Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWWVsdV9Ad
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS6GuK3adu
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Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYFDX3xHAZ
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"What are you doing!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVroO01FExc
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVSih2GAjl
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDTWOUrdNs
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9TeSM7LPp
**BOOM**117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgPEXlIB8x
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcjK7gUM0c
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RIQhMviFa
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"Ngh, damn it!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu46jplJwx9
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuwRUKSWv4
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzm20oyAw2
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQkEQ4HBZ3
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc4Qj52FP1
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrMSlqqgYI
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXWpLte6lA
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJWh4ZrWJm
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXVSZh56y0
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"--Damn it! Rover!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dYNiLIrzy
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I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vZ05wTv5h
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbnCgJpMel
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVaqs4HfAX
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAD1DnBo8D
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m8vDZ6leA
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcdZhoAz0m
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f3sYaxKDg
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73vtUsYSEP
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIHkoCD6V0
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwR8zsyzDS
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeOvRhTidZ
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oc9AFvFLh
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnOKj1kBXL
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pZchBAdDB
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6IMLeNbNd
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGHRshbSBC
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3PZ0156oz
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVls76YpcR
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U3kDc83UD
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcVKvtR79N
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSrp9rSyD3
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhFf1jmBGv
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwxvJ8rkku
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybKQIaNzXG
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwifiSmH44
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfYijk65VJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4twAmnu1W
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYtedglll1
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWPsRJSdGg
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaI8OdSo9H
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3mRcjTfYX
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRE5Q0uWoh
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"Hey, Kenny!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezTBtC6juI
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUFJFHXFwQ
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraQf0pI1gf
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"I-Is she okay?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwloBdxopjQ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0jPCJs6r7
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAJJsSrcJW
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdat5eVO1H
"I don't know what that is!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9yYXuhfoQ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU90Zo2lX8
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iWgx8xhLJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaKfqN8eZd
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7teHBTHdpJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrJhMC2Ben
Though, that did raise the question–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFniHJ1bN3
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"Do you know where you're going!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkVLPwgW0r
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sH1T6aJXA
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITp0p1rrmX
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZdLH3dxBL
"Ah– where is Dennis?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqx5l48Sh7
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDHmmcGWoA
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1yUkGrvKW
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusdLd0ckrN
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazvN40Id3z
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"Shit."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L2sVo8yYl
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnjepYh6aH
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebg3AGZjVV
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPepTWxbzE4
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkK8uKYSyu
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PBhTpTJm7
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"...Alright."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qFeu4Bppi
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bI6DLj68e
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlthhIvQ12O
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVZ4QXKy6Z
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukMkfgoNbd
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegeJVCP4yZ
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4dyiIDoBw
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetPnODU4rT
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm7ai8tV2O
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The man stopped speaking.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs2rYvx0ME
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"Alright, carry on, then."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2VWhS9yBW
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"...Eh?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oIksB4Q11
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I shared in his confusion.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC9iqn5PgL
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuEPmShpTA
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhVP2fljnT
"I-If ya say so!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtppGtLDkkF
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaetYs5ht1
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4bzN3aL9H
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jlx69d3k0
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA5uvJPfoB
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyFLje7qWQ
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRwwbbEdm9
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxK7mFmkw7
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBInpk5nYi2
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt8qOUIYOA
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp52943ubp
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I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtaqBsdH9W
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg3UzKhX42
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"Damn it, kid!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBvXu9tW5n
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmAmr7zjxr
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa4CZHnKeo
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVFMDiNgBO
**SMASH**117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEsYjzpWvx
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I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad1fQ33u4e
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUy8I3QQBT
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWj7Mh6k6W
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGAWYGNC5J
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmNepkLSXW
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMsnPoTzWb
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHOky971gr
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjew62yvQKB
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JRO891iCy
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEA79f2WGa
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The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgb8v6xBqq
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx16yYDvXM
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDicfrQtrl
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ok43H1csK
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde6wZ5Uaie
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQptsrKnZkk
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJc2goPv6v
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkn3koRVi3
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwCqPpwffY
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooPJSmQUZk
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRMuDpC1gl
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"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3RBKnZgli
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGF0EEYegd
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbwOEjI4GH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ztl1ZeQE8
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5XLNv60MH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEb1Yh0fcr
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhXNxyoQXZ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85poLyxMSH
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDuNZsQLlx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5mhhI4xIY
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG3hGUUArJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszh8v8sjpc
"Like I'll let ya do that!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbt9Pc04XT
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2blp4n4tc
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2ERbtkpAY
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43N8LNck2U
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjOmLeh0GF
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P6SZepYc2
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JX0zB3ZTe
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAakKNNTvS
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMa08uXmBC
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0TGuVWLt7
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2wFlimAh4
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kjOUcJKya
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkvLjMfm1K
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKH7GJA1Yj
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVy2kZFT1u
"--Hrk!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RCB4O46xZ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWusBeLMXt
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBu0dWUWJG
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkBkpYxJBb
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn6zKbmOye
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7e8ZFTFcH
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif8skOkJXO
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkiZSlkSxs
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVNtqB4tRm
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXfn8TYVzH
"Whatever!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvAShxCT5z
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr8vtS7o47
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwSU4sPMT2
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A7lqkQ4oT
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMjNewf1Ii
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2Mw3N9nRx
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKKSeUlKF7
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA5dh629w5
Dread, worry, guilt–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmDCdatcKk
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuEeS4LFJV
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08gPPDcCz5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA89AIwRG5H
"...R-Right!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeFakJusHU
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIa5K3pdWp
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVuKIpi6CP
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlejdG16nBi
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0xqbbZ5Bs
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcB9mQrGLq
**SLAM**117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel2j1isrjF
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS8qUNsLAL
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxBTrnEmFw
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjat14jQ7N1
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd8s8VHHuM
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlMdpiEhWD
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrm1bzD7pV
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiB1mC1anl
"--Ugh!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPttF2IAQoK
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN8xsVv4pr
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvWAJIfyRE
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVniZFlCazp
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSct4DC8rm
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvkaHwe7Hs
**SMASH**117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuy0VrTZLo
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW5TeDty5w
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsF4x2jZQ4
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO5gZsil7w
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpRfAtuqr1
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB0lmTofm8
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg157bZzdh9
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2gSOxWYFl
"Ah! Sorry!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kSrmgHYYA
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKQIiJWNJ9
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7kpVHOHp5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2n2pGi9jp
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHKoZ56ccL
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NCKoP4Kt8
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a5hEi3W3z
"N-No, that's not it."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e58A6i7o5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3zfkmRqZV
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1pIaJbyun
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsDNnYanQQ
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3aPAOU6gX
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroxsvXr36N
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
