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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPwJA1u23N
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFfYLqoDp6
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GOSVAmU5J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX5R5V0H4i
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkFa8UhlDj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDjqStg03k
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP69RQ41lR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHSftIW2O8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyEsXfo47r
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxy15nSeMp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFj8JGzu0Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK5NIY7zMO
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxsWrurMy9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37pZBFuVdL
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdEeYVnwti
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz4s9hVOS0
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL2fXTUM2x
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtAEUeJztA
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoABae9oZQk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzURLUuU1F9
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA36UR0ERx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbLvHao6m9
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE10Of99a0m
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ1Wyyc4OQ
"Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8s4wIupyb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEch7eTdXEl
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq15wqFKHkX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3GS3WpfV6
The room was a catastrophe.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalNWyoxHDh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2Qsx5VtlP
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao3puSrMGK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDkbxcmTAz
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r8tYjhjrz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Eq2vOWbTX
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xy98oi63c
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9eGnhq7GT
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPTFMPZGZn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJslSvHypp
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wq7Eknfoh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzu0aAfggk
**STRIKE**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpyi4ScEv9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXiFbuc0S9
–only to be immediately interrupted.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkSdLu7kAx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fBnjBo6zp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39eVWDX8fw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MH24WH6Dx
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvps7HAbyyG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzelxolZzk6
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZAOk9JqHW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPXcdvU7ZZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI3B0VWnd5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UpksKxiJF
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNboUpkEHYA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XdzQBXyqS
"C'mon!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdF0CAzv0s
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkXoLvAh8E
"--Ah!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvo6ULrnx8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu1Dx2WP15
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWg06a8YUw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIqm0fbIXR
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP208wbI3J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMKdb7Y5GJ
–
–
–
What a moron.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKTlsdlBT4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HpChvyQBp
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPIiLygiyl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspYERsDfbF
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3ExD3Rtf4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPnr2zl3mm
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZVsxqAGJX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqfXiFoWOg
"Ngh!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjauTujcWIH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC41GlAFLi
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKWkV2vrS0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQn7T01QP1
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvqS6fWWZP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWqzwrthga
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurOhZBU9YL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx2ofWIzJC
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW4rVbvNfT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWS8ZgtiNg
"--I should've known!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEejbyuaL3w
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGuQtEuchf
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjKzZMoAdr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqdEfQ0CRk
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufoL1XoK5E
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z8JUqNprt
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnJ6oEq1JI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6gMauRFEx
"DAVE!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZTGIoKRuv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfkLmVe4RC
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic0aZG7Lw1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ugmJBPTmG
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SBUpoIys2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5hKW75aUF
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoLcHFCkS0
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEZ3nw2fAN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz5a72hqOf
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBxgDyaAtH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCyta659rm
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VxbvquhAx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DECJExqlA
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcnZBH7il7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0u7iVZPEV
"...Those are our first casualties–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8uiXvgV6P
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCecSGpzkwi
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMDnhFO4XV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxpGvqSFe4
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbbfuPC7vd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgIAS07zZO
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlU9WntBKS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkzg1vPpid
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NHSQ4Tnvl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroNXMIOszG
"I'm here now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25soHZCRwP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMHt9wwphc
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPpnOvyDiL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhntep1ORcW
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cH9jo9hQS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd4IwxpJji
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZlJh9CX0J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeoalg0wSu
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhPxezN5RH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPXOvTiAE7
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfGUPgekJH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx29Hxx2O7
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoADTLjRZR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEfq2Z8dg4
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepA4SXufbV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGmSuO82Dy
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mwrgKNMMg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcAjbNd8si
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiPKKjwle6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOek9szp6xU
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBu4sFE92X
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WFITNRITm
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOoc0g4YH8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIq1joRV2V
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQcCfHw1Ko
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJVxf77hRF
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkdSVHHY2r
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzum9hw4nHr
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu7R4ufgKm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNx5iwUgHO
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7koH4kExWI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhfm2VuT2K
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPjGkpB9Ho
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQys306pwME
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR78ZTzpr87
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0JaQBsWoS
"Pars!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBaJAdkzRM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSWuSxKVTv
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBXE4xOjW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7Jak5Mfab
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNzXVUayTq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo4RuZ1mEW
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCfv5Tf8dO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiywh5x2QbR
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOypyH8RNje
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0WQMq0Ynv
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTvHtfi64w
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8UBCNsnBN
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwR6Rpadxi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2eUiC8kBS
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2326sNQf5e
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCQFtYDITV
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QtNA3xYkq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql0pXEwHI7
**CLANG**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlULgAP7JuG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBOQidinsd
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76k5lrjDEq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wha6PmX7k
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzdKY1KsVJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTrOGesrf9
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETci4OhDwU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukNaar2XhK
**SLAM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmKbmHSsVe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOXPVLxtFx
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU4HwN26QX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IctXUqF0t
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvENvahth8E
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJKhQH3Anc
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2JqJnUKCt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQQBju8XKt
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzXKUcCRZ3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QLzjx6W94
"Ngh! Shit–!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3mfrfcuyj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHhkyYYT7k
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqPWBeglQ2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8XrIQn57z
But then–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaS4NgmA3u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uqTwSRioC
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QWAB3sQuK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvYWZWoEAo
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1J66G1vp8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCetJ7e28a
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh41QcuVAU5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdTX7zVQtY
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2YT1cM8Xf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX0FRC5EuX
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoP4hAMCXf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz9awporAW
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIijpjsSUEO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7XFQqgdx7
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA86CDfD3LS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSv1G1m1eB
"Gah–! You scared me!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mgqM58Yqp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevbfGUwfIY
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHvmkJlXJf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBsW0kLQ3L
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBmmrpOsaH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ODuSXWJpQ
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddyqCl67NW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCOQpfmhPc
"No, this is terrible."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcRyOz0eDv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hysbH9WaM
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXIYdqiGdI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhLXXHBBI8
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfia2oTokT6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf0bD3eP9o
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qFDG9JhTj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO1feb3jrU
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6oaFxnBYc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHpYlE41m7
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1aUVpJM6u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHcXrEMAex
"No. No suggestions from you, please."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH3rgEcQYY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvqt1LYtCc
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6nP1O0PuQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtz7cspLdb
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HHiV4pnP2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1sXT8U9zE
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVIuK0d9P4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlFS2djyWd
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTBr9j7vki
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLstCo1M1X
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXsQRU2Cll
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh8BllAuf4
Still, no response.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpKU5uNPOY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95HIWdm8BT
"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–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajKJ4icYJy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU4iYHV7I6
"Because you're entirely incompetent."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAOPfn4a9U
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfIs8oVCkL
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr51iaf5pL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aJQZn9yLq
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT7YLz0Qcd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrzAWB1KDK
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXakgOtRht
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPIEglc4sk
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7krUavrNxY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9xwnCLmmi
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fenrxxeVf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNtgUutgaq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFRYYgPegh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwwq9DD8gn
"What?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5tT1t6fOQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPGSVpNA6i
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqet93I7SV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqRxWCTKQz
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb7la9uDEI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IAJ3FxR65
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuziM4PXg3V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuwNi3Gfbb
"...I see."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpsfCd3x51
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx4Kr6uY6i
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnVpNL4GTU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWBHh6rA68
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLOKmj9wJ2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRNS3dfCYL
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftN4x1dS5x
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLHXVa567S
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx3Owev23F
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLuNvUfEm6
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9yTQFRqiO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0orrCxDx0
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqM8nLymtV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HvAXAwM20
"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–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVtKidwzZF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld6SdpGtdi
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV23KiQSPzN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaMrsAWIMV
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QkXXOUTrI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9sbr9aCAb
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:241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWKv8CeEBQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj4xS0hbeE
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nxl2v1mQy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJmihyLRq5
"Alright!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuhsNrdjlU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOoziZzfmB
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QXnumNyM9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn31DJV59rh
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10WiNRzfo4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFF1EFxXqf
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu3iDDJ7SI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjwH5JC12H
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62wz7aAB2l
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaup77rII7e
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eSaj8iOgM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUJsKnuCtl
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGMlLxjpUc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLY530L0HF
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMPDNXewQJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJBpfbrlRW
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MjbFePLDG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7nG7JVKEn
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQryRYHj5iP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bkng9FNmA
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3qFd9WHs6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbAidU4DzG
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq87l40AP9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MMrhPy4qP
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsk341Fy2m
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsc2BlwvRk
"--No!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiCKP2k3Nq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqDVf4MYKY
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qdDxFIvcp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm0MRu5sT8
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJhoCXuEtH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe2cK3wNg3
"Hyua!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI5HOVJ9Z0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerjO414gwo
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6DsAVE68C
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK68EOgG1T
However, he did have another sharp object.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0PkpxIw21
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjCUTjMQ0f
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rr2oODzAj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NsL7rItbg
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4kv0m4UuI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnDFV6TAEH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoxeG4R8SB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfWJctNAwZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaheouNIfZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5F8BK7BW2
And what came was–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYnGdu3En1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslNnXxXft2
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMcSRbvvZS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvGS6AvV5j
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNNlDCLjm1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe9NdUiXs8
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b3iGQHOh0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFza8SKcQb
"--oop!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdnzhjzB2R
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XmTqyVhIj
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2mSRmv1mA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3luijiLCnU
"You... you're a sick jokester."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fGq8XIKY4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6RmhuAMj5
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRGKOXwTFe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2QeuUXF08
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XDv5K10pU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EOJ1bHMG8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDMfk4HEol
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWEyf65F5T
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaldUKo0Vq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluHZNe3gwY
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitsM4pRFcY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT73R4O4XJ7
"What the hell... what the hell!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuIB2kdeU2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvdFMJ8y1J
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5IGb55G7q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jCSxduqLR
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTHvQV7XqQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fMyOMxbEV
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rti1tVkXM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJGvToc4wj
"...Heh."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxTgI8IwUX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkpz1aSr2f
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNmdryptk0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72CL3hQQys
–
–
–
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebmXjq8SkN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBHlKhfS6r
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFP7zv1J8F
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LRvjbDNyL
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94uBnGOirU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvBRVTLVdK
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS1NMZPBbN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Icbbj7ldC
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSqMMZjVL6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXNzbwe4uD
"Though I have to wonder–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0ggO6ZSkJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6UPsVYOpq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSANFCj6Wu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1YWknX6Fj
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdjjcEc2sn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01ZEN6Chl4
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GIknzHMWn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQLhQzOus3
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDcmZ5VypS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3bZ27H1Ml
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNHNzjZGCm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgi2Hvdwna
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32co1kskDG
"Irritating...!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb7lS9fair
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3JuA8ANmU
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUWHYCAfYV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt58Oxwpae
Dave didn't like to use spears.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUij2j9PqpP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWoxnERNa2
"...Haaaaa."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH91mA1Pp0z
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdIxStNKJL
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fDpgMkwGA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2qVTw1UFQ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZvqUch1pD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5fYfpCyas
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH2sSI0E4A
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGelvEFIQn
That's what he always told himself, at least.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVY6bxFaEL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFVKSg5enM
**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**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JmtB1aASX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xaVI4nbpc
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7qZ8lpCBd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7H9b3mGvh
**CLASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPwnodJojh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZf6u5mOn1
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**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ccu4F8XWQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7izZNBaZZk
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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjB5wgw7La
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4GrwMci2B
**CLASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySPT1H1ZVO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgVNnzRODB
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFhoAIvdyU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrNEo0Df5w
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrTaUWCyrK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23aAb28CGk
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabwUu3qxiF
Confusion–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYSNMFJRcs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRGanZLTZJ
**CLANG**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09iXmcae2f
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iL98ud0lZ
Delusion–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2qIGi8nw7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEPWoxkweG
**CRASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KUozskxr7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz8KpZtJCj
All lead to one conclusion:241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZTA9bFmxC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcfOJxUN1H
**SMASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTjxJpejA8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXnAZiSwcq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHyfUA8BT8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel1RH8TRsi
"...No, of course it isn't."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a3zrkuGUe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfj3fhQBDU
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkOuIINFlI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzTj68qqi0
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JMvoA9SCr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykuDMJZWXK
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXmc9QLKqN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKVckpuSWU
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSWgEPlqx7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6wNVDy6hm
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqGgfvgFoA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohNNlN1Xll
"Pars!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqaGjGRlcB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRdh3j0m9g
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX9YoqsfKx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q8q4mxAXw
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCPR4ufpXo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqL2ncoH3z
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoeUE8ocvb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wG8OZjPqL
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K1Sgcn9Nv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUF7VILgvO
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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TS2DbN3Nm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmIhwEWyOC
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACPeQVag7D
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rnHYaLa0r
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI63NUhpESp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMc1Tr3vwT
"What do you propose?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtQR93eGl5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrSlFEeLeI
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbhOPnY04Z
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkhUNTwxeH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRp7cv3xxt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnwzZp5VQK
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNU4a3BMoQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS7wYop5ou
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LSkYtbf9n
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRD6DYlQ5S
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6g59BxTdw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2bg1pnnb8
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hwQdOxJw7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcscXAAAWw
"--Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTta2DDPYW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP039RcQlg
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EEYaUT1Ot
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMb3ZUt9q2
"...Always backhanded, huh."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisfvWDExDO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwZxdtBROB
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 laugh241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vGeGfdav4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnlqoobj5K
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkTGsP5aik
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ2yqhCZp7
"We likely don't have one."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxqtADUsGC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z9XZstFHo
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6v71N8VLT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN13xgySIhh
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLEj9Er35N
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDxTWFv5RQ
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QuzTIUd90
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtEauTosT1
"Well, if you insist."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAEwKyIsCo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpeB3Kw7Xw
–
–
–
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OXz2nTv5e
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLey2z2bMxA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrJqiCEYq3
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2mCNcsbtO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWKugk7fsQ
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtLwWXpacE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq0lNQJuUU
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8C1gNfw13
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfENjwY13B
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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn2ewoiSjt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0EjZ7BIll
"--!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5xGe9LD6S
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHjGoxADtp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOE8BmUVFU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFji9eZ6oN
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9CnDB4xkD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5rObxtjtJ
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1BJczVPTn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfHqQVvcXQ
**SPLICE**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraBNscF44Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkEqaViBii
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5U1uLavim
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowdrtmYXRX
"I missed one."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkNhvk16VS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHWvbDx5SG
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy4ZNPO8nw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzreq0YZBE
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXPyzyziyZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjIWoGzCXO
"Hey!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFieroMdAI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhaoL775sT
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaddSPRDeN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzqTnABjgb
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I4NOkFqYx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHrSCrjK5o
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0msqSg0ki
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBZHBwRRxa
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr7JjQGQUy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdWKTXL0j1
"I never said that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXKO7JjqBv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTx9zNbwVX
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKLF47G3HF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBnt8Du6XP
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKS2KVDPlD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNepEKbX53C
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkra4iwFRk6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4HQmxnLkG
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6twN60oKg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8uY9vx2ZR
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYeDYvGT9y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4Ia6ckwgM
"Haaaa. Damn you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy8n8zVeTe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ2UanAkpN
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz1fClv667
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rymFFzIbC
"They are dead, right?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQomici11P
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKWn4oiPvZ
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI6l4jE9gj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcIWSsgDdK
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbN7Y2xCMI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ObyytwaiE
"I–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMmxcSgD4A
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1vFywFq2T
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY9oZFnO07
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk3gvnXaGB
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DrNlrcv9w
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMQrzykQll
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lbeDaotH3
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBlJpOQmHX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EK4Kygg5r
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fnjSmggRK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KKrRytBrv
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Yx3xAQ50
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DJO4B2g1e
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQCAubSffJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUhxwgkM6H
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6GDhBab0L
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpwMRFqpdp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7NB13T9p9
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIprSrjPdNf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnY5GXy7RH
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRy56gfnFj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg09jOiizo1
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcuLK1YVHx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6dB9cLdqy
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYDuqTGmCN
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI2Fgtnq2F
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"You raise a good point."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76RqDDK1yK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbigKq91Clt
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xQIRUp0Uf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO99NvdILud
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEJ3mzl4q1
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqOoWnK0A6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubDVCReJnO
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Nt2rgR4ss
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAgByqvk3k
"Ha, abandon?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFhZ7klOS5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocMKDt4pix
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yxQViUMbP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS80FnUghx
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIkBcYBPXU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9cPL9TwbG
"If you were, it was backfiring."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5l7s8rE2O
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3qLHXhxXx
"Harhar. Very funny."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIn6k732Uq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0aowifBYZ
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNfWK6MPeV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWN05Gk4tt
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnOtMO8HtC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkSO3LP8fe
"Aren't you conceited."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTEPZIQfe9
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"You think it's arrogance?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvLv0s7OD1
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Pars began to stroke his chin.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEGhoWIPOl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK3MxopqGk
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyoxt50aEj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TtmK6RvCt
"But what you want isn't just greatness."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68mBWzclZX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0bsfUxNBK
"...Yeah, you're right."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnMjFWJQzb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ZD37R8x2
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdMI7IvdoL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllX0LQ1Jvl
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
