOUaF
"You... you're a sick jokester."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi7KniNpUz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiiFqotWlS
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gdbhl8yxc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg8lg4zBu2
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlReJ4c3xJg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb62hXa0M3
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg1JODHtyu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTB4jTVHAU
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPooBZnXHhB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNpWm8aRNA
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywFf7oteOQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnge9ZntjyF
"What the hell... what the hell!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVNkaHpSag
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOyR6xVbpg
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUboHBN9kb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXbdEOIpBX
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8iiYoLIwP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCP7aTssSc
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFV5pBzm5y
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWusM194YI6
"...Heh."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Q9a3N5DN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYcctHolit
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIov6UiF2gS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡST1ISL1Whw
–
–
–
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyPleD39co
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK3bRS6DK2
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWwaHCNXRd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjqKqEmpIA
**THUD**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU4tsAnw0p
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHAH8fVPri
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvovuIjc0wa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e1MKpwuXH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvaa23GfrG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d2UVoQpBQ
"Though I have to wonder–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6WEBICyFL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzUEDneX4t
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Qwb7tQL4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAKr3opReB
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYMSHnPTol
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumvrI3GcnY
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1hvFPyGhG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHrquGwZeM
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLc9I6h8zj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUta4hhciqZ
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW42dzuQF7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkOqHjYODj
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.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5py67Gh99l
"Irritating...!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMNgThcnLk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHUrCyvPsa
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy2ECqVULw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Iso0AhhNV
Dave didn't like to use spears.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiTgUfriLg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4s0FNjkx9
"...Haaaaa."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTam1Jcok1s
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCPWBqyPAn
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1nwKxhSVE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHv8AFbCpx
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxW6atmpXP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDibP99PLcs
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQbFge2Lts
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsqRlxWHsU
That's what he always told himself, at least.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGweXZ47EJU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0KXZOgyVP
**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**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1giU866mH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs7CivL7ql
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPoyEApdaH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFSKNspixS
**CLASH**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbgL6ajdQ2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW4a8ygyT7
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**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlrIkeUxEU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi6HxIOsej
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?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR0053iQmk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtUwd1QGM0
**CLASH**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xPIEHJLWg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSDaLB074P
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkY4RZR3N1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtSN69EFg
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmZrFgu1zd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYec28SApSK
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAd2CmNUfW
Confusion–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQlWMXei0P
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHff2W4wzn
**CLANG**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jSGellQy9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN2HbfthSV
Delusion–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL598Gx3kmU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqXu5DD5zD
**CRASH**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d2q4bNCVS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4nBgFjh2a
All lead to one conclusion:206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSZewKF52h
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrUGYpkwYr
**SMASH**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oZnIdNKNv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrm8xGYz1d
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0WSFHCOea
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVseA5VGsza
"...No, of course it isn't."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigrZ4CEieR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SEAGHbN6g
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJIjf3VkHk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBZG9UxTuD
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR5YWMKvfp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMvit1IYUY
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44yi1Ky9cm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGRDjGHTKU
**THUD**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjxQGqrhvT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq2zU3EbAC
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP7xJxZ2HV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyhhy3QdgJ
"Pars!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgqFqpYsN5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpWAviitwZ
"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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyeHCSfAKT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxd5UURfOU
"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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FjJNhR9aC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFusr06pBJ
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwfSzTCEql
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhhgY9djz1
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg8Kzj7NHI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4exO8oXF9
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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeME6uJ01BN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9JuEQdNOW
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Fmj970XD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7KA4uHKPM
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EHqn24iRg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ruDdp37dm
"What do you propose?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVAEVap4Wv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpQnV1Saon
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpQ0bipfiQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iP6xgHxm4
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sZoNN2kRq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuWBy89LaR
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu9eBE94q8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7smSuLWTD
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWarmb7pVJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0El1vxpuSj
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBXh7Ud3Zr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL3mX14uXR
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6s9xbZEnC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHQmv1mOMF
"--Huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVggGpN36T
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7emhtHiISW
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGkYBH4O0V
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRFYxLcaD1
"...Always backhanded, huh."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWxD1MrvNc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0hJc6ob6z
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 laugh206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMReYl136lA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwA35jgPuj
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dotYoN64z
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyrJIiSqMC
"We likely don't have one."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL9YW1EToa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m8evTbbN3
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LfaMsDPUW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5bKtSHG3V
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkH1o5G8hW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFWLsagxbj
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFNFAtxZCB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2hnqJOHUV
"Well, if you insist."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfZjUzXtuL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhq9ISUIQy
–
–
–
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.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaQbeuLdh3
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN20vGvjl2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnfL5OjiVa
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnKyuj4N4u
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAc71hCOnh
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2esODaZl9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjyJHcHrFY
**THUD**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN3Txcrpvy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNus56K6BC
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?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIF6RwarRC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzN9Yd4TSs
"--!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvEvO0Qrvl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3HGG7y1uC
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIXQPCrX8O
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwJmm8wJw9
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EdDzp1B8w
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FV95Zdu1v
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKboaO8ziF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0Munf92Nw
**SPLICE**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzR6jeDix0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjfNMX7iIe
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamrYmCsfme
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVqTB640WO
"I missed one."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEI8MsP1sL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UjeoFRoFM
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYmFmA76sa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvtZMfFO7L
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp3Dma90Oa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65W6YZLczO
"Hey!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPKG31rEcH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0zskmFG2F
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12gF62tMQI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWzJOtdbYM
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPELxmKOQ4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAhCaiP937
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnhy5LjmzX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLWzx43syX
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsbbu8PnNL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3a58fVCgo
"I never said that."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oYHbJmFIe
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfOvOQW3It
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o5mJFh4JR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3Q8167DCT
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiTSCcgErE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY34q5Rt9x9
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7LSG9l01r
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpnLkUtmcX
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscgLCWcmRS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZtpbaGulh
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv8M7M7LgY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejMoNucRem
"Haaaa. Damn you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6QtQxbscU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ85DLXgKq
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gj3WUPIBK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OELPbEuiG
"They are dead, right?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20eXGSjxMy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruqr1WpTdg
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I532ugPtp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdefrpg89P1
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT70tR0qFW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgYMZCo152
"I–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksyMVMLZQ6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6d2PvpRKI
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkFGvyFe9g
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTK5ohrCqK
"Huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEagopBTF5X
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnassPcEOsz
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQmaYDKv8B
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32gWa68gC4
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDcWNz3uOe
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopW2pF8aqV
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFCCN1U3hL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKmLjxpYMd
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW7YyHXJoh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m0LR0jnWX
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S2q3WlK0V
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PdJim6Q39
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYmmPxda2i
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bc35M2UO3
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH7rYWtZCn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CV10aOkO8
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv0PkRaDZT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYytIwntMD
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLuHUFnGt3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaFVUHDy9C
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHLnkWrAFV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EITFt9TcO
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr5oI1aFUV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhLsznYCcN
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEZAS1odBf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2OA110R1l
"You raise a good point."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIHutGUQHA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D393j9HXy
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl7NEbOUNH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvgO7kiMvr
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKU3wWf3Qh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tgv0PpRBU
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyAnRYFv94
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27tAYPJdGl
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXvE1jmfiv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YmxFWdZYC
"Ha, abandon?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaFCmzpt0X
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHMoZDAu3I
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZpJAyVezW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYrLPJhJVW
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8pHV94rMD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IrJWArr2q
"If you were, it was backfiring."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp82Kkxpo1A
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpL2y6LoSv
"Harhar. Very funny."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XIo8qlEeN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRapzTrXcM
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTpYkeh0PO
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPIzebUPbM
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FHH4SSyfk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eJb4odtR4
"Aren't you conceited."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzdLrg1Nn7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfV1m3ccN6
"You think it's arrogance?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq8U8XeUph
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG5xJ3vWDL
Pars began to stroke his chin.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYyIdKIZhn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHepMkHuLG
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoELg3nnd8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvfQSBNRm0
"But what you want isn't just greatness."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEHQ4JTgI7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuVO7PrkNt
"...Yeah, you're right."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJne2X0dAE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNDoWsZniS
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LX4iRuECs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE1w6nN6RO
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
