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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRC46Ywckg
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ck0xdjSsE
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmgR7FeAX8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTXai6tN7s
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF46hDbGupQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur9Qt4uCYV
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMinqEnfw1
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjwWNRDUWS
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UTbcroY11
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V1Wo7C5ay
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LATkyOP6a
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yTixj0FVl
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vTHciM7Ac
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh2DkJTNJD
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I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdQ3KooJBA
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8COqW5L5xi
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwwtaru4bc
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomaWTrWljD
**BOOM**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjRIoy4AzH
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs29YM7zLI
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTG0peHZp5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nKMuFCdpS
"Ack!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmJGmfneCy
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNaJdARKC5
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ojn4pjCBs
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMB0aWfiiY
The room was a catastrophe.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEOBHwlL39
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN2xfmyQmA
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI0q8kcsIF
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHcUDwvmJ2
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmG3y7GMBJ
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PL5fG4nyX
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJO65r5iPF
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOrpdAkh8h
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptWj4Y3Lwe
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEOrlsjuP9
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfL2IpokP7
**STRIKE**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwWGS2MQU4
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–only to be immediately interrupted.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uqk5ixmNM
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3yZNUqTND
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xy506NO5p
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqOfe8PcSF
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVTpTgpy55
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjuujsHP7j
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5MOiLmGBm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiLCGw2RGn
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUoixPe9fv
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPh1riek3r
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYebqixr9d
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoDfEkagc2
"C'mon!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Im1o3HU9K
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuohp0LYZIJ
"--Ah!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MNJPxY98f
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLyrIrr6kR
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSBPSgDS4y
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy4Vtb9em5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EKIQtPYBu
–
–
–
What a moron.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QFoP3d6x9
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0Np2gpixV
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPR7dUUa0g
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8nfJh23x5
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPasMJGQBht
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskonKazmlz
**THUD**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wV07a4tjA
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"Ngh!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm0fLvLkKL
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU6l7BmR9y
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyrpsA5AXf
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZnXgmu4Bj
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW6xJZOl9H
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcUys3ihZy
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGz6Sbz1JK
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi9h7aOkIM
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"--I should've known!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J5HbLeuWN
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQixzedkbe
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyNdcv6RwX
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JMmMQX2Kh
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXxh9V7fyY
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftgpGsefLM
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP7YCpyuKD
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"DAVE!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54YLaNjxQu
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK76JqwHHeP
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrhNOSQLJW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlsK23hcIz
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjVtHrjM2l
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5wx0QWG7g
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.
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGZWRd1Ss2
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60DQFNH8aB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JAS3XFLTU
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwdyKzSuUt
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPeCZAFx9K
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHFNaR4r8l
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEH1sl5iL8
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkREhMJIDcm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI8cJ1792I
"...Those are our first casualties–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxJkSLnTYK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20smhvS0Mv
**BOOM**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfIjt4AD1L
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDRj8a5cQ5
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVSbCTAwVq
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEPo1eJrqN
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4MdFSThet
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewj1kMMzOk
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kaCa00jEN
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASTMzB307V
"I'm here now."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4T2AqbgpT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wtVliAHBe
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDa2tt0nNJ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUdWFO6BT7
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop6e1g1Rsy
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And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBhWD2A7Xn
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGCDq1ylFq
–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFXcPDn2qo
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutzAVtpVQp
–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnsxF93hoI
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LF2GhFMKu
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUtmr8tEIl
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY3xVkSich
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A75JpkZ9l
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHga7o2cpN
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNMwQj0mWi
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3xn7lMJpZ
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN4fQG4GW9
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9H0GqYXx7
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF38DeW7xB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KZbFQ8pWJ
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZomYY4cYS
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXtKbDCAQb
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI3PsC1zUW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0kKxYkWUb
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIzhPgDlk1
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVcqDHkQc0
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**BOOM**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2ZdW9ft6q
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS4mdTtjsf
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHTwzxX3kK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowzdNK07T2
"Pars!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaVBsf4fXF
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutYt9gXjOW
"Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVvbT6rVIC
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i6rTQaUG6
–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KxhL7o9sL
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxchqVXxRNr
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO8aSi5ZRk
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrpht4BwnQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3anpntDWay
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF9bt349pW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOowiij9e4p
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4CtNm4Jfa
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUvNVRH9tB
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOdtXOuChl
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡithAM7XwQV
**CLANG**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBtlgBCsTR
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjXsyA3TL7
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg2ksZuqjx
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMM6gEYN3r
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmX6NyWOxh
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTVxVPgCIy
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3XcfcZSZ1
**SLAM**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvnWeUB5hM
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJoYDvOfFf
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6CWlNODg7
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2IqtI3e6O
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zfb7Mr5wV
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2BKe0YfZ5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlhz114aoT
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcgNW1BKUc
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp0pfksOsr
"Ngh! Shit–!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurxQz3AOeU
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbmAvOE7Ig
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpb13jGL3g
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But then–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hjtuW3QVM
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ0fr0bS63
**BOOM**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoArEN9tJIo
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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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegUkSYnUYu
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53wEXWfFPi
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32TPRJlUWk
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0uoj6irjc
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYtpwZFm74
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqp2dXTTB3
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv9pip59os
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"Gah–! You scared me!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19pEA0QgvB
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx91D28HrP
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"They're hiding," Dave muttered.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwdq7CVyLK
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"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd1TdgO88x
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"No, this is terrible."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYfvE14Fox
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Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlOdokWNS1
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStvSHEYXGi
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ahzq9Jb69
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gl3NtX19W
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUlejRByGc
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGltJQYHBBi
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ861HpX1tNJ
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjrWlbpsaY
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkKgPZKUaL
"No. No suggestions from you, please."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zxqBCxX3V
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCgGNgR3i3
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrYVFqPTiW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB6KYS1EHL
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eIu23dm9R
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDASnIg0H3m
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidqzrQdB3l
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QPyXV15ye
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPZlyiYHtM
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSIFatzg1c
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GfP7q5eaJ
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Still, no response.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCUm9s9YL8
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"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–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y2XmFnkFV
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"Because you're entirely incompetent."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB0JkgLaZw
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With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW48cvNfeo
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZBc3p1DxR
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX9xQImmi6
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAKwIRNXcZ
"..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oTcyLSgmi
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Vl5TgsFw
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhfw7L90Em
"..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndBxUdAZ8s
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJdHP9vvlM
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"What?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIQuOXgxQz
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T93iUYo7Z
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzBg5EUOPR
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLh6qAxoqn
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Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCliB3r1BA7
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"...I see."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddDzp1wNyC
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPTzJmtKaz
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvXAu8Q0Ol
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmNyvaBa19
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMx78i2Xmk
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MjLlW2pjF
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo7nSMVHDx
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqVoUBiyOw
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBLfNvvmdT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8pRwygZIm
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylOHygJxxW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzWVYTk1Pf
"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–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShtNWMDDtK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWjiYdiJ6E
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77vOMRdC87
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRYe2VQ2xU
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzs7JTaED2
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJsPMmURyM
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:143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Lw8MsML6
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzZYi02AMZ
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r2A79n1Hp
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"Alright!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgdSiih1NB
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR67MXGYdk
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W3tTovAcL
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSRqxuCI4y
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKUOj9mCr3
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgYNx5ScRG
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyTJjSS5EI
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsoMJgK34L
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ932vcVFCGb
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sx8oiObmg
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEV5Krwhca
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvahF7mKce
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eODOxFfxi
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MoCGQLWEp
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Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMzlMovtEO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHZBKwwh4q
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgrv43i3cH
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt69v3szrDN
"--No!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOeY5lfhJm
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9CO7Oclzr
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSQh64vqs5
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhtZrNhx57
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"Hyua!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGOPNoDTmC
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q4y5NqLEt
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However, he did have another sharp object.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSvcllJBc6
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQPFH4CWhk
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe1L61g56d
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwBxyLG7u0
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv5UI5p7hU
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbA9VBUQft
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9K91UHn21
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt03wadeape
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And what came was–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrn9JydvRe
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**BOOM**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH2mvXwIQt
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM57KrKwJ9L
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlP22KwHtj
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFasqRCjq0
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"--oop!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w8prrpLIS
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ajBDIWeg6
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthIJE6sT8m
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7xSsHHE6M
"You... you're a sick jokester."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGll8EZjwm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe76Q5vDi7I
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChDVN62RAk
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJVXfcc0ii
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVDNbhKCDE
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1uVZiTX27
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA834aM3Cz6
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclma9kHzzw
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5o4idpKZn
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNNjTdyPFC
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc62A2DxzdO
"What the hell... what the hell!?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddUHdF1fHv
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmfIsU7nBS
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrcJ58cnfT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR2AU7MjDN
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHSQjLLakh
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Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGJtqWpRcA
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"...Heh."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l8Oi4wrGB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNTNA2GKeq
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoTOKQeZ5x
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLeFp6rEDC
–
–
–
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOimvgbgnx
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIBNnwAbG7
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUajO2XMkz
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjAcMGBLy7
**THUD**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACbXSy3IOY
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMykdcfmJNU
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOZmLnKnb4
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBNHtHaXor
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"Though I have to wonder–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEDVBvRJGo
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ppJHKEKsK
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz4MLSIyLV
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQPfmJ0VI3
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai4mLOwVOU
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJW0O5aFQB
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizPMcpN9a7
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyFsMo50yv
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h9nu36jZb
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ84JgEpRz
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1XYAjcjF2
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdy9Re5qX2
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.
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsAstCK4NI
"Irritating...!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk0G4F7x8h
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jm8TUtk7x
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeaUGTX5JB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tc6rMUIc0
Dave didn't like to use spears.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBPYtvoiDz
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"...Haaaaa."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ811pqllJhF
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXVlqwPuPQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GWzPsbZxz
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf0pEZ8VrP
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSsrhAiFaJ
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa9S6lcmuA
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That's what he always told himself, at least.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KxfdpKRvw
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99OT7GcdK1
**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**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uT2Uqko0F
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjspxUogVhI
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK3kmEyS66
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**CLASH**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pZGOctWZl
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hHujk06eA
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**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDalXLqHjZB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic9ZxOFuAh
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?143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74UgfvHtxZ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM72Y4bRJkp
**CLASH**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL36Zdnqre
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5HCIyxwB9
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeNgnVrAUA
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvHWowTFGl
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLIVzWkLFw
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoJvt977ND
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE92saWDvCG
Confusion–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDGHsJwLnk
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr9z3H0bqu
**CLANG**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw9gSIUpC8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAn0H3ZaGw
Delusion–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7PKg9xqpu
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNEEk1vZCV
**CRASH**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaJklumDg3
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKnMA0PVPf
All lead to one conclusion:143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd9J0buc4a
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmesXxNKyWB
**SMASH**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz1ymIzhRd
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82t7yfN33s
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQIAsXkmz1
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO5Pf0cMPK
"...No, of course it isn't."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs924dNB6H
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Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqzJ0F4lFF
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNDIu1vD7E
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVZoZ3Fcys
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3NoNxkw2O
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q5s0xQan4
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTFfFnMRaU
**THUD**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LNSFdf9wO
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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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqmyRHEWqG
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM09RiSsS4
"Pars!?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d2oSxx8yV
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd967zVYbJ
"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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMAp9ZE0BQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeLCkY4SeG
"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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFza5Nid0G
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGYrwQxMHr
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqZRrZfdiJ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBEnZVxx0D
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGLNtPKmL0
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2pNP1cIy9
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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yQSlAeTxT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHC1kYxKkC
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPfSuIGotP
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3hSAU7Dea
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OlK6wXrSl
"What do you propose?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Maj7kCZS
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdeL7OLhdL
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4lInSH1ne
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWchZf6CTP
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcqwzCXHMI
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3497yIuUB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmNXAG3VTE
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbJanXqGa8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTdIaoDUwF
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqLS43KXEK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYe3uAkrzW
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8eODRzq5F
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPn5cEY5SR
"--Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacw5jGFwtN
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnRDqAVpht
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJaBzrsMTQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19N3rotqFR
"...Always backhanded, huh."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUfOERaBhE
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwLiWJejRh
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 laugh143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoT02Xzx6P
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsJENj8tWx
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywDyCduwRp
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJTS6hXdj8
"We likely don't have one."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLRcPvVwkV
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pieD4dEKs
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz1G0E1ux5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalKfRizVyj
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVcRk3AEPI
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB1h8xML63
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtCpfBK2uZ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa1tD6SfPy
"Well, if you insist."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmuCViu4v4
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–
–
–
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.
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj6DzMNs32
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8iUhKeMhx
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9x5FlisWq
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCelfMk5mz
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq49s5ujETI
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iq6xHUose
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PxbpvEpkZ
**THUD**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehIiz7HU3Q
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XLjevNmQW
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?143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU821aT8PE4
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3S9gq14Ek
"--!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGybh2LPQZ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwpbBfoeLr
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH5SVHo2nH
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMgLYmgJNP
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsHHmAL0lu
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KlvkuRGz6
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–143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeuzCVProO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFjcO3SAVK
**SPLICE**143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuZ0TecWNt
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fgn79Zr1o
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCeoQ6zSrr
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFXLOOHLkD
"I missed one."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn0ImwJWw3
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSFlEJX7zW
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cURWFwXt6
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ctP5BKskg
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3chKxxiEkE
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAY6FDivTQ
"Hey!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxIFtL7dZt
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjRdbshIxZ
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw1qosJXM8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92yOnsP1nI
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PJ3hMITTI
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT10mrWQ1k
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3KPNUch9k
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD05WZKSCqp
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWwwJGTNnT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEm6R9oSL9
"I never said that."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WHdfNtF7O
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATEWByzoeT
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ9bOUeKxA
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPpJLXNdk3
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtTrOsnQaG
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC7goPrzqO
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQMxktQQ7D
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthrCOlxRfT
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SWXN0Pw7H
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v7zZZtE2U
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2VvM0ImC5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7UL9bmrkS
"Haaaa. Damn you."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xY2cXbq7d
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfUB4IGJlt
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJY5pXVTUr
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZST0NnyDj
"They are dead, right?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46JxEYwo4e
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KtvWp30ZM
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvfpqH5gBC
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73VLd5i7ym
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ypCcFUEn
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKKGVBKnpx
"I–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhU4RvKt22
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlMwuSQnGn
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRu9Qhnret
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaumYuNi95a
"Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMOkd7bXYg
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19bl8IYKXb
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4mAKVxbQF
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6eIeDM6h1
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfLozLMeoA
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetFbXxDDfI
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQcGqdm0Uw
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lb6njS9BO
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPSdMHpfAM
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g3Ej67stb
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTuWleTwTs
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY0aMcrs9R
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOZXenK5lq
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9D8hNRHo1
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cSf2R2gtH
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3UA0mVhR6
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQFaa89EFc
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0kt0Qxuw8
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjGhh9kw1b
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLO0xzG0hB
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkArtNLcAl
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwCz34LsCs
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKxHkMfLyB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEjc6Z7396
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Hgv7eWoFG
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg32cAM0ke6
"You raise a good point."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dvLTiKHdR
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDH5fCCT3L
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Mjkvoht10
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz9D3Hmmq0
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr4BTOxxfd
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5TCJHVuie
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A1ko5sjGD
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuTSDiUjRs
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7EGwUt422
"Ha, abandon?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqTlz3U1fK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3da56unvf
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1a9BoVzjE
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nOVgHKUe5
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoygQjBoHZP
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2NJzIo4WN
"If you were, it was backfiring."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanv699kklU
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSPsFEs8y3
"Harhar. Very funny."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0NysboBfO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kz1bXbSxs
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuDnx7buyL
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOo6MLuZho
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aWAxP5KH0
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEsPW2o6cc
"Aren't you conceited."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiueqrR7kD8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MOU2meLdI
"You think it's arrogance?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6sOFJ9qIl
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Pars began to stroke his chin.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0x7TZc0Lz
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC6iBuIs9N
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubIWSSBICD
"But what you want isn't just greatness."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoyrkXbCGN
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuJC1vJJUf
"...Yeah, you're right."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT117VOaiBI
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCm9iKCmAm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uwMQ2mjUh
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
