“...”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw752RMwvlI
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“...”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwRIyatN05
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I couldn’t explain how it wound up this way. Maybe it was how I always lagged behind, or that other members were simply more courageous than Juke and I. Maybe it was bad fortune becoming of me, an ugly trait that reared its head in inconvenient times. Pondering an explanation was a useless endeavor anyhow. At this point, I realized it just wasn’t always needed.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2DzXeMI2I
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But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZduYNkFkOv
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I didn’t have any evidence, but my gut screamed at me that the final floor would be the most challenging to combat. I readily acknowledged that the Harbinger was on a lower floor, but all the suspense that had been accumulating in my body informed me that wasn’t the worst of it. Perhaps it was a superstition– no, it absolutely was –but I was still compelled to tell Juke of my hypothesis.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArcX56Rm3V
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“I have a feeling–”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamLLF8QlP6
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“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM73cAg7qK
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I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyUwn6NH61
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“Do you also have that feeling?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0he0BnGEuM
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“Nothin’ like it. I could just tell by the look on yer face. Either way, I don’t think we’re gonna deal with somethin’ so meddlesome.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3fc3ecQep
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“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWQxx8q1AQ
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His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ8pCzslzw
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But, ultimately, I reminded myself yet again that that hardly mattered. Now that we’d arrived on a flat surface, there was nothing to do but to walk through that door and eliminate whoever was behind it. So we made sure to make a loud entrance. As I was able to match his pace, the both of us busted the door down. We ran into the master’s room, a spacious office stacked with papers. It was different, and far, far messier than the Foreign Pillar’s.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgVHLEcmOq
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“Y-You!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVmUcGfKEa
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I was shocked by a sudden voice from my left. I turned my head and saw a skinny gentleman, one I could only assume was the Pillar’s Dean.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngaVc8lyr1
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“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWD6mNs7FB
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“A-Alright!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU1Q94Ijsk
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Whether his words or his pathetic visage swayed me, I ran to untie him all the same. But I was stopped in my tracks by a hand grabbing my shoulder.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxDtbTPRqU
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“Hey! Juke, what are–”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaPrQVgDA6
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My question was cut short the moment I looked at where he was point. Now, I was looking at the reason behind the different papers, the reason why the dean was tied in rope.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NDpOG8MZE
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A man stood on the desk. A man with a robe I knew all too well, but more importantly, with a style of hair that I recognized. He turned his head towards us as he put a paper down, and frowned.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYfVlqjWcM
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“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzFtWsh0Sm
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With almond-shaped eyes and a jagged, unusual hairstyle that screamed “punk,” the Bringer in the streets of this city right as this mess began glared at us with the sheen of his blade.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHLicMjt5f
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“He’s alive!?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fKl5LAGdR
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The shock of it all was one thing, as the last time I saw him, I was sure he was pulverized and left to bleed out. But what truly made me yell in such volume was that he still had both of his arms.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdRPlpjFnG
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“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuzsFWuQU5
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“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8bMQbsUIg
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He said it matter-of-factly, as if none of it should be a surprise. Missing limbs weren’t impossible to restore with highly potent, albeit rare and extremely expensive potions, but processes like that took months, often years to complete. And they would only proceed smoothly with frequent tending and doctoral observation.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprhmoTtvMx
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And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiE7UsJy4T
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“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3oTY1et1F
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“...Well, not exactly.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt7QnXoSsn
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I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRnHg4KTls
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“Restoring limbs isn’t impossible; I tried and failed to make a few like that myself. But to be able to do it that fast, there’s only one explanation.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQNeQ2z5vG
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“Tell me, won’t ya?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ9zD7Tje3
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“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaHKQau84o
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLawwket5cJ
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYrmbLzoSI
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“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB382vt3nTR
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“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqNneBnKnW
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I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWTb5FFwi2
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“There’s someone among our ranks who’s a world-class healer. It’s phenomenal to see her work, really. I was out like a light, but by the time I woke up, I was better than new!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMoTOZ9QYA
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He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88KMvOQ9hT
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“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQQNFGmPhn
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The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Bb5QICa6
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“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YX28zxRrY
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The Bringer hopped off the desk and reached for the other scabbard on his belt. Wielding two curved blades yet again, he stared at us with crazed, narrowed eyes.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8hcJc2IiB
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“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOVZJDA6V5
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He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNyhHebQx9
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“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWwDIahGsg
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And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxow8rPfoXf
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–
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–
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–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydQe3v98SA
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The Bringer’s immediate dash complicated this whole mess. It might’ve been my fault for not taking Juke aside and speaking of a plan, but there was nothing I could do now. I didn’t have time to speak with him about our battle strategy. It helped not that the Bringer’s gesture was so sudden. It stunned me for a moment and forced me to think of a counterattack. But Juke thankfully had a quick, simple proposal:: he just drew his sword and matched the Bringer.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux9vkNK1rA
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The first collision of the battle followed right after. Juke blocked a double swipe with his single sword, and immediately I noted that Juke had more physical strength than the Bringer, as he was able to keep him in a lock. The Bringer dashed away shortly after, glaring at us while humming curiously. I was oddly disturbed by that gesture, but I had no time to contemplate. I drew my tendril and sprouted the perfect plant for the occasion: the Thistle-Bloom. One of the first plants I ever copied from Prince’s garden, Its spikey bulb protruded from the tip of the tendril. I squelched its root as if I was choking it.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsskyaNvNLn
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Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0DnGT2tbr
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“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoy9F4BzmS
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He nodded right after, boldly charging at the still-humming Bringer. I put one knee down and bent the Thistle-Bloom, aiming it directly at the two fighters.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7du2ADWCJQ
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It was impossible to safely shoot while the two were in close combat, but that bothered me barely. Juke’s endowment gave him a defensive edge, and with the constant threat of his sword and wind magic, the Bringer would be forced to back away eventually. I just had to wait for that moment, and as I did, I keenly watched the battle unfold.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGcT6FooV8
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Juke played the offensive role spectacularly. I wasn't sure if the Bringer was hesitating from past experience or gauging him in some fashion, but the end result was that swings were being thrown his way. None of Juke's swings connected, however, and the Bringer kept too small a distance for me to shoot.
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Eventually, the Bringer retaliated. He swung his swords across and Juke blocked them at the center. From that position though, Juke was forced to back away. Almost losing his sword, he awkwardly stepped a few paces back while swinging his arms to keep from falling. In that moment, the Bringer dashed and thrust his weapons.
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**CLANG**
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"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
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The tip of his blades practically bounced off Juke's skin, and from the looks of it, made only a scratch on his helmet. Juke looked relieved, and the Bringer looked annoyed, and though I was distracted by relief of not seeing my friend be penetrated, I surged mana through the tendril.
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"It's a weird ability you have there. Fortunately–"
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All of a sudden, right before the thorns of the bulb spew like the water of a dam, the Bringer flung one of his blades my way.
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"I can just chip away."
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I tripped over myself trying to dodge it, and though all but a clip of my hair avoided it, it managed to glide through elsewhere.
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My body reacted immediately.
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"Urg--Glurrgh!"
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The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
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"Kid! Ah, shit!"
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I collapsed to the ground, limp and lethargic in my lazy legs. I mustered the strength to tilt my head up and look at the fight. Juke kept the Bringer occupied, but everything about the sight was wrong. That Bringer was missing a sword, so why was Juke forced to block every attack? Why did his posture falter while the Bringer's only strengthened?
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Familiar shivers ran through my spine. My limbs denied my commands, and even my eyes forced themselves blind to the scene. Then the word "run" entered my head. And then I–
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"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
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"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
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A rush of adrenaline helped me endure the pain of forming the Dragon-Maw, but with my other hand, I quickly created a ball of fire and lobbed it at the two fighters. I didn't hit anyone, but the blaze separated them, giving Juke crucial time to breathe. He shot me a thumbs up while brandishing his weapon, threatening the Bringer just enough for him to back off.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WTbBhOVzD
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The Dragon-Maw snapped at the Bringer, knowing by instinct who the opponent was. But to my surprise, it didn’t uncontrollably charge.. Rather, it retracted, hissing at the adversary as if he encroached on its territory.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjSSmHxKgZ
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“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI8IZDjmzs
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After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Whk848KMR
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Though carrying such a dislodged, extended mass was difficult on my tiny body, I put no energy into making attacks. Dragon-Maw complimented Juke’s fighting patterns superbly, striking at times when Juke reeled from swinging his sword. The Bringer was put on the backfoot almost instantly, and the pressure was obvious from his drenched face. Despite our suffocating offense, we never managed to break the guard of his blistering blade.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCHQewKi9k
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He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6h9SdYsB6
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Though my arm strained and heaved, I kept the tendril out. The Bringer carried Juke and Dragon-Maw around the room, lining its edges and narrowly missing the paper piles. At some point, though, I noticed that the Bringer had to block less and less. I thought for a moment that exhaustion from Juke or I was to blame, but as I narrowed my eyes, I noticed his feet moving further and further back.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJu1rPKV3A
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And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKEFrf0EcN
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“Crap!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46UN1qvvNk
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I stopped supporting my right arm with my left and quickly began mana expulsion. I didn’t have the time to make anything dangerous, so I conjured a messy ball of water and flung it at the Bringer. But I didn’t put enough for or mana for it to be meaningfully threatening. It merely splashed his face, not enough to stop him from picking up his other sword. But that brief moment of blindness afforded me a–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGlKqNsk9x
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**CRUNCH**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3EeOf7YQs
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The Dragon-Maw managed to clamp the Bringer at his side. It didn’t bite anything off, but from the grunts of the Bringer and the new hues of red, it was clear that the wound was deep.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVwUx0f6nt
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Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULxkw5NVjz
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Like it was a basic reflex, the Bringer swung his sword and cut the head of Dragon-Maw off. I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the ensuing, and brutally-arriving pain. My preparation suppressed it adequately. I was still on my legs, after all. But it was offset by my dwindling willingness to use the tendril, and by the way its brown roots shed its sheen, I figured it felt the same. I had to ask it for one more favor, though.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp3ySbZruu
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I realized it was reckless, especially with how small the room was, but I didn’t want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. Thus, I procured a–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGqBr1SLzF
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“Child! Child, please!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLG91uu9xd
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“W-What!?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrPBsGpmZO
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My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOg1vi2o1R
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“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4emScS33X
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“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n8qOK2UiB
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“...”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MJGZAet0M
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I had this sick feeling that the Dean was far sleazier than I initially thought, but under this kind of situation, I could hardly blame him. I didn’t turn to save him, however. As a Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip of my tendril, I stared with sweaty palms at the dueling two. Juke matched the Bringer far more comfortably now, even with him having two swords, as that injury was unignorable.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2LGSgvgQ0
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With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbBrsq7q9S
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“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtwbiWzg5w
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“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKjPZwSHDq
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Even though it would just take making a small dagger out of earth, sinking that time to free him felt like a terrible idea. I knew it was possible, I knew Juke could last long enough for me to do so, and yet– and yet–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCn3phFFTQ
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And yet, the option caused my arms to shiver. To be responsible for his freedom, would just mean I was responsible for everything that followed.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc0yomhKi0
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How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0XSTCnNek
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“Kid! Watch out!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEJX8S3kws
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“--Huh?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dLBi9hDrp
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEto4jrc2Rp
I was swept from my trance by Juke’s loud, worried call. My vision registered with me then, and I realized that the Bringer was charging directly at me.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLr1Y59rjI
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsGAwnuTsX
“S-S-Shit!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H0OybgJbi
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w4he8GQjM
I did the first thing that came to mind: I conjured a hasty spell, shot it, and jumped to the side, causing me to land on my hip. Only, it didn’t go so smoothly. The spell I created wasn’t one of earth or fire, as trying to rush those would erase nearly half of my mana supply. So I created a large wave of water before moving. It blinded the bringer sufficiently, just enough for his thrust to miss me.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2voeKDiZ2F
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**SQUELCH**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52uoR0cwGl
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But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ8IjhdgiJ
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“--H-Hrk!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAou27bKatL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyJkygjeVT
“Oh?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5hUoc83eU
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKeCAOpOvL
The Bringer rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked at where his sword had been lodged. He wasn’t happy or upset, nor did he look amused or angered. He had the look of someone who made a simple slip-up, like a man putting a box in the wrong place and merely shrugging his shoulders at the sight.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7odpBrchmn
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HqQboKzuw
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZJ9yAQVIO
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR6pYQ683d
“Ark… W-Why?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRz3DvRHyc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTzUoOCGNt
“I don’t have a reason. It was an accident, relax. Goodness, just relax! It’s not as if I hit your lungs, did I?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJR4DPHlHK
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0z55W7tG0
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgFBME2YDu
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp6w3PYzWy
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe82InbAJT
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwCAMcHI7W
“A– y-you monster!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrXl37xqDL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGMssEJ0Vk
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpj2vfmcv5
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzlBCpz2kj
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHUkDXK96v
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwXG1rJ8Za
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhYmlZBptp
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqTdrm4QFl
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej0RVHupdV
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRzuUkK72l
“A-Afraid?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEjpkz4dWa
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboEGarnM2s
I was stunned, undeniably, but it wasn’t paralysis. That wasn’t the case, because I saw the Dean right there, writhing but breathing, trying what he could to cover his wound. But to call myself afraid wasn’t incorrect. I could hardly keep myself from melting.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSQOnm5Ov1
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmml1bkTRcq
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh0JaglTs3
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YLkb9L3rS
But then Juke’s words resounded from my side, and the sight of the Dean became enough for me to move. Though, I didn’t do so before giving myself a necessary rebuke.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g3Hejb3RH
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn4TqcZokE
“Damn it. Damn it!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yzog2c5E0
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy13uG07AUd
I aimed the Freezey-Dry at the bringer and let it work. The Bringer stepped to the side, avoiding the wall of ice that formed until the end of the room. I didn’t have to face any counterattack either, as Juke kept the Bringer occupied while I ran to the Dean, forming an earthly knife.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfo5XPA8oe
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn5Wzpitww
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVg9OEC8Hg
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouThVmLrb0
I hurriedly cut the ropes, slicing one of my own fingers in the process, but still managing to free the Dean. He grasped his shoulder and got on his legs.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ozPdccrcX
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“T-Thank you.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKzCgtlSqh
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI2O1AR67V
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i3Z2RiWU1
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwL8vbBrRy
The Dean meekly nodded, which made me greatly relieved. I conjured up a quick earth spell and shot it through the ice wall, creating an opening.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1UseX2qv6
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazZANbReOt
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwQavCVxYr
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrtRsleTV0
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtvvLRZvsS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdanTu00vQL
Though his run was gaunt, he managed to leave the parameter without being stopped. I walked around the ice wall to make sure of it, seeing him go through the entrance, and then I returned my attention to the Bringer.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZINXHXDZS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswQcDI0euu
He and Juke were still fighting. The Bringer landed stray hits far too often for comfort, but I saw a window when the two clashed their swords and stared.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UWKVeJ5AO
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFUzmG91qh
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYqZemOig5
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvAzkx6njZ
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRLWwD0N4o
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfZveFYmzw
“Juke!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcnddKs67o
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3FjMRgDiw
I interjected as quickly as I could. I formed a ball of earth and shot it at the Bringer. He moved to dodge it, but his toilsome wound forced him to hiss and I managed to nip his shoulder. Juke took advantage of the generated momentum, swinging his sword barbarically but only scratching the Bringer’s cloth as he dodged. The Bringer clicked his tongue and massaged his shoulder. Though it was a reach of a call to make, I felt confident that his shoulder was dislocated.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ877tzwzEZs
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDf8pqTyIy
“That kid is such a nuisance!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif8ZXLZgik
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn0hc33LyX
He yelled an enraged sentence, jerking his head to me and glaring with dagger-like eyes. I brought my tendril out in front of me as a kind of shield, though with the ferocity of which he sprinted, it clearly wouldn’t do anything.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTBRvYnotZ
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Fortunately, it didn’t have to.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80uE0SVUjY
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“Ahck!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ2QQ3HL0c
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A gust of wind came from my right, slamming the Bringer hard enough for him to tumble to the floor. Juke followed his spell by charging with his sword raised. He swung down and collided with a shielding scimitar, unable to break its barricade. But as they struggled, I made my move.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs2SNYbIuP
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2wwdvai4k
A spell wouldn’t do me good, and this wilting Freeze-Dry wouldn’t fare any better. My other offensive flower had been pierced and shredded, so I only had one thing at my disposal.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRDZIeSHuF
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBgM5kEUTR
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpFzu97pxu
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoo0tadwf0
Juke moved his sword in the nick of time. The tendril caught the flat side of his scimitar– to my great relief –and crashed directly into his stomach. The air escaped from his lungs, and remnants of his meals flew out of his orifice. The blow stunned him well, and I retracted my tendril so Juke could quickly finish the job.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kGRdDzfjl
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But, that did not happen.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBZj7kxNpj
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With gritted teeth the bringer kicked himself from the floor to his feet, keeping Juke and I at a distance while pointing his swords. In the midst of it, I prepared a spell with my left hand: the embryonic stage of a geyser that would hose him to the wall. Preparing it took a while, however, and it was within that window of time that the Bringer264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNT52pjyrg
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGHBBRbbgX
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaHtUX0ULf
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtbKYD54qo
He twirled his core along with his blades, swindling himself like a leadenknob. His arm covered every feature of his face but his eyes, and he glared at us with the eyes of a feline.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0bk3eVqrn
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMasjVVSBq
From his body language, posture, and exasperated voice, it was clear to me what was coming: that bizarre technique that troubled Juke and I when we first fought.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiHLv1fsls
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And he let it rip just a moment later.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ySdr3Yf1Y
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His speed was unprecedented, his rotation made him blurry, and his rapid blades howled in the wind it sliced. Though he spun in a rocky direction, it was just accurate enough to gain ground on Juke and I. And I knew that helmet of his wouldn’t last under such a flurry.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF29bWa2BJD
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdJVWomqfM
But true as that might’ve been, it wasn’t his helmet that would be put to the test. The Bringer veered from Juke right into me, approaching at a speed I could hardly react to. React I did, however. I produced a flower from my tendril and injected mana into it as fast as I could, and before his flurry of blades came, I had something to guard myself.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEdFDVrjpa
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFkW1R4Z3p
The beige and jagged texture of the Valencia-Bloom’s shield defended me. Small enough for me to carry, but large enough to stop speedy metal from sneaking past. It kept up with the flurry miraculously, as every cut it received closed immediately. Dozens and dozens of cuts, and none strong enough to pierce through.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEAOHoIfF7
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“...!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1oFjtahMP
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None so fierce to kill my plant.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm9uq16yL5
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKS6r2gzso
“M-My arm!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbEL7czjTJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKL4ktj5HS
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xNxsonBlL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQXyz2ey4b
“Juke!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD7t86mFcv
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy2ZFUJTGm
“Gotcha, kid!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2DAwoJ5fl
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbaX5j1p7p
The barrage had no effect on the shield, but my puny arm couldn’t stand against such pressure. It was impossible to keep it up. I could already feel the fear seep into me; flashing images of what would become of me should those spinning blades connect.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF5lvKjTLP
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPihu3pCPV0
But something unusual happened in light of that. An action I didn’t know I had the capacity for, but was driven by nothing but my own will.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJNZKkNpnf
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji1kutWi6f
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4dSVmV45v
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjx1j40FY1
It wasn’t a clean hit– the complete opposite. I couldn’t aim my palm in any useful direction, but the force of the spell was so great it still adjacently struck the Bringer. As I didn’t have time to plant myself firmly, I was sent flying as well, colliding into the wall to my right and across the room.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj8zzy2apz
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2TNElJyp2
“Hrk!”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO6cjrda8v
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O4alhiay7
The slam was ugly, and I slid to the floor like mushy food. I didn’t let myself rest then, however, because that Bringer was still alive. I stood up and peered over the Dean’s desk, at the Bringer.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZGAHVBJ6W
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYFzw1i5X0
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8gCcxqkuR
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIxBT0wBrA
“...”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU45INa6AJf
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“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7T0610LJ2
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVLuCA9M5I
I didn’t respond to Juke’s praise. All my attention tunneled to the Bringer. His gaping mouth, his constricting eyes, the fading strength as his staunchblades slipped from his grip. He finally turned his eyes to me, then to the man who left him in such a state.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u66MbBge4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e3FEUv6ZW
“Curse…”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2JxAxtTCH
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnb070dwXL
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6k94NIHF4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7eT3Mu2u6
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON6zRaJfpk
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1q7f6qMAg
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ehyJZfKTN
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOU6xkW5wX
“May they, be few.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoByz1JBJWS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg50biOu7c
Another fit of coughing followed. It was intense and abrasive, ripping at his throat with each installment. Their strength eventually dwindled. His noisy coughs turned to raspy whispers, ejecting all the piling blood that clogged itself in his throat, lower and lower volumes as it progressed.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDWp2vxjWP
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrTFCI4NhA
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7U6rIRCeJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd2gy81oUY
“That was… sad.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtVsDhVfDq
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUiH2v2ahD
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrz64mOezS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPsgsI5qdd
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxlNMVYFVJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypAN3i8yYY
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrbUXzLj0l
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUjDHnWbBP
I chuckled at his assessment. He had a point. I should’ve just been glad to be alive, shouldn’t I? I showed my gratitude by taking a few steps over to Juke, raising my palm with as sweet a smile I could make. He matched my gesture, and we high-fived.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgtIAU0E4B
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z6P4u2TNn
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcGwM7jkYW
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvClGJfTjxW
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngP8QWrtzZ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyY0StDhZf
“Don’t continue.”264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegBuxbWWib
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8on25AzhUI
I looked at the Bringer’s corpse. In a twisted way, it was a trophy. A tangible token that indicated our success, our reclaiming of the Central Pillar. If the lower floors have succeeded, that is. I didn’t want to think like that now, however.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutLGoDvMG8
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLKosYKURV
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1wk5h3Hqy
