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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRrBJiTZIs
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIPPU7mhsA
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDffeodWu8q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiJ1tlFnoc
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmGDAA2HfX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo0puitUeR
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrQFxpCuyr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4pectlojq
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y3JUMNCKC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKkMHUC7Y1
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYlejUefHr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzvGVfJJBY
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSr5HhGFcn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugz5s8rYOQ
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv4tb27bKZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ewFUoPkO
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVyDwJNlUc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ii5g7JUOo
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcihq1sUUyA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sMjVB6t6T
**BOOM**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOSbh8WHrT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXI0dATlBH
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3QkzzsQAm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMstQu5KBE
"Ack!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZcQsfIRHq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEBpHKD0XP
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8Q0jT93rk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj0qPWPHog
The room was a catastrophe.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbVOdijtw2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSUX8ccgHJ
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMVbjIHFRz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeYUpmMovV
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hzyILgVF6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFmEUlhhhS
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwg6H9hLPZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBxSsh50xm
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aiiqarj4O
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbRcxR8RQu
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yzQl19vXk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfu5T79BfQ
**STRIKE**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv5gzaCIg9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQaO2lGsGF
–only to be immediately interrupted.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjcgNlQvZ0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KxNcS6L2z
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIgiPRtsCX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iCK4arDh1
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3uNzGogak
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a1TACo1PZ
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVZcWyUNcE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK1QOfjjf6
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhozijTivPE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFMdSChsyU
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4vu6XC2Xn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGIE7FNFcI
"C'mon!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn8dn0Q0Ds
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCX3xgvOuA
"--Ah!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHhDc7S6LM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m5czzld16
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZq86AyfTK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iq7TQVzoC
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd0tYOAFj8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7XUJTf58J
–
–
–
What a moron.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB5NxINIgy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXTZiC9M5g
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFBA65J0hE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH8jXfqw8P
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhwz4IxETN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxcFh6a2tx
**THUD**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffgzhJfCC8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo7Il4KYOm
"Ngh!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJHR6fhibN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMkt2VlLh7
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vs6Pmuu75
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxwfAhDhlZ
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T45abGy0Q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1fNPbkcnc
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDp20FCxWs
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvpboqboaD
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpErf1cNTTN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIduTrYkrvQ
"--I should've known!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnteUpYgEmB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQAdkOIRnc
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWhERxdjcB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkrJuoVX1I
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkFYlAyXQq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpn9GOA0V1
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPgl37nDaj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqewHae5mo5
"DAVE!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeBYvOpMGb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6fjRAt9FP
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM8tPKr3tY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3rema0MbH
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LnvIQt5B1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdjXfmUAFO
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.
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1iZEECD2E
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP7HtOSzTO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIoNif0Utb
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFlFgIsTJe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9vKG6YdXw
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc1tHOUjGQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrhP3K7Wt6
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWp3VvuQAI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d3pPxmh1K
"...Those are our first casualties–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5L2saXCfC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rO3G3Ju8p
**BOOM**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBx6i5q015
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QjhvxDizx
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIhvrHwcrN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSs7hjHQmU
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTGR0y0sTS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QPsmDCAop
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5SoWct5Xu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIrpC37AVE
"I'm here now."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzfkY0hmPb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEydEY880W0
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxWrrVZPEd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJZQxRN2pa
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8I1gllYJG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLOHYiinz4
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHJGfgJDju
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWiMRZvZlZ
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcaYQt4fQF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmvEthvvZV
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoq44fZEGP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcSOb2Wqvi
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8ljsoEoY7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn18cOPl7u
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSLYhBrWUM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbLjp10SQ7
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjWMxypeKw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpNKwZcvBB
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejnKnpF8Qq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqCIejnPh7
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaDpxcRjI3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBlFJzAoKo
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs5akzzsvk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FPUnT2pvW
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyp7ralVEn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ISPJNlSfW
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTjqhaAUDC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBlmO9A9qh
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiykbZNRN5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC9egfF0Hj
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AC0CqJn7T
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx3AHEIGv8
**BOOM**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvREyXiemW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDujrm7cuw
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmFVGR9780
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFjpjD8dIQ
"Pars!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtB3q8lVQD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXlqgf2QAJ
"Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgupzisQN1n
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeRKP19oqx
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZsBmLZFXj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2M9VojITu
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP0JGnLEWt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsBf5HbjTY
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s7vsptMO7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkAOHIJ2Un
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMHHaeUJVK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGQzCbbPvJ
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRrT4ewaOQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6iTYvJIIu
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JdfpdMa2I
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CMpy6d68K
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzZ8DsBDzT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqZrZyRpN6
**CLANG**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXMODlNQ2X
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI8tMVEEod
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRrCLaGl8R
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUuftIAMQF
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttfsW6mW3h
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMQgut0HFG
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbwXOCacXc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHkkUKLwKW
**SLAM**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhch0fWbMI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMo4KNjOyf
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyKCIKh7UB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRTCyEXjuQ
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xYdUjgy98
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgblIUAZB7N
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JZuazOEqT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsgFNKcykR
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7wOIRIsNQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdczfHUrDYj
"Ngh! Shit–!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFC9USEc75
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj8GihzpgY
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8jSUikDLD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY2H6ulFv4
But then–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ecjIvZdda
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1dKTEBqIc
**BOOM**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRdisylCh8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJsGjZ0Nix
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaQfX57QR4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSp1Y8fsBP
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJl18xflxf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSvdhdxTzT
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3F0MUgEEG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4vWBFLmmc
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2DMFKbGIE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHjyZGLDFc
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCrXv0eElG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXIvUQSsrN
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQI60B8SD9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhpv7bLffn
"Gah–! You scared me!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAMMJUUS1Y
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnPSMYeP59
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvwMCGS8DZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YC5nKh3mf
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAam8RgonP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVL58E3vfp
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM0LqQR7xG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMFlqWu0Jl
"No, this is terrible."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJvcVL0SVI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtABLRKVYTT
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVC0zzOwrF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ94JK8aXU
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0zpRIvgOE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK5BPgPuRK
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KPXBSXQXk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QSMou09t9
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvAjthzkKu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfssblOBhC3
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h3FZeOdxl
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ZXzugTDl
"No. No suggestions from you, please."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NfKwcEiSz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLHQExHUYc
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaRkvvbseT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLupAgpjZjE
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDdN8wh6oS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepPA7D3QGc
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRjdATMyBy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IjLNkD3eH
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSZ49VaUCL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIGSTKhCsd
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB8lVRzMQM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz2iETwIk5
Still, no response.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7Wog8bKcP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0av8AHwj2
"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–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf8LdvMmpW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zhjHecjpE
"Because you're entirely incompetent."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHPcIY0xmx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoKk5Ygd3Y
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOIt8ufrZu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacEAPhZoTh
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYDSbQh4uJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJy8Vz6epo
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqOLC7TE0A
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXa6xZBMUK
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgccT52V9VP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8kkqmeENt
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirjOSwZGrC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xd1gHE4LP
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGj1zmzjj6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9HfO2O15I
"What?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NumFPbSIO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZpYrZrcwM
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaPScqe1qP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy8UUkUdzR
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq6HpM5xCI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5EYA3oyil
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF5IDjlrLX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZrwd070m2
"...I see."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uIHGzUdjO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwchiFq7FP4
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tYdhX51ON
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr4iBShQqv
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFmwNnK5ZJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP1I2XsKbe
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BPaAleAaL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaoLj4thDX
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvD98uTuLV
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrJzFyZh4U
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN95s9AZpY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2w1hUAqX4
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5j2wzg6WB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYBYcOroEP
"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–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzSq7SlZ1S
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoGwOhql1f
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EK1tkYb91
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBUep1It8x
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAfHhYHp4n
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcN2hpi5uz
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:198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BWS3Qc2m1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPOrREVB0u
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsjqRygTWf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe8ATcP4vT
"Alright!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFD4b4l9XS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CCdQQuOlW
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLflrDHil6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15yTjmJLY1
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mj6rh0w8I
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lyLad8Kmi
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3kffFRzYj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXcX7eFS2j
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFKXnSySxh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpZzikGU4E
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHN138rrrT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbIhKwX62F
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywv5X5KdDf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQkiUV8n6a
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXDxJymKZw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThD2Aslk2i
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZcPtaDluf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfamdeGbnM
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsccdTjF5Z2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWVu4DGAfj
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGqv8TA3RM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfutWihNKO
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOtwLn22OC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe4pNNBKk5
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHmEKVKmyL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3fq7f6cLq
"--No!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaxT37rMcB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5fqJ9oG6U
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3XSxG6rkx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Myzyzrzt
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfMCDoILvE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vxsZwMadz
"Hyua!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN5TTtMJpd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX75GihVSk
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUN0NllWP9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq9aHnbIkV
However, he did have another sharp object.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsClwcxX30
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIkQICeFY6
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XOmQ36WEU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlliBQq9xG
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2LsMQcw6A
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWft9xNAIth
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq59ulvzYBZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxubx7eZzX
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf36MdGq3F
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KkIWSh9QW
And what came was–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCoRi8DjTt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9gooIwppd
**BOOM**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcGjY0gASv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL10jzcwwPq
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBYwHeTkXF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMCBKuslFr
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhkFR5HpQo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbyF7sJqqk
"--oop!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOeMM4VqHJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSbma8LTA0
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvdmgFCUHE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2tMjosCcn
"You... you're a sick jokester."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqEqCPxDwF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzHoxAalWV
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LlzzvF2oX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4nYG7cp7X
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriBZhBxPj4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTps9Mf8K4
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhjCfXgGNw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVVJKVW7vq
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B6qD4Nc4N
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB8zSQZ9Rz
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXjb9wqGXn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeJC7QXjTw
"What the hell... what the hell!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2vr9yk7Wb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULNZbqAxP1
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGoURagLIg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiGgvKaVlg
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPHE4qguXW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMskIsuKxFq
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhlwagyfor
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvldwJhehk
"...Heh."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniGaMKPXjo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDsCT67ylH
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m1Jt7A7a1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCdx1X958B
–
–
–
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mdg8QOjmN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGvLumQ6Hs
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb9X3DIHKY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM9vk3mmQ5
**THUD**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu2iGL4gh7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjukNVbkTj
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G71T1kfPs
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaEZgtwwao
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY8CHLHQNi
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpME67Dhtl
"Though I have to wonder–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVispdEcVF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYseEX15GLH
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqcb3nWJmQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi6TgAw4ql
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5FzYUzd7B
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDvkDxiV4c
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq7hNTbW5x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZxVLHVrhO
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9vRb73Cdt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0lKxJIJDA
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67oMvX7oJN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdnoE0lPdO
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.
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzVpdTTB6U
"Irritating...!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBGwi0hDEW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGpke3A4oX
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtzuNSrjyO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTZAWtfg5m
Dave didn't like to use spears.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhNeyEwunL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8qosWET7i
"...Haaaaa."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtczYtiMKG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o8J6AATf4
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiUaI1NxQK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5qXs3Ipl5
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2znBiwYGBn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtbQL7pGkI
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz0l75ciwC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09MiVP65wS
That's what he always told himself, at least.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAVZ5KwgGo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LCFQffkuv
**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**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwM9QoNWcp
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5DECu4VNo
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCXnP1PkcQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmgBGI1rVB
**CLASH**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriWGYW5137
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTinSKnKds
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**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASg93QQPDQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0j9HBGZkV
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?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11FMs8IigQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25l34ItsRI
**CLASH**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTojOvm9d1J
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ2wz2dHy9
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRbBAFd20n
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtehPfg6Pk
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcuWUR2vn7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vvculGO5U
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ53bAcEM6x
Confusion–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCq2gCyDiF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWvzX4puif
**CLANG**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3IStl9CK3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuXoW4IEOw
Delusion–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC41h3NuVg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiW0RLUyS7
**CRASH**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYcJtQDPKK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRWzDSdJqa
All lead to one conclusion:198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbStxjNHU2F
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXbz1rtBGt
**SMASH**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlbYNJwy1z
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3UNgnYLPS
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGLmy2QFEh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69iADKtlQ2
"...No, of course it isn't."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvFAVFaxAT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbBFq2KftU
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaattcAoU4G
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6eCUOiTnv
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6nWaDFOTf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmB3rrk1oP
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDDPhQ3QTX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QkZ8ATLZk
**THUD**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Yv8IP6EMA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMdxerWCBr
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0zL21voUS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXt3ROha9v
"Pars!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB5SDuyxtv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDRTFd2nN8
"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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdOeYvL5I0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLv3UWKe0E
"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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6JHlimeSQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1jIVpVpC
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvSddtUmg6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1ojBO8Dzu
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8PR4X7Ra8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFgPZxavXv
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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVsYNYXZD2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAPLsfWhzR
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8JobtDJVc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEletoAVhM
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGVEvGT57W
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWjJH0sjEq
"What do you propose?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiwsg7RXK3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAxtd89pe4
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hfcVLcOX5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd7xUyKZLn
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNU4mu91aI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpy1JOLynK
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOn5ZPK9MU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR0yEEyc9P
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMAThkfI7j
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO0sAxN5kl
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpJNrsQnHm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEsT6BzhJG
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmCVtlaspn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3P6jmLMZ9
"--Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueNJndJV7z
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTYOUxntFD
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS8xtyhaLS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFJ8YWkO4x
"...Always backhanded, huh."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShVKMPRCDQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CAqkyQYa0
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 laugh198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFkz1c8iDd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0vbpKu4Ih
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXht60AKjO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixMcfjH1r5
"We likely don't have one."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmp2RfLAUR
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLgxdK42uI
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb4qbKIjoJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXJroMky3i
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvthIRBj2xK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFv0g7QBOx
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuzzhlshhV
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ10oJVdhqd
"Well, if you insist."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqLVlGGJgF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERvaf9rzl7
–
–
–
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.
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDosIKFKOc
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOd1fTbVuu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JjqBAWjTj
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev85RBMhHv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LwpfVeC5V
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS9SxqLFar
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6FuW5Ii6k
**THUD**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkii3fpIALa
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8AuvVbK6V
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?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNb7iJqI33
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIshLjnDyav
"--!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5EtITNciu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKAYrXLgeI
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpeI5R5eQ7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK0sEEvQaS
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ew8GkKzM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwOcgDC27e
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–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt3I5SXYx0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP23W9fQrZ
**SPLICE**198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00ezvsdmha
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBWEUbgQXV
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum290oUZ9D
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeHew5I83S
"I missed one."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx7Nu9PvPC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQzcMhhnDw
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmyS6PptoO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteoEyXcVKc
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwVDEKl4jF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBHpv4tRpC
"Hey!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoVakkjGM2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nuupgGkzq
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dugCsfTYm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJqpM02F2T
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgZ37n146D
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QqV6F7NUV
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw1Ce0ej2A
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWbWKA124M
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AIVZAFxO9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HodUIf1A7
"I never said that."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLcE2wSHq1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TqCsFPYJf
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcfN6UviNk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf7NnSgCvy
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq0LmkeVnN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP87htgvl14
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN9YNIzWld
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL31VSeTIPV
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUR3UFduqe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iGyXGq1Yt
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsUGfNuJER
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWnyh5kfTQ
"Haaaa. Damn you."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4Fj6NYCiE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDL1azP4Tk
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgRPzgSsUA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaIUWUTCDJ
"They are dead, right?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7kWQTgGKK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU43NaXBc0k
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizyHTy1hwG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKwZX7Bn9J
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IjtWxOXiL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcAuizQ9e5
"I–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN9lwDzPLM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCYJkyFtKx
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWHJbh8mDY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksctsRTWvO
"Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9GUkDiCw7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfqNgD4C1F
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJCbsjX6Jr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsBVHleSOr
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS8HDmQq8k
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPeXn6ZtIM
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlupm6FnP2R
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlB5Iy6iTb
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa99fQ6ZyDE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7mstVO74M
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsAZfN2L2X
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90nQCyhhPm
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43o462vmoD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTgSkMrdzB
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSci8Sp52ZR
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaFCCToVQf
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm72lVaXOz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBUZTNdkX1
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFk2d9XTOE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWWx0izyOM
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapKGvy5EcU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7VW06eDjo
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYopDe7eZbz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K3kkiipg0
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUy5fjL4Iz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb2mcFSDqS
"You raise a good point."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS2advKs4a
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzTiAndGPa
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwCflxDdRS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdP6P7r2sn
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CDd2zJIXA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz7LmHxBZZ
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z5aeZ3MUn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPkhynDOGt
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P0qGDiCpN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VTga9Luyb
"Ha, abandon?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ENg5rLKXn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VhQVxmTOT
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTH4eJHzvm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W8DGqpYUd
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KPnMPOT2G
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXw4I4gdxc
"If you were, it was backfiring."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh7wh2Kz1x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwBz5oxuJm
"Harhar. Very funny."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRx85do7Gj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExCygwpDIv
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdZa3Fno0e
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR7Yfc538z
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATXhMalwNK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ekCfo6tVR
"Aren't you conceited."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4EZjt97ew
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZZAt1D1mK
"You think it's arrogance?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxL4V1u6JF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WwZnHX2YM
Pars began to stroke his chin.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZMIICWHWF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40LkAih83M
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQsuoYEkRq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbTFU2bYbP
"But what you want isn't just greatness."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85Kj5GMxAB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeqRh5JUcW
"...Yeah, you're right."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5vwszV784
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSYeOTsRnX
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LjR7w1643
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgGd2s11G5
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
