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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpcog3ItNW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyL7qYemnH
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LBhg61Qes
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBE0rQqgoe
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPi4KUTqjG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vkJn7zVR1
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSob3m1KS4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk0rnLdAUd
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7KHuNVrKq
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6J9dDFYLP
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN40orgrlF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGChSX8lCl6
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfD5v6sl5Z
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUGtCBKpu7
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnPdMomgpo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabLe1iLCPA
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs8G7XQKwI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFk8erOS2w
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGBnE3G4Ef
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMRvT00F4g
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtxjsiMHsx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sU4HEzw7M
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6thzL6SSUh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW0VfQaahh
"Ack!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6AL6Nncbo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxY55q5M5d
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMyTrY1lrJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxZKtfRclx
The room was a catastrophe.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBmTkJwaji
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1YTaVpXDv
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvg1RoKXx7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyBMelNfjg
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTSbIAm67U
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxX3rSLxtQ
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi3gnAgLGn
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBBIpMdVG6
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxAC5B9PLT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACBO30tixS
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8rimOS5WI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67YstP46QQ
**STRIKE**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdlEkHCzaR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkywhx8Peea
–only to be immediately interrupted.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDizoFrtV91
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eQTBYG51D
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qjEavNR1A
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cI0HUzPcU
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyu8Uy2rbF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz584d5Fp2
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH2FC0nPHY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTs7zOH3S0
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v1h3xu0MC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJK7X9GoGM
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGulh252Xs
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pUM8ypKCV
"C'mon!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiCuuSqAli
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pS56uc7NU
"--Ah!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCKlH26KVM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvw708eqGC
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCxXS8pOXM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE603jBOz8C
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiyHItZ5l3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SmxSPNY3P
–
–
–
What a moron.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtSY7UdChg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjYZwxlN9q
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIi1NJngS2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBewpCi6zS
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb82iBuFII
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTNyMcfHTu
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Ex5POqhG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ96aI5WgTa
"Ngh!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDFHj5XU4X
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiRpAtUu72
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXqjMjUR48
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5xCJFItCj
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAttGm4w1s
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwjT9uhcEy
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrggSOsI29
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVVhiCWn1l
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX04E2vVfNg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0nx3zZKG2
"--I should've known!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLdqTi1qBh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo4SAb1mrH
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hI4qsJLsG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkF1Ifxrz5
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFYdUWOoEA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCO5M8FuLP
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVWOgbi2Jm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4PLWi23Xu
"DAVE!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV1mXzcxns
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL0bO0LmyG
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKspvKHGCAx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzmwvdAfju
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePp6CSxwVG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyHGo05A8w
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.
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG0afSd1pQ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjOY4N6wBu
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WvypLwNjN
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKEsGQAW9s
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC13GdroCpp
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD4PUomMOA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ULxTXf7s2
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4xG7RNO0t
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquAVrfvG8W
"...Those are our first casualties–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeSvkwtHaK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlct7Eu8WY
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQkFLhqJXS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp74O852d8g
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3ANMwZBr5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR0n5iEq3K
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6b9FPbfdN
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcDfCCaRCT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDh7XsURv2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQG5uFdYCP
"I'm here now."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslw5WltAgp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTah3HFETqB
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL1vWlqnNp
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefKzOpQLwp
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIePpyGYJv1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gs6fndZuU
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGum7sZ7sLe
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYEgNOOicg
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHhL63JyrV
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNMCHvdgSn
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIfcmbsb7u
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4wT3zrLJB
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oPQQoy41V
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkjyr6CHAv
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSab7TErpo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQTKxO1Lfx
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkaZIWfV9u
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RcxRiNJ1E
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kX3PsHzcb
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EstalkebV
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfCckCkA1H
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSljinT8RtZ
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9qXNhA5bw
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQTX66tlIE
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nfowVypin
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ2UKerELD
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNhsgoh5rB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQRVZKGBIR
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcO8OtlnLJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNyfqrgik8
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWLPrEkWH2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZVU12twoT
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMNkLWbGl4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquKtLFrAan
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy85IArS8c
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQS2N3kojN
"Pars!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfpIN3AIMG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExqcnYnLxw
"Huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCvIh3CvjZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJG9zmkzOj
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkDoZDliX5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MGThJKC6L
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT7MJH9hJF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfCl39kpwB
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5eN3UKDy7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzveA310Q6v
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYQJpezTml
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOIAIL0apd
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY8QLzWfCR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKPs5SLsaD
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Dfki1gb7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAhaImmaEY
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof71wNODbP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUhTQyMP7X
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IMJj2Ic3P
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeXhSir6fu
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ942WanG1lc
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr2jq3QrKw
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8DcmEBNg4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3II9siRamz
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIW2QeCps7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iH2fc1x79
**SLAM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Q0DcF5eq
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQTRkiCXJd
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPueT7NHpHg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr8mb6duQw
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRLi5qV9HW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSitSlylWZ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUopv76UvsQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBHPTqyO8s
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYOz7eWrzI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzWCmnOiHA
"Ngh! Shit–!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Simc1u5va
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaehYDeVn9n
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp65P34uaYH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2zkUg5p85
But then–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjxDCP7kCl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtwj1Qpf1k
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPD4iK8xu2
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOSU8ycnpY
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAEkr9gVSK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA76YB2aFb
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN45BICWNg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX19CC0FncD
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk0dasdpyx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j8y5bZaxL
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmUW5XnMiA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqb5W7LjYv
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs0SG4zDP7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy8ttjf7k7
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6Z29gACNS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY35joc3aX
"Gah–! You scared me!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXQMiZ52bo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElAOChUxbH
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfGoVYzcBZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1040TjsmQt
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK1dKidzOR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45RohXhL6e
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLyBpeSizi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNvwZ1FxkD
"No, this is terrible."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDM4GXtEjM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNLDoFO21m
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6tXc1Nixg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWymIQSDzet
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4slUyWuiM5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK2vCbiZdr
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM1eteCr8a
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIuZepymdv
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBcmmEMRaa
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQkrG11Qtj
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVAPzKgTxJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g4VYM4psZ
"No. No suggestions from you, please."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP21qdoxYj
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKpQJjWw5I
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm401Gb72Lf
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r5qyYaMX1
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTXqaJU0k7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4vqDwP1b6
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDGFiLXFbt
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuLeWlIhOZ
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLcqM20rXL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexGwEVclnn
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh2qWReLOC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU48cxZ5TP7
Still, no response.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmlw9lD6bL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGtqDH8L1r
"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–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM4N9N808p
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTyttU5Ve2
"Because you're entirely incompetent."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV0Yp99bwY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHIPNGZEup
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs05xoUl9B
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpdQVjoFdk
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCNcIMVm5u
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJWKhf6gle
"..."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrRFjcYl0T
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusfzoPpXW5
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOONKBqAYj9
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoadFqsTth
"..."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNU7AuQpmQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvxLCb4YqR
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3oWiXBVgS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM6ofJlArK
"What?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNULUbDdHqH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5EmnFuVTS
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNWr2eZjOL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8S2BgL9dx
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lj7kNbfVB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sLXRTptEH
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1id6zcRE3n
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHqMtfYhmY
"...I see."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysyu1S6LVj
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYMCB2w42k
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfejkC6CudD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz5F1TvdjW
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx2GvEzPKz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsRNNpghG5
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb6tNknowI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rsAKaACcR
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbvh36EmVA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNTULqJg5b
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFjH19grvS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUI3VwEMrf
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlbYS6Sxoa
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeoxFqzDd5
"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–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOPwB0OAuu
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64pcH8sZ2D
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoeRICgvBi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DXFZPbDdB
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYkOY9su0Q
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWJwFkHBC5
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:266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0LFNePpur
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfCh2A9zn5
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF7L5o7bc0
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt1JaoLGWI
"Alright!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhtyDSsZ78
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX8lauWH2m
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NB6yB515k
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK5tUbR5lu
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMrcX9s8FB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUePYItlvU
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8GgIjjLxj
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGDvvyjyeR
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUTvxI4col
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy0yKY0Fff
–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKwOaQsIlI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAKuOarWfZ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvn838ezKw
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNimCzAkkOU
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFQ8YHYc9S
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAP1J71HLx
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYUcZbuUFJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7elhov65U
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP75aCybib
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bh6VTkKRI
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPEKWb70zo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUOQkqyiim
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiaRyqqkwx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHr2RIimmP
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwauTyNTTvS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB9KoShOYR
"--No!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvcPQSzT9R
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbhDxTvC2H
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDjAEOUPwK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD47groMOmY
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUMnF3rmko
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcuqnJJ6sA
"Hyua!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCHTrMAk3I
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvpkwhrfbz
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq1sbqXuqz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRFWTPWPdS
However, he did have another sharp object.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa57w2dDDH0
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qoJvn0lAo
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUxY77w9h8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqYbywsYMe
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kan7utERU
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVl1ALLzhq
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz2z3TepvE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CmUW0Wx1V
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzcxWp5u4J
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLx6VAaiWH
And what came was–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNtKiVDFeM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsSJyvJyoB
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8vNIRz3Zn
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrysSxeTq8R
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAPLc5KOFt
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo8MNiVtEM
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADISa4RIfP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46rUizrAoH
"--oop!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMfP9cde4b
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1s2ZCRKBO
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UJdT8Hk8e
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOwUegDmwq
"You... you're a sick jokester."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsulmqEQUas
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTlt50OXTY
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiD3DdeyC1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sGHFTzShJ
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbLz6cU8gU
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FFTZJ7HxG
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8ovKZash9
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZKKvaEo8k
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMl0dvbzLg
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpLagciTig
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmdcXYzAxb
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCvGCplRit
"What the hell... what the hell!?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbISWDnWNmF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9612IhReL
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajRWskcvDn
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcZ60yj4zL
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd1W1t37Eb
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52o4mL9aU1
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtrr7vnE9a
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDBADLoKtd
"...Heh."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3meSyXNEXl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bymSR4mIU
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUbJrkxDKF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUsafdz27X
–
–
–
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25Y14xq4dS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsUl9vcZIG
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdB8W9A9Zq
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdPoWImsMR
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9YzjswQbo
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo64uD9Egh
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSHUPQXgJh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZheam74LnP
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Mogj0Dio
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUFUxmyWlX
"Though I have to wonder–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcIYxH4iAO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BcXJ1jSad
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd1Wz2DgZa
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku9mfT0SwY
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4SqwE0kIM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGd7ZNfZk9
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvIOBN96JF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnobTAeppPR
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xdx0YeuuH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUesXF6RYX
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3qqLPaQao
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KdLNneO66
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.
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOSK1Be2vZ
"Irritating...!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXN2pX1WLW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9MeRjCQ8z
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8agBOJwktY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeyK6VvMKN
Dave didn't like to use spears.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zZPWqAV0N
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq4NrIW7Af
"...Haaaaa."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI68Iiw1owm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORvyMR9ZxF
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8afGCKagrw
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3CjrgElBN
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoJ1fjDbhD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4ktcElkJE
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMD6kwhiu9Q
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUadCSV8BAJ
That's what he always told himself, at least.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVSy36Dqzd
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54uhk6VDMq
**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**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWANJUQtkq
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RYGXLLxiA
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCBgum5dKa
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pZ3QAfNZD
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4vDMl9RLz
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfn2a6TQcr
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**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ny4oQBDtL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJZ9urMoiX
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?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCjZh3cQxO
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwyVlYDdTm
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9OfwyIMiM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81h44owv4W
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGkjvT11wW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4DNIFFOzk
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgYVwVG3v1
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgys2F8MCSb
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZy5mwBl6m
Confusion–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA2LMa0puT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZZchk5nfH
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0xi5pt9T0
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73n8T4rVZg
Delusion–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYPHHL4lku
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGWIG9ctD8
**CRASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnWTUlHNp7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh2MGATP3i
All lead to one conclusion:266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ2A1TCPC5
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsD5Y6h5gx
**SMASH**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmXLVyg0Ya
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LQnepCwMC
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxHjWpkbCZ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3cizYArQ9
"...No, of course it isn't."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaTt7boz4N
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfcRSLc0We
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn533hwo7kJ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gxj34d8aE
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6wuNRWnfx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTvhaoijP5
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tmUf5k3h6
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcCBdyvesJ
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhaPtKmsD8
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbm4MQfC3r
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ElxKUeDFM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA33uoTQukk
"Pars!?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDknJq1wcW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ctvuwMrcf
"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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao9CRbdItD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4CzI4uYpN
"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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRqAMPyjGc
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo243a46Am
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWtQST3t7M
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLakuXAgkL
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN04PRO8Mz6
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvWEjkrz06
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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC9ng5bzVG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTZV0SxXAD
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEyaQowReR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSxGp6CEcf
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Uw1hr4PjX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcvAZrT6Im
"What do you propose?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30MBOPinDR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrtlFdeaDB
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfygqjVfPoU
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbtbzXdF4V
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq4bHkE0DA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJPbEPpita
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkE5xva6bF
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvLZF1HcJy
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOggSBqAevd
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxXB64Ii8T
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V49DoVLtD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QrAHBceIM
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5Q1E26Q67
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRcnuA2RpC
"--Huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSIDGWJwZE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmmAHjYQNz
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvW2Z5hUhs
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzreuwN1W3
"...Always backhanded, huh."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYZ51A9Mfx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs10t6I4bHp
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 laugh266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB5w1KEhFA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRfTmTOWc9
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoP2DTcGQS
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsGyLgS5rn
"We likely don't have one."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyf7shF0oI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC8IuUE4xq
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgxE2MorJR
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhFGUdkoA4
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWQhX2e29c
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDztRFBhNx
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QZjZvIcts
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidsM8IwmHi
"Well, if you insist."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknRSBM6Uey
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjNBdsIQaz
–
–
–
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.
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOzpbfW6Nq
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRHBgJ8tkY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8xTG8YfOD
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWZG7uwExG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7tVyZTb79
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u9rbCU28g
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mLmY9Al5F
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsRTVUtWFQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTkolAw3cY
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?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL1F1PW8Wl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeXRKdDmkJ
"--!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7sjYXt73c
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm78UmBpjkh
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe4aV1IJkh
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjkVhRumCg
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTKtTtOKth
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85Zn6PhgyE
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–266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1h7FR1cgc
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbIDdQEl5Y
**SPLICE**266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lgJ4tnlV7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZzVxkcKc4
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofk25TBVXG
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoMazXOTJC
"I missed one."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPthg4wsMQY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZyH7da9Oy
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9TOT2QV4D
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSpglZCWBF
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbRwTuMjDM
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfWDOV2Zzp
"Hey!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV0TKBEJLi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6UCuXmTNw
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT7gziJuoE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yFPaXId4e
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qH9InFWtL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m3GlIOWVj
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4zKOR3YMl
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhtNbLAL13
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGFcfOE4XY
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzNbPhXJil
"I never said that."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kFnnaqGsB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS200qBtum
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD4rSLPX4O
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULipJCyULn
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc67BYVhUT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtRiNu3eHC
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ036a2A5tVD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUWDdvjzcc
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7b5AGwp7J
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExcij4juf7
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8nGU0ns7i
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31FsX8xxE0
"Haaaa. Damn you."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGQpARO5Fa
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCOjCebG3U
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciKEGKyjPV
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVGAtkkCHy
"They are dead, right?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWcIX4VsqE
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HlUL8lVrs
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lHiq45waT
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxMmTHuD5o
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OSxFoTlcI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOcbpj3az5
"I–"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡautNOqMWMW
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0OBbzDJPT
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZxbpNyN1O
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU24sASqouK
"Huh?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysVbJfxmBX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiXYHP5JpI
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPyhrG9P3J
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedjswDhiqU
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPiWgbsB8a
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1cqGBMjLL
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MKUg1gDNC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL3aDMb1yK
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqKi952sEm
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEkCxzyhi7
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sFCN97miI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs30JezW3Hl
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCmeEMyj6z
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWKecu5zM8
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztI0BZtCoi
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBB19OB5nJ
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fNIeA5TFA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RWYHnykBO
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYixrRcc2A7
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB0NbHDPOq
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewMfJccgkx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxuRiGwsgb
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRSggPlLZd
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy9s7X6WAI
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGRnSYHbB4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDQ3PtgFMb
"You raise a good point."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfbLwdhSBD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2ZnlQWOv0
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu4eVyba3l
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZrB0Qcf5k
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlvx8AoNqK
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlwvA1NGjD
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoJHdz7MBP
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3t5iDd6X9
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfDsagQkLx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxX74w9AKK
"Ha, abandon?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mz0uyyf2F
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2jnDay5hU
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjOWjotNFD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou02ipdwo0
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAvIAo3Zun
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCAtA1P4NW
"If you were, it was backfiring."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnFEJhPySQ
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGm05LRxyZ
"Harhar. Very funny."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEoKRvYZye
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD9hleoemE
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oXhSNOotV
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VIRaoObQj
"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."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsEkJecTgC
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUADyffr3AR
"Aren't you conceited."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBoKU4bEyt
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbx3848Btp
"You think it's arrogance?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQzTSbzexX
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcf8tpYDth
Pars began to stroke his chin.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAmt9XsZiA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgAzGbo2EE
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkTsgMgFMA
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hwfoSIg28
"But what you want isn't just greatness."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNCezD8Qlx
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YioXkVdEr
"...Yeah, you're right."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEjGCU5s3B
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuieeWhVZEV
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrFxXRPfCL
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphKeyaefj4
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
